10 Great Dark Comedy Films You Haven't Seen

“No. No, he was not all right. He set his genitals on fire.”

Tracy Letts’ adaptation of his own stage play of the same name is a comical look at the severe consequences of greed. Considering that the crux of the story is centred on a desperate drug dealer, who hires a hitman to kill his mother so he can collect her life insurance, there’s no wonder why this slickly executed movie finds its home within dark comedy.

Matthew McConaughey leads a fantastic cast as the morally flawed murderous detective, “Killer” Joe Cooper. A man who just wants what he’s owed; whether than be cash or the hand of his client’s fantastically weird daughter, Dottie (Juno Temple).

As is the case with most dark comedies, things don’t go to plan, and in the world of Killer Joe failed plans usually lead to violence. Although Emile Hirsch’s character is at the forefront of an immensely violent beat down (at the hands of an incredibly well-mannered gang boss) the most violent (and comedic) aspect of this movie arises during the incredibly shocking finale.

This final scene will forever be remembered for the manner in which it utilises fried chicken - an act so profound that its very existence made it into the film’s tagline: “Murder never tasted so good.”

Be warned, however, as you might not look at fried chicken - or Matthew McConaughey - the same way ever again.