10 Comedies About Cults That Will Have You Rolling with Laughter

Description: Although not directly about a cult, this Coen Brothers' classic features a pseudo-cult in the form of the nihilists, who add a layer of absurdity to the film's already bizarre plot involving mistaken identity and bowling.

Fact: The Dude's iconic look was inspired by Jeff Bridges' own style. The film has inspired a real-life religion called "Dudeism."

Description: While more of a thriller, this film has comedic elements as Al Pacino's character, the devil, runs a law firm that could be seen as a corporate cult, manipulating and corrupting its employees.

Fact: The film was originally much longer, with scenes cut to reduce its runtime. Pacino's performance was inspired by his own experiences in the legal world.

Description: Directed by Jane Campion, this film stars Kate Winslet as a young woman who gets involved with a cult in India. Harvey Keitel plays a cult deprogrammer who tries to bring her back to reality, leading to a series of comedic and dramatic encounters.

Fact: The film was shot in Australia, and the cult scenes were filmed in a real ashram. Winslet and Keitel had to learn some Hindi for their roles.

Description: Mike Myers stars as a self-help guru who uses his unconventional methods to help a hockey player win back his wife. While not about a traditional cult, the film satirizes the guru culture and the blind faith people put in such figures.

Fact: The film was a box office disappointment but has since gained a cult following for its over-the-top humor. Myers wrote the script with the help of his brother.

Description: While primarily a biographical crime comedy, this film features elements of corporate cult-like behavior as Matt Damon's character, Mark Whitacre, gets entangled in a web of lies and corporate espionage at Archer Daniels Midland.

Fact: The film is based on the true story of Mark Whitacre, who became an informant for the FBI. Damon gained weight for the role to portray Whitacre's physical transformation.

Description: While not strictly a comedy, this film by Paul Thomas Anderson has moments of dark humor as it follows a World War II veteran who becomes involved with a charismatic cult leader. The film's exploration of manipulation and belief systems provides a comedic undertone to its serious themes.

Fact: The film was inspired by the Church of Scientology, though Anderson insists it's not a direct portrayal. Joaquin Phoenix improvised much of his character's dialogue, adding to the film's unique tone.

Description: This British black comedy features a man who believes he is Jesus Christ, leading to a satirical look at the British aristocracy and their own form of cult-like behavior in maintaining power and tradition.

Fact: Peter O'Toole's performance was critically acclaimed, earning him a nomination for Best Actor at the BAFTAs. The film was adapted from a play by Peter Barnes.

Description: Jimi Mistry plays an aspiring actor from India who becomes an accidental sex guru in New York City, satirizing the Western fascination with Eastern spirituality and self-help gurus.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life story of a man who became a guru in New York after a chance encounter. Mistry learned to dance for his role.

Description: This teen comedy revolves around a Christian high school where a girl's attempt to "save" her boyfriend from homosexuality leads to her own crisis of faith. The film pokes fun at religious hypocrisy and the absurdity of some evangelical practices.

Fact: The film was inspired by the director's own experiences at a Christian high school. Mandy Moore, who plays the lead, was raised in a Christian household, which added authenticity to her role.

Description: This classic from Monty Python satirizes religious fervor and the formation of cults around mistaken identities, with Brian Cohen being mistaken for the Messiah.

Fact: The film was banned in several countries for its perceived blasphemy. It has since been recognized as one of the greatest comedies of all time.