Arsenic and Old Lace is a classic dark comedy that has delighted audiences for generations. If you’re a fan of this genre, you’ll love these 18 movies that share a similar blend of humor and macabre. Click here to learn more about Arsenic and Old Lace.
1. The Ladykillers
A group of criminals rent a room in an old lady’s house to plan a heist, only to find her more formidable than they anticipated. Starring Alec Guinness and Peter Sellers, this dark comedy is a delightful mix of wit and crime.
2. Kind Hearts and Coronets
Louis Mazzini plots to inherit a dukedom by eliminating the eight heirs ahead of him in line. Alec Guinness plays multiple roles in this satirical dark comedy, showcasing his versatility and charm.
3. The Trouble with Harry
In this Alfred Hitchcock classic, a small town deals with the mysterious appearance of a dead body and the ensuing chaos. Starring John Forsythe and Shirley MacLaine, this film balances suspense with humor.
4. Murder by Death
A parody of detective stories, this film features an eccentric millionaire inviting famous sleuths to solve a murder mystery. With a star-studded cast including Peter Falk, Alec Guinness, and Maggie Smith, it’s a hilarious whodunit.
5. Clue
Based on the popular board game, this film follows a group of strangers who must solve a murder at a secluded mansion. Tim Curry, Eileen Brennan, and Madeline Kahn lead the ensemble cast in this comedic mystery.
6. The Thin Man
Nick and Nora Charles, a charming detective duo, solve a murder mystery while enjoying their high-society lifestyle. William Powell and Myrna Loy’s chemistry makes this film a delightful blend of humor and intrigue.
7. Deathtrap
A playwright suffering from writer’s block plans to steal a student’s script and pass it off as his own. Starring Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve, this film is a clever mix of suspense and dark comedy.
8. A Shot in the Dark
Inspector Clouseau investigates a murder at a wealthy estate, leading to a series of comedic mishaps. Peter Sellers’ iconic performance makes this film a standout in the dark comedy genre.
9. The Ghost and Mr. Chicken
A timid typesetter spends a night in a haunted house to prove his bravery, resulting in hilarious and spooky encounters. Don Knotts delivers a memorable performance in this charming comedy.
10. The Cat and the Canary
Heirs gather at a creepy mansion to hear the reading of a will, only to find themselves stalked by a mysterious killer. Bob Hope and Paulette Goddard star in this classic blend of horror and humor.
11. The Old Dark House
Strangers seek shelter in a creepy mansion during a storm, encountering a bizarre family with dark secrets. Boris Karloff and Charles Laughton lead the cast in this atmospheric dark comedy.
12. Murder He Says
A pollster stumbles upon a family with hidden loot and must navigate their eccentricities to find it. Fred MacMurray stars in this quirky comedy filled with twists and turns.
13. The Comedy of Terrors
An undertaker and his assistant resort to murder to keep their business afloat, leading to a series of darkly comedic events. Vincent Price and Peter Lorre shine in this macabre comedy.
14. The Private Eyes
Two bumbling detectives investigate a series of murders at a mansion, uncovering a web of secrets. Don Knotts and Tim Conway’s comedic chemistry makes this film a delightful watch.
15. The Gazebo
A television writer accidentally kills a blackmailer and hides the body in his gazebo, leading to a series of comedic mishaps. Glenn Ford and Debbie Reynolds star in this darkly humorous film.
16. The Wrong Box
Two elderly brothers compete to outlive each other to inherit a fortune, resulting in a series of darkly comedic events. Michael Caine and Peter Sellers lead the cast in this Victorian-era farce.
17. The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer
A playboy artist finds himself entangled in a series of misunderstandings with a judge and her teenage sister. Cary Grant, Myrna Loy, and Shirley Temple star in this charming romantic comedy.
18. The Man Who Came to Dinner
A famous radio personality becomes an unwelcome houseguest after an injury, causing chaos for his hosts. Monty Woolley and Bette Davis deliver standout performances in this hilarious film.
