Top 10: Horror Comedies

Horror Comedy, there is something about the combination of those two genres that almost guarantees entertainment. Throughout the years, movies that have fallen into this category have managed to evoke laughter and disgust in equal measure. However, there must be an equal balance between the two otherwise it usually doesn’t work. This got me thinking, what are my favourite horror comedies?

10 – Critters 2: The Main Course (1988 – Review Here)

This might be a controversial choice but I rate this sequel higher than its predecessor. Well, in terms of being a better horror comedy that is. Critters 2 sees the fur balls from hell return in a direct continuation of the first film. There is some great gore on display and a number of memorable moments. Yes, the whole concept is an obvious rip-off of Gremlins but that doesn’t change the fact that it is a nostalgic, fun 80s movie.

09 – The Cabin in the Woods (2012)

Movies in the Horror Comedy genre tend to parody other horror films, nothing is safe. The Cabin in the Woods may just be the ultimate satirical horror extravaganza. At the same time, it manages to be extremely original, entertaining and most importantly really bloody funny. There are plenty of highlights throughout but there is one that you won’t forget very quickly. I am of course talking about the scene when all of the imprisoned creatures are unleashed. Some of them look suspiciously like they had been transported from many classic horror franchises. Either way, it’s an amazing scene that alone makes it well worth a watch.

08 – Shaun of the Dead (2004)

I could hardly make a list about the best horror comedies and not include this. Simon Pegg & Nick Frost offer up their unique comedic talents in this fantastic satire on the clichés found in zombie flicks. Who could forget the scene when Shaun lives out his daily, mundane routine? Only to do it the same way without noticing that there is a zombie apocalypse taking place? That’s just one of the memorable, very funny moments in this endlessly quotable film.

07 – House (1986 – Review Here)

I’m obviously extremely biased to include this but it’s my list! House is one of my favourite films of all time, period. Not only does it have some highly amusing moments but there are a couple of decent scares at hand as well. It has likeable characters, an intriguing story and one heck of a creepy atmosphere. Also, the soundtrack is great. Some of the effects have aged but that’s to be expected. Still, it’s rarely spoken about which is a huge shame.

06 – What we do in the Shadows (2012 – Review Here)

Viago, Deacon, and Vladislav (And Petyr of course!) are vampires who are finding that modern life has them struggling with the mundane. Paying rent, keeping up with chores, trying to get into nightclubs, and overcoming flatmate conflicts. What we do in the Shadows doesn’t have anywhere near as much blood and gore as other films on this list. However, there is some but that’s not what makes this so great. The premise alone is ripe for hilarity and hilarity ensues, oh man does it ensue.

05 – Re-Animator (1985 – Review Here)

There are so many things to praise about the film so I’ll just start with the most obvious and that’s Jeffery Combs as Herbert West. His deadpan delivery, demeanour and determination to obtain any corpse to test his discovery is highly and I mean highly entertaining.

Who could forget this moment? Megan discovers her cat inside Herbert West’s refrigerator. When questioned on how the cat had died, West explains that it had suffocated and as he was going out he felt it was best to tell Megan and Dan later rather than writing them a note saying “Cat dead. Details later” Classic!

04 – The Return of the Living Dead (1985 – Review Here)

In the introduction, I mentioned how the perfect horror comedies blend the two evenly. This is as fine of an example if there ever was one. It manages to be highly amusing and unexpectedly frightening all at the same time, this film holds up incredibly well. The gore isn’t too over the top but when it is on display it’s truly impressive. Who could forget the terrifying Tarman zombie? If all of that wasn’t enough, it has one of the best if not the best zombie soundtracks ever.

03 – Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead (2006 – Review Here)

With a title like that, you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into. However, nothing can prepare you for the ridiculous, side-splitting, offensive, disgusting insanity that this film delivers. Truly, you should expect nothing less from a musical-exploitation film from Troma Entertainment. The most surprisingly aspect is how enjoyable and catchy the songs are.

02 – Evil Dead II: Dead by Dawn (1987)

Bruce Campbell was born to play Ash, this is a fact. Many of the films on this list are memorable and quotable but none more so than this one. Still, as insanely funny and entertaining as Evil Dead 2 is. I have to give it immense credit for its ability to deliver genuinely scary moments. It has a thick atmosphere that is utilized perfectly. Not only is Evil Dead 2 one of the best horror comedies of all time, it is one of the best horror movies of all time too. Campbell delivers an iconic performance as Ash, one that will have you laughing and grimacing in equal measure.

01 – Braindead (1992 – Review Here)

It may be controversial to place this above all of the other classic horror comedies but I have no choice. No other film on this list manages to combine horror and comedy as perfectly as this one does. One of the best things about Braindead are the effects, they are seriously unbelievable. It never takes itself too seriously but that’s exactly what I love about it. The scene involving the karate, zombie killing priest is possibly my favourite scene in a horror comedy ever. In my mind, this is the best horror comedy ever!

Do you disagree with my list? What horror comedies would make your list? Let me know!