13 Smart Comedies That Never Got the Credit They Deserved
Not all comedies get the praise they deserve, even when they leave a lasting impression with their humor. Some films are filled with sharp dialogue and offbeat charm, yet fail to capture the spotlight. These overlooked comedies are perfect for anyone who loves a good laugh paired with clever writing. It’s time to give these films the attention they never got. Here’s a look at a few smart comedies that are well worth discovering.
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Ingrid Goes West
Released in 2017, Ingrid Goes West is a dark comedy about a woman’s obsession with a social media influencer. Starring Aubrey Plaza, the film takes a sharp look at social media, loneliness, and self-worth in today’s digital age. Despite Plaza’s outstanding performance and the film’s timely themes, it didn’t get the attention it deserved at the time. The film’s humor is both cringe-worthy and insightful, making it a rare comedy that offers more than just laughs. Ingrid Goes West is a smart, satirical look at modern obsession with social media that deserved more recognition.
The film’s humor comes from its portrayal of Ingrid’s increasingly desperate actions as she tries to fit into a seemingly perfect influencer’s life. Plaza’s performance is both darkly comic and poignant, making Ingrid a complex character that audiences can’t help but feel for. This movie didn’t achieve mainstream success but has since been appreciated for its sharp social commentary and dark humor. Its underappreciation likely stems from its uncomfortably relatable themes and the off-kilter tone of the film. For anyone interested in a comedy that pushes boundaries while making a pointed commentary, this film is an absolute must-watch.
The Nice Guys
Premiering in 2016, The Nice Guys is a buddy cop comedy that delivers a perfect balance of action, humor, and heart. The film, set in 1970s Los Angeles, pairs Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe in a mismatched detective duo that stumbles upon a larger conspiracy. Despite its stellar performances and clever script, the film did not perform well at the box office, possibly due to its period setting and dark humor. The witty banter and the duo’s chemistry should have earned more credit, but it was sadly overlooked by a wider audience. The Nice Guys is a film that remains a favorite among those who appreciate dry humor and smart, offbeat storytelling.
What makes The Nice Guys special is its ability to mix action, comedy, and mystery in a way that feels fresh and fun. Gosling’s comedic timing and Crowe’s gruff yet lovable character make them a perfect pair, adding to the film’s charm. The film’s underperformance can be attributed to its quirky nature and the fact that it didn’t fit into a simple genre box. However, it has since gained a cult following for its sharp writing and memorable performances. It’s a smart comedy that deserved more recognition for its clever take on the buddy cop genre.
Safety Not Guaranteed
Released in 2012, Safety Not Guaranteed is a unique comedy about a quirky man who posts an ad seeking a partner for time travel. The film blends offbeat humor with a heartfelt exploration of loneliness and human connection. Although it received critical praise, its unconventional premise and slower pace prevented it from becoming a big hit. What makes this film special is its ability to balance absurdity with emotion, offering more than just laughs. The film’s charm lies in its subtle humor and its heartwarming message, making it one of the most underrated comedies of the 2010s.
The comedy in Safety Not Guaranteed comes from its absurd premise, yet the film never loses its emotional depth. The performances by Aubrey Plaza and Mark Duplass add a layer of sincerity to the humor, grounding the film in reality. Its underappreciation stems from the fact that it is a low-budget indie film with an odd story that didn’t fit neatly into mainstream expectations. Despite its challenges, the film has become beloved by fans for its quirky tone and thoughtful exploration of personal growth. For anyone seeking a smart comedy that offers both laughs and warmth, Safety Not Guaranteed is a must-watch.
The Incredible Jessica James
Released in 2017, The Incredible Jessica James is an indie comedy that follows a young playwright, played by Jessica Williams, as she navigates life, heartbreak, and ambition in New York City. The film’s blend of humor and real-life challenges resonated with critics, but it didn’t gain much attention from mainstream audiences. Its smart writing and Williams’ outstanding performance should have earned it more credit, offering a refreshing take on romantic comedies. The film’s focus on a woman’s personal growth, rather than a traditional love story, makes it unique in the genre. For anyone who appreciates sharp, relatable humor, this is a standout.
Jessica Williams shines in her role, offering a perfect mix of humor and vulnerability that makes Jessica James a memorable character. The film’s strength lies in its honest portrayal of a young woman trying to make it in a big city, without relying on tired tropes. Despite its underappreciation, the film’s witty dialogue and endearing characters have gained a cult following. The Incredible Jessica James delivers a refreshing, modern take on a comedy that feels both personal and universally relatable. It’s a smart comedy that deserves more recognition for breaking away from typical romantic comedy formulas.
Slither
Slither, released in 2006, is a horror-comedy about a small town under attack by alien parasites. While the film is filled with gory humor and absurd situations, it never received the credit it deserved, likely due to its unconventional blend of horror and comedy. The film’s sharp wit, dark humor, and solid performances from Nathan Fillion and Elizabeth Banks should have made it a cult classic from the start. Its ability to balance gross-out humor with clever dialogue makes it a smart choice for fans of both genres. This movie remains an underappreciated gem for anyone looking for an offbeat horror-comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
The film’s humor works because it never lets the horror element overshadow its comedy. The absurdity of the alien invasion is matched by the absurdity of the characters’ reactions, making it a laugh-out-loud experience for fans of both genres. Despite its clever script and strong performances, Slither failed to find a large audience, likely due to its strange premise and niche appeal. Its underappreciation only adds to its charm, as it has since found a loyal fanbase who recognizes its unique humor. For those who enjoy a mix of horror, comedy, and a bit of gross-out humor, this movie is a must-see.
Popstar-Never Stop Never Stopping
Premiering in 2016, this movie is a hilarious mockumentary about a pop star’s failed solo career. The film is packed with absurd humor and clever commentary on fame, success, and the music industry. Despite starring Andy Samberg and The Lonely Island, it failed to achieve box office success, likely due to its niche appeal and over-the-top style. The film’s sharp parody of celebrity culture deserved far more recognition, given its clever script and biting satire. Popstar offers a unique perspective on the music world, making it a hidden gem for those who appreciate satire and witty humor.
Popstar may have missed its moment at the box office, but its humor and cultural insights still resonate with fans of music industry parodies. The film features Samberg and his crew in top form, with outrageous moments that poke fun at everything from the pressures of fame to the ridiculousness of the music business. Its underperformance can be attributed to its specific humor, which may not have resonated with all audiences. Nonetheless, Popstar has gained a loyal fanbase for its hilarious take on celebrity life. It’s a smart, satirical comedy that’s definitely worth a second look.
The Station Agent
Released in 2003, The Station Agent is a quiet, introspective comedy that follows a reclusive man who moves to a small town to live alone. Despite being critically acclaimed, the film didn’t get the wide recognition it deserved, likely due to its low-key nature and lack of mainstream appeal. The film’s dry humor and heartfelt moments make it a standout in the world of indie comedies. Its small-town setting and quirky characters offer a unique look at human connection and isolation. The Station Agent remains a hidden gem for those who appreciate subtle, character-driven comedies.
The film’s strength lies in its ability to make you laugh while also offering a deep emotional experience. Peter Dinklage’s performance as the solitary protagonist is both humorous and touching, setting the tone for the film. Its underappreciation can be attributed to its slower pacing and lack of major stars, but it has since found a loyal following. The Station Agent’s humor is quiet and understated, allowing its emotional depth to shine through. For anyone looking for a smart comedy that doesn’t rely on obvious gags, The Station Agent is a perfect choice.
In the Loop
Released in 2009, In the Loop is a sharp political satire that critiques the chaotic decisions behind war. The film is filled with biting dialogue and dark humor, delivered by a talented ensemble cast led by Peter Capaldi. Despite its critical acclaim, In the Loop didn’t reach a wide audience, mainly due to its niche political humor and rapid-fire dialogue that may be hard for some to follow. Its satirical take on government dysfunction and the absurdity of politics deserved more recognition. This film is a hidden gem for fans of intelligent comedy and sharp political commentary.
In the Loop stands out for its clever script and its portrayal of politicians as self-serving and incompetent, offering laughs while making serious points. The rapid dialogue, though humorous, can be challenging for casual viewers, which might explain its underappreciation. The film was also overshadowed by its origin as a television series, The Thick of It, which limited its mainstream appeal. Still, its ability to blend humor with real-world issues makes it one of the most intelligently written comedies of its time. Those who gave it a chance recognized its depth and its scathing take on political maneuvering.
The Big Lebowski
Although The Big Lebowski was released in 1998, it was initially met with mixed reviews and didn’t immediately earn the credit it deserved. The film’s bizarre plot, quirky characters, and offbeat humor made it a difficult film for many to grasp. It didn’t achieve widespread acclaim at first, but over time, it became a cult classic, known for its sharp dialogue and memorable performances. Jeff Bridges’ portrayal of the laid-back Dude remains iconic, with many quoting lines from the film years after its release. The Big Lebowskii is a rare example of a smart comedy that wasn’t fully appreciated until later.
The film’s unconventional humor and bizarre plot twists set it apart from other comedies of its time. The Coen Brothers’ signature style shines through, with the film’s unique characters and memorable moments becoming a part of pop culture. While the film didn’t initially get the recognition it deserved, it has since been embraced by fans for its wit and eccentricity. The Big Lebowski is a perfect example of how some comedies can slip under the radar but later become beloved classics. Its influence continues to grow, with fans revisiting it for its endless charm and layered humor.
Ghost World
Released in 2001, Ghost World is a dark, offbeat comedy that explores the lives of two socially awkward teenage girls. The film’s dry humor and unorthodox storytelling set it apart from other coming-of-age films. Despite its critical success, Ghost World didn’t get the attention it deserved, likely because of its unconventional style and bittersweet tone. The film’s exploration of alienation, friendship, and personal growth resonates with those who appreciate films that tackle deeper themes with subtle humor. For fans of smart, quirky comedies, Ghost World remains a must-watch.
The film’s humor is dry and cynical, with its witty script providing a sharp commentary on the struggles of adolescence. The performances by Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson are both memorable, with their characters providing a fresh take on the typical teen comedy. Despite not being a box office hit, this movie has become a beloved cult classic. Its clever writing and strong performances make it a rare gem in the coming-of-age genre. For those seeking a smart, introspective comedy, Ghost World is a perfect choice.
Adventureland
Released in 2009, Adventureland is a comedy-drama that captures the awkwardness and confusion of young adulthood. Set in an amusement park during the summer of 1987, it features an ensemble cast led by Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart. The film blends humor with a coming-of-age story, but its quieter tone and slower pace led it to be overlooked at the time. Its heartfelt moments and relatable characters should have earned it more recognition, especially for its subtle humor and emotional depth. For those who appreciate smart, character-driven comedies, this movie is a hidden gem.
While Adventureland features comedy at its core, it’s the personal growth and real-life challenges faced by the characters that make it stand out. The film’s ability to mix nostalgia, romance, and humor with deeper themes like finding one’s identity makes it a unique watch. Its underperformance at the box office can be attributed to its lack of flashy, high-concept humor, but that’s exactly what gives it its charm. Eisenberg’s portrayal of a young man trying to navigate life and love resonates with audiences who appreciate more thoughtful comedies. This movie remains one of those films that grows on you with time, making it a hidden classic among smart comedies.
Thank You for Smoking
Released in 2005, this movie is a satirical comedy that follows a smooth-talking tobacco industry spokesperson. The film combines sharp wit with dark humor to tackle serious issues like corporate influence, health, and morality. Despite its strong performances from Aaron Eckhart and an ensemble cast, the film didn’t gain widespread attention due to its satirical nature and complex themes. However, its clever writing and biting commentary should have earned it more credit for its bold and intelligent humor. Thank You for Smoking remains an underrated gem for anyone who enjoys smart political satire.
The film’s humor is rooted in its sharp commentary on the tobacco industry and its portrayal of the protagonist as a charming yet morally questionable character. Its unique mix of comedy and satire creates an engaging experience, poking fun at corporate spin and the media. Though it was released in a crowded year for comedies, this movie stands out for its intelligent script and thought-provoking themes. The film’s underperformance can be attributed to its darker humor and social commentary, which may have been off-putting to some viewers. For fans of clever satire and smart comedies, Thank You for Smoking remains a must-watch.
The Watch
Released in 2012, this is a science fiction comedy that follows a group of suburban dads who discover that aliens are secretly living in their town. The film blends absurd humor with a surprising amount of heart, as the characters navigate their own personal issues while battling extraterrestrial invaders. Despite a great cast that includes Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, and Jonah Hill, the film didn’t achieve the success it should have. Its blend of sci-fi and comedy, combined with its solid performances, deserved more attention. The Watch is a smart comedy that offers laughs, action, and a surprisingly deep look at friendship and personal growth.
The film’s humor is based on the ridiculousness of the situation, but it also manages to explore the dynamics of friendship and fatherhood. The characters, while hilarious in their incompetence, also experience genuine growth, making the film both funny and heartwarming. Despite its underperformance at the box office, this movie is a clever comedy that explores themes of connection and community in a way that resonates with viewers. The film’s failure to gain credit can be attributed to its odd mix of sci-fi and comedy, which didn’t appeal to a broad audience. For those who enjoy a comedy that’s more than just surface-level laughs, The Watch is a hidden gem.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.