The beautiful amalgamation of horror movies and comedy movies may seem like an odd idea to some, fear and joy being on the polar opposite spectrums of emotions, but at the end of the day, moviegoers want one thing, to feel alive, and no genre gives audiences a wider way of feelings than horror comedy movies! To feel that spark of pure bliss when a hilarious joke is timed in the perfect way or to feel the heart-stopping sensation of getting completely and utterly scared out of your wits, this is what many film lovers live for. The best horror comedy movies magically mix these seemingly different ideologies together in a wonderful juxtaposition of movie magic and hilarious scares. Be prepared to laugh until it hurts and then scream in complete terror because we are ranking the 35 best horror comedies of all time!
These uproariously funny scary movies encompass everything audience members could want from both genres of films. From slapstick comedy to slasher, zombie movies to satirical comedies, and everything in between, these scary comedy movies keep audiences on their toes with some wicked laughs and even more wicked feats of terror ranging from every subgenre of horror and comedy! Films like Shaun of the Dead and Zombieland helped revitalize the zombie genre in horror with a wonderfully light-hearted and humorous twist, What We Do in The Shadows showed the world that the mockumentary format was indeed alive and well, and The Evil Dead 2 and Scream are widely considered to be some of the best horror films ever made! Â Each and every one of these films are magnificent in their own wonderful way, they bring the laughs, the scares, and most importantly, the heart, both figuratively and, sometimes, literally.
Vote up the best horror comedies of all time, and for those of you who want to delve even more into horror, be sure to check out The Top 25 Must-See Horror Movies of All Time, and for those who need to take a break from the fear, be sure to check out The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films for a good laugh!
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Shaun of the Dead masterfully blends the gore of a zombie apocalypse with the hilarity of life's mundane struggles, creating a wholly unique cinematic experience. The witty banter between its characters provides levity and humor in otherwise dire situations, while the well-choreographed zombie action sequences ramp up the tension and horror. Directed by Edgar Wright, this film expertly plays with both genres' tropes to craft an unforgettable comedy-horror masterpiece that's as touching as it is terrifying.
- Released: 2004
- Directed by: Edgar Wright
- 2
Beetlejuice stands as a timeless classic, artfully blending Tim Burton's signature dark, whimsical style with the hilarity of Michael Keaton's madcap performance as the eponymous ghost. The story's twisted take on the afterlife and the supernatural world allows for an inventive blend of horrific imagery and outlandish humor, providing a genuinely spooky yet funny experience throughout. The film's innovative visuals and iconic musical score complement the quirky characters and unpredictable plot, making Beetlejuice a must-watch horror-comedy.
- Released: 1988
- Directed by: Tim Burton
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- 3
Zombieland skillfully combines the chaos of a post-apocalyptic world overrun with zombies with the charm of a coming-of-age road-trip comedy, serving up both hearty laughs and heart-pounding action. The dynamic ensemble cast, led by Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg, delivers memorable one-liners and makes the most of the clever script, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats with anticipation and laughter. The film's ingenious use of "zombie-killing rules" introduces a delightful sense of structure and self-awareness, setting it apart from other horror-comedies.
- Released: 2009
- Directed by: Ruben Fleischer
- 4
Ghostbusters broke new ground as a blockbuster that expertly mixed the supernatural and comedic elements while showcasing an all-star cast at the peak of their careers. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis lead the charge as a group of lovable paranormal exterminators, injecting humor into every ghost-filled scene and making even the scariest moments somehow laugh-out-loud funny. The unforgettable creature designs, combined with the iconic tagline "Who ya gonna call?", have solidified Ghostbusters' place in horror-comedy history.
- Released: 1984
- Directed by: Ivan Reitman
- 5
Army of Darkness takes the campy humor of its predecessor, Evil Dead II, and cranks it up several notches, thrusting its chainsaw-wielding protagonist, Ash Williams, into a medieval setting ripe for laughs and scares. Bruce Campbell's iconic performance as the reluctant hero makes the film an absolute delight, with his deadpan humor and over-the-top one-liners adding levity to the grotesque world of the Deadites. Its winning combination of fantasy, slapstick, and horror elements make Army of Darkness an endlessly entertaining entry in the horror-comedy pantheon.
- Released: 1992
- Directed by: Sam Raimi
- 6
Tucker & Dale vs. Evil subverts the tried-and-true formula of the hillbilly horror genre by turning the tables on our preconceived notions and prejudices, resulting in a riotously funny and unexpectedly gory experience. The film's central duo, played effortlessly by Tyler Labine and Alan Tudyk, expertly utilizes slapstick comedy and sharp wit to keep the audience in stitches amidst the carnage. This clever deconstruction of stereotypical horror tropes sets Tucker & Dale vs. Evil apart from its contemporaries, delivering a fresh take on the horror-comedy genre.
- Released: 2010
- Directed by: Eli Craig
