Laughing Through The Fear
According to famed comedian and horror director Jordan Peele, "The difference between comedy and horror is the music". The genres are two sides of the same coin, so it makes sense that some of the best of both are the movies that mix the two.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
One of the most iconic Halloween movies, Hocus Pocus finds a perfect balance between spooky and comical. The three witch antagonists, the Sanderson sisters, manage to be effectively scary villains while still being hilarious. However, there are many horror comedies about classic Halloween monsters.
Walt Disney Pictures, Hocus Pocus (1993)
Ghostbusters (1984)
What happens when a group of scientists discovers not only evidence of ghosts but also how to capture them? They start a business! With an all-star cast and one of the catchiest theme songs in history, how could Ghostbusters not have become an instant classic?
Columbia Pictures, Ghostbusters (1984)
Lisa Frankenstein (2024)
A more recent film, Lisa Frankenstein is a spin on the Frankenstein story where the role of the titular doctor is instead a girl in 1989 who reanimates her crush. The story is a beautiful blend of gothic themes and ‘80s nostalgia, all tied up with hilarious performances. This isn’t the first Frankenstein parody, though.
MXN Entertainment, Lisa Frankenstein (2024)
Young Frankenstein (1974)
Young Frankenstein follows Dr Frankenstein’s grandson trying to prove that his grandfather was right, resulting in a sidesplitting parody. With comedic geniuses like Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder, though, it would have been impossible not to end up with a masterpiece. Still, there’s another horror comedy that riffed off of a Universal monster movie.
20th Century Studios, Young Frankenstein (1974)
Renfield (2023)
A spin on the classic Dracula story, Renfield takes a unique look as the titular character who acts as Dracula’s henchman. It turns the horror story into one of a bad relationship, with all the humor that Nicholas Hoult and Nicolas Cage can muster. As it turns out, vampire movies are a treasure trove of comedy.
Universal Pictures, Renfield (2023)
Fright Night (1985)
Part teen comedy, part vampire horror, Fright Night tells the story of a boy who starts to believe that his next-door neighbor is a vampire. While it features all the creepy imagery associated with vampire movies, it doesn’t stray far from ‘80s comedy tropes, making a wonderful mix of the two.
Columbia Pictures. Fright Night (1985)
Jennifer’s Body (2009)
While the term “vampire” is a little loose here, Jennifer’s Body has all the familiar aspects of a vampire movie. The story of a cheerleader possessed by a flesh-eating succubus is presented as a meta-commentary full of gore and hilarious dialogue. It seems vampire movies and coming-of-age stories go hand in hand.
Dune Entertainment, Jennifer’s Body (2009)
The Lost Boys (1987)
Before Twilight, there was another movie that popularized the bad boy vampire. The Lost Boys tells the story of two brothers who move to a new city and get mixed up with a bad crowd. It’s a pinnacle of the ‘80s and became a well-referenced classic, as evidenced by this next movie.
Warner Bros, The Lost Boys (1987)
What We Do In The Shadows (2014)
From legendary director Taika Waititi, What We Do in the Shadows takes a look at the life of modern-day vampires, in the form of a mockumentary. While there are bouts of horror, it still maintains the humor that comes naturally with an awkward documentary—proving that when it comes to films within films, the comedic potential is endless.
Unison Films, What We Do In The Shadows (2014)
One Cut Of The Dead (2017)
This film follows the filming of a low-budget zombie movie that faces more than the average degree of production problems. It may have started under the radar but quickly became a comedy horror fan-favorite. Like vampire movies, though, there are countless zombie horror comedies, too.
Enbu Seminar, One Cut Of The Dead (2017)
Zombieland (2009)
One of the most iconic zombie comedies is, in reality, about finding somewhere to belong. Complete with ultra-quotable dialogue and classic jumpscares, Zombieland became a staple of the subgenre. It follows an anti-social college student during a zombie apocalypse, trying to find his family and meeting other survivors along the way.
Columbia Pictures, Zombieland (2009)
Warm Bodies (2013)
Warm Bodies shows a typical zombie apocalypse but from the viewpoint of the zombies. While it maintains all the regular horror themes attached to this type of film, it turns it into a romantic comedy, with an early example of Nicholas Hoult’s comedic chops. This isn’t the only unconventional zombie movie, though.
Summit Entertainment, Warm Bodies (2013)
Army Of Darkness (1992)
What started as Sam Raimi’s groundbreaking horror cult classic turned into an outrageous zombie comedy by the third film in the franchise. Army of Darkness sees the series protagonist, Ash (Bruce Campbell), sent back in time to save a kingdom from a deadite army. It has a medieval setting, so it could be called a period piece, much like this next movie.
Dino de Laurentiis Company, Army Of Darkness (1992)
Pride And Prejudice And Zombies (2016)
Not many would think that a zombie crossover with a Jane Austen novel was necessary, but they would be wrong. This retelling of Pride & Prejudice adds the element of a zombie pandemic, making a hilarious parody that both horror fans and Austen fans will love. However, this isn’t nearly the first British zombie comedy.
Cross Creek Pictures, Pride And Prejudice And Zombies (2016)
Shaun Of The Dead (2004)
The first in Edgar Wright’s Cornetto Trilogy revolutionized the zombie subgenre and the horror comedy subgenre at large. It tells the story of a group of friends trying to survive the zombie apocalypse in London, but it also acts as a love letter to zombie movies in general.
Universal Pictures, Shaun Of The Dead (2004)
Anna And The Apocalypse (2017)
Anna and the Apocalypse is a big grab bag of different genres, but it still works. The horror comedy follows four high school friends as they try to survive a zombie apocalypse at Christmas, through the lens of a musical. However, some movies became musicals only after their debut.
Blazing Griffin, Anna And The Apocalypse (2017)
Beetlejuice (1988)
It’s no secret that Tim Burton is famous for his darker aesthetic paired with a usually melancholic levity. As such, Beetlejuice tells the story of a ghost couple trying to scare a new family out of their home, accompanied by Michael Keaton’s skill for dark comedy. Not to mention, it inspired an equally beloved Broadway musical!
Geffen Pictures, Beetlejuice (1988)
Heathers (1988)
Another iconic horror comedy turned stage musical is Heathers, the story of a girl trying to survive high school as she faces love, drama, and deadlier issues. It’s a classic ‘80s comedy that still manages to be a sincere thriller. Of course, one of the best horror musicals started on stage before it came to the big screen.
New World Pictures, Heathers (1988)
Clue (1985)
Tim Curry also leads this ensemble black comedy about a group of strangers who are brought together for a dinner when, suddenly, their host dies. Based on the board game of the same name, Clue became a beloved cult classic, showing that people love a great whodunnit.
Paramount Pictures, Clue (1985)
Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)
Bodies Bodies Bodies features a group of friends, both old and new, who get together to wait out an oncoming hurricane when things take a deadly turn. This satirical thriller quickly became regarded as one of the best of its kind, being one of the most unique slashers out there.
A24, Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)
American Psycho (2000)
The story of a businessman who moonlights as a killer may seem like it would be a straight slasher. However, American Psycho turns it into a dark comedy full of satire that acts as a commentary on capitalism. There are horror elements, but Christian Bale also delivers a healthy amount of smugness and camp.
Lionsgate, American Psycho (2000)
M3GAN (2022)
James Wan’s story about an android doll that gains sentience differs from the director’s earlier horror films, but that’s no detriment. The film’s comedy works because it leans into how ridiculous its premise is, instead of taking itself too seriously. However, M3GAN is far from the first evil doll.
Bride Of Chucky (1998)
Although the first few films in the Child’s Play franchise have a bit of humor, the series doesn’t take a real plunge into horror comedy until its fourth installment. Bride of Chucky saw the creepy, killer doll turn into a wise-cracking protagonist and fans loved it. Obviously, slasher movies make some of the best horror comedies.
Universal Pictures, Bride Of Chucky (1998)
Happy Death Day (2017)
Christopher Landon’s spin on a time loop scenario was a new kind of slasher that audiences immediately loved. It follows a college student as she relives her birthday over and over, each time ending with her demise. It delivered the same amount of humor as Groundhog Day but with a murderer.
Blumhouse Productions, Happy Death Day (2017)
Freaky (2020)
Another slasher comedy from director Christopher Landon, Freaky is also a spin on a classic movie—Freaky Friday. In the movie, a high school student switches bodies with a murderer and has only 24 hours to reverse it. With amazing performances from both its leads, it’s a hilarious yet nerve-wracking viewing experience.
Blumhouse Productions, Freaky (2020)
Totally Killer (2023)
Another newer movie that references a classic film, Totally Killer is somewhat of a slasher version of Back to the Future. It follows a girl who, after witnessing her mother’s demise, travels back in time to the 1980s to stop the killer before he starts. It’s a horror comedy that pokes fun at life in the ‘80s, slashers, and time travel films in general.
Blumhouse Productions, Totally Killer (2023)
Scream (1996)
A love letter to slashers, Scream is a widely beloved series, but the first film is largely considered to be the best. It’s a successful parody, while still being a genuinely great film about a group of friends trying to survive a string of mysterious demises. Obviously, like a few other movies, horror can be the most comedic when it’s meta.
Woods Entertainment, Scream (1996)
Tucker & Dale Vs Evil (2010)
Riffing off of movies like The Hills Have Eyes or Deliverance, this horror comedy flips the “killer hillbilly” trope on its head with the ultimate moral of “looks can be deceiving”. It follows two friends as they try to fix up their new cabin in the woods when a misunderstanding leads to them being terrorized by a group of college kids.
Loubyloo Productions, Tucker & Dale Vs Evil (2010)
Scary Movie (2000)
Some may scoff at the mother of all horror spoofs, Scary Movie, but it spawned a series that paved the way for many parodies we have today. The story mixes several horror films, namely Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer, and it leans much more toward comedy, which ranges from clever to stupidly fun.
Dimension Films, Scary Movie (2000)
The Cabin In The Woods (2012)
Another one of the most meta-horror comedies, The Cabin in the Woods specifically parodies the titular theme. Not only is it filled with cliches and tropes, but it also gives an in-universe explanation of them and the various monsters that horror protagonists have fought over the years. There is one woodland monster that this movie didn’t explore, though.
Lionsgate, The Cabin In The Woods (2012)
Cocaine Bear (2023)
Loosely based on a true story, this movie—as the name suggests—focuses on a black bear that accidentally ingests the drug and the chaos that follows. It's another film that embraces its ridiculousness to create a wild but ultimately enjoyable ride. One thing is certain, though: Audiences love a great creature feature.
Universal Pictures, Cocaine Bear (2023)
An American Werewolf In London (1981)
John Landis created An American Werewolf in London as a straight horror movie, but fans have since touted it as one of the most underrated horror comedies. It follows two friends who encounter a beast while traveling abroad, causing one to transform into a vicious monster. It not only delivers masterful dark comedy but also portrays truly horrific and grotesque imagery.
Polygram Pictures, An American Werewolf In London (1981)
Gremlins (1984)
The second Christmas horror comedy on this list, Gremlins is a classic film about a boy gifted a strange creature with a strict set of rules. While the nominal creatures are scary to watch, they are endearingly goofy, too. However, these aren’t the smallest horror comedy creatures.
Arachnophobia (1990)
Arachnophobia tells the story of a small town invaded by an unknown, and very deadly, spider species. While it does a good job of lulling the audience into a sense of security with its comedy, the real spiders and practical effects make the terror of this movie all the more tangible. This isn’t the only horror comedy with unconventional monsters, though.
Amblin Entertainment, Arachnophobia (1990)
Killer Klowns From Outer Space (1983)
As the title implies, Killer Klowns from Outer Space is about a small town invaded by aliens who look and act like clowns. Its unique, over-the-top dark humor has turned this B movie into a beloved cult classic that, if nothing else, is just a fun time for everyone.
Chiodo Brothers Productions, Killer Klowns From Outer Space (1983)
Monster House (2006)
For an animated family-friendly Halloween movie, Monster House goes to some pretty dark places as three friends investigate their neighbor’s strange house. Still, among truly frightening scenes are fantastic comedic elements from its animation and characters. However, this next movie made the jump from animation to live-action.
Columbia Pictures, Monster House (2006)
Scooby-Doo (2002)
Continuing the legacy of the titular dog, Scooby-Doo was the first live-action adventure of the Mystery Gang, featuring them investigating a spooky island. The perfect casting, hilariously iconic scenes, and genuinely creepy sights make it a cruelly underrated horror comedy. However, even Scooby probably would have had second thoughts about being in this next movie.
Warner Bros, Scooby-Doo (2002)
The Menu (2022)
The Menu sits in a weird space as it isn’t just one thing or even two things, but it does lean into horror and comedy throughout much of the film. As a commentary against the rich and privileged, it tells the story of a ludicrously high-brow restaurant with a few surprises for its customers. However, there’s another movie that shares this anti-capitalist theme.
Hyperobject Industries, The Menu (2022)
Ready Or Not (2019)
It’s always nerve-wracking to meet a significant other’s family, but Ready or Not follows a newlywed bride as her in-laws force her to play a deadly game. Being thrilling, violent, and hilariously outrageous, it serves as another satirical horror comedy with its sights on the lavishly rich.
Fox Searchlight Pictures, Ready Or Not (2019)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
The epitome of a “cult classic,” The Rocky Horror Picture Show aimed to adapt the already-niche stage musical. It’s the story of a newlywed couple who visit the creepy castle of Dr Frank-N-Furter and experience a night of frights and delights. The doctor is played by the incomparable Tim Curry, proving he’s no stranger to horror comedies.
His incredible performance wasn't without controversy, however. Some members of the LGBTQ+ community find Dr Frank-N-Furter to be full of problematic stereotypes, while others think the film is an important piece of counter culture that has helped pave the way for the many LGBTQ+ films of today.
