Great Quirky Movies for Grown-Ups

Over 400 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Great Quirky Movies for Grown-Ups
Voting Rules
Vote up the your favorite off-kilter and twee movies made for mature audiences.
Latest additions: Asteroid City, The Little Hours
Most divisive: Broken Flowers

Snarky cynics, charming cheaters, and feuding families are prime subjects for great quirky movies for adults. The top quirky drama films often spotlight characters embarking on a new chapter of their lives - usually without the support of their loved ones. This is a list of the greatest dramas about quirky characters including everything from Margot at the Wedding to Young Adult to Sideways.

What films will you find on this list of the best quirky movies for adults? The Royal Tenenbaums follows a delightfully dysfunctional family as they deal with suicide, incestuous love, and a fake cancer diagnosis. Its all-star cast includes Ben Stiller, Bill Murray, Gwyneth Paltrow, Gene Hackman, and many more. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a unique romance, thanks in part to its quirky lead characters. Other good films features on this list include Lost in Translation, Little Miss Sunshine, and Midnight in Paris.

Which of these dramas are the quirkiest movies of all? Give your personal picks a thumbs up to move them to the top of the list, and get in on the conversation in the comments section.

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  • Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind
    1
    Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Kirsten Dunst
    152 votes
    • Released: 2004
    • Directed by: Michel Gondry

    Ah, the twisted tale of love and heartache! This mind-bending journey dives into the delicate threads of memories rich with emotion and showcases the extraordinary lengths people will go to erase painful experiences. Jim Carrey's dramatic turn and Kate Winslet's outstanding performance make this masterpiece a must-watch for every adult seeking something unorthodox in their romance dramas. Undoubtedly, it'll leave viewers questioning if love is worth all the trouble.

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  • Little Miss Sunshine
    2
    Greg Kinnear, Steve Carell, Toni Collette
    142 votes
    • Released: 2006
    • Directed by: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris

    A delightful gem packed with dark humor, this dysfunctional family road-trip is sure to tickle the fancy of anyone looking for something off-the-wall. When a plucky young girl's determination leads to an adventure filled with mishaps, the wickedly funny cast brings life to these oddball characters. The antics are outrageous, yet the heartfelt moments prove that blood runs thicker than water, no matter how quirky the family may be.

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  • Napoleon Dynamite
    3
    Jon Heder, Jon Gries, Aaron Ruell
    105 votes
    • Released: 2004
    • Directed by: Jared Hess

    An offbeat, low-key teen movie that transcends the genre, this cult classic revels in awkward silences, bizarre humor, and wildly eccentric characters. Jon Heder's deadpan delivery as the titular hero is endearing in its own peculiar way, and the supporting cast of misfits is nothing short of unforgettable. It's a peculiar slice of life that'll have viewers hooked on its quirky charm.

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  • Amélie
    4
    Audrey Tautou, Spencer Tracy, Joan Bennett
    105 votes
    • Released: 2001
    • Directed by: Jean-Pierre Jeunet

    Take a trip to Paris with this whimsical modern-day fairy tale overflowing with charm and quirkiness. Audrey Tautou enchants with her portrayal of a shy and introverted dreamer, bestowing random acts of kindness upon strangers and concocting elaborate schemes in the quest for love. Bursting with color, imagination, and a dash of French flair, this film is an enchanting must-watch for anyone seeking the perfect blend of romance and whimsy.

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  • Big Fish
    5
    Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup
    108 votes
    • Released: 2003
    • Directed by: Tim Burton

    Tim Burton's whimsical meditation on the power of storytelling blends together tall tales and striking visuals. The colorful cast of characters enriches this fantastical journey through the life of a dying man, as his estranged son tries to separate fact from fiction. It's a visually enchanting adult fairy tale that's both heartwarming and dramatic.

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  • Ghost World
    6
    Thora Birch, Scarlett Johansson, Steve Buscemi
    68 votes
    • Released: 2001
    • Directed by: Terry Zwigoff

    This striking adaptation of Daniel Clowes' graphic novel delves into the alienation and existential crises faced by two teenage girls after high school graduation. Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson captivate as they navigate aimlessness, while Steve Buscemi tackles loneliness with his usual panache. Fans of deadpan humor and vivid imagery will find this quirky coming-of-age story right up their alley.

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