Five Hollywood Dark Comedy Movies You Can Watch This Weekend

Raise your hand if you feel that rom-com films are just too over-the-board while the crime genre is too intense. However, we're lucky that filmmakers have devised another genre that fits perfectly as a blend between the darkness of crime and the quirkiness of comedy, dark comedy. While in Hollywood dark comedy movies have been a staple for a long time, the last few years have offered us many gems which deserve applause for pushing boundaries.

The dark comedy genre is also referred to as black comedy, dark humour or black humour. Dark comedies often focus on subjects which are taboo or too serious or painful to discuss with a fun element which makes them 'lighter'. But then there are films which are out and out entertainers, that simply blend crime and humour, and challenge you to swallow down this mix without making a fuss. With the changing times, the Indian audience too has developed a taste for this genre, with films like Delhi Belly, Ishqiya, 7 Khoon Maaf and Andhadhun.

The latest film to join this ever-growing list is Jasmeet K Reen's upcoming film Darlings.  The film, featuring Alia Bhatt, Shefali Shah, Vijay Varma and Roshan Mathew, will have an OTT release on August 5.

Here are some Hollywood dark comedy movies for you to check out if you are a fan of the genre:

Jojo Rabbit

Jojo Rabbit is a 2019 dark comedy-drama film directed by Taika Waititi. The film follows the story of a German boy Jojo Beztler who firmly believes in Nazi idealism. However, his beliefs are put to test when a Jewish girl seeks refuge in his house. Set in a period that marked the end of World War II, the film provides a satirical view about how what we perceive may not always be the truth in a comical manner. The film has won an Acadamy Award in the Best Adapted Screenplay category. Jojo Rabbit stars Taika Waititi, Scarlett Johansson, Roman Griffin Davis and Thomasin McKenzie among others.

Once Upon A Time In... Hollywood

Nominated for a whopping 10 Academy Awards, Once Upon A Time In... Hollywood is a 2019 comedy-drama film directed by Quentin Tarantino. The film is set in 1960s Los Angeles where a fading actor and his stunt double struggle to regain fame in the rapidly evolving film industry. The film follows "multiple storylines in a modern fairy tale tribute to the final moments of Hollywood's golden age." Once Upon A Time In... Hollywood consists of an ensemble cast including Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Margot Robbie, Luke Perry, Al Pacino and others.

A still from Once Upon A Time In... Hollywood. Photo credits: The New York Times

Don't Look Up

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Don't Look Up is a 2021 apocalyptic comedy-drama film directed by Adam McKay. It follows the story of two astronomers as they attempt to warn the humanity about an impending threat. The film poses as a satire on the government, media as well as politicians and their indifference to climate change. Along with DiCaprio, the film has an ensemble cast of Jennifer Lawrence, Timothée Chalamet, Ron Perlman, Ariana Grande, Scott Mescudi (Kid Cudi), Cate Blanchett and Meryl Streep among others.

I Care A Lot

Photo credit: Netflix Malaysia/Twitter

This 2020 dark comedy revolves around a con woman who makes a living by seizing money from vulnerable elderly people posing as their legal guardian. However, things start getting interesting when she targets the mother of a gangster. The cast of this film includes Rosamund Pike, Peter Dinklage, Eiza González, Chris Messina, Damian Young with Dianne Wiest. The film is directed by J Blakeson.

Silent Night

Silent Night is a 2021 apocalyptic comedy film written and directed by Camille Griffin. The film revolves around a group of friends who get together for the last Christmas before an impending doom wipes out all of humanity. Silent Night had its world premiere at the 2021 Toronto International Festival on September 16, 2021. The film include actors Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Roman Griffin Davis, Annabelle Wallis, Lily-Rose Depp and others.