35 spooky-yet-silly movies that make Halloween more fun than frightening
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Some movies make you scream, others make you laugh—but the best ones somehow make you do both.
When fright and funny collide, you get a rare breed of storytelling that manages to be terrifying and totally entertaining at the same time.
Whether you prefer your scares laced with sarcasm or your monsters cracking jokes between kills, horror-comedy is the genre that proves fear can come with a wink. With Halloween closing in, here are thirty-five films that deliver equal parts blood and belly laughs.
1. Beetlejuice (1988)
A ghost couple tries to scare away their home’s new living residents, but things go sideways when they summon the chaotic Beetlejuice. Michael Keaton’s outrageous performance and Tim Burton’s gothic humor make this a must-watch for spooky season. Equal parts creepy and camp, it’s the ultimate haunted house comedy. Just don’t say his name three times.
2. Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)
This modern slasher satire follows a group of privileged twenty-somethings trapped in a mansion during a storm. When a party game turns deadly, paranoia and absurdity take center stage. With sharp writing and social commentary, it’s a Gen Z whodunit for the digital age. You’ll laugh as often as you gasp.
3. Lisa Frankenstein (2024)
In this playful twist on Frankenstein, a teenage girl literally builds her dream man from the dead. Kathryn Newton delivers a quirky performance that turns horror romance into darkly comic brilliance. Every scene drips with color, chaos, and charm. It’s weird in all the right ways.
4. The Dead Don’t Die (2019)
Bill Murray leads a small-town sheriff’s department when zombies start walking the streets. The film blends deadpan humor with undead chaos in pure Jim Jarmusch fashion. It’s self-aware, slow-paced, and weirdly soothing. Expect as many chuckles as chills.
5. M3GAN (2022)
A high-tech doll becomes every parent’s worst nightmare—and every meme lover’s dream. Between dance breaks and deadly tantrums, M3GAN cements herself as horror’s newest icon. It’s terrifying, hilarious, and oddly relatable. You’ll never look at Alexa the same way again.
6. The Lost Boys (1987)
Cool kids, motorcycles, and bloodthirsty vampires—this ‘80s cult classic makes horror look good. Equal parts rock ’n’ roll and ridiculousness, it’s as funny as it is freaky. Garlic spaghetti, anyone? Kiefer Sutherland leads the gang with pure menace and style.
7. Cocaine Bear (2023)
Inspired by a real event, this chaotic comedy about a coke-fueled bear is as wild as it sounds. Elizabeth Banks directs with gleeful absurdity, turning carnage into comedy gold. It’s fast, gory, and proudly ridiculous. A true modern masterpiece of mayhem.
8. Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)
A zombie musical set at Christmastime—yes, really. Teenage dreams and undead chaos collide in this surprisingly heartfelt horror-comedy. Think High School Musical meets Shaun of the Dead. It’s bloody, bright, and bursting with song.
9. One Cut of the Dead (2017)
This Japanese indie gem starts as a zombie flick and turns into something completely unexpected. It’s a love letter to filmmaking, teamwork, and joyful chaos. What begins as low-budget horror becomes one of the cleverest comedies you’ll ever see. Pure genius on a shoestring.
10. Fresh (2022)
Dating is hard—especially when your new boyfriend has a taste for human flesh. Sebastian Stan is deliciously disturbing in this dark satire on modern romance. The humor is sharp, the horror shocking, and the commentary spot-on. You’ll laugh nervously through every bite.
11. Ready or Not (2019)
A bride’s wedding night turns deadly when her in-laws make her play a “game” of hide-and-seek. Samara Weaving’s mix of terror and wit makes this one unforgettable. It’s fast, bloody, and wickedly funny. Family dinners will never feel the same again.
12. Heathers (1988)
Teen angst meets murder in this iconic black comedy. Winona Ryder and Christian Slater redefine high school rebellion with acid wit and unforgettable one-liners. It’s dark, stylish, and still shockingly relevant. Long live the original mean girls.
13. American Psycho (2000)
Patrick Bateman’s obsession with status—and murder—turns Wall Street into a blood-soaked comedy of manners. Christian Bale’s chilling charm makes every scene both horrifying and hilarious. You’ll question everything—including your taste in business cards.
14. Drag Me to Hell (2009)
A cursed woman’s life spirals into chaos in this Sam Raimi masterpiece. Equal parts disgusting and delightful, it’s a rollercoaster of slapstick terror. You’ll cringe, laugh, and cheer—sometimes all at once. Raimi’s twisted humor is in full force here.
15. Child’s Play (2019)
Chucky’s back—and more tech-savvy than ever. This reboot finds new ways to make you laugh nervously at artificial intelligence gone wrong. Aubrey Plaza grounds the madness with unexpected heart. It’s old-school horror updated for the digital age.
16. Freaky (2020)
What if Freaky Friday swapped bodies with Friday the 13th? The result is this bloody, hilarious body-swap slasher starring Vince Vaughn and Kathryn Newton. It’s absurd in all the best ways. Expect gore, gags, and genuine surprises.
17. Serial Mom (1994)
Kathleen Turner shines as the perfect suburban mom—who also happens to be a murderer. John Waters’ sharp satire turns PTA meetings into scenes of comic carnage. It’s bold, bizarre, and absolutely brilliant. Never cross a cheerful mother with secrets.
18. Tucker & Dale vs. Evil (2010)
Two lovable hillbillies are mistaken for killers in this heart-filled comedy of errors. Every gory misunderstanding gets funnier as it goes. It’s proof that not every horror villain is what they seem. A cult favorite for good reason.
19. This Is the End (2013)
Seth Rogen, James Franco, and friends face the apocalypse at a Hollywood house party. It’s celebrity chaos filled with cameos, crude jokes, and self-parody. Somehow, it’s both ridiculous and oddly heartfelt. The end of the world has never been this funny.
20. What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
Vampires share a flat and bicker over chores in this New Zealand mockumentary. Taika Waititi’s humor turns eternal life into endless laughter. It’s absurd, awkward, and utterly charming. Immortality, but make it hilarious.
Also read: October's finest: Must-watch TV dramas that prove fall is peak television season
21. Happy Death Day (2017)
A college student keeps reliving her murder until she solves it herself. Think Groundhog Day with a knife-wielding twist. It’s snappy, surprising, and more fun than it has any right to be. Horror’s most creative time loop.
22. Jennifer’s Body (2009)
Megan Fox devours her male classmates in this darkly funny feminist cult favorite. Diablo Cody’s sharp script gives every scream a sarcastic bite. Once dismissed, it’s now rightfully iconic. Girl power—with fangs.
23. Gremlins (1984)
Cute creatures become tiny monsters after midnight, wreaking havoc on a small town. It’s chaotic, festive, and irresistibly strange. Few films balance holiday cheer and horror this well. Don’t feed them after dark.
24. Ghostbusters (1984)
The original paranormal comedy still reigns supreme. Bill Murray and company make ghost-catching look like the ultimate side hustle. Packed with quotable lines and wacky effects, it’s timeless fun. Who you gonna call?
25. Hocus Pocus (1993)
Three witches return to modern-day Salem and unleash spooky hilarity. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy are pure comedic magic. It’s the definition of Halloween nostalgia. One spell, endless laughs.
26. Young Frankenstein (1974)
Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder turn classic horror into a comedic masterpiece. Every line lands perfectly in this pitch-perfect parody. It’s equal parts homage and mockery. A true monster of a comedy.
27. Fright Night (1985)
A teen discovers his new neighbor is a vampire—and no one believes him. The movie mixes ‘80s charm, camp, and genuine tension with ease. It’s smart, silly, and delightfully spooky. The perfect popcorn horror.
28. The Frighteners (1996)
Michael J. Fox stars as a ghost-hunting con man in a film that’s both touching and terrifying. Before Lord of the Rings, Peter Jackson proved he could make death funny. It’s spooky fun with heart. Ghosts, gags, and great effects abound.
29. Warm Bodies (2013)
Romeo and Juliet—if Romeo were a zombie. Nicholas Hoult plays an undead romantic whose love literally brings him back to life. It’s sweet, satirical, and surprisingly emotional. Love never dies—it just decomposes slowly.
30. Zombieland (2009)
A ragtag group of survivors navigates a post-apocalyptic America with humor and guns. Woody Harrelson’s “rules” for survival are instantly iconic. It’s fast, filthy, and fun from start to finish. Double tap and laugh hard.
Also read: Did you know, Christopher Lee’s early horror films had scary results for him behind the screams?
31. Evil Dead II (1987)
Bruce Campbell battles demons, chainsaws, and his own hand in this manic masterpiece. Sam Raimi blends gore and slapstick like no one else can. It’s messy, loud, and legendary. A blood-soaked comedy classic.
32. The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
A group of friends discovers their horror movie fate is being controlled by a secret organization. It’s part slasher, part satire, and all brilliance. Every twist hits harder than the last. Meta-horror at its finest.
33. Scream (1996)
Wes Craven reinvented the slasher genre with sharp humor and sharper blades. Teenagers who know horror tropes still fall victim to them in hilarious fashion. It’s both parody and perfection. Ghostface never misses his cue.
34. An American Werewolf in London (1981)
Two tourists get more than they bargained for on the English moors. John Landis’s blend of gore and absurdity still defines the werewolf genre. The transformation scene alone is unforgettable. Horror with a mischievous grin.
35. Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Simon Pegg and Nick Frost deliver the ultimate zombie comedy. Between pub crawls and undead chaos, it’s both funny and heartfelt. Edgar Wright’s direction gives every laugh a pulse. It’s not just a parody—it’s a modern classic.
Read next:
Scary or silly—why choose when you can have both? These films prove that laughter is sometimes the best way to handle terror. Whether you’re hiding under a blanket or giggling through the gore, there’s something here for every kind of spooky fan. Which horror-comedy tops your list for Halloween night?
When fright and funny collide, you get a rare breed of storytelling that manages to be terrifying and totally entertaining at the same time.
Whether you prefer your scares laced with sarcasm or your monsters cracking jokes between kills, horror-comedy is the genre that proves fear can come with a wink. With Halloween closing in, here are thirty-five films that deliver equal parts blood and belly laughs.
1. Beetlejuice (1988)
A ghost couple tries to scare away their home’s new living residents, but things go sideways when they summon the chaotic Beetlejuice. Michael Keaton’s outrageous performance and Tim Burton’s gothic humor make this a must-watch for spooky season. Equal parts creepy and camp, it’s the ultimate haunted house comedy. Just don’t say his name three times.
2. Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)
This modern slasher satire follows a group of privileged twenty-somethings trapped in a mansion during a storm. When a party game turns deadly, paranoia and absurdity take center stage. With sharp writing and social commentary, it’s a Gen Z whodunit for the digital age. You’ll laugh as often as you gasp.
3. Lisa Frankenstein (2024)
In this playful twist on Frankenstein, a teenage girl literally builds her dream man from the dead. Kathryn Newton delivers a quirky performance that turns horror romance into darkly comic brilliance. Every scene drips with color, chaos, and charm. It’s weird in all the right ways.
4. The Dead Don’t Die (2019)
Bill Murray leads a small-town sheriff’s department when zombies start walking the streets. The film blends deadpan humor with undead chaos in pure Jim Jarmusch fashion. It’s self-aware, slow-paced, and weirdly soothing. Expect as many chuckles as chills.
5. M3GAN (2022)
A high-tech doll becomes every parent’s worst nightmare—and every meme lover’s dream. Between dance breaks and deadly tantrums, M3GAN cements herself as horror’s newest icon. It’s terrifying, hilarious, and oddly relatable. You’ll never look at Alexa the same way again.
6. The Lost Boys (1987)
Cool kids, motorcycles, and bloodthirsty vampires—this ‘80s cult classic makes horror look good. Equal parts rock ’n’ roll and ridiculousness, it’s as funny as it is freaky. Garlic spaghetti, anyone? Kiefer Sutherland leads the gang with pure menace and style.
7. Cocaine Bear (2023)
Inspired by a real event, this chaotic comedy about a coke-fueled bear is as wild as it sounds. Elizabeth Banks directs with gleeful absurdity, turning carnage into comedy gold. It’s fast, gory, and proudly ridiculous. A true modern masterpiece of mayhem.
8. Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)
A zombie musical set at Christmastime—yes, really. Teenage dreams and undead chaos collide in this surprisingly heartfelt horror-comedy. Think High School Musical meets Shaun of the Dead. It’s bloody, bright, and bursting with song.
9. One Cut of the Dead (2017)
This Japanese indie gem starts as a zombie flick and turns into something completely unexpected. It’s a love letter to filmmaking, teamwork, and joyful chaos. What begins as low-budget horror becomes one of the cleverest comedies you’ll ever see. Pure genius on a shoestring.
10. Fresh (2022)
Dating is hard—especially when your new boyfriend has a taste for human flesh. Sebastian Stan is deliciously disturbing in this dark satire on modern romance. The humor is sharp, the horror shocking, and the commentary spot-on. You’ll laugh nervously through every bite.
35 spooky-yet-silly movies that make Halloween more fun than frightening. Image source: Alex Litvin / Unsplash
11. Ready or Not (2019)
A bride’s wedding night turns deadly when her in-laws make her play a “game” of hide-and-seek. Samara Weaving’s mix of terror and wit makes this one unforgettable. It’s fast, bloody, and wickedly funny. Family dinners will never feel the same again.
12. Heathers (1988)
Teen angst meets murder in this iconic black comedy. Winona Ryder and Christian Slater redefine high school rebellion with acid wit and unforgettable one-liners. It’s dark, stylish, and still shockingly relevant. Long live the original mean girls.
13. American Psycho (2000)
Patrick Bateman’s obsession with status—and murder—turns Wall Street into a blood-soaked comedy of manners. Christian Bale’s chilling charm makes every scene both horrifying and hilarious. You’ll question everything—including your taste in business cards.
14. Drag Me to Hell (2009)
A cursed woman’s life spirals into chaos in this Sam Raimi masterpiece. Equal parts disgusting and delightful, it’s a rollercoaster of slapstick terror. You’ll cringe, laugh, and cheer—sometimes all at once. Raimi’s twisted humor is in full force here.
15. Child’s Play (2019)
Chucky’s back—and more tech-savvy than ever. This reboot finds new ways to make you laugh nervously at artificial intelligence gone wrong. Aubrey Plaza grounds the madness with unexpected heart. It’s old-school horror updated for the digital age.
16. Freaky (2020)
What if Freaky Friday swapped bodies with Friday the 13th? The result is this bloody, hilarious body-swap slasher starring Vince Vaughn and Kathryn Newton. It’s absurd in all the best ways. Expect gore, gags, and genuine surprises.
17. Serial Mom (1994)
Kathleen Turner shines as the perfect suburban mom—who also happens to be a murderer. John Waters’ sharp satire turns PTA meetings into scenes of comic carnage. It’s bold, bizarre, and absolutely brilliant. Never cross a cheerful mother with secrets.
18. Tucker & Dale vs. Evil (2010)
Two lovable hillbillies are mistaken for killers in this heart-filled comedy of errors. Every gory misunderstanding gets funnier as it goes. It’s proof that not every horror villain is what they seem. A cult favorite for good reason.
19. This Is the End (2013)
Seth Rogen, James Franco, and friends face the apocalypse at a Hollywood house party. It’s celebrity chaos filled with cameos, crude jokes, and self-parody. Somehow, it’s both ridiculous and oddly heartfelt. The end of the world has never been this funny.
20. What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
Vampires share a flat and bicker over chores in this New Zealand mockumentary. Taika Waititi’s humor turns eternal life into endless laughter. It’s absurd, awkward, and utterly charming. Immortality, but make it hilarious.
Also read: October's finest: Must-watch TV dramas that prove fall is peak television season
21. Happy Death Day (2017)
A college student keeps reliving her murder until she solves it herself. Think Groundhog Day with a knife-wielding twist. It’s snappy, surprising, and more fun than it has any right to be. Horror’s most creative time loop.
22. Jennifer’s Body (2009)
Megan Fox devours her male classmates in this darkly funny feminist cult favorite. Diablo Cody’s sharp script gives every scream a sarcastic bite. Once dismissed, it’s now rightfully iconic. Girl power—with fangs.
23. Gremlins (1984)
Cute creatures become tiny monsters after midnight, wreaking havoc on a small town. It’s chaotic, festive, and irresistibly strange. Few films balance holiday cheer and horror this well. Don’t feed them after dark.
24. Ghostbusters (1984)
The original paranormal comedy still reigns supreme. Bill Murray and company make ghost-catching look like the ultimate side hustle. Packed with quotable lines and wacky effects, it’s timeless fun. Who you gonna call?
25. Hocus Pocus (1993)
Three witches return to modern-day Salem and unleash spooky hilarity. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy are pure comedic magic. It’s the definition of Halloween nostalgia. One spell, endless laughs.
26. Young Frankenstein (1974)
Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder turn classic horror into a comedic masterpiece. Every line lands perfectly in this pitch-perfect parody. It’s equal parts homage and mockery. A true monster of a comedy.
27. Fright Night (1985)
A teen discovers his new neighbor is a vampire—and no one believes him. The movie mixes ‘80s charm, camp, and genuine tension with ease. It’s smart, silly, and delightfully spooky. The perfect popcorn horror.
28. The Frighteners (1996)
Michael J. Fox stars as a ghost-hunting con man in a film that’s both touching and terrifying. Before Lord of the Rings, Peter Jackson proved he could make death funny. It’s spooky fun with heart. Ghosts, gags, and great effects abound.
29. Warm Bodies (2013)
Romeo and Juliet—if Romeo were a zombie. Nicholas Hoult plays an undead romantic whose love literally brings him back to life. It’s sweet, satirical, and surprisingly emotional. Love never dies—it just decomposes slowly.
30. Zombieland (2009)
A ragtag group of survivors navigates a post-apocalyptic America with humor and guns. Woody Harrelson’s “rules” for survival are instantly iconic. It’s fast, filthy, and fun from start to finish. Double tap and laugh hard.
Also read: Did you know, Christopher Lee’s early horror films had scary results for him behind the screams?
31. Evil Dead II (1987)
Bruce Campbell battles demons, chainsaws, and his own hand in this manic masterpiece. Sam Raimi blends gore and slapstick like no one else can. It’s messy, loud, and legendary. A blood-soaked comedy classic.
32. The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
A group of friends discovers their horror movie fate is being controlled by a secret organization. It’s part slasher, part satire, and all brilliance. Every twist hits harder than the last. Meta-horror at its finest.
33. Scream (1996)
Wes Craven reinvented the slasher genre with sharp humor and sharper blades. Teenagers who know horror tropes still fall victim to them in hilarious fashion. It’s both parody and perfection. Ghostface never misses his cue.
34. An American Werewolf in London (1981)
Two tourists get more than they bargained for on the English moors. John Landis’s blend of gore and absurdity still defines the werewolf genre. The transformation scene alone is unforgettable. Horror with a mischievous grin.
35. Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Simon Pegg and Nick Frost deliver the ultimate zombie comedy. Between pub crawls and undead chaos, it’s both funny and heartfelt. Edgar Wright’s direction gives every laugh a pulse. It’s not just a parody—it’s a modern classic.
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