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Greetings, brave souls and comedy connoisseurs! Get ready for a frightfully fun ride as we unveil the 20 Greatest Horror-Comedy Films of All Time, where each entry defies the boundaries between terror and hilarity. In this darkly delightful lineup, you’ll encounter shambling zombies, bumbling heroes, and madcap monsters, all wrapped up in a whirlwind of wit and whimsy.
From the raucous antics of a ragtag group of survivors navigating a post-apocalyptic wasteland, to the uproarious escapades of a hapless duo facing off against the undead horde in their own backyard, these films are guaranteed to tickle your funny bone while sending shivers down your spine. And let’s not forget the eccentric madness of a certain Transylvanian transvestite, or the spine-tingling secrets lurking within a seemingly ordinary cabin in the, uh, woods.
So, grab your cricket bat, dust off your lab coat, and brace yourself for a cinematic spectacle unlike any other. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of classic horror-comedies or a newcomer eager to experience the genre’s unique blend of scares and laughs, this list has something for everyone.
Click below to delve deeper into our rating system and learn all about the inner workings of our algorithm.
Top10nerScore68.784 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Drew Goddard
WRITERS: Joss Whedon, Drew Goddard
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Peter Deming
STARRING: Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth, Fran Kranz, Richard Jenkins, Bradley Whitford, Anna Hutchison, Jesse Williams
GENRE: Supernatural Horror, Black Comedy, Satire, Horror Comedy, Postmodernism
Five college friends spend the weekend at a remote cabin in the woods, where they get more than they bargained for. Together, they must discover the truth behind the cabin in the woods.
The Cabin in the Woods subverts genre expectations with its clever, self-aware narrative. Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard craft a riveting blend of horror and satire, seamlessly navigating a labyrinth of twists that keeps audiences engaged and entertained.
Top10nerScore69.443 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Joel Schumacher
WRITERS: Jeffrey Boam, Janice Fischer, James Jeremias
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Michael Chapman
STARRING: Kiefer Sutherland, Jason Patric, Corey Haim, Corey Feldman, Jami Gertz, Dianne Wiest, Edward Herrmann
GENRE: Vampire, Teen Movie, Horror, Horror Comedy
A mother and her two teenage sons move to a seemingly nice and quiet small coastal California town yet soon find out that it’s overrun by bike gangs and vampires. A couple of teenage friends take it upon themselves to hunt down the vampires that they suspect of a few mysterious murders and restore peace and calm to their town.
The Lost Boys effortlessly blends horror, humor, and heart, crafting a cult classic that resonates with its stellar ensemble cast, riveting storyline, and iconic soundtrack. Joel Schumacher’s inventive take on the vampire genre remains a timeless, genre-defying triumph.
Top10nerScore69.756 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Ruben Fleischer
WRITERS: Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Michael Bonvillain
STARRING: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin
GENRE: Zombie, Comedy, Road Movie, Post-Apocalyptic, Action, Horror Comedy, Epidemic
Columbus has made a habit of running from what scares him. Tallahassee doesn’t have fears. If he did, he’d kick their ever-living ass. In a world overrun by zombies, these two are perfectly evolved survivors. But now, they’re about to stare down the most terrifying prospect of all: each other.
Zombieland seamlessly weaves humor into horror, delivering a witty and exhilarating undead adventure. With a stellar ensemble cast, clever writing, and inventive direction, it redefines the zombie genre, offering a fresh and entertaining take on post-apocalyptic survival.
Top10nerScore69.761 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Eli Craig
WRITERS: Eli Craig, Morgan Jurgenson
CINEMATOGRAPHY: David Geddes
STARRING: Alan Tudyk, Tyler Labine, Katrina Bowden, Jesse Moss, Chelan Simmons
GENRE: Black Comedy, Buddy, Parody, Splatter, Horror, Horror Comedy
Two hillbillies are suspected of being killers by a group of paranoid college kids camping near the duo’s West Virginian cabin. As the body count climbs, so does the fear and confusion as the college kids try to seek revenge against the pair.
Tucker & Dale vs. Evil ingeniously flips the horror genre on its head with its clever satire, blending humor and heart. The film’s fresh take on clichés and stellar performances elevate it as a standout cult classic, delighting audiences with unexpected charm and wit.
Top10nerScore71.723 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Joe Dante
WRITERS: Chris Columbus
CINEMATOGRAPHY: John Hora
STARRING: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton, Frances Lee McCain, Corey Feldman, Dick Miller
GENRE: Black Comedy, Horror, Low Fantasy, Christmas, Horror Comedy
When Billy Peltzer is given a strange but adorable pet named Gizmo for Christmas, he inadvertently breaks the three important rules of caring for a Mogwai, and unleashes a horde of mischievous gremlins on a small town.
Gremlins charms with its innovative blend of horror and comedy. Joe Dante’s clever narrative, Chris Columbus’s script, and Jerry Goldsmith’s score create a captivatingly entertaining film, showcasing practical effects that set a new standard for creature features.
Top10nerScore71.747 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Sam Raimi
WRITERS: Sam Raimi, Ivan Raimi
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Bill Pope
STARRING: Bruce Campbell, Embeth Davidtz, Marcus Gilbert, Ian Abercrombie, Richard Grove
GENRE: Fantasy, Comedy, Adventure, Medieval, Horror Comedy, War
A man is accidentally transported to 1300 A.D., where he must battle an army of the dead and retrieve the Necronomicon so he can return home.
Army of Darkness exuberantly blends horror and comedy, showcasing Raimi’s mastery. Campbell’s charismatic performance, coupled with witty dialogue and imaginative set design, crafts a cult classic that captivates audiences with its unique genre fusion and enduring charm.
Top10nerScore72.063 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Frank Oz
WRITERS: Howard Ashman
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robert Paynter
STARRING: Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Steve Martin, Levi Stubbs, Vincent Gardenia
GENRE: Musical, Comedy, Horror Comedy
Seymour Krelborn is a nerdy orphan working at Mushnik’s, a flower shop in urban Skid Row. He harbors a crush on fellow co-worker Audrey Fulquard, and is berated by Mr. Mushnik daily. One day as Seymour is seeking a new mysterious plant, he finds a very mysterious unidentified plant which he calls Audrey II. The plant seems to have a craving for blood and soon begins to sing for his supper.
Little Shop of Horrors captivates with its infectious blend of humor and horror, showcasing Frank Oz’s deft touch. The stellar ensemble, led by Moranis, Audrey II’s puppetry, and Alan Menken’s memorable score converge to create a cult classic musical experience.
Top10nerScore73.384 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Dan O’Bannon
WRITERS: Dan O’Bannon, John A. Russo, Russell Streiner, Rudy Ricci
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jules Brenner
STARRING: Clu Gulager, James Karen, Don Calfa, Linnea Quigley, Thom Mathews, Beverly Randolph, John Philbin, Jewel Shepard, Miguel A. Núñez
GENRE: Zombie, Black Comedy, Horror, Horror Comedy
When a bumbling pair of employees at a medical supply warehouse accidentally release a deadly gas into the air, the vapors cause the dead to re-animate as they go on a rampage seeking their favorite food: brains!
The Return of the Living Dead captivates with its genre-defying blend of horror and humor. A cult classic, its inventive narrative, engaging characters, and memorable soundtrack showcase a unique take on the zombie genre, leaving a lasting impression on horror enthusiasts.
Top10nerScore74.157 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Tim Burton
WRITERS: Warren Skaaren, Larry Wilson, Michael McDowell
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Thomas E. Ackerman
STARRING: Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Jeffrey Jones, Glenn Shadix
GENRE: Fantasy, Comedy, Haunted House, Horror Comedy, Gothic
Thanks to an untimely demise via drowning, a young couple end up as poltergeists in their New England farmhouse, where they fail to meet the challenge of scaring away the insufferable new owners, who want to make drastic changes. In desperation, the undead newlyweds turn to an expert frightmeister, but he’s got a diabolical agenda of his own.
Beetlejuice stands out with its imaginative blend of dark humor, Burton’s distinct visual style, and memorable performances. Keaton’s iconic portrayal of the titular character adds a unique, unpredictable energy to this delightfully quirky and original horror comedy.
Top10nerScore74.211 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Stuart Gordon
WRITERS: Stuart Gordon, Dennis Paoli, H.P. Lovecraft, William Norris
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Mac Ahlberg
STARRING: Jeffrey Combs, Bruce Abbott, Barbara Crampton, David Gale
GENRE: Splatter, Body Horror, Zombie, Science Fiction, Black Comedy, Horror Comedy
A dedicated student at a medical college and his girlfriend become involved in bizarre experiments centering around the re-animation of dead tissue when an odd new student arrives on campus.
Re-Animator injects madcap energy into horror with its unforgettable scene involving a reanimated head. It balances gruesome thrills with dark humor, making it a cult classic that continues to delight fans with its audacious blend of scares and laughs.
Top10nerScore76.058 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Shinichiro Ueda
WRITERS: Shinichiro Ueda
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Takeshi Sone
STARRING: Takayuki Hamatsu, Yuzuki Akiyama, Harumi Shuhama, Kazuaki Nagaya
GENRE: Zombie, Comedy, Postmodernism, Horror Comedy
Things go badly for a hack director and film crew shooting a low budget zombie movie in an abandoned Second World War Japanese facility, when they are attacked by real zombies.
Intelligently gory and wickedly inventive, One Cut of the Dead resurrects the zombie genre from its slumber, injecting a delightful mix of audacious filmmaking and razor-sharp satire. It’s a cinematic jolt that will leave you craving more.
Top10nerScore76.867 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Jim Sharman
WRITERS: Richard O’Brien, Jim Sharman
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Peter Suschitzky
STARRING: Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, Richard O’Brien, Patricia Quinn, Little Nell
GENRE: Rock Opera, Parody, LGBTQ+, Comedy, Horror Comedy
Sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transvestite scientist. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker and a creepy butler. Through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named ‘Rocky’.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show has, for decades, been a cult phenomenon, thanks to its unique blend of campy horror, catchy music, and unconventional characters. Its enduring appeal defies categorization, embodying the spirit of midnight madness cinema.
Top10nerScore76.942 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Peter Jackson
WRITERS: Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Stephen Sinclair
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Murray Milne
STARRING: Tim Balme, Diana Peñalver, Elizabeth Moody, Ian Watkin
GENRE: Splatter, Zombie, Black Comedy, Body Horror, Gross-Out Comedy, Horror Comedy
When a Sumatran rat-monkey bites Lionel Cosgrove’s mother, she’s transformed into a zombie and begins killing (and transforming) the entire town while Lionel races to keep things under control.
Braindead is a gory delight in the gross-out comedy genre. Peter Jackson’s inventive direction and the practical effects work reveal a dedication to the craft, making it a cult classic with an enduring fanbase. Its unique blend of humor and horror offers an unforgettable experience.
Top10nerScore78.291 / 100
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DIRECTOR: John Landis
WRITERS: John Landis
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robert Paynter
STARRING: David Naughton, Jenny Agutter, Griffin Dunne, John Woodvine
GENRE: Werewolf, Black Comedy, Horror, Horror Comedy
Two American tourists in England are attacked by a werewolf that none of the locals will admit exists.
An American Werewolf in London expertly blends horror and humor, with its groundbreaking special effects delivering a howling good time. The transformation scene remains a benchmark in practical effects, showcasing its enduring impact on genre filmmaking.
Top10nerScore78.313 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Nobuhiko Obayashi
WRITERS: Chiho Katsura
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Yoshitaka Sakamoto
STARRING: Kimiko Ikegami, Kumiko Oba, Ai Matsubara, Miki Jinbo, Yoko Minamida, Eriko Tanaka, Masayo Miyako, Mieko Sato
GENRE: Haunted House, Absurdist Comedy, Surrealism, Horror Comedy
Hoping to find a sense of connection to her late mother, Gorgeous takes a trip to the country to visit her aunt at their ancestral house. She invites her six friends, Prof, Melody, Mac, Fantasy, Kung Fu, and Sweet, to join her. The girls soon discover that there is more to the old house than meets the eye.
House captivates with its delightfully twisted blend of dark humor and surreal scenes, offering a mesmerizing journey through bizarre and absurdity. It’s a testament to unconventional storytelling that leaves audiences both bewildered and entertained.
Top10nerScore79.099 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Ivan Reitman
WRITERS: Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis
CINEMATOGRAPHY: László Kovács
STARRING: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, Rick Moranis
GENRE: Comedy, Low Fantasy, Horror Comedy
After losing their academic posts at a prestigious university, a team of parapsychologists goes into business as proton-pack-toting “ghostbusters” who exterminate ghouls, hobgoblins and supernatural pests of all stripes. An ad campaign pays off when a knockout cellist hires the squad to purge her swanky digs of demons that appear to be living in her refrigerator.
A captivating fusion of humor and cutting-edge visual effects, Ghostbusters thrives on Bill Murray’s deadpan genius, anchoring a superb ensemble of comedic talent. This supernatural comedy remains a testament to its timelessness, proving that laughter is eternal.
Top10nerScore79.343 / 100
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DIRECTORS: Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement
WRITERS: Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Richard Bluck, DJ Stipsen
STARRING: Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement, Jonny Brugh, Cori Gonzalez-Macuer, Stu Rutherford
GENRE: Mockumentary, Vampire, Black Comedy, Horror Comedy
Vampire housemates try to cope with the complexities of modern life and show a newly turned hipster some of the perks of being undead.
What We Do in the Shadows brilliantly merges horror and comedy, delivering uproarious laughs with its fresh take on vampire lore. Its clever writing and pitch-perfect humor ensure a memorable cinematic experience, blending the supernatural with everyday absurdity flawlessly.
Top10nerScore81.814 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Sam Raimi
WRITERS: Sam Raimi, Scott Spiegel
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Peter Deming
STARRING: Bruce Campbell, Sarah Berry, Dan Hicks, Kassie Wesley DePaiva
GENRE: Black Comedy, Splatter, Haunted House, Supernatural Horror, Horror Comedy
Ash Williams and his girlfriend Linda find a log cabin in the woods with a voice recording from an archeologist who had recorded himself reciting ancient chants from “The Book of the Dead.” As they play the recording an evil power is unleashed taking over Linda’s body.
Evil Dead II seamlessly blends horror and humor, showcasing Raimi’s innovative approach to storytelling. Campbell’s iconic performance, combined with inventive practical effects, establishes the film as a cult classic. Its influence on the horror-comedy genre remains evident.
Top10nerScore82.927 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Edgar Wright
WRITERS: Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg
CINEMATOGRAPHY: David M. Dunlap
STARRING: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Kate Ashfield, Lucy Davis, Dylan Moran
GENRE: Zombie, Black Comedy, Parody, Horror Comedy, Comedy
Shaun lives a supremely uneventful life, which revolves around his girlfriend, his mother, and, above all, his local pub. This gentle routine is threatened when the dead return to life and make strenuous attempts to snack on ordinary Londoners.
Shaun of the Dead is a clever blend of horror and comedy, seamlessly marrying wit with the undead. Wright’s meticulous attention to detail, sharp writing, and the cast’s pitch-perfect performances elevate this rom-zom-com to a cult status, offering both laughs and genuine scares.
Top10nerScore83.122 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Mel Brooks
WRITERS: Gene Wilder, Mel Brooks
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Gerald Hirschfeld
STARRING: Gene Wilder, Peter Boyle, Marty Feldman, Madeline Kahn, Teri Garr, Cloris Leachman, Kenneth Mars
GENRE: Parody, Horror Comedy, Gothic, Comedy
A young neurosurgeon inherits the castle of his grandfather, the famous Dr. Victor von Frankenstein. In the castle he finds a funny hunchback, a pretty lab assistant and the elderly housekeeper. Young Frankenstein believes that the work of his grandfather was delusional, but when he discovers the book where the mad doctor described his reanimation experiment, he suddenly changes his mind.
We hope you enjoyed the list and discovered some inspiration for your next movie night.
Happy watching! And make sure to check out our other lists.
But, before you go, don’t forget to…
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Share your favorite films, suggest additions to the list, or let us know which films you think should be ranked differently.
