Discover the most interesting dark comedy movies from 2020 to the current year that blend humor and the grotesque. Our in-depth guide includes 10 new movies that best represent why dark comedy is an ever-lasting appeal to viewers.

1. Promising Young Woman (2020)

Emerald Fennell’s feature directorial debut is one of the most eagerly awaited dark comedy movies in recent years. Carey Mulligan is breathtaking as Cassie, a medical school dropout who lives double lives, getting drunk at pubs only to wait for “nice guys” to take advantage of her before calling out their bluff and teaching them a lesson. With its candy-colored aesthetic sharply juxtaposed to its revenge plot, this film speaks about trauma and sexual assault in a darkly comedic tone for which Fennell received an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

2. I Care a Lot (2020)

Among modern dark comedies lampooning capitalism with biting precision, J Blakeson’s film features Rosamund Pike as Marla Grayson, a court-appointed conservator who lawfully swipes from her senior clients. When she targets what seems to be the perfect mark, she inadvertently gets in the way of a brutal gangster (Peter Dinklage). Pike’s Golden Globe-winning performance as the remorselessly ambitious scam artist elevates this film’s criticism of elder care exploitation and the morally dubious pursuit of the American Dream.

3. The Menu (2022)

Mark Mylod’s dark comedy thriller has quickly become a success among food-themed dark comedies. Ralph Fiennes stars as celebrity chef Julian Slowik, who invites wealthy patrons to his restaurant for what is meant to be their final meal. With Anya Taylor-Joy as the unexpected guest who upends the chef’s plan, the film is a biting critique of food culture, class, and the relationship between art and commerce, all rendered delectably dark humor.

4. Fresh (2022)

Modern dating anxieties are the subject of this horror-laced entry into new dark comedies. Mimi Cave helms the film, which stars Daisy Edgar-Jones as Noa, who meets the charming Steve (Sebastian Stan) at a grocery store after growing disillusioned with dating apps. Things turn dark when Steve reveals his unusual appetites. Using cannibalism as a metaphor for dating and the exploitation of women, “Fresh” finds balance between actual scares and darkly comedic moments that witness bodily autonomy and modern relationships.

5. Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)

Gen-Z has earned its own entry in the rogues gallery of dark comedy movies in Halina Reijn’s slasher comedy. When a clique of upper-middle-class twenty-somethings throw a hurricane party at a country house and play a murder mystery game, real killings begin happening. With Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, and Pete Davidson in front of it, the film serves as a whodunit and a satirical critique of performative activism, privilege, and social media culture that have characterized this generation.

6. Triangle of Sadness (2022)

Ruben Östlund’s Palme d’Or-winning Palme d’Or winner is a prime example of how modern dark comedy films can satirize wealth and power dynamics. Tracking fashion model couple Carl and Yaya on a high-end cruise led by a Marxist drunk (Woody Harrelson), the film includes an infamous prolonged seasickness scene before leaving survivors stranded on an island where social orders are reversed. Few dark comedies in recent memory have been as unsubtly gleeful in their deconstruction of class warfare.

7. Bottoms (2023)

Teen comedy “Bottoms” turns high school stereotypes on their head with a new addition to queer dark comedy movies. Ayo Edebiri and Rachel Sennott star as unpopular queer seniors who start a fight club in the spirit of female empowerment as a means of impressing cheerleaders. Full of over-the-top violence and slapstick humor, “Bottoms” celebrates and satirizes the genre in general and features unapologetically flawed heroes for situations that grow ever more surreal.

8. Saltburn (2023)

Emerald Fennell’s second feature continues her streak of dark themes that define the best dark comedies. Barry Keoghan stars as Oliver, a Oxford scholarship student who becomes obsessed with upper-class classmate Felix (Jacob Elordi). When Oliver is invited to Felix’s family estate for summer, his obsession takes increasingly darker turns. The film satirizes class disparity and toxic desire in jolting scenes and ghoulish comedy that generated significant internet buzz, making it one of the controversial dark comedy movies in recent years.

9. Poor Things (2023)

Yorgos Lanthimos has long been the go-to for avant-garde dark comedy movies, and his adaptation of Alasdair Gray’s novel is also no exception. Emma Stone stars as Bella Baxter, a young woman brought back to life by scientist Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe) with the mind of her unborn baby. Following Bella’s path of self-realization across Europe, the film mixes steampunk aesthetics with surrealism and pitch-black comedy to create a feminist tale of liberation that earned Stone an Academy Award for Best Actress.

10. Kinds of Kindness (2024)

Lanthimos comes back with a new entry in the pantheon of contemporary dark comedy cinema. Emma Stone stars as the lead actress in this anthology movie, also played by Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe, and Margaret Qualley in three interconnected narratives exploring control, autonomy, and interspecies bonding. The movie expands his exploration of power dynamics by a dark-humored perspective with his signature deadpan delivery and ridiculous situations, as established by his contribution to contemporary dark comedy cinema.

The enduring appeal of dark comedy movies is rooted in their ability to entertain us while dealing with painful truths about human nature and society. These ten films between 2020 and the present demonstrate how the genre continues to evolve, applying humor to complex issues from revenge and trauma to class war and bodily autonomy. Whether you are an old school fan of black comedy movies or just learning the genre, these recent releases are thought-provoking cinematic experiences that will resonate long after the end credits. 

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This entry on dark comedy movies is just one part of our series on film genres and their cultural significance. Come back here each month for new entries delving into the constantly changing world of cinema.

Crime thrillers always captivate audiences with their intense action, suspenseful chases, and mind-bending narratives. If you’re a fan of gripping crime dramas, then The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil (2019) should be on your must-watch list! Directed by Lee Won-Tae, this South Korean blockbuster offers an adrenaline-pumping mix of action, mystery, and raw power struggles. But what makes this movie so special? Let’s dive into the details!

Plot Summary – A Deadly Alliance to Catch a Brutal Murderer

There are three principal characters in the story:

Jang Dong-soo (Ma Dong-seok) – A brutal crime boss who barely survives a brutal attack by a clandestine serial murderer.

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Jung Tae-seok (Kim Mu-yeol) – A gruff and relentless detective who is determined to catch the murderer.

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“K” (Kim Sung-kyu) – The cunning serial murderer who is terrorizing the city.

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When Jang Dong-soo is attacked but survives, he is the sole survivor who has seen “K” and lived. When Detective Jung Tae-seok and the gangster discover they share a common foe, they form an uneasy alliance to track down the clever killer. But with power struggles and conflicting agendas, can they trust each other long enough to get the job done?

Main Cast

Ma Dong-seok as Jang Dong-soo (The Gangster)

Kim Mu-yeol as Jung Tae-seok (The Cop)

Kim Sung-kyu as “K” (The Devil/Serial Killer)

Yoo Seung-mok as Chief of Police

Choi Min-chul as Chairman Hwang

Heo Dong-won as Choi Moon-sik

Why You Should Watch This Movie

1. Ma Dong-seok’s Powerful Performance

Ma Dong-seok is famous for playing tough-guy characters in movies like Train to Busan, and again he plays a strong role as Jang Dong-soo. His strong screen presence and violent action scenes make him the perfect gangster-turned-reluctant-hero.

2. A Different Kind of Crime Thriller with an Unexpected Partnership

This film is unlike typical cop-and-gangster chase stories since here, a gangster and a policeman join hands – but not without betrayals and tension. Their partnership keeps audiences hooked to the screen during the movie.

3. Edge-of-the-Seat Action & Suspense

The movie is full of high-speed car chases, bloody fight sequences, and a heart-stopping chase of the serial killer. The action sequences are raw, gritty, and well-executed, and it is a treat for the eyes for thriller buffs.

4. Based on a True Story?

Even though the movie is a work of fiction, it is inspired by real-life cases of serial killings in South Korea, which adds another layer of intrigue to the narrative.

Box Office & Reception

Release Date: May 15, 2019 (South Korea)

Box Office Collection: Approximately $25 million globally.

IMDb Rating: 6.9/10

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97% (Critics’ Score)

The film was a super hit in South Korea and garnered global attention. It was well received by critics for its interesting plot, intense action, and excellent performances.

Hollywood Remake – What’s Happening?

Following its success, a Hollywood remake of The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil is in the works, with Sylvester Stallone’s production company (Balboa Productions) backing the project. Even better, Ma Dong-seok will be reprise his role as Jang Dong-soo, bringing his phenomenal performance to the international arena!

Where to Watch?

If you have not seen this movie yet, you can stream or purchase it on platforms like:

Amazon Prime Video

Netflix (Region-dependent)

Apple TV

Google Play Movies & YouTube Movies

Final Verdict – Worth Watching?

Absolutely! If you are a fan of action thrillers, crime drama, and a romanticist for mind-bending surprises, then The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil is a film you simply cannot miss. With its hard-hitting performances, gripping storyline, and expertly choreographed action sequences, it’s a must-watch for crime thriller fans.

2025 promises to be a great year for fantasy and adventure fans, with a string of magical movies that will transport audiences on breathtaking voyages into realms of enchantment, mythical creatures, and epic quests. Whether you’re a purist who loves traditional adaptations or a fan of fresh fantasy tales, there’s something for everyone. Here are the top 10 fantasy adventure movies you don’t want to miss in 2025!

1. How to Train Your Dragon (June 13, 2025)

The beloved animated franchise makes its much-awaited move to live-action! Witness Hiccup and Toothless fight against the Viking community, challenging norms and forging a connection that will change their destiny forever. Directed by Dean DeBlois, the remake will bring stunning visual effects and emotional depth to the classic story.

2. A Minecraft Movie (April 4, 2025)

The cubic world of Minecraft comes alive in this action adventure that stars Jack Black and Jason Momoa. Buckle up for an epic quest full of danger, discovery, and, naturally, creepers! The movie, which is being helmed by Jared Hess, will examine themes of cooperation and survival within the Overworld.

3. Disney’s Snow White (March 21, 2025)

Disney continues its streak of live-action remakes with this stunning remake of the classic fairy tale. With Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, the film will leave audiences witnessing stunning visuals, enchanting musical numbers, and a fresh spin on the classic story. Fans can anticipate legendary moments revamped with the aid of state-of-the-art CGI.

4. The Legend of Ochi (February 28, 2025)

A one-of-a-kind fantasy film featuring a young girl named Yuri and her journey with a mythical creature named Ochi. With Willem Dafoe and Helena Zengel in the lead roles, the adventure is set to encompass mystery, magic, and warm moments. The narrative and world-building in the film are likely to engage viewers.

5. Into the Lost Lands (February 28, 2025)

Based on one of George R.R. Martin’s short stories, the action fantasy adventure is directed by Paul W.S. Anderson and features Milla Jovovich in an action-packed quest into a realm of myth, magic, and danger. Written by Martin himself, the film guarantees highly crafted characters and action-filled battles.

6. Paddington in Peru (January 17, 2025)

The marmalade-spread-loving bear popularly returns on a new mission to Peru to visit Aunt Lucy. The trip will be all about fun, coziness, and stunning South American vistas. The movie will be directed by Dougal Wilson and will continue Paddington’s cozy and humorous storytelling run.

7. Night of the Zoopocalypse (March 7, 2025)

Comedy-horror and fantasy blend in this unconventional zombie story at the zoo. Laughter and thrills are blended into equal portions to create this unlikely blockbuster. The film will marry great animation with a solid, action-driven script.

8. The Bride! (September 26, 2025)

Maggie Gyllenhaal helms this new, musical retelling of the Bride of Frankenstein. Look for gothic fantasy, romance, and some amazing music to go along with this classic tale. With an all-star cast, this movie will put new life into the classic monster mythology.

9. Mortal Kombat 2 (October 24, 2025)

The fantasy action series returns with even more action, new fan favorites, and expansion on the legendary battles of Outworld. Simon McQuoid is directing the sequel, with more brutal combat, dramatic tension, and mind-blowing special effects to anticipate.

10. Avatar: Fire and Ash (December 19, 2025)

James Cameron’s visually stunning sci-fi-fantasy epic continues as we journey into new tribes, witness thrilling battles, and learn more secrets of Pandora. The third is set to advance the art of motion capture and world-building once again, fully immersing audiences into the rich world of the Na’vi.

No matter if you’re in the mood for action-filled quests, magical creatures, or heroic combat, 2025’s fantasy adventure films have a bit of each. Mark your calendar, grab some popcorn, and be prepared to buckle up in theaters! ✨

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