Halloween is the time of year when ghouls, ghosts, and goblins come out to play. It’s a time for spooky tales, haunted houses, and, of course, horror movies. But not all Halloween movies need to terrify you out of your wits. There’s a subgenre that combines fear and fun in a delightfully twisted way – comedy horror. These movies offer a unique blend of the macabre and the comical, giving you the best of both worlds.
So, if you’re looking to spice up your Halloween movie night with some laughter amid the screams, here’s a curated list of comedy horror movies to watch on Halloween that will keep you entertained on the spookiest night of the year.
What Are Comedy Horror Movies?
Comedy horror, also known as “funny, scary movies,” is a genre that thrives on the juxtaposition of fear and humour. These films take elements of horror, such as monsters, supernatural occurrences, and suspense, and infuse them with humour to create an entertaining rollercoaster of emotions. While comedy horror might not be as well-defined as traditional horror or comedy, it has become a subgenre with a dedicated fan base.
Is Comedy Horror a Genre?
Some might argue that comedy horror isn’t a distinct genre but rather a subgenre or style that blends elements of horror and comedy. While it may not have a clearly defined set of tropes and conventions like traditional horror or comedy, it’s still a recognised and appreciated category in the world of film. These movies bring a unique and enjoyable twist to the horror and comedy genres, providing viewers with a welcome change of pace.
Popular Comedy Horror Movies to Watch on Halloween
If you’re in the mood for a good laugh and a few scares this Halloween, consider these comedy horror movies.
Beetlejuice (1988)
Directed by Tim Burton, Beetlejuice is a hilarious trip to the afterlife. It is a delightful mix of supernatural, dark humour, and imaginative visuals, making it one of the best comedy horror movies to watch on Halloween.
The narrative tells the story of a recently deceased couple who find themselves trapped in their own home as ghosts. Frustrated with the new living inhabitants, they seek the help of a mischievous and unconventional “bio-exorcist”, Beetlejuice, to remove the living from their beloved home. However, they soon realize that enlisting Beetlejuice’s aid comes with its own set of bizarre and chaotic consequences.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Hocus Pocus is a fun and lighthearted film with a bit of magic and mayhem. Directed by Kenny Ortega, this Disney classic combines elements of comedy, fantasy, and Halloween-themed adventure, making it a beloved classic for families during the spooky season. It is also a nostalgic film for many people, as it was released when many of its current fans were children.
The story revolves around the Sanderson sisters, three witches who are resurrected after 300 years. Max, a teenage boy, inadvertently brings the witches back to life on Halloween night. Max must work to thwart the witches’ plan to regain their youth and magical powers.
Scary Movie (1999)
Scary Movie is a perfect Halloween watch because it is both funny and scary. It parodies popular slasher films of the 1990s, particularly Scream (1996) and I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997), creating a hilarious and irreverent take on the genre. Directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans, this film is known for its sharp wit, memorable one-liners, and pop culture references.
The film follows a group of teenagers who accidentally hit a man with their car and dump his body in a lake. A year later, someone wearing a Ghostface mask and robe begins hunting them down one by one. While trying to survive, they uncover dark secrets and engage in a series of humorous, over-the-top situations.
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
A witty and endearing take on the zombie apocalypse, this film combines British humour with gruesome undead mayhem. Written and directed by Edgar Wright, this British classic is full of hilarious moments but has its fair share of gore and scares.
Shaun of the Dead follows the life of a slacker named Shaun who’s content with his daily work routine, spending time at the local pub, and dealing with his girlfriend Liz’s frustrations. However, his world is turned upside down when a zombie apocalypse suddenly breaks out in suburban England. Shaun and his slacker friend Ed must summon their wits and courage to navigate the chaos, rescue their loved ones, and confront the zombies.
Trick ‘r Treat (2007)
Trick ‘r Treat is an American anthology film written and directed by Michael Dougherty. It pays homage to classic horror while offering a fresh and modern take on the genre. The anthology format allows for a diverse range of horror and comedic elements, creating a fun and spooky experience for audiences.
The film is set in a small town. It unfolds over the course of one Halloween night, with multiple interwoven storylines. Each story segment is connected by a mysterious character named Sam, who appears whenever one of the other characters breaks a Halloween tradition. Throughout the film, viewers encounter tales of haunted school bus trips, werewolves, vengeful spirits, and more.
Zombieland (2009)
Directed by Ruben Fleischer, Zombieland is a clever and entertaining take on the zombie apocalypse genre, blending scares with humour and adventure. It is fun, fast-paced, and definitely one of the best comedy horror movies to watch on Halloween.
The film’s story follows a group of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. Each character goes by a city name to avoid personal attachments. They navigate the zombie-infested wasteland while developing their own set of survival rules, and their humourous interactions and quirky personalities add a comedic element to the film.
Tucker & Dale vs. Evil (2010)
One of the ultimate best comedy horror movies to watch on Halloween must be Tucker & Dale vs Evil. Directed by Eli Craig, this film turns the traditional “hillbilly horror” trope on its head with hilarious and unexpected results. It cleverly combines dark humour, satire, and an exploration of stereotypes, ultimately creating a comedy horror that surprises and amuses viewers.
Tucker and Dale are two well-meaning but bumbling friends who embark on a vacation to their newly acquired remote mountain cabin. However, their peaceful getaway takes a chaotic turn when a group of college kids mistake them for deranged killers. The film follows the misunderstanding as it leads to a series of unfortunate events and gruesome deaths.
The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
For a meta-comedy horror experience, The Cabin in the Woods is a must-watch. Directed by Drew Goddard, this film cleverly deconstructs the horror genre while delivering plenty of scares and laughs.
The narrative centres on a group of friends who set off for a weekend getaway to a remote cabin in the woods. As is typical in horror films, things quickly take a sinister turn as they encounter a series of terrifying and deadly events. The twist is when they become monitored and manipulated by a group of technicians in an underground facility.
What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
What We Do in the Shadows is a hilarious and heartwarming film that is sure to please fans of both horror and comedy. Written and directed by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, this mockumentary-style comedy takes a unique and hilarious approach to the vampire genre.
Ever wondered what it’s like to live with vampires? This mockumentary provides a hilariously absurd answer. Four vampire housemates in Wellington, New Zealand, try to navigate modern life while also dealing with the challenges of being undead. The film follows the vampires as they go about their daily lives, from trying to figure out how to use the internet to deal with their human neighbours.
Freaky (2020)
Directed by Christopher Landon, Freaky is a comedy horror film that is sure to leave you laughing and gasping in fear. The film successfully blends moments of gruesome horror with witty comedy, offering a fresh take on the slasher genre.
A teenage girl named Millie Kessler becomes the target of a notorious serial killer called the Blissfield Butcher. However, after using an ancient dagger, Millie and the Butcher swap bodies. The twist is that they also inherit each other’s personalities, leading to a humorous and chaotic series of events. Millie, now in the killer’s body, must race against time to reverse the curse before the Butcher permanently inhabits her body.
We Have a Ghost (2023)
On the list of comedy horror movies to watch on Halloween, you shouldn’t miss the American supernatural comedy horror We Have a Ghost. Directed by Christopher Landon, the film is based on Geoff Manaugh’s 2017 short story “Ernest,” and it weaves together components of science fiction, horror, and humour.
The film tells the story of a family who discovers a friendly ghost named Ernest haunting their new home. The family decides to make Ernest a social media star, but they soon find themselves in danger from the CIA.
No matter what your taste in horror movies is, there’s a comedy horror movie out there that’s perfect for you. So gather your friends and family, screen one of the popular comedy horror movies to watch on Halloween, and get ready for a night of scares and laughs!