dark comedy

American  

noun

1. a play, movie, etc., having elements of comedy and tragedy, often involving gloomy or morbid satire.

2. a comedy based on problems of a personal or social nature.

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Example Sentences

A dark comedy is only as successful as its bleakest jokes.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026

Until one recalls 2020’s winner “Parasite,” with its similarly bold mix of styles including dark comedy, thriller and horror.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2026

Anderson received the statuette from Sean Baker, who won last year with his dark comedy "Anora," which went on to be an Oscar winner.

From Barron's • Feb. 8, 2026

That led to what Ms Whitson described as a dark comedy, of family members looking around the centre to see if anything could work.

From BBC • Dec. 16, 2025

Her diary entry the next day makes her teamwork with Dina—whom Zhenya adored—sound like a kind of dark comedy duo.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein