The Best Horror Comedy Movies  - 10 Must See Horror Comedies

Written by: Matt Molgaard

Horror and comedy function hand in hand. Both genres demand viewers suspend all disbelief, leap into outlandish scenarios and ride the wave until the tide leads to foreign shores. Knowing this, it should be no surprise that time has gifted us an onslaught of absolutely fantastic horror/comedy hybrids. The amalgamation of content dates back to the 1940’s, when Universal Studio’s selected Bud Abbott and Lou Costello to “meet” many a famous Universal Monster in a series of hilarious crossover films (I’m still partial to Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet Frankenstein) that won over quite the diverse audiences.

While cinematic approaches have undergone an awe inspiring evolution over the decades, fans are still offered horror romps, and while some may lack the charm of old A&C flicks, others far surpass simple minded laughs in favor of complex and envelope pushing comedy. From Peter Jackson to Sam Raimi, there are some genius filmmakers compiling bona fide masterpieces, and it’s about time to offer forth some recognition!



Evil Dead 2: Sam Raimi struck indie gold way back in 1981 when he shot the cult classic tale of demonic possession, Evil Dead. Fast forward six years and Raimi returned to the franchise in what could rightfully be labeled a reboot, though it’s officially been labeled with a sequel moniker. The second film pits Ash (Bruce Campbell) right back in the rackety shack where a series of demons wreaked havoc years prior. This time around however, the comedy is ratcheted up from about 5 to 11, and Raimi holds absolutely zero back. The laughs are preposterous and the gags feel more out-of-this-world than backwoods-possession. Just the same, few films best this gem: just ask Ash’s severed hand (that was special effects guru Gregory Nicotero’s hand by the way)!




Tucker & Dale vs. Evil: If you’re looking for a superb modern horror comedy, one need only look to Tucker & Dale vs. Evil. This respectful poke at vintage terror is as endearing as it is funny, and that comes on the heels of a one-of-a-kind script handled by Eli Craig and Morgan Jurgenson. Craig directed this riot that pits two friendly hillbillies against a group of delusional college kids, who happen to be convinced that both Tucker and Dale are out to kill one of their own. The story seizes every cliché imaginable, squeezes the life from them and then tosses them directly in the face of the viewer; boy does it work like a charm. My personal pick for best of 2011, Tucker & Dale vs. Evil is a film best viewed rather than read about: so go hit your local Redbox! 




Shaun of the Dead: Shaun of the Dead may be the most beloved zombie spoofs ever shot. It’s certainly one of the funniest. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost bring their pitch perfect English humor to this remarkably over the top, post-apocalyptic zombie yarn. This is one of those few films that deliver everything the original marketing scheme promised: tons of blood, zombies and witty one liners. There’s no point in diving too deep into the story itself, as it is as cut and dried as imaginable: It’s man versus zombie, and it’s so funny it’ll transform your abdominal muscles into redefined examples of pure fitness, all in the span of 99 minutes.



Dead Alive: Dead Alive is a whole lot like Shaun of the Dead… just…far more outlandish. This one has a terrifically absurd setup that involves a Sumatran rat-monkey, from which we segue into shots of a repulsive zombie mother and eventually reach our destination, which happens to be hosting one of the grandest finales you’ll find in any region of the horror genre. Peter Jackson builds upon his earlier effort Bad Taste and delivers a true grand slam with this film, as there is so much insanity here I don’t even know where to begin. Once considered the goriest film in history, this one leave your stomach turning in more than one way.




Ghostbusters: Let’s be real with each other for a moment. Everyone alive has seen Ghostbusters, and the same count would openly admit that this film is the end all, be all of horror comedy. Ivan Reitman wins big with this 1984 offering for a number of reasons. The script, which was crafted by the crew themselves (Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Rick Moranis), is truly brilliant, with a strong emphasis on intelligent dialogue and sharp jokes. Another major factor in this one’s success is Bill Murray who elevates the performances of each of his supporting actors. This man steals the show, returns to gloat in your face, and then skips away; his performance as Dr. Peter Venkman is nothing short glorious.



Feast: If you like to see the mold shattered, you’ll like Feast. If you like to see quality practical special effects, you’ll like Feast. If you enjoy sadistic eroticism thrown in with your laughs, you’ll absolutely love Feast! This flick is balls to the wall from the absolute jump. The cinematography is absolutely dazzling, and John Gulager’s direction makes for an example aspiring filmmakers should follow. The laughs are almost too unbelievable to mention, but I’ll say this: expect some heart stopping laughs and highly disturbing visuals, including some very… awkward copulation scenes.



Zombieland: I’m noticing a direct correlation between humor and zombies. To be honest, it’s a little disturbing. Fortunately, it really can make for an excellent film! Here we have another case of well assembled dialogue and a unique approach with which to deliver. Columbus’s (Jesse Eisenberg) rule book is a terrific comedy medium, and what laughs don’t stem from his trusty notepad spew from the lips of Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson). The action in this flick mirrors the comedy perfectly, and that makes for a film that moves at a brisk pace, and never allows viewers to grow bored. Tallahassee’s quest for a Twinkie, and the completely random encounter with Bill Murray (who plays himself in an absolutely priceless role) alone make this a guaranteed winner, and shoo in for top 10 consideration.



Bubba Ho-Tep: Don Coscarelli may not be the most consistent writer or filmmaker, but when his efforts yield a treasure, boy does that treasure shine infinitely. Bubba Ho-Tep tells the story of “Elvis”, who, now a senior citizen resides in a nursing home where a ghastly creature travels the hallways in search of souls to claim. Just seeing Bruce Campbell portray Elvis Presley should be enough to pique your interest, but if that’s not enough, toss in some wickedly crude humor delivered in a fashion that makes for hearty, hearty laughs. The narrative is beautiful in its comedic quality, and the general concept is so ludicrous one must but do a single thing: succumb to the laughter that should not be suppressed.




An American Werewolf in London:  In 1981 John Landis killed two birds with one stone: he made one of the greatest horror films in history, and he made arguably the best horror/comedy hybrid. This tale of traveling Americans attacked by werewolves on desolate London moors is terrifying, haunting and downright hilarious. The combination makes for a perfect sensatory attack and a wildly entertaining viewing experience. The idea of being hounded by a decaying friend is both terrifying and humorous, and Landis uses this mold to fuel the majority of his picture. The perfect beer drinking flick, An American Werewolf in London hits all the right notes, triggering all the right responses, one of which is sure to be uncontrollable cackling.





Re-Animator: I often wonder what the hell travels the passages of Stuart Gordon’s mind. This man brings some truly mystifying concepts to the screen, but somehow makes them work! Re-Animator is certainly no exception to the pattern! This tale of- you guessed it - twisted reanimation, is creepy, over-the-top and about as funny as a prime Dave Chappelle stand up special... in a really different way. Jeffrey Combs was born to portray the unstable Herbert West, as he offers such a spirited performance, I can’t fathom anyone else even rivaling the spectacle. This one has a bit of everything from gore to nudity to big laughs, big scares and a cast to make 1980’s fanatics drool uncontrollably.

There are plenty of other stellar horror comedies floating about. Many of which sat on the cusp of making this list, but I’ve got to keep my word count in control here. Rather than completely disregarding a few gems however, I’ll issue a few extra recommendations: Gremlins, The Return of the Living Dead, Night of the Creeps, The Monster Squad, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Slither, and Fido.