Dark comedies, known as black comedy or satiric humor, offer a unique perspective on sensitive and taboo subjects such as suffering, death, and old age in the realm of comedy entertainment. Although the genre has been around for a while, it has recently gained more popularity and acceptance in mainstream culture.
Netflix has embraced this trend by producing a variety of original dark comedies, including titles like "The Woman in the House Across the Street From the Girl in the Window" and "Dead to Me." These shows and movies often revolve around characters dealing with grief or facing various forms of suffering. According to IMDb, the following shows and films fall into this genre and are highly recommended for viewing.
I Care A Lot (6.3)
With Rosamund Pike delivering one of her best performances, I Care a Lot introduces us to a cunning con artist who manipulates the legal system to become the guardian of vulnerable elders, ultimately swindling them of their wealth and property before depositing them in care homes. This pitch-black comedy showcases Pike's powerful presence, leaving viewers yearning for more as she skillfully commands the attention of every scene. Despite our inclination to root for her, Pike manages to embody a character that forces us to grapple with the realization that she is indeed the antagonist, challenging our own preconceived notions. The plot itself is nothing short of brilliant, albeit unsettling and distressing at times, making it a must-watch experience.
The Woman In The House Across The Street From The Girl In The Window (6.4)
Kristen Bell shines in Netflix's latest dark comedy venture, The Woman in the House. From its hilariously lengthy title to its portrayal of a woman grappling with phobias and addictions, this show brilliantly satirizes female-centric crime dramas in today's popular culture.
With a perfect blend of dark humor and genuine mystery, The Woman in the House explores themes of grief, mental health, and features compelling characters. Drawing inspiration from The Woman in the Window and other similarly titled books and films, this series expertly uses established formulas to create an entertaining parody. Kristen Bell and her talented colleagues fully embrace this opportunity to deliver an exceptional performance.
The House (6.9)
The House, a stop-motion film produced for Netflix in 2022, marks a unique departure for the streaming platform. It weaves together three distinct stories set in different worlds and featuring various characters, all taking place within the confines of a single house. The film has garnered positive reviews since its release.
Renowned critic Roger Moore describes it as "the most delightfully strange endeavor backed by Netflix." With its intriguing narratives and witty dialogue, viewers may initially find themselves taken aback by its peculiar style and the transformation of individuals into feline counterparts akin to those in Fantastic Mr. Fox. Nevertheless, the eerie undertones combined with the captivating history of the house make this movie a truly worthwhile watch.
Living With Yourself (7.2)
Paul Rudd shines in one of his most memorable roles with Living With Yourself, a dark comedy centered around a man's quest for a better life through a transformative procedure. Little does he know, this procedure results in his own replacement by a cloned version. This hilarious yet poignant series exposes the harsh reality that self-love and improvement are not always easy to achieve.
With each step taken towards personal growth, obstacles arise, whether it be one's own self or, as demonstrated in Living With Yourself, a clone. This addictive show captivates viewers while also granting the protagonist a unique perspective and a chance at redemption.
Uncut Gems (7.4)
Adam Sandler stars as a New York City jeweler plagued by a gambling addiction in this captivating film. Sandler's portrayal has received widespread acclaim, with Entertainment Weekly praising his ability to effortlessly combine the qualities of a determined go-getter with moments of vulnerability. This masterful combination serves as the backbone of an A+ dark comedy.
Drawing on his experience in cheesy romantic comedies and delivering snappy one-liners, Sandler takes on the role of Howard, the dry-voiced, serious yet street-smart hustler. The film's storyline is refreshingly original, allowing Sandler to showcase his versatile acting skills. Amidst the chaotic narrative, this beloved comedic star showcases his best hand, delivering a compelling and memorable performance.
Imposters (7.8)
Imposters narrates the tale of a swindler who skillfully entraps her partners, making them fall in love with her only to rob them of their valuables shortly after the wedding. This series showcases an astounding level of intelligence, often overlooked throughout its duration. It stands on par with other dark comedy offerings on Netflix, holding its own.
The show possesses a remarkably gloomy atmosphere, ingeniously transforming a seemingly ordinary storyline into a more intricate narrative. Initially, it becomes challenging to determine which character the audience should support. However, the gripping chase sequences and the clever injection of humor keep viewers engaged, compelling them to ponder over the desired outcome.
Russian Doll (7.8)
Natasha Lyonne delivers a captivating performance in the latest masterpiece, Russian Doll. Alongside the talented Leslye Headland and Amy Poehler, they bring to life a dark comedy-drama centered around a woman trapped in a never-ending cycle of death and reliving an unending party. As she searches for answers, the Russian nesting doll becomes a powerful symbol, reflecting the disillusionment that accompanies adulthood in one's 30s. The writers skillfully blend humor with deeper themes, creating a storytelling experience that unravels in unexpected and intriguing layers.
Dead To Me (8)
Starring Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini, Dead to Me follows the story of two women who connect during therapy as they mourn the death of their husbands. The critically acclaimed show has garnered four Emmy nominations and two awards. Originally scheduled to conclude in 2021, the third and final season is now set for release this year due to production delays.
Through its unique storyline and a heartwarming portrayal of friendship, the show delves into the intricate depths of regret, grief, and vengeance. Show creator Liz Feldman masterfully showcases the various ways grief can manifest, using Applegate and Cardellini to infuse their relationship with cleverness and a dark sense of honesty. Their on-screen chemistry and shared experience of loss create a captivating blend of humor and raw emotion.
The End Of The F***ing World (8.1)
British writers and comedians demonstrate their skill in dark comedy with shows like After Life and The End of the F***ing World. The latter, in particular, follows two teenagers on an adventure to find their estranged father while evading the police after a gruesome murder. Critically acclaimed for its writing, subject matter, and the performances of the lead actors, this show excels in merging disturbing elements with humor. From the captivating opening monologue to the conclusion of season 2, The End of the F***ing World delves into the minds of James and Alyssa, showcasing their dark and uproarious inner dialogue.
After Life (8.5)
After Life is an original release by Netflix, combining British black comedy-drama elements. Ricky Gervais, known for his satirical humor, serves as the creator, writer, producer, director, and lead actor of the entire show. Gervais portrays Tony Johnson, a man who has recently experienced the loss of his wife.
In his despair, Tony decides to unleash his frustrations, attempting to make those around him suffer. However, no matter how hard he tries, the people in his life continue to support and empathize with him. The show skillfully explores the complexities and discomforts of being in the presence of someone who has experienced loss, ultimately transforming it into something multifaceted and amusing. Gervais masterfully balances the dark humor surrounding his character, resulting in an uplifting and life-affirming viewing experience.