10 Underrated Comedies That Will Make You Snort-Laugh
Not everyone can be Adam Sandler, baby. But then again, not everyone tries.
1. What We Do In The Shadows (2014)
You know the saying, "laughter is the best medicine"? Well, after watching this mockumentary, you'll need a prescription. Helmed by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, What We Do In The Shadows is a bizarre and delightful comedy about a group of vampire roommates navigating the mundane challenges of modern life. Struggling with washing dishes and paying rent never seemed so funny. With its mix of deadpan humor and outright absurdity, it's a surprise this flick didn't get more attention (although it does have a cult following already).
2. Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)
Directed by the brilliant Taika Waititi (again), Hunt for the Wilderpeople is a charming and hilarious adventure through the New Zealand wilderness. The film follows a grumpy foster uncle and his troublesome foster child, whose attempts to evade child services turn into a national manhunt. The offbeat humor, combined with touching moments, creates a perfect blend that'll have you snort-laughing one minute and misty-eyed the next.
3. Death at a Funeral (2007)
You may be familiar with the 2010 American remake, but the original British version of Death at a Funeral is an underrated gem filled with a heaping serving of dark, quintessentially British humor. The film revolves around a chaotic funeral where everything that could go wrong, does. Secrets tumble out of closets faster than you can say "rest in peace," and the ensemble cast, led by Matthew Macfadyen, delivers the goods.
4. Four Lions (2010)
Four Lions is a satirical comedy about a group of British jihadists with more enthusiasm than competence. It's a delicate balancing act of humor and sensitivity, which director Chris Morris pulls off deftly. The film will have you rolling with laughter at the characters' antics while simultaneously making you reflect on the absurdity of their situation. It's an intelligent, hilarious comedy that goes where few others dare. Trust us, this one is the bomb (pun absolutely intended).
5. In Bruges (2008)
Two words for you: Martin. McDonagh. In Bruges is a dark comedy-drama that stars Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson as hitmen lying low in Bruges, Belgium, after a job gone wrong. This seemingly grim premise quickly turns into a riotous and unexpected journey filled with witty dialogue and absurd situations. If you love sarcasm, crude jokes, and an unconventional narrative, this movie is definitely for you. It's a dark horse, literally and figuratively, in the comedy genre.
6. The Death of Stalin (2017)
If you thought a comedy about the aftermath of a brutal dictator's death couldn't be hilarious, The Death of Stalin is here to prove you wrong. Directed by Armando Iannucci, it's a political satire that deftly turns a historical event into a farcical game of power. The performances are brilliant, and the dialogue so sharp, you'll be guffawing into your popcorn. Balancing black comedy and political commentary with aplomb, it's a film that's criminally underseen.
7. Submarine (2010)
This coming-of-age British comedy directed by Richard Ayoade will have you laughing in the most awkward way possible. Submarine tells the story of Oliver, a self-absorbed teen trying to save his parents' marriage while losing his virginity. Its unique humor, rich in self-deprecation and situational comedy, is endearing and excruciating in equal measure. If you've ever been a teenager (which we're assuming you have), you'll find this movie simultaneously hilarious and painfully relatable.
8. Tucker & Dale vs. Evil (2010)
In the realm of horror-comedy, Tucker & Dale vs. Evil is an under-appreciated treasure. It takes classic horror movie stereotypes and flips them hilariously on their head. Tucker and Dale, two well-meaning hillbillies, become mistaken for murderous backwoods maniacs by a group of clueless college students. The result is a hilariously bloody misunderstanding that's got as many laughs as it does guts. If you can stomach the gore, you're in for a wild ride.
9. Frank (2014)
Starring Michael Fassbender in a giant papier-mâché head, Frank is an offbeat comedy that explores the world of experimental rock music. It's as eccentric as its protagonist, combining dark humor with a sincere exploration of creativity and mental health. The sheer absurdity of the film's premise and its unexpected emotional depth make for an experience that's as hilarious as it is heartrending. It's quirky, it's weird, it's laugh-out-loud funny. What more could you want?
10. Clue (1985)
Based on the popular board game, Clue is a murder mystery comedy that's criminally overlooked. With its sharp, fast-paced dialogue and outlandishly funny performances from an ensemble cast led by Tim Curry, the film will keep you laughing from start to finish. Its multiple endings are the cherry on top, each more absurd than the last. The combination of slapstick humor, murder, and a mansion full of strange guests make this whodunit an instant classic.