What are the best high school movies with dark humor and supernatural elements?

'The Edge of Seventeen' is a wonderfully authentic and often hilariously awkward coming-of-age story that perfectly captures the pain and humor of being a teenager. Hailee Steinfeld delivers an absolutely phenomenal performance as Nadine, an intelligent but socially anxious high school junior whose life takes a dramatic turn when her best friend starts dating her older brother. The film is brimming with relatable teenage angst, self-doubt, and the struggle to find your place in the world.

Its dark humor comes from Nadine's cynical observations and her often disastrous attempts at navigating friendships, family, and romance. While lacking supernatural elements, the raw honesty and sharp wit with which it portrays the darker, more uncomfortable aspects of adolescence make it a fantastic fit. Woody Harrelson is also brilliant as Nadine's dryly sarcastic teacher, offering some much-needed comedic relief and unexpected wisdom. It's a film that truly understands what it's like to feel utterly alone, even when surrounded by people.

'The DUFF' (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) is a refreshingly honest and genuinely funny high school comedy that takes a satirical look at labels and self-perception. Mae Whitman shines as Bianca, a smart and witty high school senior who discovers she's been labeled the 'DUFF' of her friend group. Determined to shed the label, she enlists the help of her popular jock neighbor to reinvent herself.

The film cleverly uses dark humor to dissect the often cruel social dynamics of high school, particularly the way students categorize each other. It's a film with a big heart, promoting self-acceptance and challenging superficial judgments. While it doesn't delve into the supernatural, its sharp dialogue and relatable portrayal of high school angst, coupled with its comedic take on social hierarchies, make it a solid entry for those who appreciate dark humor in a high school setting.

'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' is a deeply moving and authentic coming-of-age story that resonates with anyone who's ever felt like an outsider. Logan Lerman stars as Charlie, a shy and introverted freshman navigating the complexities of high school, friendship, and first love, beautifully supported by Emma Watson and Ezra Miller as his new friends, Sam and Patrick. The film tackles sensitive subjects with grace and honesty, exploring themes of trauma, mental health, and the pain of adolescence.

While it doesn't have supernatural elements, its dark humor often comes from the characters' witty observations and the bittersweet realities of growing up. The film's emotional depth and raw portrayal of teenage struggles make it a powerful watch, and its exploration of the darker aspects of the human experience, even without explicit horror, fits the spirit of dark high school themes. It's a truly touching and thought-provoking film.

'Mean Girls' is an undisputed classic of the high school comedy genre, and while it might not feature supernatural elements, its dark humor and sharp social commentary are undeniable. Written by Tina Fey, the film perfectly captures the intricate and often brutal social dynamics of teenage girls. Lindsay Lohan stars as Cady Heron, a homeschooled new student who finds herself navigating the treacherous waters of 'The Plastics,' the school's reigning clique led by the iconic Regina George (Rachel McAdams).

What makes 'Mean Girls' so enduring is its brilliant script, packed with endlessly quotable lines and observations that ring true to anyone who's ever experienced high school. It's a hilarious and surprisingly insightful look at conformity, identity, and the power struggles within a social hierarchy. The film's influence on pop culture is immense, and its themes of bullying and self-discovery, though presented comedically, have a genuinely dark edge that makes it a perfect fit for this list.

'Assassination Nation' is a visceral and provocative film that plunges headfirst into the dark underbelly of social media and mob mentality. When a massive data hack exposes the private lives of everyone in the town of Salem, chaos erupts, leading to violence and a witch hunt against four high school girls. The film is a hyper-stylized and often brutal critique of modern society, particularly the dangers of online shaming and the fragility of privacy.

While not supernatural in the traditional sense, the film's heightened reality, almost apocalyptic tone, and the way the town descends into primal savagery give it a fever dream quality that feels otherworldly. It's a visually stunning and relentlessly intense experience that tackles themes of misogyny, technology, and the breakdown of order with a fierce, unapologetic energy. Brace yourself for a wild and unsettling ride.

'Detention' is a wild, genre-bending ride that throws everything at the wall and somehow makes it work! This film is a frantic, self-aware horror-comedy that plays with every high school trope imaginable, blending slasher movie conventions with time travel, aliens, and a healthy dose of meta-commentary. It's set during a single night of detention where a group of students must survive a masked killer, all while navigating their own complex relationships and the film's increasingly bizarre plot twists.

It's a visually inventive and incredibly energetic movie that's packed with pop culture references and a unique visual style. If you're looking for a film that's unconventional, hyperactive, and gleefully embraces its own absurdity, 'Detention' is a truly unforgettable experience. It's a film that demands your full attention, rewarding you with laughs, scares, and a truly original vision.

'Thoroughbreds' is a sophisticated and chilling dark comedy that explores the twisted friendship between two affluent teenage girls. Lily (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Amanda (Olivia Cooke) reconnect and hatch a sinister plan to solve their respective problems, which involves a hitman and a hefty inheritance. The film's brilliance lies in its sharp dialogue and the captivating performances of its two leads, who bring a disturbing detachment to their increasingly morally bankrupt scheme.

It's a slow burn, building tension through unsettling conversations and a palpable sense of unease. While not supernatural in the traditional sense, the almost alien-like lack of empathy displayed by Amanda, who claims to feel no emotions, gives the film an eerie, almost otherworldly quality. It's a unique and intelligent take on the dark side of adolescence, wrapped in a sleek, visually appealing package.

'Jawbreaker' is a delightfully dark and stylish black comedy that delves into the cutthroat world of high school popularity. When a birthday prank goes horribly wrong, resulting in the accidental death of their queen bee, three popular girls must scramble to cover up the crime. Rose McGowan delivers a deliciously evil performance as Courtney Shayne, the manipulative leader who will stop at nothing to maintain her social standing.

The film is a visual feast, with its bold colors, exaggerated fashion, and satirical take on the dark side of teenage cliques. It's a cynical yet often hilarious exploration of guilt, ambition, and the lengths some will go to protect their perfect image. While it doesn't have overt supernatural elements, the almost otherworldly evil of Courtney's character and the heightened reality of the high school setting give it a distinct, darkly fantastical feel that fits this niche perfectly.

The 2013 adaptation of Stephen King's 'Carrie' offers a compelling and often brutal look at high school bullying and supernatural revenge. Chloë Grace Moretz takes on the iconic role of Carrie White, a sheltered and tormented teenager who discovers she possesses telekinetic powers. Julianne Moore is chilling as her fanatically religious mother, Margaret, creating a suffocating home environment that pushes Carrie to her breaking point.

While this version stays true to the source material's dark core, it brings a modern sensibility to the classic tale of an outcast pushed too far. The prom scene, in particular, is an emotionally charged and visually striking climax that delivers on the promise of Carrie's terrifying abilities. It's a powerful and tragic story about the consequences of cruelty, with a supernatural edge that makes it a truly unsettling experience.

From the brilliant mind behind 'Happy Death Day' comes 'Freaky,' another fantastic genre-bender that combines body-swap comedy with slasher horror! This film sees a shy high school senior, Millie, switch bodies with a notorious serial killer, 'The Butcher,' played by a brilliantly menacing Vince Vaughn. The result is a chaotic and hilarious race against time as Millie, trapped in the killer's body, tries to convince her friends of her true identity and reverse the swap before it's permanent.

Vaughn's performance as a teenage girl trapped in a hulking killer's body is comedic gold, and Kathryn Newton is equally excellent as the killer inhabiting a high schooler. The film doesn't shy away from the gore, but it's always balanced with sharp humor and genuine heart. It's a bloody, funny, and surprisingly sweet story about self-acceptance and friendship, making it a standout in the supernatural dark comedy genre.

'Happy Death Day' is an ingenious blend of 'Groundhog Day' and a slasher movie, creating a truly unique and entertaining experience! Jessica Rothe shines as Tree Gelbman, a self-centered sorority girl who finds herself reliving the day of her murder over and over again. To escape the loop, she must figure out who her masked killer is.

The film masterfully balances its horror elements with laugh-out-loud dark humor, particularly in Tree's increasingly exasperated reactions to her predicament. It's a surprisingly clever take on the slasher genre, offering genuine scares alongside character development as Tree slowly transforms through her repeated deaths. The supernatural time loop premise provides endless opportunities for creative kills and comedic moments, making it a highly engaging watch from start to finish. It's a fantastic example of how to inject fresh ideas into familiar tropes.

If you're looking for a fresh, darkly comedic take on the high school slasher genre, 'Tragedy Girls' is an absolute must-see! This film is a wickedly smart and hilariously twisted romp about two best friends, Sadie and McKayla, who are obsessed with true crime and social media fame. When a local serial killer strikes, they decide to take matters into their own hands, not to stop the killings, but to become the story.

Starring Brianna Hildebrand and Alexandra Shipp, their chemistry as the titular Tragedy Girls is electric, delivering snappy dialogue and a perfectly deranged enthusiasm for their macabre ambitions. The film brilliantly satirizes influencer culture and the thirst for online notoriety, all while delivering genuinely suspenseful and gory thrills. It's a film that understands its audience and delivers exactly what it promises: a high school setting, plenty of dark humor, and a deliciously supernatural twist on the typical teen horror flick. Get ready for some serious laughs and gasps!

Prepare yourself for a wickedly entertaining ride with 'Jennifer's Body'! This film, starring Megan Fox as the titular demonically possessed high school queen bee and Amanda Seyfried as her best friend Needy, has rightfully found its place as a cult favorite. It's a brilliant blend of horror, dark comedy, and a surprisingly insightful commentary on female friendship and the pressures of high school.

Written by the incredibly talented Diablo Cody (who won an Oscar for 'Juno'), the dialogue is razor-sharp and absolutely dripping with early 2000s slang, which only adds to its charm and authenticity. What's truly captivating about 'Jennifer's Body' is its subversion of classic horror tropes, giving us a monster who is both terrifying and tragically human. The film's initial lukewarm reception has been completely overshadowed by its resurgence, with audiences now appreciating its feminist themes and unique take on the supernatural. It's a bloody good time with a lot more going on beneath the surface than meets the eye. Don't miss out on this deliciously dark gem!

Oh my goodness, where do I even begin with 'Heathers'? This 1988 cult classic is an absolute masterclass in dark humor and high school satire. It's a deliciously wicked ride that skewers the social hierarchy of adolescence with a sharp, cynical wit that still feels shockingly relevant today. Winona Ryder as Veronica Sawyer is simply iconic, delivering lines with a world-weary sarcasm that perfectly captures the angst of a smart girl trapped in a superficial world. And Christian Slater as J.D.? He's the ultimate charismatic bad boy, a true agent of chaos who pushes Veronica into increasingly extreme situations.

What makes 'Heathers' so special is its fearless approach to taboo subjects, all wrapped up in a candy-colored, shoulder-padded aesthetic. It's a film that dared to go where few teen movies had gone before, exploring themes of peer pressure, suicide, and the dark side of popularity with a subversive glee. The dialogue is endlessly quotable, and the film's influence can be seen in countless subsequent teen comedies and dramas. If you're looking for a film that's both hilariously dark and surprisingly profound, 'Heathers' is an essential watch that will leave you both laughing and thinking. It's truly big fun!