What are the best horror movies with a good humour?

Oakley Flynn

Looking for laughs with your scares? This curated list brings together the finest horror comedies that perfectly blend gut-busting humor with spine-chilling suspense. Prepare for a cinematic experience that will have you screaming with both terror and delight.

Tucker and Dale vs. Evil
What We Do in the Shadows
The Cabin in the Woods

The horror-comedy genre has evolved significantly, moving past simple parodies to create truly original narratives that are both genuinely funny and genuinely scary. This subgenre thrives on subverting expectations, often using humor to highlight the absurdity of horror tropes while still delivering effective scares.

One of the pioneers in this modern wave is Shaun of the Dead, a film that cemented Edgar Wright's unique directorial style and proved that a zombie apocalypse could be both terrifying and hilariously relatable. Its success opened the door for many other creative entries.

Later, Zombieland took the zombie-comedy to new heights with its fast-paced action, memorable characters, and a set of survival rules that became iconic. Meanwhile, Tucker and Dale vs. Evil masterfully plays on miscommunication and stereotypes, turning a slasher premise on its head with genuinely endearing characters.

The genre isn't just about monsters; it also delves into the meta-narrative of horror itself. The Cabin in the Woods is a brilliant deconstruction of horror clichés, offering a clever and often hilarious commentary on why we love to be scared. And for something truly unique, What We Do in the Shadows (both the film and the subsequent series) redefined vampire lore with its mockumentary style, proving that even ancient bloodsuckers can have mundane, laugh-out-loud problems.

These films, and many others in this niche, demonstrate that humor doesn't detract from horror; instead, it can enhance it, making the scares more impactful by providing moments of levity, or by making the audience drop their guard before a sudden jolt. From slasher satires to creature features with a comedic twist, the best horror comedies offer a refreshing and entertaining escape from the conventional.

13. Krampus (2015)

Krampus offers a darker, yet still darkly comedic, take on holiday horror. When a dysfunctional family's squabbling causes a young boy to lose his Christmas spirit, it awakens the ancient demonic entity Krampus, who punishes the unbelievers. This film is a fantastic blend of genuinely creepy creature design and unsettling atmosphere, combined with a biting satirical look at consumerism and family dysfunction during the holidays. While it leans more into horror, the humor comes from the exaggerated family dynamics and the sheer absurdity of the situations they find themselves in. It's a unique and effective horror film that gives you both scares and a few unsettling chuckles.

Krampus

12. Werewolves Within (2021)

Werewolves Within is a charming and genuinely funny horror-comedy that plays out like a classic whodunit, but with a furry, fanged twist. Set in a snowbound small town, a diverse group of quirky residents finds themselves trapped together as a mysterious creature begins to pick them off. The film thrives on its ensemble cast and their eccentric performances, creating a delightful atmosphere of paranoia and suspicion. It's a clever and engaging mystery that keeps you guessing while delivering plenty of laughs. Fans of classic creature features and ensemble comedies will find a lot to love in this delightful romp.

Werewolves Within

11. Little Monsters (2019)

Little Monsters is a delightful and surprisingly sweet zombie comedy starring Lupita Nyong'o as a kindergarten teacher trying to protect her students during a sudden zombie outbreak. Alongside a washed-up musician and a children's TV personality, she attempts to keep the children safe and oblivious to the true danger, creating a hilarious and heartwarming dynamic. The film expertly balances its gory zombie action with genuine humor and heart, largely driven by Nyong'o's incredible performance. It's a feel-good zombie movie that proves even in the apocalypse, there's room for laughter and tenderness, making it a unique entry in the genre.

Little Monsters
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10. The Babysitter (2017)

The Babysitter is a stylish and darkly humorous horror film that takes a simple premise – a young boy discovers his babysitter is part of a satanic cult – and cranks it up to eleven. Cole, our protagonist, finds himself in a night of terror as he tries to survive the night while his seemingly perfect babysitter and her friends attempt to sacrifice him. The film is a visually striking rollercoaster of gore and comedy, with a fantastic cast that leans into the absurdity of the situation. It's a bloody good time, full of unexpected twists and plenty of laughs, making it a perfect pick for those who enjoy their horror with a strong dose of dark humor.

The Babysitter

9. The Final Girls (2015)

The Final Girls is a charming and inventive horror-comedy that pays homage to 80s slasher films while adding a unique, emotional twist. A group of friends finds themselves mysteriously transported into a cult classic slasher movie, where they must navigate the film's clichés and try to survive alongside its iconic characters. The film is a delightful blend of parody and genuine affection for the genre, with clever gags and surprisingly touching moments, especially concerning the relationship between the protagonist and her deceased mother, who is one of the film's characters. It's a clever, heartfelt, and genuinely funny film that offers a fresh perspective on horror tropes.

The Final Girls

8. Freaky (2020)

Freaky brilliantly combines the body-swap comedy with the slasher film, resulting in a wildly entertaining and gory ride. When a notorious serial killer, The Butcher, swaps bodies with a shy high school girl, Millie, chaos ensues. Vince Vaughn as a teenage girl trapped in a hulking killer's body is pure comedic gold, while Kathryn Newton perfectly embodies a ruthless killer in a seemingly innocent form. The film doesn't shy away from the violence, but it's always infused with a playful, dark humor that keeps it from being too grim. It's a fresh take on familiar tropes, offering plenty of laughs and inventive kills that will satisfy both horror and comedy fans.

Freaky

7. Happy Death Day (2017)

Happy Death Day offers a fun and inventive twist on the slasher genre, blending 'Groundhog Day' with a college campus killer. Tree Gelbman, a self-centered sorority girl, finds herself reliving the day of her murder over and over again. To escape the time loop, she must figure out who her masked killer is. The film cleverly uses its premise for both scares and laughs, as Tree's repeated deaths lead to increasingly creative and darkly comedic scenarios. Jessica Rothe delivers a fantastic performance, evolving her character from unlikable to genuinely endearing. It's a clever, fast-paced, and surprisingly heartfelt horror-comedy that keeps you guessing and laughing until the very end.

Happy Death Day

6. Ready or Not (2019)

Ready or Not is a darkly comedic thrill ride that turns a wedding night into a bloody game of survival. Grace, a new bride, discovers her eccentric new in-laws have a sinister family tradition: a deadly game of hide-and-seek. What ensues is a frantic, gory, and often hilarious fight for her life. The film perfectly balances its horror elements with sharp humor, largely thanks to Samara Weaving's incredible performance as Grace, who transforms from a terrified newlywed into a fierce survivor. It's a critique of the wealthy elite wrapped in a high-stakes, ridiculously fun package. The pacing is relentless, the kills are creative, and the comedic timing is spot on, making it a highly entertaining watch.

Ready or Not
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5. The Cabin in the Woods (2012)

The Cabin in the Woods is not just a horror-comedy; it's a meta-commentary on the entire horror genre itself, co-written by Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard. This film starts like a typical slasher, with five college students heading to a remote cabin, but quickly unravels into something far more intricate and mind-bending. It deconstructs and subverts almost every horror cliché you can think of, offering a clever and often hilarious critique of the genre's tropes. The film is packed with clever Easter eggs and references for horror fans, making it a wonderfully engaging watch. It's a smart, surprising, and incredibly entertaining film that will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about horror movies.

The Cabin in the Woods

4. What We Do in the Shadows (2014)

From the brilliant minds of Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi comes What We Do in the Shadows, a mockumentary that delves into the surprisingly mundane lives of a group of ancient vampires sharing a flat in modern-day Wellington, New Zealand. This film is a comedic gem, offering a fresh and irreverent take on vampire lore. It's less about jump scares and more about the hilarious everyday struggles of immortal beings trying to adapt to the 21st century – from paying rent to dealing with flatmate squabbles and navigating nightclub bouncers. The deadpan humor, improvisational style, and endearing characters make this an incredibly rewatchable film. It's a unique blend of horror and comedy that will leave you howling with laughter.

What We Do in the Shadows

3. Tucker and Dale vs. Evil (2010)

Prepare for a gut-busting, genre-flipping good time with Tucker and Dale vs. Evil! This brilliant horror-comedy takes the classic 'hillbillies terrorizing college kids' trope and turns it completely on its head, with hilarious and surprisingly gory results. Tucker and Dale, two well-meaning but socially awkward friends, are constantly mistaken for murderous psychopaths by a group of terrified college students, leading to a series of increasingly absurd and accidental deaths. It's a masterclass in situational comedy and misunderstanding, expertly balancing genuine suspense with laugh-out-loud moments. The chemistry between Alan Tudyk (Tucker) and Tyler Labine (Dale) is absolutely phenomenal, making you root for these lovable 'rednecks' from start to finish. This film is an absolute breath of fresh air for anyone tired of predictable horror clichés.

Tucker and Dale vs. Evil

2. Zombieland (2009)

Zombieland is a high-octane, hilarious ride through a post-apocalyptic world, proving that surviving the zombie apocalypse can be an absolute blast! With a fantastic ensemble cast including Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin, this film delivers on both the horror and comedy fronts. Woody Harrelson's Tallahassee, with his deep love for Twinkies and his relentless zombie-killing enthusiasm, is an instant icon. The film's unique 'rules for survival' are not only clever but also incredibly funny, becoming a running gag that adds to the charm. And let's not forget the absolutely legendary Bill Murray cameo – a moment of pure comedic genius that completely steals the show. It's fast-paced, action-packed, and full of heart, making it a perfect pick for a fun horror night.

Zombieland
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1. Shaun of the Dead (2004)

If you're looking for the ultimate horror-comedy experience, look no further than Shaun of the Dead! This absolute masterpiece from Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg, and Nick Frost single-handedly redefined the zombie genre with its brilliant blend of genuine scares, laugh-out-loud humor, and surprisingly heartfelt character moments. It's not just a parody; it's a love letter to zombie films that also manages to be a fantastic zombie film in its own right. The script is razor-sharp, packed with quotable lines and running gags that reward repeat viewings. Did you know that many of the film's jokes and plot points are actually set up in the opening scenes? It's a testament to the meticulous writing and direction. From the iconic Queen montage to the subtle nods to classic horror, this film is a treasure trove for cinephiles. It's a must-watch that will have you cheering, gasping, and cackling in equal measure!

Shaun of the Dead

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