Best Clown Comedy Films

Description: Charlie Chaplin's classic silent film features his Tramp character joining a circus as a clown. The physical comedy and heartfelt story make it a timeless piece of clown cinema.

Fact: "The Circus" won Chaplin a special Academy Award for "versatility and genius in writing, acting, directing, and producing." It was one of the last silent films to be a major commercial success.

Description: Although more horror than comedy, "The Funhouse" has moments of dark humor, particularly with the portrayal of the carnival workers and the eerie clown mask worn by the antagonist.

Fact: Tobe Hooper, known for "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre," directed this film. The movie was initially conceived as a straightforward horror but evolved to include elements of dark comedy.

Description: This film follows three brothers who are terrorized by escaped mental patients dressed as clowns. The humor comes from the absurdity of the situation and the brothers' attempts to survive.

Fact: The film was directed by Victor Salva, who later became known for "Jeepers Creepers." It was one of the first films to explore the fear of clowns in a comedic-horror context.

Description: This cult classic blends horror with comedy, featuring alien clowns who invade a small town with a twisted sense of humor. It's a must-watch for its unique premise and over-the-top clown antics.

Fact: The film was made by the Chiodo Brothers, who also worked on the special effects for "Team America: World Police." The movie has gained a cult following over the years, often celebrated for its campy humor.

Description: Bobcat Goldthwait stars as Shakes, a down-on-his-luck clown who turns to alcohol and crime. The film satirizes the entertainment industry and the life of a party clown with dark humor.

Fact: Goldthwait wrote, directed, and starred in the film, which was his directorial debut. The movie has a cult following for its unique blend of comedy and social commentary.

Description: While primarily a horror film, "It" includes comedic elements, especially in the portrayal of Pennywise, the clown. The film's humor comes from the interactions between the young characters and their attempts to deal with their fears.

Fact: The character of Pennywise was inspired by real-life serial killer John Wayne Gacy, who performed as a clown. The film was a massive box office success, grossing over $700 million worldwide.

Description: A father dons a cursed clown costume for his son's birthday party, leading to comedic and horrific consequences. The film's humor is dark, focusing on the absurdity of the situation.

Fact: The film was produced by Eli Roth, known for his work in horror-comedy. It was inspired by a fake trailer Roth created for "Grindhouse."

Description: Directed by Federico Fellini, this film is a semi-documentary exploring the world of clowns. While not a comedy in the traditional sense, it humorously examines the life and art of clowns.

Fact: Fellini himself appears in the film, reflecting on his childhood fascination with clowns. The movie blends real-life footage with staged scenes, creating a unique cinematic experience.

Description: This film mixes suspense with dark comedy, focusing on a group of high school students who encounter a killer clown. The humor arises from the absurdity of the situation and the characters' reactions.

Fact: The film was shot in Canada, and it features Sarah Lassez, who also starred in "Loveless in Los Angeles." It's known for its effective use of practical effects to create the clown's menacing appearance.

Description: This Brazilian film follows a clown who questions his life's purpose. It's a comedy-drama that uses the clown's profession to explore deeper themes, yet it retains a light-hearted tone.

Fact: The film was Brazil's submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It features a touching performance by Selton Mello, who also directed the movie.