30 GREATEST HORROR-COMEDIES OF ALL TIME

Horror-Comedy films strike a unique balance, blending the chills of the macabre with laugh-out-loud humor to create a genre that’s equal parts terrifying and hilarious. In this list of the 30 Greatest Horror-Comedies of All Time, we’ve exhumed the best of the best, ranking them based on ratings and reviews from movie audiences and film critics across the internet, while giving special recognition to films that seamlessly blend scares with laughs.

At their heart, Horror-Comedies thrive on contrast, pitting absurdity against terror to deliver unforgettable thrills and giggles. These films range from slapstick gorefests to darkly witty satires, highlighting how laughter and fear can coexist in even the bloodiest of scenarios.

From Mel Brooks’ hilarious take on gothic horror to Sam Raimi’s gleefully chaotic cabin carnage, these 30 Films take you on a wild ride through haunted houses, apocalyptic wastelands, and beyond. Whether you’re here for the screams or the snickers, this list will have you dying of laughter. Sometimes literally…

If you’re looking for something even more spine-chilling, be sure to check out our 100 Greatest Horror Films of All Time, where we explore the most terrifying films that have shaped the genre and left audiences trembling in fear.

30

Trick 'r Treat

2007 | 1h 22m | USA & CAN | ENGLISH | 16+

[+] Top10nerScore72.287/ 100

p>

"Charlie's Brown's an asshole!"

DIRECTOR: Michael Dougherty

WRITERS: Michael Dougherty

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Glen MacPherson

STARRING: Brian Cox, Quinn Lord, Anna Paquin, Dylan Baker, Leslie Bibb, Tahmoh Penikett, Rochelle Aytes, Britt McKillip, Moneca Delain

GENRE: Horror, Black Comedy, Horror Comedy

THEME: Hyperlink Cinema, Halloween

Four interwoven stories that occur on Halloween: an everyday high school principal has a secret life as a serial killer; a college virgin might have just met the one guy for her; a group of teenagers pull a mean prank, and a bitter old recluse receives an uninvited guest.

Trick ‘r Treat masterfully intertwines four macabre tales, blending dark humor with chilling suspense. With a playful nod to Halloween traditions and a sinister sense of justice, its anthology style and atmospheric setting make it a cult classic of horror-comedy brilliance.

29

Gremlins 2

The New Batch

1990 | 1h 46m | USA | ENGLISH | 12+

[+] Top10nerScore72.413 / 100

p>

"Do you think the Gremsters can stand up to the Hulkster?"

DIRECTOR: Joe Dante

WRITERS: Charles S. Haas

CINEMATOGRAPHY: John Hora

STARRING: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, John Glover, Robert Prosky, Robert Picardo, Christopher Lee

GENRE: Low Fantasy, Black Comedy, Horror Comedy, Comedy, Postmodernism, Satire

An army of malevolent little monsters take over a high-tech corporate skyscraper when a cute and intelligent exotic pet is exposed to water. The Mogwai’s owner joins forces with the Trump-like head of the corporation to regain control.

A gleeful explosion of meta-humor and genre chaos, Gremlins 2: The New Batch reinvents itself as a zany satire of corporate culture and sequels. Its blend of slapstick horror and anarchic comedy transforms a skyscraper setting into a playground for mischief and mayhem.

28

The Old Dark House

1932 | 1h 10m | USA | ENGLISH | 13+

[+] Top10nerScore72.551 / 100

p>

"Finer stuff still, but it'll rot too!"

DIRECTOR: James Whale

WRITERS: Benn W. Levy

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Arthur Edeson

STARRING: Boris Karloff, Melvyn Douglas, Charles Laughton, Lilian Bond, Ernest Thesiger, Eva Moore, Gloria Stuart, Raymond Massey

GENRE: Gothic Horror, Horror Comedy

THEME: Chamber Film

Caught in a storm whilst journeying through Wales, a group of travelers take refuge in a sinister mansion inhabited by the bizarre Femm family and their mute butler, Morgan. The group settles in for the night, but the Femm family have a few skeletons in their closet, and one of them is on the loose…

A pioneering blend of horror and comedy, The Old Dark House revels in atmospheric dread and offbeat humor. Set in a storm-battered mansion, James Whale crafts a claustrophobic yet witty tale, where eccentric characters and sharp dialogue collide in deliciously eerie style.

27

Theatre of Blood

1973 | 1h 44m | UK | ENGLISH | 17+

[+] Top10nerScore72.718 / 100

p>

"If I'm not mistaken, Mr. Psaltry is murdering his wife."

DIRECTOR: Douglas Hickox

WRITERS: Anthony Greville-Bell

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Wolfgang Suschitzky

STARRING: Vincent Price, Diana Rigg, Ian Hendry, Harry Andrews, Coral Browne

GENRE: Horror, Black Comedy, Horror Comedy

An actor-turned-serial killer stalks London targeting theater critics who denied him recognition, and whom he kills in methods inspired by Shakespeare plays.

In Theatre of Blood, Price delivers a campy, yet chilling performance as a Shakespearean actor seeking revenge through theatrical murders. This horror-comedy blends macabre humor, lavish settings, and gory theatrics, making it a cult classic for genre enthusiasts.

26

The Cabin in
the Woods

2011 | 1h 35m | USA | ENGLISH | 16+

[+] Top10nerScore73.334 / 100

p>

"Am I on speakerphone?"

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 cleverly subverts horror conventions with its meta-commentary and genre-bending style. Combining slasher tropes, dark humor, and a suspenseful, high-concept setting, it keeps audiences both laughing and on edge, redefining the genre’s boundaries.

25

The Lost Boys

1987 | 1h 37m | USA | ENGLISH | 15+

[+] Top10nerScore73.582 / 100

p>

"You wait 'till mom finds out, buddy!"

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: Horror, Horror Comedy

THEME: Vampire, Teen Movie

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.

24

Cemetery Man

'Dellamorte Dellamore'

1994 | 1h 43m | ITALY, FRA & GER | ITALIAN | 18+

[+] Top10nerScore73.686 / 100

p>

"I'd give my life to be dead."

DIRECTOR: Michele Soavi

WRITERS: Gianni Romoli

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Mauro Marchetti

STARRING: Rupert Everett, François Hadji-Lazaro, Anna Falchi, Mickey Knox

GENRE: Black Comedy, Surrealism, Horror Comedy, Horror

THEME: Zombie

Cemetery watchman, Francesco Dellamorte, is tasked with dispatching the recently deceased when they rise from their graves.

Cemetery Man blends horror and comedy with gleeful absurdity, offering a quirky tale set in a surreal, eerie cemetery where the dead rise with alarming frequency. Its offbeat humor and dark atmosphere, combined with a distinctive visual style, create a truly unique experience.

23

Tremors

1990 | 1h 36m | USA | ENGLISH | 12+

[+] Top10nerScore74.256 / 100

p>

"Broke into the wrong goddamn rec room, didn't ya you bastard!"

DIRECTOR: Ron Underwood

WRITERS: Brent Maddock, S.S. Wilson

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Alexander Gruszynski

STARRING: Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward, Finn Carter, Michael Gross, Reba McEntire

GENRE: Natural Horror, Horror Comedy

THEME: Giant Monster

Val McKee and Earl Bassett are in a fight for their lives when they discover that their desolate town has been infested with gigantic, man-eating creatures that live below the ground.

Tremors blends horror and comedy with a quirky small-town setting, where residents fight giant, subterranean monsters. Its mix of suspense, humor, and campy charm strikes a perfect balance, elevating its status as a beloved cult classic with enduring appeal.

22

The Day of the Beast

'El día de la bestia'

1995 | 1h 43m | SPAIN | SPANISH | 17+

[+] Top10nerScore74.823 / 100

p>

"No, Satannica are on today. Check dates at the bar."

DIRECTOR: Álex de la Iglesia

WRITERS: Álex de la Iglesia, Jorge Guerricaechevarría

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Flavio Martínez Labiano

STARRING: Álex Angulo, Santiago Segura, Armando de Razza, Terele Pávez

GENRE: Black Comedy, Thriller, Horror Comedy

THEME: Christmas

A cabalistic study of the Bible reveals to a Basque priest that the antichrist will be born on Christmas Day in Madrid. Helped by a heavy-metal fan and a showman of an esoteric TV program, the priest must invoke the devil to find out the evil spawn’s place of birth and then kill it.

The Day of the Beast blends horror and comedy with sharp satirical wit, set against the chaotic backdrop of Madrid during Christmas. Its dark humor, offbeat characters, and surreal storytelling elevate it beyond typical genre fare, delivering an unpredictable, stylish thrill.

21

Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein

1948 | 1h 23m | USA | ENGLISH | 7+

[+] Top10nerScore75.367 / 100

p>

"Allow me to introduce myself. I'm the Invisible Man."

DIRECTOR: Charles Barton

WRITERS: Robert Lees, Frederic I. Rinaldo, John Grant

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Charles Van Enger

STARRING: Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Lon Chaney Jr., Bela Lugosi, Glenn Strange, Lenore Aubert

GENRE: Slapstick, Horror Comedy

THEME: Vampire, Werewolf, Buddy

Baggage handlers Bud and Lou accidentally stumble upon Frankenstein’s Monster, Dracula and the Wolf Man.

A delightful blend of slapstick and horror, Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein effortlessly melds comedy with iconic monster lore. The film’s witty dialogue, classic monsters, and chaotic atmosphere make it a standout in horror comedy, offering laughs and thrills.

20

Scream

1996 | 1h 52m | USA | ENGLISH | 15+

[+] Top10nerScore76.388 / 100

p>

"What's your favorite scary movie?"

DIRECTOR: Wes Craven

WRITERS: Kevin Williamson

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Mark Irwin

STARRING: Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Skeet Ulrich, Matthew Lillard, Rose McGowan

GENRE: Slasher, Satire, Thriller, Black Comedy, Postmodernism, Horror Comedy

A killer known as Ghostface begins killing off teenagers, and as the body count begins rising, one girl and her friends find themselves contemplating the ‘rules’ of horror films as they find themselves living in a real-life one.

Scream revitalizes the slasher genre with self-aware humor and sharp commentary on horror tropes. Wes Craven’s mix of suspense, irony, and teen angst in a suburban setting makes it a unique horror-comedy hybrid, balancing scares with wit and breaking conventions.

19

Zombieland

2009 | 1h 28m | USA | ENGLISH | 15+

[+] Top10nerScore76.835 / 100

p>

"I'm not great at farewells, so, uh, that'll do, pig."

DIRECTOR: Ruben Fleischer

WRITERS: Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Michael Bonvillain

STARRING: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin

GENRE: Zombie, Comedy, Action, Horror Comedy

THEME: Road Movie, Post-Apocalyptic, 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.

In Zombieland, post-apocalyptic chaos meets sharp-witted humor, blending zombie horror with comedic flair. Its fast-paced direction, quirky characters, and outrageous action elevate it beyond the genre’s typical tropes, creating a fun, fresh take on survival in a decayed world.

18

Tucker & Dale
vs. Evil

2010 | 1h 29m | CANADA | ENGLISH | 16+

[+] Top10nerScore77.173/ 100

p>

"Oh hidy-ho officer, we've had a doozy of a day…"

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, Parody, Splatter, Horror Comedy, Horror

THEME: Buddy

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.

17

Beetlejuice

1988 | 1h 32m | USA | ENGLISH | 12+

[+] Top10nerScore77.401 / 100

p>

"NOW WHAT DO YOU THINK? You think I'm qualified?"

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, Horror Comedy

THEME: Haunted House, Gothic, Halloween

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.

16

Gremlins

1984 | 1h 46m | USA | ENGLISH | 12+

[+] Top10nerScore78.429 / 100

p>

"there just might be a gremlin in your house."

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, Horror Comedy

THEME: Christmas

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.

15

Little Shop of Horrors

1986 | 1h 34m | USA | ENGLISH | 10+

[+] Top10nerScore79.038 / 100

p>

"Strictly between us - neither is the Audrey One."

DIRECTOR: Frank Oz

WRITERS: Howard Ashman

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robert Paynter

STARRING: Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Steve Martin, Levi Stubbs, Vincent Gardenia

GENRE: Musical, 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.

14

Ghostbusters

1984 | 1h 47m | USA | ENGLISH | 10+

[+] Top10nerScore79.404 / 100

p>

"Yes it's true… This man has no dick."

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.

13

Army of Darkness

'Evil Dead 3'

1992 | 1h 21m | USA | ENGLISH | 16+

[+] Top10nerScore79.449 / 100

p>

"Alright you Primitive Screwheads, listen up!"

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, Horror Comedy, Dark Fantasy

THEME: Medieval

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.

12

Phantom of the Paradise

1974 | 1h 32m | USA | ENGLISH | 13+

[+] Top10nerScore79.591 / 100

p>

"Anyone else who tries, dies!"

DIRECTOR: Brian De Palma

WRITERS: Brian De Palma

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Larry Pizer

STARRING: Paul Williams, William Finley, Jessica Harper

GENRE: Satire, Rock Opera, Tragedy, Horror Comedy

THEME: Music

MOVEMENT: New Hollywood

A disfigured composer sells his soul for the woman he loves so that she will perform his music. However, an evil record tycoon betrays him and steals his music to open his rock palace, The Paradise.

Phantom of the Paradise is a cinematic triumph, blending rock opera, horror, and satire with unparalleled creativity. De Palma’s direction and Paul Williams’ haunting score deliver a captivating and thought-provoking experience that has rightfully earned its cult status.

11

The Return of the Living Dead

1985 | 1h 31m | USA | ENGLISH | 17+

[+] Top10nerScore80.107 / 100

p>

"Send... more... paramedics."

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: Black Comedy, Horror, Horror Comedy

THEME: Zombie

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.

INTRODUCING...

THE TOP 10
HORROR-COMEDIES
OF ALL TIME

10

Re-Animator

1985 | 1h 26m | USA | ENGLISH | 17+

[+] Top10nerScore80.445 / 100

p>

"Who's going to believe a talking head?"

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, Science Fiction, Black Comedy, Horror Comedy

THEME: Zombie

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.

09

The Rocky Horror
Picture Show

1975 | 1h 40m | UK | ENGLISH | 15+

[+] Top10nerScore80.834 / 100

p>

"A mental mind fuck can be nice."

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, Horror Comedy

THEME: LGBTQ+

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.

08

One Cut of
the Dead

'Kamera o tomeru na!'

2017 | 1h 36m | JAPAN | JAPANESE | 13+

[+] Top10nerScore82.273 / 100

p>

"More real than reality, more real than the real thing!!"

DIRECTOR: Shinichiro Ueda

WRITERS: Shinichiro Ueda

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Takeshi Sone

STARRING: Takayuki Hamatsu, Yuzuki Akiyama, Harumi Shuhama, Kazuaki Nagaya

GENRE: Comedy, Postmodernism, Horror Comedy

THEME: Zombie  

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.

07

An American Werewolf in London

1981 | 1h 37m | UK & USA | ENGLISH | 17+

[+] Top10nerScore83.082 / 100

p>

"Beware the moon, lads."

DIRECTOR: John Landis

WRITERS: John Landis

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robert Paynter

STARRING: David Naughton, Jenny Agutter, Griffin Dunne, John Woodvine

GENRE: Black Comedy, Horror, Horror Comedy

THEME: Werewolf

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.

06

House

'Hausu'

1977 | 1h 28m | JAPAN | JAPANESE | 16+

[+] Top10nerScore83.767 / 100

p>

"...Bananas! Bananas! Bananas! Bananas!..."

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: Absurdist Comedy, Surrealism, Horror Comedy

THEME: Haunted House

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.

05

Braindead

'Dead Alive'

1992 | 1h 43m | NEW ZEALAND | ENGLISH | 18+

[+] Top10nerScore84.323 / 100

p>

"Stand back boy! This calls for divine intervention!"

DIRECTOR: Peter Jackson

WRITERS: Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Stephen Sinclair

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Murray Milne

STARRING: Tim Balme, Diana Peñalver, Elizabeth Moody, Ian Watkin

GENRE: Splatter, Black Comedy, Body Horror, Gross-Out Comedy, Horror Comedy

THEME: Zombie

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.

04

What We Do in the Shadows

2014 | 1h 26m | NEW ZEALAND | ENGLISH | 13+

[+] Top10nerScore84.934 / 100

p>

"We're Werewolves, not Swear-Wolves."

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, Black Comedy, Horror Comedy

THEME: Vampire

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.

03

Young Frankenstein

1974 | 1h 46m | USA | ENGLISH | 10+

[+] Top10nerScore85.615 / 100

p>

"Abby... Normal."

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

THEME: Gothic

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.

A pitch-perfect parody of classic horror, Young Frankenstein blends Mel Brooks’ comedic brilliance with James Whale-inspired aesthetics. Its gothic setting, witty script, and playful performances make it a genre-defining horror-comedy that delights fans of scares and laughs alike.

02

Evil Dead II

'Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn'

1987 | 1h 24m | USA | ENGLISH | 17+

[+] Top10nerScore87.936 / 100

p>

"Swallow this."

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, Supernatural Horror, Horror Comedy

THEME: Haunted House

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.

01

Shaun of the Dead

2004 | 1h 39m | UK | ENGLISH | 15+

[+] Top10nerScore89.171 / 100

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"How's that for a slice of fried gold?"

DIRECTOR: Edgar Wright

WRITERS: Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg

CINEMATOGRAPHY: David M. Dunlap

STARRING: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Kate Ashfield, Lucy Davis, Dylan Moran

GENRE: Black Comedy, Horror Comedy, Parody, Horror

THEME: Zombie

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.

Combining razor-sharp wit with blood-soaked thrills, Shaun of the Dead expertly deconstructs zombie tropes while delivering genuine scares and heartfelt moments. Set against a hilariously mundane suburban backdrop, its perfect blend of humor and horror secures it as…

The Greatest Horror-Comedy of All Time

HONORABLE MENTIONS

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