Happiness

Happiness

1998
Comedy, Drama
2h 14m
A series of intertwining love stories, stories of connections missed and made between people, how people always struggle to make a connection, and to what degree they succeed or don't.
Your probable score
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Happiness

1998
Comedy, Drama
2h 14m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 67.56% from 3003 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(3003)
Compact view
Compact view
Rated 02 Mar 2008
10
98th
Ugly, disgusting and really uncomfortable. But somehow still a comedy. Of sorts. How the hell did this ever get made? "Hi studio exec - my name is Todd Solondz and I'm here to depress the hell out of you. Give me some money, please?" One of the greatest things to come out of the 90s.
Rated 14 Jul 2007
89
90th
Oh god, what the hell! MOM! HELP!!!!!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
94th
A scorchingly harsh movie. Really digs deep into the bleakness of interpersonal relationships and how difficult it is to control any of our own fates. The whole movie plays like a terrible dream that feels entirely true . . . and its humor is so black that you feel awful while you're laughing.
Rated 31 Jul 2009
90
97th
Insanely dark comedy that fits right into the Solondz mould. This is by far my faviourite Solondz film, the humour is brutal and at times even scary making the viewer uncomfortable yet somehow fascinated as to just how far this movie will push it. The dialogue is sharp and the performances are brilliant. In particular Seymour Hoffman's performance is epic. A masterpiece.
Rated 04 Dec 2006
8
82nd
You should probably watch this with your mom.
Rated 22 Mar 2010
10
98th
FUCK
Rated 23 Dec 2008
8
80th
Adjective, adjective, adjective, adjective, adjective, adjective, and a lil loco.
Rated 18 Apr 2010
87
90th
The darkest of black comedies, for when faced with this much awkwardness, ugliness, and angst, what other way is their to cope but to laugh? Made all the more uncomfortable once you find something in it to relate too, in spite of your desire to distance yourself from the characters as much as possible. Baker and Hoffman's performances stand out amongst a group of already strong performances.
Rated 30 Nov 2009
93
97th
Fuck me, there's black comedy and there's "Happiness". How can you describe this? Jet-black comedy? An amazing cast, and Solondz really is just an incredibly brave guy.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
76
78th
If a movie could have balls, this would have the biggest pair.
Rated 12 Jul 2007
5
96th
Deeply misanthropic and revolting...yet I loved every minute of its cringe-inducing dialog and (with a few exceptions) the genuinely loathsome/pathetic characters. Far and away the best flick of Solondz's relatively small corpus of work.
Rated 04 Aug 2008
87
88th
A friend of mine watched this with her parents...not a good call
Rated 03 Mar 2009
10
99th
Once again Solondz finds comedy in truly fucked up situations, and again he does it well. Unlike Welcome to the Dollhouse however, this works as a drama also.
Rated 24 Jan 2009
89
96th
'It was a crime of passion, ... I'm a passionate woman.' The amount of brilliante dialogues you find in Happiness is amazing. ... You will be blown away by its dark, savage humour, and its uncomforting view on relations and sex. ... Still the best of Todd Solondz's repertoire.
Rated 26 Oct 2009
91
97th
This is a story of people who are desperately seeking happiness which is so hard to achieve. There is no shortcut for love. And happiness is so different for different people. We are blocked by exptectations created by ourselves and by other people. Everything is shown through black humour which is pretty serious more deeper you go with it. Many brilliant performances, excellent directing.
Rated 31 Mar 2007
100
95th
Very funny and disturbing look at the perpetual human ugliness
Rated 31 Dec 2007
95
97th
The finest pitch-black comedy in existence. Much better than Welcome the the Dollhouse and free of the annoying stylistic choices that dragged down Palindromes, this is Solondz's finest movie. Equally disturbing and hilarious, you'll be laughing at the very same things that make you cringe.
Rated 09 Jun 2009
79
89th
Not much happiness here, but all the more tragedy. I found it greatly entertaining, as it uses humor to highlight the darkness.
Rated 10 Sep 2022
80
77th
I am champagne. I am champagne. I am champagne. I am champagne. I am champagne. I am champagne.
Rated 12 Dec 2006
92
97th
Really disturbing and yet the comedy still works, so Solondz must be doing something right.
Rated 22 Dec 2006
88
91st
Not for the faint hearted. Phillip Seymour Hoffman is particularly unsettling. But brilliant.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
98
96th
I think it's really a very dark comedy, but people are too busy being offended to notice. Baker and Hoffman are great.
Rated 30 Jun 2008
100
99th
Todd Solondz is a genious. Although not a horror film, Happiness is a terrifying movie. It's brilliance is in how it leads one to imagine the harshest of sexual/emotional deviances yet it never explicitly states or shows them. If one is confident that their sense of humour is sick and twisted enough, this movie is completely worth seeing.
Rated 15 Jun 2008
89
93rd
Extremely depressing and disturbing. Magnificient.
Rated 25 Feb 2016
87
99th
What a movie! The whole package: story, style, cinematography is very distinct. It might have to do with it being the first movie by Solondz I have seen, but it really surprised me. It is really, REALLY fucked-up social satire, but also funny and smart (kind of like me). Afterwards I read articles proclaiming Solondz to be the patron saint of pessimism or self-conscious misanthrope. So OK, it's not a movie for everyone, but if you'll like it, you gonna love it.
Rated 04 Nov 2009
92
87th
Happiness is the snappiest, darkest, most ironical and cynical Movie I've seen in years. And this is great. Celebrate the misanthropy! I guess Nietzsche would have a crush on this one.
Rated 02 May 2012
90
95th
This is a greatly accomplished true black comedy with an amazing array of grey tones. It's difficult to find well-rounded, detailed screenplays that rely on the viewer's intelligence to catch the subtletly, but Solondz and his amazing cast laregly succeed and gives us a sense of watching something that trascends.
Rated 20 Aug 2010
68
66th
I'd like to think that I'm pretty desensitized to a lot of things but this movie made me reeeeally uncomfortable. (Which I guess is the point, but it didn't really use it to any end, in my opinion)
Rated 06 Jan 2010
20
1st
couldn't watch this one to the end, it's SO incredibly obvious and forced. just for calling a film about despaired and broken personalities "happiness" solondz deserves a heavy slap - i mean, that is not even irony, it's just dull. --- though there is some ben gazzara in it, which is always a plus i guess.
Rated 22 Feb 2020
95
98th
One of the most uncomfortable experiences of having to suppress laughter in a theater full of people who just didn't get it. I love this movie. I've kept returning to it over the years. The most unabashed movie about sexual perversity and darkly comic throughout.
Rated 03 Feb 2011
79
53rd
Occasionally takes a false step by going for cheap shots and even gets the tiniest bit sitcommy (especially when LFB's on screen), but it somehow manages to sidestep bashing you in the face with its misanthropy -- the fact that the film managed to go this far and not simultaneously try way too hard is a minor miracle. The writing is, those few aforementioned biffs aside, pitch-black and pitch-perfect, and several of the performances (Manheim, PSH, and especially Dylan Baker) are phenomenal.
Rated 21 Jun 2008
85
60th
The most noteworthy part of this movie is definitely the tongue in cheek Marla Maples cameo. Kidding!
Rated 25 Sep 2010
74
90th
Awkwardness abounds in this freak show of human depravity and general sadness. Not for the feint of heart or easily offended. Well acted all around.
Rated 28 Jun 2010
90
94th
One of the funniest comedies about unfunny things. Things get worse and worse for everyone. Even the happy ending is fucked.
Rated 17 Oct 2017
84
78th
It was this film above all the others that had me distraught and completely at a loss when Philip Seymour Hoffman died. I don't think anyone else on the planet could achieve what he does in this. Haven't seen it for a long time, and not sure when I'll ever watch it again, but it sticks in the memory. Recommend that you watch this only with friends that you trust emotionally and intellectually, but do watch it with someone so you can talk it through afterwards!
Rated 16 Aug 2014
60
52nd
This movie covers some hard subjects about sexual psychology not often covered in movies. All this subjects covered together make it a very ambitious and how they are approached is interesting. But I don't think it has aged well and feels outdated, nevertheless it has some interesting dialogues and performances.
Rated 29 Sep 2011
90
95th
Stuffed with dark humor, awkwardness and some nasty bits. I friggin loved it
Rated 28 Nov 2011
100
99th
This movie is timeless. I will never not love or get bored of a movie like this. So much to explore and know.
Rated 21 Apr 2007
85
80th
Would have been perfect if it was maybe 20-30 minutes shorter.
Rated 05 May 2014
80
68th
Nervous Giggling: The Movie
Rated 26 Jul 2010
85
71st
Agnes Varda's finest work, IMHO.
Rated 21 Jan 2014
90
97th
Mercilessly cynical combination of dark humor and dead-on social commentary. Scenes that would appear 'cute' in other contexts (Baker -fantastic in this- awkwardly trying to please his romantic interest via tuna sandwiches) are twisted in unforgettable ways -questioning the way we view both film and reality itself. Solondz isn't always above clunky juxtaposition, but his demolition of social facades as well as his search for humanity in even the 'sickest' situations is piercing and hilarious.
Rated 05 Jan 2011
37
34th
it kinda feels like its being offensive and miserable for the sake of being offensive and miserable. most of the stories don't go anywhere and the film generally fails to make a statement about the things it depicts. on the plus side, lara flynn boyle is hilarious.
Rated 03 Jan 2007
90
87th
Felicidade estreava há 25 anos no Festival de New York. O vi na ocasião de seu lançamento e deve ter sido tão traumático que deletei totalmente da memória, só enquanto as cenas iam avançando que fui lembrando aos poucos, provavelmente na época não achei tão engraçado como achei agora, mas na última cena entre pai e filho tive que pausar pra ir fumar um cigarro porque é dark demais até para uma comédia de humor negro. PirateBay.
Rated 09 Jul 2012
85
74th
A very dark tragicomedy. Brilliant acting.
Rated 01 Jul 2007
90
75th
One of the most disturbing and uncomfortable times you'll ever have watching a movie. The performances are mesmerizing. Dylan Baker is the bravest actor who ever lived.
Rated 16 Dec 2015
85
73rd
Weirdly Interesting and Entertaining Disfunctional Dark and Disturbing Last Time I will wish anybody "Every Happiness"
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
79th
If you can find a bleaker film that still makes you laugh out loud... well, watch that film (and drop me a line about it). Of course, that shouldn't keep you from watching this one too. A terrible date movie with a peculiarly redeeming ending.
Rated 28 Jun 2007
58
36th
Theres definitely a couple really good scenes (the opening scene is fantastic), but as it dragged on and the humor dissapearred and it got more "shocking" I just started to lose interest.
Rated 03 Jul 2010
95
83rd
It hurts. Alot. You love this movie, thinking it's gonna feel better soon, but it does not. Painful in the best way. Look at "Magnolia" and "Little Children" if you crave more of the same bad feelings.
Rated 25 Jun 2014
74
67th
This is a really good little dark comedy, and it's too bad I never heard of it outside of totally random chance, seeing clips of it on youtube. In another director's hands, it could have been a traditional comedy, but a lot of weird scenes are played so straight, that they become... really satisfyingly uncomfortable... if that makes sense.
Rated 06 Aug 2007
78
38th
One of the most miserable movies ever.
Rated 08 Jun 2010
70
45th
Enjoyable for the countless terrible things the characters do. Made worse because you will relate to at least one of these things. Fun black comedy.
Rated 25 Feb 2011
80
90th
Fuck me, this is some heavy stuff. There's no sugarcoating anything here, it's a detailed analysis of how fucked up people are. Especially the ones you wouldn't think of. You gotta bow down to Philip Seymour Hoffmann and especially Dylan Baker for bravely taking on very, VERY debatable roles.
Rated 20 Jul 2012
58
60th
Not offended or disturbed, just wanting something less forced and more organic. Besides Hoffman did you really believe any of this was happening, or to people that existed? It just felt so scripted to be shocking and nothing else.
Rated 21 Apr 2013
20
2nd
Over the top with the pedophilia, and it isn't really that funny elsewhere.
Rated 25 Jul 2016
9
89th
One of the few dark comedies that's so exceedingly and (dare I say) ingeniously dark that it almost goes full circle into a consistent state of "dude, not funny." Almost.
Rated 17 Jun 2010
80
74th
This movie focuses on how people keep up appearances, while deep inside their lonely, f*cked up, true self is hidden. While watching this movie I was wondering if the movie was exaggerating the facts, or if it was closer to the truth than one wants to admit. The cast, characters, ink black humor is all great. The movie touches on very heavy topics but it's pleasant to watch because of the black humor (which enables you to not take it all too serious).
Rated 18 Sep 2010
79
78th
Squirm-inducing examination of life's disappointments. Every character is flawed - the most sympathetic is a child molester!
Rated 04 Aug 2013
69
31st
Overall everything in this movie was good. From the pacing, to the scripting, to the acting etc.. But somehow the whole movie long i was annoyed , probably because it was only about one thing. sexually unhappy or sexually frustrated people. Everything sex related. This movie is like a Freudian wet dream. Interesting to watch, but not good for multiple viewings.
Rated 31 Aug 2010
79
68th
doido demais. só doença
Rated 16 Sep 2010
30
15th
The pretentious title and premise belie a contrived, directionless drama spiked with crude and awkward sexual humor that elicited annoyed "pffft"s from me but was never smart or funny. The text has no redeeming qualities and amounts to clothed sexploitation with a budget.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
65
71st
Score based on a viewing from long ago.
Rated 23 Jun 2009
72
49th
Decent movie, very funny in parts but kinda disturbing.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
56th
Disturbing and gut-wrenching, a movie so well-acted that the characters becoming breathing life.
Rated 05 Sep 2009
83
77th
Great movie, but the main actors aren't that good.
Rated 20 May 2013
40
54th
Good to know Philip Seymour Hoffman gets off to the same things I do.
Rated 19 Dec 2008
59
18th
825
Rated 26 Dec 2009
60
6th
Disturbed, sick and forced in so many ways and levels. I can't help but think that Solondz, in this movie, is not interested in anything but manipulate the characters and situations just to disturb the audience. That's not the kind of cinema that i'm into.
Rated 23 Dec 2011
96
96th
almost flawless.
Rated 30 Jul 2016
3
27th
What can I say. It's a well made film, possibly even a masterpiece, but I'd be lying if I were to tell you that I enjoyed watching it. This movie is complicated and is sure to be divisive. Were I an adult in 1998 and had watched it in the cinemea, I would have probably walked right out. There's not much more to say. They call it dark comedy, and it did truly make me laugh on occasion, but every laugh is followed by an inescapable feeling of dread for the human race.
Rated 10 Apr 2008
71
69th
MISLEADING TITLE
Rated 13 Dec 2011
80
74th
Awfully depressing film, but you can't help but laugh at these characters, either because you're uncomfortable, or the dialogue is just so frank that its ridiculous. I'll probably never watch it again, however. It was just too much.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
30
14th
If laughing at pathetic losers is your bag, this ought to rip you wide open. Personally i relate a little too well. The acting is pretty top notch, & there's a lot here to like, adult subjects, good presentation, unusual story, but unpleasant.
Rated 20 Jan 2007
93
93rd
This movie gets better with each viewing, as the shock wears out of the movie and the real depravity of the characters settles in.
Rated 23 Aug 2010
88
80th
A perverse cynic's delight. Some more please.
Rated 24 May 2007
50
13th
For the sort of people who think Big Black were a good band.
Rated 28 Mar 2010
96
93rd
This movie is so dry..so dark..so morbidly cruel....this movie will make people talk..and there are some scenes in this movie that dont cross the line. they destroy all the boundries...great movie
Rated 26 Oct 2010
88
87th
Amazing film full of interweaving twists as a variety of characters try to find love by pursuing sex. Philip Seymour Hoffman and Lara Flynn Boyle are amazing polar opposites. Also portrays pedophilia in a very matter-of-fact way. I chuckled throughout the movie, and I kinda felt guilty for it. That, my fellow reviewers, is black comedy gold.
Rated 09 Feb 2011
80
22nd
A 'pursuit of happiness' of mostly sexually frustrated, perverted characters. Feels like a 'Requiem for a Dream' wannabe.
Rated 15 Jul 2013
85
90th
Top badass moment? At the start of the film, Allen strikes a blow for downtrodden men everywhere with his "I'm Champagne" tirade. Admittedly he picks on the somewhat weedy Joy as the target for his 'stand', but nevertheless he knocks the ball right out of the ground. Yeah; men rise up and take back your birthright! No more will we be under the thumb of woman-kind! Reclaim the mighty sword of masculinity and trousers of relationship power! No cats, chainsaws or decapitations.
Rated 07 Feb 2009
61
22nd
a bit pointless. And boring
Rated 30 Jun 2009
65
15th
I don't like pedophilia.
Rated 17 Dec 2008
100
76th
Do you have any tuna salad? ............... Would you like a sandwich? <3
Rated 19 Aug 2009
80
89th
I came.
Rated 17 Nov 2010
85
81st
Awkward stuff. And by awkward, I don't mean socially awkward penguin, but I mean asking your pederast dad if he would rape you as well since he raped your friends. Yeeaaah, the title is obviously ironic.
Rated 05 Oct 2013
82
71st
82.000
Rated 25 Feb 2009
80
86th
Dark and funny.
Rated 11 Apr 2010
72
84th
Well done. Made me aware of what i was laughing of.
Rated 02 Jul 2009
85
72nd
Hilarious, awkward pitch-black comedy. A symphony of cynicism.
Rated 02 Mar 2007
86
82nd
The most uncomfortable movie to watch with your conservative Christian parents? Why yes, yes it is.
Rated 02 Jan 2010
80
89th
I came! And I'm not sure I ever want to see this again.
Rated 11 Jul 2016
0
0th
Must watch till the end All point are understandable, acting fine, but just at some places goes over the top. Cynics will love it.
Rated 14 Nov 2009
80
95th
Excellent film.
Rated 26 Aug 2013
65
30th
Movies with multiple storylines are often pretty good... but this one turned out average. Although the concept is great, as "sex" is the common factor, the movie gets annoyingly creepy (child pornography and rape wtf) .. and a little too dark (and pointless) for my liking.
Rated 29 Mar 2012
93
95th
This is an amazing movie.
Rated 13 Mar 2014
7
73rd
Dark but insightful. Uncomfortable viewing.
Rated 02 Mar 2009
87
70th
So amazingly awkward and uncomfortable.Insightful. Not a date movie!
Rated 04 Jan 2011
70
49th
I can admire how well acted the film is and the very dark comedic stuff Solondz employs through the screenplay, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't uncomfortable throughout the movie. It's not often that I agree with the MPAA, and I'm still not certain that I agree with them in this case, but it's definitely the closest to being right. That said, I'm definitely thankful that movies like this exist, always challenging the viewer and what they can and can't tolerate.
Rated 17 Dec 2007
85
56th
This movie made me uncomfortable, which is extremely hard to do.

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