irony examples from movies

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16 Movie Scenes to Teach Irony and Other Literary Elements

• By Amanda in Differentiation , Lesson Ideas , Teaching

I love breaking up the monotony of a lesson with a quick video, visual, or audio example of whatever it is we’re doing in class. One of my go-tos is Disney since I have a three-year-old son. But do not let these too-cool-for-school high school students fool you; they love the these classic movie clips. They also usually know the movies by heart. My reluctant students who have trouble keeping up with  The Kite Runner , can easily speak about the literary elements when used in the context of a Disney movie.

Here’s a list of what I like to use in my classrooms when teaching irony (and a few other elements) to the students before we apply those same concepts to whatever it is we are reading in class. They know these movies by heart and can concentrate solely on what is ironic and why.

*Some links are now deleted from YouTube. Sorry! It’s too hard to keep up with 🙁 Keep scrolling to the bottom though for a free Irony presentation using Disney gifs!

Finding Nemo

• Verbal irony: Mostly Marlin with Dory. I use the clip right after the shark intervention, when they are swimming in the dark. Dory asks if Marlin is her conscience and he uses a bit of verbal irony in his smart reply back. (YouTube video link)
• Situational irony: Lots of examples, but I use the clip at the beginning when Mr. Ray and Marlin are arguing about who can better watch Nemo so he doesn’t get in trouble. It is during this argument that Nemo is able to wander off and gets into trouble. (YouTube video link)
• Dramatic irony: The dentist office scene when Nemo fakes his death. Not only do we know he’s not dead, but the audience also knows what is really happening in the office versus the people in the waiting room who are thinking it’s the world’s worst cavity drilling. ( YouTube video link)
• Verbal irony: Roz speaking to Mike. Mike is about to go on a date but doesn’t have his paperwork. Roz sarcastically mentions she’s sure he’s submitted his paperwork before leaving work for the day. The comments continue but her dry tone makes it clear she’s being ironic and not sincere. (YouTube video link)
• Situational irony: The whole concept of the movie with monsters afraid of little kids. I like to show the opening scene. My students act like they are annoyed watching the “kids’” movie, but they always laugh when the fake little boy shoots up in bed and the monster freaks out. (YouTube video link)
• Dramatic irony: Sullivan thinks Boo is in the trash compactor, but really she fell out of the trash can and toddled off. Sullivan has all sorts of funny reactions watching the different parts of the compactor smashing up the trash. (YouTube video link)

I actually did these using just gifs if you find yourself without time or without an Internet connection.

• Verbal irony: Olaf is just coming out of the woods after being chased by the monster Elsa created in her castle. When the monster comes into view, Olaf calls him Marshmallow even though he is anything but sweet and fluffy.
• Situational irony: There are a few examples, but I go with Olaf loving the summer time. There’s something very comical about the song and dance he does.
• Situational irony: If your students aren’t the type to enjoy song and dance, there is the scene where they are approaching the castle and Olaf comments how he is sure Elsa is really sweet and wouldn’t hurt anyone. At the same time, he runs into one of the pointing icicles surrounding the castle and impales himself.
• Dramatic irony: We know Elsa has powers and Anna does not. I show the clip after the parents died and both sisters were back-to-back at the door. Elsa’s side was full of ice and snow. I was worried the students would revolt if I played the song about building a snowman.

• Dramatic irony: Again, the whole movie with the toys being alive and none of the humans knowing it. I showed the quick clip of the beginning where Andy throws Woody on the bed and leaves, and all of the toys start to get up once the coast is clear.
• Dramatic irony: Another favorite of mine is with Buzz’s arm. Woody is trying to convince everyone Buzz is okay and that they are friends now so the toys will save Woody and Buzz from the neighbor, Sid. From Sid’s window Woody is shaking Buzz’s hand (his arm broke off when Buzz tried to fly) while Buzz is actually on the floor away from the window completely. The toys are convinced but then Woody accidentally moves the arm so that the toys can see it is not connected to Buzz anymore. The dinosaur vomits off to the side thinking Woody killed Buzz.

This is a great example to use as an assessment to see if students get the different types of irony because it has all three in a very brief clip. It also is a great example for how irony helps develop theme.

• Verbal irony: Jasmine has just snuck out of the castle and meets Aladdin who is taking her up to his sleeping quarters. He pulls back the curtain to show the palace and talks about how great it is, and Jasmine says, “Oh, it’s wonderful all right,” and we can clearly tell from her body language and tone (and since she just ran away) she does not mean it. It’s further elaborated when she lists all the things she hates about the palace.
• Situational irony: In this same scene both characters complain about being trapped. Jasmine feels trapped living the rich, palace life; Aladdin feels trapped since he is poor and has no opportunities. (This is a perfect example of irony contributing to theme since part of the theme in Aladdin is about how we shouldn’t be greedy and how money can’t buy happiness)
• Dramatic irony: We know who Jasmine really is, but obviously Aladdin does not.

The Incredibles

• Situational irony: The opening scene where Mr. Incredible gets sued for hurting someone while saving that person’s life. We also see the setup of the future irony where his arch enemy is Buddy, his former number-one fan.
• Foreshadowing: There is a bit of foreshadowing in this scene as well since we see Buddy’s reaction and facial expression when Mr. Incredible scolds him. It hints at his future evil attitude towards superheroes in general and Mr. Incredible in particular.
• Satire: The opening scene where everyone is happy to have only technology and no actual nature. One kid swims and turns green, but is still smiling; a man drives a giant car; a tree needs dozens of batteries to operate. And because of all this, everyone needs to buy clean air for their houses. I play the clip for the visual, but the song is really quick so I give my students a copy of the transcript as well for them to reference. The social commentary here being that we need to nix the technology and get back to nature.
• Situational irony: In the same scene as above, the most powerful man in the city is also the smallest.
• Literary Foil: Lightening McQueen is very serious and only thinks about racing. Racing is his life. He has no friends and he has no fun. Mater only likes fun and is very laid back. The foil for the two is apparent in the cow tipping scene.

Sample Irony Powerpoint

Click below for the irony Powerpoint I use with my high school students as a quick review before reading irony filled short stories such as “The Necklace,” “The Gift of the Magi,” or “The Story of an Hour.” I print out the notes outline of the Powerpoint so students can take notes as we go.

Irony Powerpoint

There are many more, I’m sure. But these are the ones from which I get the best results.

Have some more to add? Please, leave a comment!

• disney , foil , foreshadowing , irony , movie , pixar , satire , theme

This is my ninth year teaching. I'm certified in secondary English and special education. I love creating engaging lessons that help to reach all students regardless of ability. I don't post my real picture because I like to keep my privacy.

Skip to comment form

• Stephanie on March 26, 2022 at 7:40 pm

Thank you so much for sharing this resource! I’m in a short term contract with Gr 7s, and I think this would be a great mini lesson to supplement what my class is covering!

• Amanda on March 29, 2022 at 12:07 am Author

My pleasure! I use it for mini-lessons, too 🙂

• Emily on October 14, 2020 at 11:58 pm

2nd year teacher/intern! This is great! I actually have to have a sub and this looks like something I can leave my kids to work on and also explains it so well!!!

Thank you for making this resource available!

• Amanda on October 19, 2020 at 4:21 pm Author

My pleasure! Thanks for checking out my blog.

• Marissa on January 3, 2018 at 2:55 am

This is wonderful for a field student developing the basics for lesson plans — thank you so much!

• Amanda on January 3, 2018 at 4:07 am Author

My pleasure! Thanks for checking out my blog

• Amanda on July 11, 2017 at 1:32 pm Author

My pleasure! Good luck with the switch. It is indeed a process.

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What Is Irony? Definition, Usage, and Literary Examples

Irony definition.

Irony  (EYE-run-ee) is a literary device in which a word or event means something different—and often contradictory—to its actual meaning. At its most fundamental, irony is a difference between reality and something’s appearance or expectation, creating a natural tension when presented in the  context  of a story. In recent years, irony has taken on an additional meaning, referring to a situation or joke that is subversive in nature; the fact that the term has come to mean something different than what it actually does is, in itself, ironic.

The history of the word points to its somewhat deceptive nature. It comes from the Ancient Greek  eiron , meaning a stock character in early theatrical productions who feigns ignorance to fool someone else.

Types of Irony

When someone uses irony, it is typically in one of the three ways: verbal, situational, or dramatic.

Verbal Irony

In this form of irony, the speaker says something that differs from—and is usually in opposition with—the real meaning of the word(s) they’ve used. Take, for example, Edgar Allan Poe’s short story  “The Cask of Amontillado.”  As Montresor encloses Fortunato into the catacombs’ walls, he mocks Fortunato’s plea—”For the love of God, Montresor!”—by replying, “Yes, for the love of God!” Poe uses this to underscore how Montresor’s actions are anything but loving or humane—thus, far from God.

Situational Irony

This occurs when there is a difference between the intention of a specific situation and its result. The result is often unexpected or contrary to a person’s goal. The entire  plot  of L. Frank Baum’s  The Wonderful Wizard of Oz  hinges on situational irony. Dorothy and her friends spend the story trying to reach the Wizard so Dorothy can find a way back home, but in the end, the Wizard informs her that she had the power and knowledge to return home all along.

Dramatic Irony

Here, there is a disparity in how a character understands a situation and how the audience understands it. In Henrik Ibsen’s play  A Doll’s House , the married Nora excitedly anticipates the day when she’ll be able to repay Krogstad, who illegally lent her money. She imagines a future “free from care,” but the audience understands that, because Nora must continue to lie to her husband about the loan, she will never be free.

Not all irony adheres perfectly to one of these definitions. In some cases, irony is simply irony, where something’s appearance on the surface is substantially different from the truth.

Irony vs. Coincidence

Irony is often confused with coincidence. Though there is some overlap between the two terms, they are not the same thing. Coincidence describes two or more unlikely activities that share unexplainable similarities. It is often confused with situational irony. For example, finding out a friend you made in adulthood went to your high school is a coincidence, not an ironic event. Additionally, coincidence isn’t classifiable by type.

Irony, on the other hand, has a much starker and more substantial disparity between intention and result, with the result often the direct opposite of the intention. For example, the fact that the word  lisp  is ironic, considering it refers to an inability to properly pronounce  s  sounds but itself contains an  s .

The Functions of Irony

How an author uses irony depends on their intentions and the story or scene’s larger  context . In much of literature, irony highlights a larger point the author is making—often a commentary on the inherent difficulties and messiness of human existence.

With verbal irony, a writer can demonstrate a character’s intelligence, wit, or snark—or, as in the case of “ The Cask of Amontillado ,” a character’s unmitigated evil. It is primarily used in dialogue and rarely offers up any insight into the plot or meaning of a story.

With dramatic irony, a writer illustrates that knowledge is always a work in progress. It reiterates that people rarely have all the answers in life and can easily be wrong when they don’t have the right information. By giving readers knowledge the characters do not have, dramatic irony keeps readers engaged in the story; they want to see if and when the characters learn this information.

Finally, situational irony is a statement on how random and unpredictable life can be. It showcases how things can change in the blink of an eye and in bigger ways than one ever anticipated. It also points out how humans are at the mercy of unexplained forces, be they spiritual, rational, or matters of pure chance.

Irony as a Function of Sarcasm and Satire

Satire and  sarcasm  often utilize irony to amplify the point made by the speaker.

Sarcasm is a rancorous or stinging expression that disparages or taunts its subject. Thus, it usually possesses a certain amount of irony. Because inflection conveys sarcasm more clearly, saying a sarcastic remark out loud helps make the true meaning known. If someone says “Boy, the weather sure is beautiful today” when it is dark and storming, they’re making a sarcastic remark. This statement is also an example of verbal irony because the speaker is saying something in direct opposition to reality. But an expression doesn’t necessarily need to be verbal to communicate its sarcastic nature. If the previous example appeared in a written work, the application of italics would emphasize to the reader that the speaker’s use of the word  beautiful  is suspect. To further clarify, the remark would closely precede or follow a description of the day’s unappealing weather.

Satire is an entire work that critiques the behavior of specific individuals, institutions, or societies through outsized humor. Satire normally possesses both irony and sarcasm to further underscore the illogicality or ridiculousness of the targeted subject. Satire has a long history in literature and popular culture. The first known satirical work, “The Satire of the Trades,” dates back to the second millennium BCE. It discusses a variety of trades in an exaggerated, negative light, while presenting the trade of writer as one of great honor and nobility.  Shakespeare  famously satirized the cultural and societal norms of his time in many of his plays. In 21st-century pop culture,  The Colbert Report  was a political satire show, in which host Stephen Colbert played an over-the-top conservative political commentator. By embodying the characteristics—including vocal qualities—and beliefs of a stereotypical pundit, Colbert skewered political norms through abundant use of verbal irony. This is also an example of situational irony, as the audience knew Colbert, in reality, disagreed with the kind of ideas he was espousing.

Uses of Irony in Popular Culture

Popular culture has countless examples of irony.

One of the most predominant, contemporary references, Alanis Morissette’s hit song “Ironic” generated much controversy and debate around what, exactly, constitutes irony. In the song, Morissette sings about a variety of unfortunate situations, like rainy weather on the day of a wedding, finding a fly floating in a class of wine, and a death row inmate being pardoned minutes after they were killed. Morissette follows these lines with the question, “Isn’t it ironic?” In reality, none of these situations is ironic, at least not according to the traditional meaning of the word. These situations are coincidental, frustrating, or plain bad luck, but they aren’t ironic. The intended meaning of these examples is not disparate from their actual meanings. For instance, another line claims that having “ten thousand spoons when all you need is a knife” is ironic. This would only be ironic, if, say, the person being addressed made knives for a living. Morissette herself has acknowledged the debate and asserted that the song itself is ironic because none of the things she sings about are ironic at all.

Pixar/Disney’s movie  Monsters, Inc.  is an example of situational irony. In the world of this movie, monsters go into the human realm to scare children and harvest their screams. But, when a little girl enters the monster world, it’s revealed that the monsters are actually terrified of children. There are also moments of dramatic irony. As protagonist Sully and Mike try to hide the girl’s presence, she instigates many mishaps that amuse the audience because they know she’s there but other characters have no idea.

In the iconic television show  Breaking Bad , DEA agent Hank Schrader hunts for the elusive drug kingpin known as Heisenberg. But what Hank doesn’t know is that Heisenberg is really Walter White, Hank’s brother-in-law. This is a perfect example of dramatic irony because the viewers are aware of Walter’s secret identity from the moment he adopts it.

Examples of Irony in Literature

1. Jonathan Swift,  “A Modest Proposal”

Swift’s 1729 essay is a satire rich in verbal ironies. Under the guise of a serious adviser, Swift suggests a way that poor Irish communities can improve their lot in life: selling their children to rich people. He even goes a step further with his advice:

I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young healthy child well nursed is at a year old a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled; and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricassee or a ragout.

Obviously, Swift does not intend for anyone to sell or eat children. He uses verbal ironies to illuminate class divisions, specifically many Britons’ attitudes toward the Irish and the way the wealthy disregard the needs of the poor.

2. William Shakespeare,  Titus Andronicus

This epic Shakespeare tragedy is brutal, bloody, farcical, and dramatically ironic. It concerns the savage revenge exacted by General Titus on those who wronged him. His plans for revenge involve Tamora, Queen of the Goths, who is exacting her own vengeance for the wrongs she feels her sons have suffered. The audience knows from the outset what these characters previously endured and thus understand the true motivations of Titus and Tamora.

In perhaps the most famous scene, and likely one of literature’s most wicked dramatic ironies, Titus slays Tamora’s two cherished sons, grinds them up, and bakes them into a pie. He then serves the pie to Tamora and all the guests attending a feast at his house. After revealing the truth, Titus kills Tamora—then the emperor’s son, Saturninus, kills Titus, then Titus’s son Lucius kills Saturninus and so on.

3. O. Henry,  “The Gift of the Magi”

In this short story, a young married couple is strapped for money and tries to come up with acceptable Christmas gifts to exchange. Della, the wife, sells her hair to get the money to buy her husband Jim a watchband. Jim, however, sells his watch to buy Della a set of combs. This is a poignant instance of situational irony, the meaning of which O. Henry accentuates by writing that, although “[e]ach sold the most valuable thing he owned in order to buy a gift for the other,” they were truly “the wise ones.” That final phrase compares the couple to the biblical Magi who brought gifts to baby Jesus, whose birthday anecdotally falls on Christmas Day.

4. Margaret Atwood,  The Handmaid’s Tale

Atwood’s dystopian novel takes place in a not-too-distant America. Now known as Gilead, it is an isolated and insular country run by a theocratic government. Since an epidemic left many women infertile, the government enslaves those still able to conceive and assigns them as handmaids to carry children for rich and powerful men. If a handmaid and a Commander conceive, the handmaid must give the child over to the care of the Commander and his wife. Then, the handmaid is reassigned to another “post.”

A primary character in the story is Serena Joy, a Commander’s wife. In one of the book’s many ironic instances, it is revealed that Serena, in her pre-Gilead days, was a fierce advocate for a more conservative society. Though she now has the society she fought for, women—even Commanders’ wives—have few rights. Thus, she ironically suffers from the very reforms she spearheaded.

Further Resources on Irony

The Writer  has  an article  about writing and understanding irony in fiction.

Penlighten ‘s detailed  list of irony examples  includes works mainly from classic literature.

Publishing Crawl  offers  five ways to incorporate dramatic irony into your writing .

Harvard Library has an in-depth breakdown of  the evolution of irony in postmodern literature .

TV Tropes  is  a comprehensive resource for irony  in everything from literature and anime to television and movies.

Related Terms

Irony Definition

What is irony? Here’s a quick and simple definition:

Irony is a literary device or event in which how things seem to be is in fact very different from how they actually are. If this seems like a loose definition, don't worry—it is. Irony is a broad term that encompasses three different types of irony, each with their own specific definition:  verbal irony ,  dramatic irony , and  situational irony . Most of the time when people use the word irony, they're actually referring to one of these specific types of irony.

Some additional key details about irony:

• The term "irony" comes from the ancient Greek comic character called the "eiron," who pretends ignorance in order to deceive an opponent. 
• Irony overlaps with, but is not identical to, sarcasm and satire . 
• In the last twenty years or so, the term "ironic" has become popular to describe an attitude of detachment or subversive humor, like that of someone who wears a Christmas sweater as a joke. This more recent meaning of ironic is not entirely consistent with the original meaning of irony (a fact which itself might be described as being somewhat ironic). 

Irony Pronunciation

Here's how to pronounce irony: eye -run-ee

Irony in Depth

The term "irony" usually refers to three particular types of irony:

• Verbal irony is a figure of speech in which the literal meaning of what someone says is different from—and often opposite to—what they actually mean. For example, if someone has a painful visit to the dentist and when it's over says, "Well, that was pleasant," they are using verbal irony because the intended meaning of their words (that it  wasn't at all  pleasant) is the opposite of the literal meaning of the words. Verbal irony is the most common form of irony. In fact it is so common that when people mention "irony," they often are actually referring to verbal irony. 
• Dramatic irony  Is a plot device that highlights the difference between a character's understanding of a given situation, and that of the audience. When the audience watching a movie know what's behind that door, but the character in the movie has no idea... that's dramatic irony. 
• Situational irony  refers to an unexpected, paradoxical, or perverse turn of events. It is an example of situational irony when, in the O. Henry story " The Gift of the Magi ," a young wife cuts off her hair in order to buy her husband a chain for his prized watch, but the husband sells his watch to buy his wife a comb for her beautiful hair. 

Although these three kinds of irony may seem very different at first glance, they all share one important quality: a tension between how things appear and how they really are. For a more in-depth look at each of these devices, please visit their individual pages.

Also, it's worth knowing that sometimes instances of irony don't quite fit into any of these categories, and instead align with the more general definition of irony as something that seems to be one way, but is in fact another way. Put more broadly: sometimes irony is verbal irony, sometimes it's dramatic irony, sometimes it's situational irony, and sometimes it's just irony. 

Irony, Sarcasm, and Satire

Besides the three main types of irony described above, two other literary devices—sarcasm and satire—share a lot in common with irony:

• Sarcasm is a bitter, cutting, or mocking taunt used to denigrate a particular person, place, or thing. It can sometimes take the form of verbal irony. For instance, if you were to say to someone who had just cut you in line, "What a polite, civilized person you are!" that would be sarcasm in the form of irony, since your meaning is the opposite of the literal meaning of your words. Sarcasm very often involves irony. However, it doesn't always have to use irony. For instance, when Groucho Marx says "i never forget a face, but in your case I'll be glad to make an exception," he is being sarcastic, but his words, however witty they are, mean exactly what they say. 
• Satire is a form of social or political critique. Like sarcasm, it often makes use of irony, but it isn't always ironic.

You can get more details on both sarcasm and satire at their specific pages.

Irony Examples

All three forms of irony are used very frequently in literature, theater, and film. In addition, sometimes the irony found in any of these mediums is broader and doesn't fit into any of the specific categories, and is instead just general irony. 

Irony in "The Sell Out"

" The Sell Out " by Simon Rich is a short story recently published in the New Yorker that is full of irony. The story is narrated by a Polish Jew named Herschel, who lives in Brooklyn in the early twentieth century. Herschel accidentally preserves himself in brine for one hundred years, and when he is finally discovered, still alive, in 2017, he is introduced to his great-great-grandson, a young man who lives in present-day Brooklyn. On Herschel's first day, the great-great-grandson Simon tells Herschel about computers. Herschel describes the scene (note that Hershel's English isn't all that great):

It takes him long time, but eventually Simon is able to explain. A computer is a magical box that provides endless pleasure for free. Simon is used to constant access to this box—a never-ending flow of pleasures. When the box stops working—or even just briefly slows down—he becomes so enraged that he curses our God, the one who gave us life and brought us forth from Egypt.

This description is a great example of irony in the most general sense. The humor stems from the disparity between what seems to be true to Herschel (that computers are magic pleasure boxes) and what is actually true (that computers are, well, computers, and that people are kind of stupidly addicted to them). The use of irony is effective here because Hershel's description, as outlandish as it is, actually points to something that is  true about the way people use computers. Therefore, the disparity between "what is" and "what appears to be" to Herschel isn't merely a comical error; rather, it's ironic because it actually points to a greater truth about its subject.

Verbal Irony in Don Quixote

One famously ironic work is Miguel de Cervantes's Don Quixote .   At one point, the book's narrator states: 

… historians should and must be precise, truthful and unprejudiced, without allowing self-interest or fear, hostility or affection, to turn them away from the path of truth, whose mother is history.

We can identify the above quotation as an example of verbal irony if we consider that the book's hero, Don Quixote, is fundamentally incapable of distinguishing truth from fiction, and any historian of his life would have to follow a double track of reality and fantasy which continuously overlaps, tangles, and flips. One of the most basic premises of the book is that truth is more difficult to identify than it may seem. Therefore, when the narrator vows to follow the single path of truth, he is being ironic; in reality, he believes this to be impossible. 

Dramatic Irony in Othello

The device of dramatic irony is especially well-suited to the theater, which displays constantly shifting sets, scenes, and characters to a stationary audience that, therefore, often has a more complete or "omniscient" perspective compared to any of the characters. One excellent example of dramatic irony can be found in Shakespeare's  Othello . 

Through the play, the audience watches as Iago plots against his commander Othello, and seeks to make Othello believe that his wife Desdemona has been unfaithful to him. The audience watches as Iago plots to himself and with others. Sometimes Iago even directly reveals his plans to the audience. Meanwhile, Othello continues to trust Iago, and the audience watches as the the plan they know that Iago is pursuing slowly plays out just as he intended, and Othello eventually murders the entirely innocent Desdemona. The way that the play makes the audience aware of Iago's plot, even as Othello is not, means that the play is full of dramatic irony almost for its entire length. 

Situational Irony in The Producers

In this classic film, two friends come up with a complicated money-making scheme in which they put on a play that they think is absolutely certain to fail. Their plan backfires when the play, entitled "Springtime for Hitler," is so shockingly bad that people think it's a comedy and come to see it in droves. This is an example of situational irony because the outcome is the exact opposite of what the play's producers expected.

Why Do Writers Use Irony?

Irony is a tool that can be used for many different purposes. Though sarcasm and satire are two ways of using irony that are primarily negative and critical, ironic statements can also underscore the fragility, complexity, and beauty of human experience.

• Situational irony often demonstrates how human beings are always at the mercy of an unpredictable universe—and that life can always take an unexpected turn.
• Dramatic irony emphasizes that human knowledge is always partial and often incorrect, while giving the reader or viewer the satisfaction of a more complete understanding than that of the characters.
• In dialogue, verbal irony can display one character's sparkling wit, and another character's thickheadedness. Verbal irony can also create a connection between people who  get  the irony, excluding those who don't.

Ultimately, irony is used to create meaning—whether it's humorous or profound—out of the gap between the way things appear and how they actually are.

Other Helpful Irony Resources

• The Wikipedia page on irony : A helpful overview.
• The dictionary definition of irony : A basic definition, with a bit on the etymology.
• The comedian George Carlin explaining the difference  between situational irony and mere coincidence.
• A site with a helpful index of examples of different types of irony in television, film, video games, and other media.

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40 Funny Examples of Irony in Literature, Movies and Real Life

Irony definition.

H ow often have you asked someone, “Isn’t that ironic?” While ironic is used to describe certain situations, many times, it’s actually misused and misunderstood. To start off, it’s important to know what irony actually means.

Using irony shows the contrast between how things appear and how they are in reality. When something is ironic , it’s unexpected, while in an ironic phrase, something is said, but the meaning is completely different (for example, when someone describes a rainy and cold day as a “beautiful day”). Often times, irony can be confused with sarcasm and satire, but those nouns have meanings of their own.

Now that you know what irony is, check out the irony examples below. We go through the three types of irony, while sharing examples of irony in literature, movies and real life.

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Types of irony

There are three different types of irony: dramatic, situational and verbal. Here’s what they mean.

• Dramatic irony: Dramatic irony is also known as tragic irony. This is when the audience knows something that the main character does not.
• Situational irony: This irony type occurs when something happens that is the opposite of what is expected.
• Verbal irony: Verbal irony is when the speaker says one thing, but really means another. One form of verbal irony is socratic irony. This is where a person acts ignorant to influence someone to make statements that can be challenged or that will help their case.

Irony examples in literature

1. In a case of situational irony, in the Harry Potter books, Professor Snape is known to dislike Harry due to his popularity. However, it was Snape’s actions before the plot of the books began that made Harry famous. 

2. In The Wizard of Oz , all the characters had everything they needed to accomplish their goals and wants from the beginning. This is a case of situational irony.

3. In Great Expectations, Pip and even the readers are unaware of the benefactor’s identity. The story makes us think that Miss Havisham is the benefactor, but in reality, it turns out to be Magwich.

4. In the play Julius Caesar, Mark Antony says, “But Brutus says he was ambitious, And Brutus is an honorable man.” This is verbal irony, as Antony is really implying that Brutus is neither ambitious nor honorable.

5. In Macbeth  there is dramatic irony, where King Duncan says he trusts Macbeth despite us knowing that Macbeth secretly plans to murder King Duncan.

Irony examples in movies

6. In Forrest Gump , many believe the protagonist, Forrest, to be someone who won’t accomplish anything. Despite being seen as a simple man, he achieves many things and becomes successful in various ways.

7. Throughout the Harry Potter series , protagonist Harry Potter is expected to kill Voldemort. In reality (spoiler alert), Harry has to let Voldemort kill him.

8. In  The Fault in Our Stars, Augustus Waters survives cancer. He puts a cigarette in his mouth but never lights it.

9. One irony example that reflects dramatic irony: In  Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs , the audience is aware that Snow White’s evil stepmother is the old lady who presents Snow White the apple. Snow White does not know.

10. In a case of situational irony, in Finding Nemo , Mr. Ray and Marlin argue about who is better at watching Nemo to keep him out of trouble. It’s during their argument that Nemo wanders off and eventually gets into trouble.

11. The character Olaf in Frozen loves summer and even sings a song about it! This is situational irony because, since he’s a snowman, he’ll only melt during the warm season.

12. In The Incredibles, Mr. Incredible gets sued for hurting someone while also saving his life.

Funny irony examples

13. Here’s an interesting fact : The founder of AA asked for whiskey on his deathbed. (The nurse refused.)

14. In one of the most interesting irony examples, the most shoplifted book in America is the bible.

15. When crossword puzzles debuted in the early 20th century, the New York Times was very critical of them, calling them “a primitive sort of mental exercise.” In 1942, the Times published its first crossword puzzle, and today, the New York Times crossword is the most famous one in America.

16. In the 1950s, 12-year-old David Ingham was kicked out of grammar school by the headmaster, who said that he’d “never amount to much.” Fifty-five years later, the same school commissioned Ingham, now an art teacher, to paint a portrait of that very headmaster. So Ingham definitely got the last laugh.

17. Before he became a star, Pharrell Williams was fired from McDonald’s three different times. Years later, he would help write and produce the company’s iconic “I’m Lovin’ It” jingle.

18. In 2014, the Business Software Alliance posted an anti-piracy ad that read “Your pot of gold is right here.” But eagle-eyed users noticed that the image of a “pot of gold” they used was actually a photo of a baker’s Saint Patrick’s Day cake that the BSA had used without authorization.

19. According to researchers, duct tape should never be used for sealing ducts. Talk about funny irony examples!

20. One of the funniest examples of irony: Sweden’s famous Ice Hotel has a smoke detector.

21. In 2011, the winners of an elementary school spelling bee in Utah received a trophy reading “Viewmont Spellling Bee, 1st Place.” Quite the example of irony—not only that the trophy contained a misspelling, but that it was the word “spelling.”

22. Gary Kremen, the founder of Match.com, encouraged everyone he knew to join it, including his girlfriend. She eventually left him for a man she met on Match.com.

23. The Cult Awareness Network, once a leading anti-cult hotline, is now owned by the Church of Scientology.

24. Every year ABC cuts down A Charlie Brown Christmas— a movie about the over-commercialization of the holidays—to make room for more commercials.

25. Before 2012, the largest purchaser of kale in America was Pizza Hut. They used it as garnish around their salad bars.

26. Q-tips, which are usually bought primarily to clean inside your ears, are sold in boxes that expressly warn: “Do not insert inside the ear canal.”

27. In one of the more hilarious examples of irony, McDonalds’ employee health page, which is now shut down, once warned against eating McDonald’s burgers and fries.

28. In 2009, the Guinness Book of World records named Jonathan Lee Riches the record-holder for suing the largest number of people. Angrily declaring that the Guinness Book “has no right to publish my work, my legal masterpieces,” he sued them.

Irony examples about people

29. Legend has it that Charlie Chaplin once entered a “Charlie Chaplin walk” contest—and came in 20th.

30. In 2002, a tree was planted in a park in Los Angeles in memory of Beatles guitarist George Harrison. The tree later died after being infested by beetles.

31. “Father of Traffic Safety” William Eno invented the stop sign, crosswalk, traffic circle, one-way street and taxi stand—but never learned how to drive. A prime irony example, as he never got the chance to benefit from his own invention.

32. Al Capone’s older brother was a federal Prohibition agent.

33. None of the song lyrics in Alanis Morissette’s song “Ironic” are examples of irony. As Morissette herself allegedly said, “The irony of ‘Ironic’ is that it’s not an ironic song at all.”

34. The only losing basketball coach in University of Kansas history is James Naismith—the man who invented basketball in 1891. This is one of the hilarious examples of irony that proves that just because you thought of the idea doesn’t always mean you’ll be the best at executing it.

35. The site where Julius Caesar was murdered in 44 BC is now a no-kill animal shelter for homeless cats.

36. Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone but refused to keep one in his study. He feared it would distract him from his work.

37. The first man to survive going over Niagara Falls in a barrel died after slipping on an orange peel.

38. A man named Bill Hillman wrote a book called How to Survive the Bulls of Pamplona . Despite his book being all about how to  not be killed by bulls, he died three weeks after the book was released, killed by a bull.

39. The inventor of Liquid Paper was fired from her secretarial job for failing to white-out a mistake.

40. In 1990, after 35 years working at Crayola, their retiring CEO, Emerson Moser, revealed that he was colorblind.

Irony vs. satire vs. sarcasm

Knowing the difference between irony, satire and sarcasm can help you determine if you’re using irony correctly. Also note that satire and sarcasm are forms of expression, while irony relates to situations.

• Irony vs. satire: Satire is a genre that uses humor, exaggeration (and at times, irony) to make fun of another person. This is through imitation, where they expose flaws or stupidity. For example, shows like South Park and The Simpsons use satire to make fun and critique the American lifestyle and viewpoints.
• Irony vs. sarcasm: Verbal irony may seem like sarcasm, but it’s not. Sarcasm is usually mockery that’s witty. It has a negative connotation, while irony does not.
• MasterClass : “3 Types of Irony: Types of Irony Explained”
• Vocabulary.com : “Commonly Confused Words: Irony, Satire, Sarcasm”
• Paul Garrigan : “If I ask for whiskey on my deathbed please just give it to me”
• The Telegraph : “Artist asked to paint headmaster who expelled him”
• Eater : “Pharrell Was Fired from McDonald’s Three Different Times”
• Peta Pixel : “Anti-Piracy Group Accused of Stealing the Photo They Used in an Anti-Piracy Ad”
• KSL News : “Ironic error finds its way onto spelling bee trophies”
• NPR : “The Best Piece of Trivia You Learned This Week: Pizza Hut Edition”
• NY Daily News : “Man sues Guinness Book of World Records for naming him record-holder for most lawsuits”
• Skeptics Stack Exchange : “Did Charlie Chaplin lose a Charlie Chaplin look-alike contest?”
• LA Times : “George Harrison memorial tree, killed by beetles, to be replaced today”
• Rome.us : “Rome Cat Sanctuary Ruins – Largo di Torre Argentina”
• Snopes : “Did Bobby Leach Survive Niagara Falls, Only to Die After Slipping on Orange Peel?”

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Irony: definition, types, and examples

Holly Stanley

“That’s so ironic!” We’ve all probably uttered these words at some point. In fact, you probably hear “isn’t it ironic?” all the time. Irony is one of the English language’s most misused and abused words. 

Irony has become synonymous with coincidence, bad luck, and pleasant surprises. But most things in life aren’t ironic . 

So if coincidences, bad luck, and unusual situations aren’t, what is ironic ? Let’s track down the misused word and uncover what situations it pertains to. 

Irony definition

The use of irony shows the contrast or incongruity between how things appear and how they are in reality. The remark “how ironic” indicates a meaning that’s the opposite of its precise meaning. 

In an ironic phrase, one thing is said, while another thing is meant. For example, if it were a cold, rainy gray day, you might say, “What a beautiful day!” Or, alternatively, if you were suffering from a bad bout of food poisoning, you might say, “Wow, I feel great today.”

These are both examples of irony –– verbal irony, to be precise –– the most frequently used type of irony (more on that later.)

Where does the word irony come from? 

Looking at irony’s origins can help with understanding how to best use the word. The word irony comes from the Latin ironia , meaning “feigned ignorance,” and previously from the Greek eironeia . Eiron, a Greek comic, was an intelligent underdog who used his wit to triumph over the egotistical character Alazon.

Since irony describes an outcome that contrasts with the originally expected results, you’ll see that writers generally use irony to build tension, create humor, or as a plot twist. 

When is something not ironic? 

When pinpointing the definition of irony , it can be helpful to look at when situations are incorrectly labeled as ironic . Irony is often used as a synonym for a caustic remark, something that’s interesting, or sarcastic.

What about the song Ironic ? 

Even singer Alanis Morissette got the definition wrong in her hit 1995 single “Ironic.” In fact, the criticism of her song was so strong, she had to clarify that she wasn’t technically trying to say that every line of the song was ironic.

Let’s take a closer look at Morissette’s timeless song lyrics:

It’s like rain on your wedding day,

It’s a free ride when you’ve already paid,

It’s the good advice that you just didn’t take.

While it could be considered bad luck, rain on a wedding day isn’t ironic , since it’s not as though it’s a given that every wedding day will have perfect sunny weather.

In a similar vein, a free ride when you’ve already paid or not taking good advice isn’t ironic either. The former is unusual and the latter is something that’s interesting.

Types of irony

To help you better understand irony and how to use it in your writing, we’ll dive into five different types.

Verbal irony 

Verbal irony is when the intended meaning of a phrase is the opposite of what is meant. It’s a figure of speech used to emphasize the contrast in meanings. It’s often used as a way of injecting witty humor into someone’s speech or writing. 

There are many English expressions that epitomize verbal irony. Here are a few:

•  “Fat chance!”

•  “Clear as mud”

•  “As soft as concrete”

Verbal irony works best as a literary technique when the reader already knows the initial concepts. For instance, it’s common knowledge that concrete is hard, and mud is opaque.

As you might imagine, an ironic understatement creates contrast by undermining the impact of something, despite the subject itself being quite severe. 

In J.D. Salinger’s novel, The Catcher in the Rye , the character Holden Caulfield says, “I have to have this operation. It isn’t very serious. I have this tiny little tumor on the brain.”

Of course, having a brain tumor is a serious health issue, which Holden downplays in this excerpt. 

Alternatively, an ironic overstatement makes something insignificant sound like a bigger deal than it is to highlight how minor it is. Statements like these are figurative language and are the opposite of their literal meaning.

Say you go for a job interview, but it’s a trainwreck because you spill coffee on your brand-new suit, are 20 minutes late, and forget the interviewer’s name. Your partner asks you how it went and you say, “Aced it, best interview of my life” –– that’s an ironic overstatement.

If verbal irony sounds like it’s pretty familiar, it’s because sarcasm is actually a form of verbal irony (more on that later.) 

Dramatic irony 

A favorite in many famous movies and books, dramatic irony is a literary device where the reader or spectator knows critical information but the characters don’t. 

One of the most famous examples of literary dramatic irony is in O. Henry’s short story, “The Gift of the Magi.” A recently married couple chooses independently to sacrifice and sell what means most to them to buy a Christmas gift for the other. 

But in a twist of fate, the gifts they receive from each other are meant for the prized possessions they just sold. Although their sacrifices show the love they have for one another, the gifts they receive are actually useless.

Dramatic irony is a staple in horror movies. For example, the main character hides under the bed where the killer is hiding (the audience knows the killer is there but the protagonist doesn’t.) This form of irony is a great way of keeping the audience on the edge of their seats and building tension. 

Tragic irony 

In tragic irony, a subset of dramatic irony, the words, and actions of the characters contradict reality, often in a tragic or devastating way, which the readers or spectators realize.

Tragic irony came to define many ancient Greek tragedies. For instance, in Sophocles’ “Oedipus Rex,” the audience can see what Oedipus is blind to: he’s actually killing his own father. 

William Shakespeare was also a fan of using tragic irony to keep the audience gripped to a compelling, often sorrowful plotline. In Romeo and Juliet , when Romeo is alerted of Juliet’s death, he assumes the tragic news to be true. 

But the audience knows that Juliet has, in fact, just faked her death with the help of a potion. Romeo, on the other hand, thinks Juliet is dead and, as a result, commits suicide.

Socratic irony  

Socratic irony gets its name from the moral philosopher Socrates, who would often fake ignorance to reveal someone’s misconstrued assumptions. It’s one of the more manipulative types of irony and is one way of getting information out of someone that can then be used against them later. 

You might recognize socratic irony in courtroom scenes from legal dramas like Suits . Lawyers often use rhetorical tricks, like socratic irony , to get someone to confess or admit something. 

Socratic irony is also perfect for comedies, too. In a classic scene from the American comedy T he Office , Michael knows that Dwight lied about going to the dentist. When Dwight returns, Michael goes for some rather ineffective rhetorical questioning to try and catch Dwight out. 

Situational irony 

Situational irony or the “irony of events” is when the reality contradicts an expected outcome. 

In movies and literature, situational irony ensures things are unpredictable and interesting. After all, it’d be dull if the plot turned out exactly how we expected every time. It’s not how life or fictional storytelling works. 

With situational irony, we learn at the same time as the characters that our expectations are different from reality.

For example in American Psycho , Patrick Bateman confesses to committing a string of murders but is laughed off. We anticipate that he’ll be punished for his crimes, but he isn’t, making it a perfect example of situational irony.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is another story full of examples of situational irony. Dorothy longs to go home and fulfills the wizard’s demanding list of tasks only to find out she had the ability to return home all along. The lion who appears to be a coward is actually courageous and the scarecrow who wants to be intelligent is actually a genius.

Situational irony is linked to the concept of cosmic irony –– when the universe or gods seemingly conspire for an event for its own amusement. 

Cosmic irony is a subcategory of situational irony but is defined by the inclusion of a supernatural element. There’s still a situation where the reality and expectation are different but there is another element involved –– a higher power if you will. This could be god, the universe, or fate. 

Remember that the “irony of events” isn’t the same as a coincidence or plain bad luck. 

What’s the difference between irony and sarcasm?

Ah, “sarcasm the lowest form of wit” as the writer, Oscar Wilde, once said. While Wilde wasn’t a fan, a sarcastic jibe here and there isn’t always bad news.

People often mix up irony and sarcasm. As we touched on briefly above, sarcasm is actually a type of irony. 

So the difference between sarcasm and irony is pretty small and nuanced. Once you’re clear on how sarcasm fits into irony, you won’t find yourself identifying sarcasm as irony again.

In its simplest form, irony refers to situations where the outcome is the opposite of what you or the reader expect. 

If a prediction is black, then the outcome would be white. Not off-white or gray, it would have to be totally the opposite of black. 

Sarcasm, on the other hand, is a form of expression that’s generally pointed at a person with the objective of criticizing or denigrating someone. Sarcasm is usually insincere speech and can have a condescending tone to it, with the purpose of insulting or embarrassing someone. 

Let’s take a look at both verbal irony and sarcasm side by side:

Verbal irony — Wife saying, “What a beautiful stormy day for a swim.”

Sarcasm —  Husband saying to the same wife, “The middle of the hurricane season was a great time for a vacation out here.” 

See how with verbal irony, it’s ironic because the weather isn’t beautiful for swimming. Instead, the opposite is true –– it’s unpleasant and sometimes dangerous to swim during a storm. 

But sarcasm is making a sneering comment about choosing to go on vacation in the middle of hurricane season. When you see the two statements together, it’s easier to see how they differ from one another. 

Let’s look at some more sarcasm examples:

•  After someone tells a boring or never-ending story: “That’s so fascinating.”

•  After failing your driving test: “Well, that went well.” 

•  Self-deprecating: “ Dinner is burned, I’m such a great chef. ”

To easily differentiate between sarcasm and irony, remember that irony applies to situations while sarcasm is a form of expression. In a way, sarcasm is like irony dressed up with a sassy attitude.

Key takeaways: irony

So, that’s a wrap. Irony isn’t all that difficult to wrap your head around when you know what to look for. Ultimately, irony is just the use of words to express something that’s the opposite of the literal meaning.

When used correctly, irony helps you inject humor and wit into your writing while keeping things interesting and unexpected for the reader. 

Looking to make your writing more engaging? Try a free trial with Writer today. 

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10 Movies With the Juiciest Dramatic Irony

Experience the thrill of realizing the truth before the characters do in these dramatic irony-packed movies.

Screenwriters constantly search for techniques to enthrall their audience, and dramatic irony is usually a widespread choice. It's not difficult to see why because irony can generate something amusing from an otherwise disastrous event . Dramatic irony is also used to instill suspense and intrigue in a film. It discloses the truth to the audience before the character knows it, resulting in a more engaging viewing experience.

The technique of dramatic irony is usually applied across various genres of movies owing to its adaptability. This list contains ten films with the juiciest dramatic irony.

10 Jaws (1975)

Jaws is filled with so much dramatic irony that heads spin. The film is about characters battling it out with sharks in a storyline packed with scary and horrific scenes. Throughout the film, there are several moments where the audience is alerted to the shark's presence while the characters have no clue whatsoever.

For example, the famous beach scene shows people having fun in the waters and others basking when suddenly a girl screams out. Chief Martin Brody inspects the situation, which turns out to be a false alarm. The film then sets a peaceful tone for a short while before the camera suddenly moves below the water level, and the mood changes drastically. Creepy music plays, indicating the presence of a sinister being below, away from the view of the characters having fun above the water. We can see the shark lurking for food, but the film's characters don't. The audience is well aware of what is about to happen, and they hold their breath waiting for the shark to strike.

9 Psycho (1960)

Psycho is a psychological horror thriller movie produced by Alfred Hitchcock. He is famous for his penchant for dramatic irony and did not disappoint in the film psycho. In the movie, Marion Crane takes off with her employer's cash and is forced to spend the night in a motel due to bad weather. While in the motel, she decides to take a shower.

As the evening plays out, the camera shifts, and the audience can see the uninvited presence of a figure watching Crane while she takes a bath on the other side of the shower curtain. The audience immediately knows that something is about to happen, but Crane doesn't suspect anything or feel she is in danger as she goes about her business.

8 The Rope (1948)

The Rope is a psychological crime thriller, and like Psycho , it was directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The entire movie is wrought with dramatic irony. The film begins with two young men, Brandon (John Dall) and Phillip (Farley Granger), killing their former classmate David (Dick Hogan), who is then stashed inside an antique wooden chest. Brandon and Philip then host a dinner, and Brandon uses the chest containing David's body as the dinner table just before their housekeeper arrives to aid with the party. At the dinner party, the guests are all waiting on David's arrival, and much of the dialogue centers on David and his strange absence. The guests are unaware that David is dead, and his body is stashed on their buffet table. The audience is aware of this information, which creates an air of tension, dreading the chilling discovery of the body.

In the film, dramatic irony is also used to generate humor. The movie's characters look forward to David's arrival, who has been murdered, and his body is hidden within a chest, which the guests use as a dinner table. The amusing part is when the guests wait for David's arrival near the table.

RELATED: Best Alfred Hitchcock Films, Ranked

7 The Cabin in the Woods (2012)

The Cabin in the Woods is a science fiction, horror comedy movie. In the film, five friends are taken to a remote cabin to execute an ancient ritual that they're unaware of. The five friends unknowingly call upon a family of deadly zombies and involuntarily become tangled in a ritual of human sacrifice held to please the horrific backwoods zombies.

One by one, the friends fall victim to the underground deities, but another factor is at play. Two scientists have built an elaborate facility with many technicians manipulating the ghoulish goings-on.

The audience is aware of what is going on as, throughout the film, the cameras flash back and forth between the facility and the horror movie plot. The teens in the cabin have no clue whatsoever and are puppets on strings. Dramatic irony is also used to create humor in the scenes, which is seen when the technicians bet on which monster would kill the teens. The film is packed with dramatic irony, simultaneously making it scary and funny.

6 The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

The Silence of the Lambs is a psychological horror film where an FBI agent enlists the help of a serial killer and former psychiatrist, Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), to catch another serial killer, Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine).

The film is generally disturbing and frightening, but contains dramatic irony in some instances to create a more chilling and suspenseful atmosphere. The film also builds tension towards the movie's end when Bill is stalking Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster). Clarice fumbles in the dark, unaware of Bill's presence right in front of her, whereas the audience can see him.

In addition, the audience can see Buffalo Bill continue to capture and kill while Starling is standing in front of another killer's cell, unaware of what is going on. The dramatic irony also creates frustration among the audience, but there is nothing much they can do, as they cannot warn the protagonist of what is happening.

5 Parasite (2019)

Parasite is a comedy thriller about a struggling Korean family who sees an opportunity when the son begins working for the rich Park family. They devise a way to work within the same home and begin living a parasitic life. The Kims' entire path to employment in the Parks' household is grounded on deception, and they do not disclose how they are related. Their engagement in the family's home generates a heightened case of dramatic irony, in which the audience knows something the Park family does not.

Parasite is a slow-paced thriller that keeps its audience on edge of their seats throughout the entire film, waiting for the moment the Park family will discover about the Kim family living within their household.

4 The Truman Show (1998)

The Truman Show is a satirical psychological comedy-drama about Truman (Jim Carrey), an average guy whose whole life is recorded through thousands of hidden cameras and screened as a reality television show. All his family and friends are actors, but Truman believes they are real. Throughout the film, the audience knows that Truman's life is continuously being recorded, but the protagonist doesn't.

Truman being unaware that he is the star of a television show creates a lot of suspense in its viewers, leaving the audience speculating whether he will finally discover the truth. Seeing Truman being manipulated by the show runner provokes emotional reactions from the viewers as they sympathize with him; this makes for a more engaging viewing experience.

RELATED: Every Movie Directed by Bong Joon-ho, Ranked

3 North by NorthWest (1959)

North by NorthWest is a spy thriller film produced by Alfred Hitchcock and tells a tale of mistaken identity. In the movie, Cary Grant (Roger O. Thornhill) is an advertising executive who, while having lunch in a hotel, is mistaken for "George Kaplan" and kidnapped by a group of international spies. He later manages to get away, and he starts searching for Kaplan.

Dramatic irony is experienced when Grant starts looking for Kaplan, not knowing he doesn't exist. George Kaplan is a fictitious secret agent and does not really exist. This information is revealed to the audience early in the film, but the protagonist and other characters in the movie do not know that Kaplan is just a decoy. This creates a lot of suspense and keeps the audience engaged, waiting for Grant to discover the truth about Kaplan.

2 The Godfather (1972)

In The Godfather , the head of a mafia family chooses to hand over his empire to his youngest son Michael (Al Pacino). The dramatic irony in this film is brought out when Michael comes up with a plan to kill Sollozzo (AL Lettieri) and McCluskey (Sterling Hayden) without their knowledge. The audience knows this plan, but the characters McCluskey and Sollozzo don’t. They go to a restaurant, where all three are frisked to ensure no one is carrying any concealed weapon. The camera then follows Michael into the restroom, where he retrieves a gun from the back of the toilet. At this point, the audience becomes wary about what is about to happen, creating a lot of suspense. Viewers can feel the raw emotions when Michael returns to the table.

1 Scream (1996)

Scream is a slasher film directed by Wes Craven. It follows a group of friends who become a mysterious killer's target. The movie's opening captures the audience's attention, creating a prey-predator feel, giving its audience a subtle hint of the direction of the action.

Dramatic irony can be seen when Casey (Drew Barrymore) talks to a man on the phone while fiddling with a kitchen knife. Casey is not at first aware that the man is dangerous and intends to kill her. However, the audience knows the phone call's true nature, creating immense suspense.

45 Irony Examples + 5 Best Tips to Use Irony Correctly

• Updated: 03/04/24
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Irony is a literary device that has been around for centuries and is still widely used today. Irony examples can be found everywhere from literature and film to everyday conversations.

But it’s not just about making jokes – it can also be used to make powerful statements or draw attention to something that needs more consideration.

In fact, it’s one of the most commonly misused literary devices in language and speech. To use it effectively, you must first understand what irony is and how it works.

To illustrate, we’re going to go over irony examples in its various forms as well as offer a few of our best tips on how to use irony correctly so that your words have the desired effect on your audience.

We will explore situational irony, verbal irony, dramatic irony, as well as other irony examples from film and real-life situations.

So let’s dive right into understanding the power of ironic language!

What is Irony?

Irony is defined as a rhetorical device and type of humor used to express contradiction between what is said (literal meaning) and what is meant (intended meaning), or between appearances and realities.

Irony often involves unexpected events or situations that contrast sharply with what was expected and can be used to make a point, create humor, or add interest to a piece of literature.

Here are a few simple examples of irony:

• When someone says they’re “so happy” while clearly feeling miserable
• When you build a house for shelter but it collapses on you due to poor construction
• When someone attempts to help another person but ends up making their situation worse

In each of these cases, there is an expected outcome and a plot twist that often ends up the exact opposite of what was intended.

You can also make an ironic understatement:

• When your friend spilled wine all over their blouse and you tell them “It doesn’t look so bad.”

Or an ironic overstatement:

• When someone burns a birthday cake and you tell them that “they should start a YouTube channel on baking.”

An ironic understatement is usually meant to make something seem like less of a big deal while an ironic overstatement is usually an exaggeration of a situation.

How is Irony Commonly Misused?

When irony is used correctly, it can add humor and interest to text or conversation. But when it’s misused, it can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.

That’s why it’s important to understand the definition of irony as well as how it’s most commonly misused.

Sarcarsm is one of the most common ways that irony is misused. For example, someone might say sarcastically, “Thanks a lot!” when they actually mean the opposite, but this is just sarcasm.

Irony involves an unexpected twist of events or situations that contrasts sharply with what was expected.

Sarcasm can be used in similar situations, but one difference between sarcasm and irony is that sarcasm usually has a more negative connotation (like an insult).

Disbelief or Surprise

Another common mistake is when irony is used to express disbelief or surprise. For example, “I can’t believe you did that!”

Even though someone did something that you weren’t expecting, it’s not really irony unless there was an understood expected outcome and the person did the opposite.

Coincidence

Lastly, irony is also often confused with coincidence, but they aren’t the same thing. Irony involves an intentional contrast between two ideas, while coincidences are just chance occurrences of events that are unrelated.

Types of Irony

Irony comes in a variety of forms, each of which has its own distinct purpose and effect. The 3 main types of irony are situational irony, verbal irony, and dramatic irony.

But we’re also going to take a closer look at a couple of additional types of irony that are also widely recognized.

1. Situational Irony

Situational irony refers to when the outcome of a situation is opposite of what was expected or intended.

This type of irony often relies on contrast to make its point and can be used for both comedic and serious purposes.

A perfect example of situational irony would be when someone trips and spills their drink on themselves while walking down the stairs to get it refilled.

The person tried to do something good (get a refill) but ended up with an unexpectedly bad result (spilling their drink).

Other Examples of Situational Irony

• A fire station burns down.
• A dietician is overweight.
• The wedding planner gets divorced.
• A lifeguard drowns while on duty.
• A postman fails to deliver his own mail

2. Verbal Irony

Verbal irony occurs when one says one thing but implies another with their words.

This type often involves sarcasm or satire and can be used for comedic purposes as well as to emphasize a point or critique an idea.

A great example of verbal irony would be teacher saying to their student, “You’re really good at this. You should win a Nobel Prize for your work!” when the student failed the test.

In this case, the verbal irony lies in the fact that the teacher is making an absurd statement in order to emphasize how bad the student’s work is.

Other Examples of Verbal Irony

• “It’s a great day for a swim!” (During a snowstorm)
• “You’re a great driver! You should get an award!” (When driving poorly)
• “The weather is gorgeous today.” (Said turning a tornado)
• “I love how organized and punctual you are.” (When arriving late)
• “I’m really glad we were careful.” (After an accident has occurred)

3. Dramatic Irony

Dramatic irony occurs when there is a discrepancy between what a character believes and what is true in reality – usually because the other characters know more than they do.

This type of irony adds tension and suspense to stories by leaving readers hanging until all the pieces come together and reveal the twist ending.

A good example of dramatic irony is when Oedipus, in Oedipus Rex , unknowingly kills his father without realizing it until later on in the story.

Other Examples of Dramatic Irony

Many other famous examples of dramatic irony can be found in classic literature.

• In Othello , when Iago convinces Othello that his wife is unfaithful while in reality, he’s trying to drive them apart.
• In The Great Gatsby , when Jay Gatsby is oblivious to Daisy Buchanan’s true feelings towards him while the reader can see her inner turmoil from start to finish.
• In Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, when Victor Frankenstein is surprised to see the monster he created still alive despite his attempt to destroy him through drowning.
• In The Crucible by Arthur Miller, John Proctor does not know that Abigail has lied about him in court until it is too late to save himself from a death sentence for witchcraft.
• In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice , Mr. Darcy rejects Elizabeth early on in their courtship without knowing she loves him back all along.

4. Cosmic Irony

Cosmic irony refers to an ironic twist that exists at a higher level than human understanding – like fate playing tricks on people or life being full of surprises despite our best-laid plans.

It’s important to note that this type of irony doesn’t rely on the contrast between expectations and results but instead relies on the contrast between imaginable possibilities and actual events that occur outside our control.

An example would be when someone spends their entire life trying to achieve a certain goal, only for it to slip away from them in the end for no reason.

Other Examples of Cosmic Irony

• A person dedicates their life to helping others, only for them to live a lonely and isolated existence.
• Someone spends years trying hard to get accepted into college, only to find out that they have better opportunities elsewhere.
• A family saves up all their money yet never manages to take the desired vacation due to unforeseen circumstances each time they plan it.
• An individual works tirelessly day after day without ever gaining recognition or appreciation from those around them.
• A couple plans every aspect of their wedding day only for something unexpected to happen on the day of the ceremony preventing them from getting married as planned.

5. Tragic Irony

Tragic irony refers to a situation where irony is used to create a sense of tragedy in a story or situation.

This type of irony relies on a contrast between what is expected and what actually occurs, often resulting in unexpected yet devastating outcomes.

In literature and theater, tragic irony is often used as a tool to build suspense and tension, leading up to a powerful conclusion.

A popular example is in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet , where Romeo believes that Juliet is dead when she isn’t – leading to his own death in the end.

Other Examples of Tragic Irony

• In Macbeth , when Lady Macbeth poisons King Duncan without him realizing it until it’s too late.
• Firefighters who died while battling a fire.
• In the play Antigone by Sophocles, Antigone is sentenced to death despite her noble intentions of burying her brother’s body with honor.
• In Hamlet , when Hamlet unknowingly kills Polonius instead of Claudius who he was actually looking for.
• A doctor dying of an illness he specializes in treating.

Other Examples of Irony

Now, we will look at some additional irony examples in everyday life as well as film and literature.

Irony in Movies and TV

Here are a few notable irony examples in film, TV, and pop culture.

• The infamous irony of Dumb and Dumber when Lloyd Christmas says, “So you’re telling me there’s a chance?”
• In The Office, Michael Scott consistently expects his employees to act professionally while he acts anything but professional himself.
• In The Simpsons where Homer often makes ironic statements such as: “Kids are great! You can teach them languages so they can explain to you what they’re doing wrong.”
• In Breaking Bad to create suspense when Gus Fring knows exactly who poisoned him despite having no evidence pointing towards it at first glance (it was actually Walt).
• In Bob’s Burgers , Louise Belcher delivers ironic lines like this one: ‘This is going to be a great day just like every other day, which is not very great at all.”

Irony in Real Life

Irony is also present in our everyday life and sometimes — it makes you laugh. The interesting thing is that it’s most often funny when it’s not happening to you!

Below are a few everyday examples of irony and also sometimes funny irony for you.

Note that verbal irony and situational irony are some of the most commonly used in everyday life.

• Bad weather on a day you planned to have an outdoor event.
• Someone who works in customer service having the worst customer service experience of their life with another company.
• Getting a parking ticket while attending a “safe driving” semifnar.
• Receiving an email that reads “We value your feedback” after submitting negative comments about their product or service online.
• Someone winning the lottery without having purchased a ticket.
• Running late to a lecture on punctuality.
• Being told off for showing up late to work while the supervisor is running late too.
• Putting gas in your car only to find out you need an oil change instead.
• Falling asleep while watching a video about staying awake.
• Spending hours trying to fix something then realizing the problem was due to user error.

5 Tips to Use Irony Correctly

Because it’s so often misused, we want to give you a few tips to help you understand irony and when to use it.

1. Analyze the Situation

Before using irony in any situation, it is important to analyze and consider the context, people’s feelings, and the potential implications of what you’re saying.

For example, ironic statements can easily come across as sarcastic or offensive if used in the wrong way.

2. Be Mindful of Tone

It’s important to be mindful of the tone you are conveying and adjust your delivery accordingly.

The choice of words will determine whether irony is perceived as funny (light-hearted tone) or inappropriate (critical tone).

3. Use Subtly

Irony should be used subtly so that it does not become too obvious or overbearing.

It may be tempting to be overly dramatic, but this often results in an ineffective and awkward delivery.

4. Know Your Audience

Knowing who you are addressing and what their feelings towards irony are will help you decide how to effectively use it without causing offense.

If you are unsure about how someone might respond, then it may be best to avoid using it altogether in that particular situation.

5. Consider Timing

Timing is also key. Ironic statements should only be made after a situation has had time to unfold rather than in the heat of the moment when emotions can be heightened and misinterpreted.

Summary of How to Use Irony

Irony implies a contradiction between what was said and what was intended or between appearances and reality.

It’s often used as a literary technique in literature, television, and everyday life to create depth and complexity, reliability, and humor.

Ironic statements are often misused as sarcasm or disbelief, so it is important to be aware of the context of the situation and choose your words carefully in order to convey your intent effectively

Good use of irony can highlight memorable moments in conversations and stories, while bad use can come across as offensive or inappropriate.

Consider subtlety and not too obvious about it. Additionally, consider who your audience is and the timing of when you make an ironic statement.

With these tips in mind, you should have no problem mastering this literary device!

You can also check out a few of our other related articles if you’re looking to spice up your speech:

• Alliteration
• Colloquialisms
• Types of Humor

8 Good Movie Examples That Explain Dramatic Irony

• April 10, 2022

Dramatic irony is a literary device in which the audience knows more than the characters in a story. It is often used to depict ambiguity and keep the audience guessing what will happen next. Dramatic irony exists when an event occurs unexpectedly. Still, it is revealed later that only one character knows about this event, and this knowledge makes an essential difference in how other events unfold.

Dramatic irony can be a very poignant device. Seeing the world through the eyes of a character utterly unaware of a significant event often makes the audience feel like they are in over their heads, and it makes us feel like we aren’t as smart as we think.

In addition, dramatic irony can turn a simple plot into a compelling story. Instead of the audience watching an event unfold, they become active members of the story and feel like they are living it themselves.

Examples Of Dramatic Irony

The following movies are excellent examples of dramatic irony:

Little Mermaid

In the movie The Little Mermaid, Ariel is unaware that Prince Eric knows she is a mermaid until very late in the story. Throughout the film, she tries to bring attention to herself so that he can notice her. At one point, her sister teaches her how to walk on land, enabling Ariel to develop a genuinely over-the-top idea. Prince Eric has never even heard of Ariel before at this point in the story. Neither has any of his court or his father. Yet, Ariel walks across the entire kingdom, making a scene, risking her life and endangering herself. She does this all to get Prince Eric’s attention. The audience knows that Prince Eric knows who she is and that he is coming to save her right before she drowns in the ocean. This dramatic irony is highly effective because it reveals that Ariel has no idea how much danger she’s in, while the audience can see exactly what will happen if she doesn’t get rescued quickly. Duration: 1h 32min Rating: PG

In the movie Toy Story, Woody is the only toy that knows that Buzz Lightyear is a toy. But, Woody doesn’t reveal this until late in the story. It turns out that Woody was once a real-life cowboy and was owned by a little boy named Andy. Although Woody has since been relegated to the toy box, he still follows his original job description and acts as if he is Andy’s favorite toy. Andy doesn’t notice that Woody is missing until he goes out on his first date with Bo Peep. At this point in the movie, Andy has never even seen Buzz Lightyear. He is entirely unaware that he is a toy. Yet, when he first meets Woody and cites him as his favorite toy, he implies to Bo Peep that he has a real-life toy of his own. At this moment, things start to “ click ” for the audience. They realize that Andy has no idea what’s going on, but Woody does. This dramatic irony is used to add suspense and help move the story forward. The audience cares very profoundly about Woody and is rooting for him to succeed. They want Andy to be happy, so they are very anxious whenever Andy talks about moving away and leaving his toys behind.

Duration: 1h 35min Movie Rating: G

Hannah Montana: The Movie

In Hannah Montana: The Movie, Jackson is unaware that Miley Stewart (Hannah) is the star of the Hannah Montana show and his former best friend. When he finds out, he is so devastated that he moves out of town and turns his back on everything they had together. But, all this time, Miley was also unaware that Jackson had moved away and turned his back on her. She’s left behind with no explanation for why he ripped their friendship apart. This is truly a heartbreaking moment in the movie. The audience feels Miley’s pain, but they also understand why Jackson had to leave. This dramatic irony is effective because it allows the audience to feel an emotional connection with the story that they would otherwise have difficulty relating to. They can see what each character is feeling at each moment in the story, and they sympathize with them like they would a natural person or family member. Duration: 1h 27min Movie Rating: PG

X-Men: First Class

In the movie X-Men: First Class, Xavier is unaware that Magneto is his former pupil. He only realizes that his student and friend have betrayed him when he finds out. Magneto has been hiding in plain sight and working against Xavier’s plans for years at this point in the movie. He has infiltrated the X-Men’s ranks so entirely that no one suspects him of being anything but their greatest ally. This dramatic irony is effective because it reveals how far back the hatred between these two men goes and how deeply they feel about each other. The audience can see that Magneto’s actions are motivated by hate and a desire to be superior, and they feel his pain as they watch him take down a student he once considered a son. Xavier’s character is much stronger and more interesting because of this dramatic irony. Duration: 1h 57min Rating: PG-13

In Star Wars, Darth Vader is unaware that Luke Skywalker is his son. When he finds out, he realizes that he has made a grave mistake and will now have to pay for it. During the entire movie, Darth Vader is searching for the Rebel base so that he can destroy them once and for all. He believes it to be on Hoth when it is on Endor in reality. When Luke arrives at Hoth, he tells Leia that his father has sent him. This is a significant plot twist, as it completely changes the movie’s direction. It reveals that Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker are not just enemies. They are father and son, which creates an interesting personal dynamic. Vader has not heard that Luke is his son until the revelation occurs in the movie. It is pure dramatic irony because it makes his character much more interesting and well-rounded. The audience knows that he has known all along, which adds to the moment’s intensity.

Duration: 2h 11min Movie Rating: PG

Final Destination

In the movie Final Destination, Alex Browning is unaware that Death has selected him to die, and he realizes that he has to change his fate when he finds out. This movie follows a group of people who have survived a plane crash only because they have cheated Death. They are all going to die in order of how they were seated on the plane, so Alex and his friends desperately try to stop the deaths from happening by saving those insignificant, unrelated people. They believe the world would be better off without them anyway. The characters are unaware that Death is hunting them, and they do not know that their deaths were simply a test. When the characters find out, they realize that Death has been waiting for them and expects complete obedience from them. They decide to take matters into their own hands and save themselves by sacrificing the people they are supposed to be saving instead. This dramatic irony is effective because it allows the audience to become invested in these characters and care about them even more than they would otherwise. Duration: 1h 32min Movie Rating: PG-13

In the movie Hercules, Hades is unaware that Hercules is the son of Zeus. When he finds out, he realizes that he will have to kill his son. Hades has been plotting to destroy Zeus for years. He views him as a weak leader who does not deserve to be worshipped, and for these reasons, he is determined to destroy him. At this point in the movie, Hades has no idea that Hercules is a demigod, which makes his hatred even more personal and justified. This dramatic irony is effective because it reveals the characters’ ulterior motives and ruthlessness. The audience can see that Hades wants to be worshipped, but he has no interest in the true worship of the gods. He only wants to be feared. In addition, this moment in the movie allows the audience to understand that Hades is not a weak character but a knowledgeable one. He has carefully planned his plan over the years, and he has waited to implement it until he was ready. Duration: 1h 49min Movie Rating: PG

Sleeping Beauty

In the movie Sleeping Beauty, Maleficent is unaware that Princess Aurora is her daughter. She realizes that she has lost her chance to be a mother when she finds out. This is a crucial plot twist because it allows the audience to spend more time with Maleficent and understand all of her motives. The rest of the movie revolves around Aurora’s birth and how Maleficent became evil, and the audience does not get to see her become evil until the story’s climax. The characters are unaware that the person they believe to be their daughter is their mother, which creates a creepy dynamic between them. The audience can see how much Maleficent hates Aurora and how much she is willing to do to protect her from Zeus. Above all, this dramatic irony reveals Maleficent’s ruthless and cold nature. She has waited years for this moment, and she is willing to do anything to see it realized. Duration: 1h 56min Movie Rating: G

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What Is Situational Irony (Definition and Examples)

Let's define situational irony together. .

Storytelling is one of the oldest human art forms, and you could argue the most enduring. When we sit down to listen, watch, or read a story, we have certain expectations set. We want to be enveloped in the tale and taken through various emotions. Irony occurs in many different ways.

The twists, turns, laughs, and tragedy all must hit at the right moment for the story to be great. And we love it when the beats keep us guessing and begging for more.

Rooted in the best storytelling is situational irony.

Don't know what that means? Don't worry, we have you covered.

Today we'll define situational irony and look at some examples from entertainment and in pictures. We will learn how it can help you in your storytelling and hopefully see you apply it moving forward.

Ready? Let's go.

What Is Situational Irony in Film and TV? (Definition and Examples)

Situational irony definition.

Situational irony is a storytelling device that occurs when expectations about something to happen are defined by what actually happens instead. It is the literary device equivalent to the rug being pulled out from under you.

There are four types of irony.

Subtypes of situational irony:

• This feels like divine intervention, sort of like the concept of It's a Wonderful Life , with Clarence the angel helping George.
• Think about the end of Breaking Bad , when Jesse is finally freed from drugs and Walter dies alongside his meth lab.
• Think about how the narrator in Arrested Development comments on what happens in the show. That's structural irony.
• Think about The Social Network, where a guy who made a friend-finding app is alone at the end of the movie.

Situational irony in all genres

What I love about situational irony is that it can be applied to all genres. One of my favorite short stories is a great example of situational irony in literature. It is an old fable called The Gift of the Magi by O Henry. Where a woman sells her hair to buy her husband a watch chain and, in an unexpected twist, the husband sells his watch to buy combs for her. in the end result, we have various forms of irony.

Since the very essence of storytelling is subverting expectations, you can apply this technique to scare people in horror, to excite them in thrillers, to make them laugh in comedies, and to gather strong emotional responses in drama.

Like William Shakespeare does with Romeo and Juliet , it's meant to keep the audience on their toes, no matter what.

Situational irony in pictures

Before we get into movies and TV shows that employ this storytelling technique, I wanted to look at some still photos that involve situational irony, to get you in the mood to dive deeper.

Obviously, the joke here is that we expect to see the hours of the store being 24/7, but instead we see that it has closed. Sorry, I have to explain the irony in these pictures. That's probably pretty ironic in itself.

Next up, check out this moving truck.

The juxtaposition here between the words on the truck and the actual unwise move trying to drive it under a low roof is hilarious.

I think we understand the definition now, so let's move into some instances in film and TV.

Situational Irony Examples in Film and TV

We gave specific examples under the four types of situational irony, but I wanted to dig deeper in this section. Maybe the most famous example of situational irony is from the movie The Sixth Sense. Cole can “see dead people,” and we finally figure out that Bruce Willis's character is dead at the end of the movie.

Another version of this would be in the very premise of Along Came Polly, where Ben Stiller plays a guy who assesses risks for a living and begins to date a woman who engages in all sorts of risky behavior.

Or what about in the TV version of Watchmen , where when you look into the police chief's closet, there's a secret room full of Klan memorabilia? Maybe he wasn't on the right side of the law after all?

The more you dig into situational irony, the more you realize that it is your job to keep the audience hooked and wanting more.

What are some of your favorite examples?

Let us know in the comments!

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• SITUATIONAL IRONY Definition & Usage Examples | Dictionary.com ›

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What is Cosmic Irony? Definition and Examples For Screenwriters

• 3 Types of Irony
• What is Tragic Irony
• Stages of Dramatic Irony
• Understatement
• Overstatement
• Socratic Irony
• Cosmic Irony
• Poetic Justice
• Structural Irony
• Historical Irony
• (FREE E-Book) Irony Explained: The Ultimate Guide

T here are many types of irony out there. Within the main branch of situational irony lies a version with a supernatural twist⏤cosmic irony. The main thrust of this series is getting writers to embrace irony as a tool that will add a level of depth and nuance to their work. How do you define cosmic irony? In this chapter, we’re going to specifically talk about this most “fateful” form of irony.

Watch: The Ultimate Guide to Irony

Subscribe for more filmmaking videos like this.

Introducing Cosmic Irony

A brief overview.

Irony occurs when the reality of a situation is the opposite of what was expected. There are 3 types of irony and many sub-categories within those main branches. 

Cosmic irony belongs under the “situational irony” category and has its own specific quality that separates it from the other versions. What is it, how does it work, and how can writers get the most out of it?

Let’s begin with a cosmic irony definition.

COSMIC IRONY DEFINITION

What is cosmic irony.

Cosmic irony occurs when a higher power (e.g., God, fate, the Universe) intervenes to create an ironic situation. Otherwise known as “irony of fate,” this idea of “interference” can either be actual or inferred. In other words, there are clear cosmic irony examples when a 'mystical meddler' was involved. But there are also examples that only seem to be supernaturally influenced, or are ambiguous enough for the argument to be made.

Cosmic irony examples in movies:

• In Pulp Fiction , Jules assumes that “God stopped the bullets” when he and Vincent are shot at and live.
• When  Aladdin is transformed into a rich man by the Genie, only for Jasmine to reject him.
• In Bruce Almighty , Bruce is given God’s powers but instead of making life better, he makes it worse.

For a complete guide to irony, download our FREE ebook covering the types of irony, examples, and how writers wield it.

Free downloadable bonus

Free download , ultimate guide to irony.

Irony is an essential literary device that all writers should master.  Download our FREE e-book to get in-depth explanations and examples on topics like the major types and sub-types of irony, and the myriad of ways writers can use it to enrich their storytelling.

Cosmic Irony Examples

Cosmic irony in movies.

There are plenty of cosmic irony examples in movies. These can range from more literal examples, as in faith-based movies, into other genres like horror, comedy, and drama.

Naturally, the presence of cosmic irony in these different genres serve different purposes. For example, cosmic irony is used for humor, commentary on the human condition, or to teach valuable lessons.

With these cosmic irony examples, we can understand its complexities, and how valuable it is in storytelling.

AN IRONIC TWIST OF FATE

Use irony of fate for character growth.

One of the most common applications of cosmic irony is to push the character into learning a valuable lesson. Consider the example from  Aladdin  above. “Being true to oneself,” and “valuing kindness over riches” are simplistic ideas, ideally suited for children’s films.

But that doesn’t mean adults don’t need to learn similar lessons from time to time. How about one of Jim Carrey’s early classics,  Liar Liar  (1997)? He plays a lawyer who is constantly lying, especially to his own son. He is then “cursed” by some unnamed higher power and loses the ability to lie.

This is a perfect cosmic irony example.

Irony of fate example in Liar Liar

By the end of his “day of truth,” Carrey’s character has been put through the wringer but becomes a more honest man. Again, this type of irony doesn’t always have to be so obvious but it's a great example for our purposes here.

Irony Of Fate On A Global Scale

Let cosmic irony speak to humanity.

Just as individual characters can learn lessons through the power of cosmic irony, our species itself could do the same. For example, in the recent sci-fi film  Arrival (2016), the mere presence of aliens creates a potentially disastrous situation. 

If we consider the aliens to be the higher power (i.e., the “cosmic”), where is the irony? The response to the alien “invasion” is perceived as a threat. Ultimately, they are here to save us from ourselves.

Irony of fate, straight from the cosmos

The irony is that the aliens are both the problem and the solution. Also, for an extra layer of irony, Dr. Banks (Amy Adams) is more successful at communicating with the aliens than the different nations are at communicating with each other. 

Movies like Arrival , and it’s multi-layered used of irony, is proof that it can be applied in a much more sophisticated and nuanced way.

Dive deeper into irony

We've covered the basics of cosmic irony but there is so much more to learn. If there is a particular form of irony you want to explore further, just follow the navigation below. Each one of these subtypes of irony belongs in every writer's toolkit.

3 Types of Irony (Overview)

• Tragic Irony
• Poetic Irony

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Examples of Dramatic Irony in Film

Irony is generally the difference between what actually happens and what was implied, said or thought was going to happen.

It is an important filmmaking technique. Writers use it for comedic effect sometimes. 

Alternatively, irony sets the mood for an atmosphere of suspense so that scenes play out more enthrallingly. There are typically three types of irony when it comes to film. That encompasses verbal, situational and dramatic irony.

Dramatic irony occurs when something is unknown to a character yet it is revealed to the audience. Viewers see the scene play out while the character could be none the wiser.

The audience is provided with some information to this effect. They know more about the situation because of it, unlike the unsuspecting characters.

A popular example of dramatic irony would be a horror film where a character is watching TV unaware that a killer is prowling around the house, having broken in earlier.

Dramatic irony is prevalent throughout popular past and present-day movies. It has become a popular tool to create subtext when making a Hollywood film .

3 examples of dramatic irony in modern cinema

Jaws, a film with so much dramatic irony that heads spin.

The entire franchise is wrought with dramatic irony. It is the reason the film became so popular at a time when monster movies were coming into their own. The series is basically about protagonists battling it out with sharks in a plotline filled with dread and life-threatening scenes.

Throughout the movies, there are several moments where the audience is alerted to the creature’s presence. The characters meanwhile have absolutely no clue.

Dramatic irony in this case creates the perfect heart-in-mouth hook for the series. We root for the characters to get out of harm’s way, to get out of the water, but sadly, they can’t hear us.

And that’s the power of dramatic irony. It captivates the audience and makes them a part of the movie. 

The famous beach scene in the first Jaws movie is a perfect example of dramatic irony. It is a wonderful sunny day at the beach. People are basking in the sand and others making merry in the water. A girl screams out her body half submerged.

The lifeguard’s attention is drawn to the situation. It turns outs to be a false alarm as a playful couple are simply having fun. Everything’s perfectly alright and the movie goes on to set the blissful tone for a couple moments more. 

As the camera shifts below the water, the mood drastically changes. Eerie music plays, implying that a sinister presence lurks below, away from the attention and view of those having the time of their life above. The audience knows what’s going to happen.

We see the shark prowling for the lunch but the swimmers do not. We hold our breath as we wait for the monster to strike. It eventually does, and the situation turns into chaos and panic.

Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho

The “master of suspense” is famous for his penchant of dramatic irony. He uses it plenty of times to build and harness suspense in many of his films. The most famous instance would have to be the shower scene in the 1960 horror-thriller psycho.  

Marion Crane runs off with her employer’s money and some bad weather leads her to spend the night at the Bates Motel. She decides to return the money the following day after dinner with the owners.

She opts for a shower after as if to cleanse herself from her wrong doing. Unknown to her, it will be the last shower she ever takes.

As the evening plays out, viewers are altered to the uninvited presence watching her through the walls. Marion doesn’t suspect a thing or feel that she is in any way in danger. The audience knows something bad is about to happen. 

That is confirmed when we see a figure lurking menacingly behind the shower curtains as Mario is going about her business. The figure poses for a brief moment and by the time Mario notices what’s going on, it’s too late.

Alfred Hitchcock’s The Rope

Our next example of dramatic irony is in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1948 crime-thriller, The Rope . The entire movie is in fact built upon dramatic irony. It begins with the murder of Tony who is stashed inside a chest. 

A party is expected in the same venue and this chest doubles up as the dinner table. The guests are all waiting on David’s arrival, unaware that he is dead and his body hidden right there with them. The audience knows this. The information consequently creates an air of tension as viewers dread the chilling discovery. 

Walt Disney’s 1997 Hercules

This musical fantasy animation is based on Greek mythology and the hero after whom it is titled. Hercules is the son of Zeus, the ruler of Mount Olympus and its deities. The movie begins with the gods celebrating the birth of Hercules. 

All are happy but one. Hades seeks Zeus’ throne for himself and a prophesy reveals that Hercules will be the one who stops him. The ruler of the underworld hatches a plot to kill the baby. 

He sends his demons, Pain and Panic, with orders to kidnap young Hercules and kill him. They make him drink a potion that would strip him of all his powers so Hercules can be mortal. 

The potion comes with strict instructions to have the baby drink “every last drop” else it won’t work. Startled by a passerby couple, the minions leave thinking themselves successful. 

As the bottle breaks while they flea, we see that to not be the case as a little bit of portion drops to the ground. They later return to complete the mission but Hercules overpowers both with his god-like strength. The two decide against a second round and return to the underworld.

The second instance of dramatic irony in the same film comes when the two demons report back to their boss. Instructed to administer the potion and then kill him right after, Panic and Pain don’t report their failure to Hades, fearing his wrath. The latter in turn thinks Hercules is dead and puts his plan into action.

Take a cue from Shakespeare

Shakespeare is one of the masters of irony in literature. Moreover, some of his most famous plays employ dramatic irony. For example —

👉 In Othello , Othello suspects Desdemona has committed infidelity and cannot be trusted. Yet the readers know the opposite is true. Desdemona has been loyal to Othello.

👉 In Macbeth , Macbeth shows loyalty to Duncan. However, the reader knows full well Macbeth intends to betray Duncan and take his crown.

In modern times, the show (as well as in the books) Game of Thrones rely heavily on dramatic irony. In fact, the most memorable moments occur as a result  of dramatic irony.

👉 Theon Greyjoy announces to the world that he has killed the Bran and Rickon, leaving Robb as the last male line of House Stark. But the audience learns it’s a lie. Bran and Rickon are alive and well. Theon’s untruth contributes to the Red Wedding, as the Boltons seize the opportunity to usurp the Starks by killing Robb.

👉 The Southern kings (except Stannis) ignore the pleas of the Night’s Watch. Thus, they underestimate the danger presented by the Wildlings and the Others. The audience know this as they follow Jon’s travels beyond the wall and the introduction of the Night King.

Dramatic irony has been in storytelling, since…. Well, since storytelling began. It will continue to be a staple to create tension, subtext and above all…

It creates entertaining narratives that make us sit, watch and listen. At the end of the day, that’s what filmmakers and screenwriters are paid to do — entertain!

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