The Top 10 Hilariously Anxious-Producing Comedies of All Time

Many comedy movies aim to offer viewers a pleasant and laid-back experience. After all, humor can be therapeutic, and after a tough day, the last thing many people want is to watch something demanding, highbrow, or tense. That's where horror, thriller, or even some action movies come in; they often provide an entirely different emotional journey compared to what one expects from a typical comedy.

However, it can also become monotonous if every comedy strives to be easygoing or soothing. In fact, there are numerous examples of great comedies that enhance their jokes and humorous moments with elements of suspense and even unease. The following films excel in this regard; they are not horror movies, yet they shine as comedies that could also function as thrillers, intense psychological dramas, or a combination of both. These films may bring plenty of laughter, but they can also offer surprisingly tense and intriguing experiences.

10. 'After Hours' (1985)

Scorsese's underrated comedy

In After Hours, Martin Scorsese presents a captivating twist on the traditional villain, portraying the protagonist's own misfortune as the main source of conflict. The true antagonist in this tale appears to be the unforgiving world at large, as the protagonist's endeavor to enjoy a late-night rendezvous quickly spirals into an unsettling and dreamlike ordeal. Scorsese masterfully portrays the nocturnal New York City with an eerie ambiance, making the film unfold like a nightmarish hallucination.

Yet After Hours is not only an impeccable portrayal of a dark comedy but also showcases Scorsese's exceptional talent for blending chaos and cosmic misfortune in a way that is both hilarious and cringe-inducing. It is a must-watch for those who believe that Scorsese's skills are limited to gangster movies or historical dramas, as it brilliantly exemplifies his twisted yet captivating sense of humor.

9. 'Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)' (2014)

Iñárritu's Oscar-winning triumph

Image via Searchlight Pictures

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) takes aim at satirizing superhero movies, the state of cinema in the early 21st century, film critics, and the extreme measures some actors undertake for their craft. The protagonist, Riggan Thomson, a struggling actor, seeks to repair aspects of his life while preparing for the opening night of a Broadway play. However, his troubled past, particularly his iconic role as the superhero Birdman, haunts him.

While not a conventional thriller, Birdman delves into the depths of psychological drama, delivering an exhilarating and anxiety-inducing experience. Director Alejandro Gonzélez Iñárritu's audacious approach presents the story as a continuous shot, creating a sense of chaos and non-stop action, effectively immersing the audience into the increasingly fragmented and distorted perspective of the main character. The film's constant tension is an unexpected virtue that contributes greatly to its overall impact and memorability.

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8. 'Shiva Baby' (2020)

Seligman's classic-in-the-making

Shiva Baby is an intense and suspenseful film, not a horror movie, that unfolds within a single house and a short period of time. The story revolves around a college student who is emotionally disoriented and dreads attending the shiva, a period of mourning that follows a funeral. Throughout the movie, she faces constant harassment from her family members and fears that her secrets may be exposed, which could have disastrous consequences.

Despite its seemingly unassuming plot, Shiva Baby surprises viewers with a rollercoaster of suspense that rivals even Alfred Hitchcock's work. The film skillfully blends discomfort and humor, inviting the audience to nervously laugh along. With a runtime of only 78 minutes, viewers will not have to endure the unease for too long.

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7. 'Brazil' (1985)

Gilliam's dystopian sci-fi comedy

Terry Gilliam's Brazil is an enduring masterpiece of science fiction cinema, skillfully juxtaposing humor amidst a nightmarish dystopian society. The plot is inextricably entangled, centered around a hapless man whose life spirals into turmoil. Initially immersed in daydreams, his fantasies progressively take on surreal and bewildering dimensions, mirroring the increasingly surreal world he inhabits.

As the boundary between dreams and reality disintegrates, viewers become immersed in the fractured psyche of the protagonist, experiencing both intellectual and emotional disarray. With its unmistakably Kafkaesque undertones, Brazil stands as one of the most thought-provoking films of its genre. Although its relentless intensity and bewildering sequences may initially perplex and frustrate, Gilliam's deliberate intent shines through, ultimately making it an unsettling yet purposeful cinematic experience.

6. 'Happiness' (1998)

Solondz's disturbing exercise in taboo

Image via Good Machine

Todd Solondz's Happiness, much like Brazil, eludes easy summary. Its complexity lies not only in its comprehensible events but also in the deeply unsettling thematic content. This film sets out to provoke anything but the titular emotion, exploring the lives of individuals grappling with various taboo issues.

5. 'The King of Comedy' (1982)

Happiness is a thought-provoking movie that manages to unsettle without resorting to violence, focusing more on its exploration than its visual portrayal. While the numerous distressing scenes make an impact, the film also has a dark humor that amplifies these intense moments. Ultimately, viewers will find it hard to erase the memory of this film, even if they desperately wish to do so.

Scorsese and De Niro at their prime

Image via 20th Century Studios

Robert De Niro's career is filled with successes, but his performance in The King of Comedy truly shines. He portrays Rupert Pupkin, an aspiring stand-up comedian who stops at nothing to achieve fame and fortune. Pupkin becomes fixated on his idol, a talk show host portrayed by Jerry Lewis, resorting to unsettling and uncomfortable tactics to enter the man's life.

Among Martin Scorsese's impressive film collection, The King of Comedy doesn't typically aim for laughs. While it incorporates stand-up comedy into its narrative, some may find the crime and thriller aspects, along with Pupkin's unhinged determination, reminiscent of Taxi Driver rather than other comedies from that era.

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4. 'Wild Tales' (2014)

Szifron's black comedy anthology

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Wild Tales, an exceptional foreign film from the 2010s, fully lives up to its name and goes even further. As an anthology movie, it is remarkably consistent, spinning together six stories where average individuals clash and ordinary situations quickly give way to horror. This movie offers a grim and cynical perspective on the darker aspects of human nature, yet it isn't afraid to inject comedy into the mix.

While Wild Tales may not appeal to everyone's taste, it is an absolute treat for aficionados of dark humor and genuine thrills. It is flawlessly crafted, with each story feeling distinct and unpredictable. Despite the tension it creates, the movie is still quite enjoyable and engrossing. Spanish cinema produced numerous modern classics during the 2010s, and Wild Tales undoubtedly joins their esteemed ranks.

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3. 'In Bruges' (2008)

McDonagh's bleak look at criminal life

Image via Focus Features

In Bruges is a movie that starts out hilarious and then takes a turn. It initially feels purposely unexpected, shifting from a relaxed, buddy film featuring two hitmen to ultimately becoming a tragic story. From the beginning, there are subtle hints of more serious themes to come. As a result, the moments of humor in the first hour make a greater impact when the drama eventually unfolds.

These qualities make In Bruges a standout film of the 2000s and established writer/director Martin McDonagh's reputation. While his later works often blend tragedy and comedy, few match the suspense and intensity of this pitch-black comedy from 2008. In Bruges is a crime/comedy that not only delivers dark humor but also creates a sense of tension and melancholy. What more could one ask for in a movie?

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2. 'The Player' (1992)

Altman's satirical take on showbusiness

Image Via Fine Line Pictures

The Player, one of Robert Altman's notable films, offers a satirical depiction of the American film industry in the late 20th century. The protagonist, Griffin Mill, portrayed by Tim Robbins, is a studio executive who spends his days attending meetings and rejecting more screenplays than he approves for production. However, things take a turn when Mill begins receiving death threats from an unknown person, possibly a disgruntled writer he has wronged in the past. This triggers paranoia, leading to a series of crimes and subsequent police investigations. As the film progresses, the tone shifts from light comedy to a darker atmosphere, especially in the second half. Altman foreshadows this transition in the impressive long-take opening, where characters make references to suspenseful classics like Rope and Touch of Evil.

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1. 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' (2019)

Tarantino's love letter to 1960s Hollywood

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood may just be Quentin Tarantino's funniest film to date. Alongside its comedic elements, it skillfully pays homage to the bygone era of Hollywood's Golden Age. However, what sets it apart is the effortlessly laid-back atmosphere it creates, chronicling the escapades and enduring friendship between the aging Rick Dalton (played excellently by Leonardo DiCaprio) and his devoted yet sometimes ruthless stunt double, Cliff Booth (portrayed by Brad Pitt).

As the film progresses, the tension builds, particularly as it unfolds against the backdrop of 1969 and centers around the tragic figure of Sharon Tate (captivatingly portrayed by Margot Robbie). Fortunately, Tarantino presents an alternate reality, infusing a fairytale-like spin to the disturbing events of that era. The suspense leading up to this twist is palpable, resulting in a film that seamlessly balances humor, relaxation, intensity, and violence. Just as one would expect from Tarantino, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is an exhilarating and unexpected cinematic experience.

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Editor's P/S

As a comedy enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for movies that can make me laugh and think at the same time. The concept of anxiety-inducing comedies is particularly intriguing to me, as it offers a unique blend of humor and tension that can be both entertaining and thought-provoking.

The list of the top 10 hilariously anxious-producing comedies of all time, including After Hours, Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), and Shiva Baby, provides a diverse range of films that explore this concept in different ways. After Hours, directed by Martin Scorsese, presents a captivating twist on the traditional villain, portraying the protagonist's own misfortune as the main source of conflict. The film's portrayal of nocturnal New York City with an eerie ambiance creates a nightmarish hallucination that is both hilarious and cringe-inducing.

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), directed by Alejandro Gonzélez Iñárritu, takes aim at satirizing superhero movies, the state of cinema in the early 21st century, film critics, and the extreme measures some actors undertake for their craft. The film's audacious approach, presented as a continuous shot, creates a sense of chaos and non-stop action, effectively immersing the audience into the increasingly fragmented and distorted perspective of the main character. The film's constant tension is an unexpected virtue that contributes greatly to its overall impact and memorability.

Shiva Baby, directed by Emma Seligman, is an intense and suspenseful film that unfolds within a single house and a short period of time. The story revolves around a college student who is emotionally disoriented and dreads attending the shiva, a period of mourning that follows a funeral. Throughout the movie, she faces constant harassment from her family members and fears that her secrets may be exposed, which could have disastrous consequences. Despite its seemingly unassuming plot, Shiva Baby surprises viewers with a rollercoaster of suspense that rivals even Alfred Hitchcock's work. The film skillfully blends discomfort and humor, inviting the audience to nervously laugh along.