Films About Clowns
Films about clowns often delve into the complex and multifaceted nature of clowns as characters, ranging from the whimsical and humorous to the dark and terrifying. These films can explore themes of identity, fear, comedy, and tragedy, reflecting the duality of clowns as both entertainers and figures of intrigue. Here are some notable films that center around clowns:
“Joker”, 2019
Director: Todd Phillips
This psychological thriller tells the origin story of the iconic Batman villain, the Joker, portrayed as a failed comedian who descends into madness and becomes a notorious criminal.
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen, Shea Whigham, Bill Camp, Glenn Fleshler, Leigh Gill, Josh Pais;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: drama, crime, thriller;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 122 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,4;
More information about the film “Joker” on the website imdb.com
“The Clown”, 1916
Director: William C. de Mille
A Brazilian drama about a father-and-son clown duo who perform in a traveling circus, exploring themes of family, identity, and the quest for a place to belong.
Starring: Victor Moore, Thomas Meighan, Ernest Joy, Florence Dagmar, Gerald Ward, Tom Forman, Horace B. Carpenter, Wallace Pyke, Billy Jacobs;
Production year: 1916;
Genre: drama;
Rating: IMDB: 0;
“Clown”, 2013
Director: Jon Watts
A horror film where a father puts on a clown suit for his son's birthday, only to find that he cannot take it off and begins transforming into a demonic figure.
Starring: Andy Powers, Laura Allen, Peter Stormare, Christian Distefano, Chuck Shamata, Elizabeth Whitmere, Victor Cornfoot, Lucas Kelly, Emily Burley, Matthew Stefiuk;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: horror, thriller;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 100 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,7;
“Killer Klowns from Outer Space”, 1987
Director: Stephen Chiodo
A cult classic horror-comedy about aliens that look like clowns who invade Earth, capturing humans in cotton candy cocoons.
Starring: Grant Cramer, Suzanne Snyder, John Allen Nelson, John Vernon, Michael S. Siegel, Peter Licassi, Royal Dano, Christopher Titus, Irene Michaels, Karla Sue Krull;
Production year: 1987;
Genre: horror, science fiction, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 82 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,2;
More information about the film “Killer Klowns from Outer Space” on the website imdb.com
“The Clowns”, 2019
Director: Lucas Bucci, Tomas Sposato
Directed by Federico Fellini, this documentary-style film explores the world of clowns and circus performers, blending reality and fiction.
Starring: Lucas Bucci, Jeronimo Freixas, Tomas Sposato;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: documentary;
Duration: 68 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “The Clowns” on the website imdb.com
“Stitches”, 2012
Director: Conor McMahon
A horror-comedy about a clown named Stitches who returns from the dead to exact revenge on the children responsible for his death during a birthday party.
Starring: Ross Noble, Tommy Knight, Shane Murray-Corcoran, Gemma-Leah Devereux, Thommas Kane-Byrne, Eoghan McQuinn, Roisin Barron, Hugh Mulhern, Tommy Cullen, Lorna Dempsey;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: horror, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 86 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,7;
More information about the film “Stitches” on the website imdb.com
“Terrifier”, 2016
Director: Damien Leone
A slasher film featuring Art the Clown, a silent, sadistic killer who terrorizes a group of friends on Halloween night.
Starring: Jenna Kanell, Samantha Scaffidi, David Howard Thornton, Catherine Corcoran, Pooya Mohseni, Matt McAllister, Michael Leavy, Katie Maguire, Gino Cafarelli, Cory DuVal;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: horror;
Age: 18+;
Duration: 85 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,6;
More information about the film “Terrifier” on the website imdb.com
“Shakes the Clown”, 1991
Director: Bobcat Goldthwait
A dark comedy about a depressed, alcoholic clown named Shakes who must clear his name after being framed for murder.
Starring: Bobcat Goldthwait, Julie Brown, Bruce Baum, Steve Bean, Blake Clark, Eliza Coyle, Paul Dooley, Gerald F. Edelstein, Robin Williams, Jack Gallagher;
Production year: 1991;
Genre: drama, comedy, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 86 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,6;
More information about the film “Shakes the Clown” on the website imdb.com
These films highlight the versatility of clowns in cinema, from terrifying antagonists to tragic heroes, illustrating their enduring appeal and the diverse ways they can be portrayed on screen.
In conclusion, films about clowns encompass a diverse range of genres and narratives, each utilizing the clown figure in unique ways to evoke a spectrum of emotions from audiences. From the sinister allure of the murderous Pennywise in “It” to the poignant introspections of “Shakes the Clown,” these films challenge our perceptions of clowns, transforming the traditional symbol of humor and joy into multifaceted characters that reflect deeper societal fears, insecurities, and desires. As both a mirror and a distortion of human nature, the cinematic portrayal of clowns continues to fascinate and terrify, ensuring their place in film history as a potent and enduring symbol of the complex interplay between comedy and tragedy.
