The horror comedy is a subgenre in horror that combines both the elements of comedy and horror films. The combination of the two genres dates back to the times of Edgar Allan Poe, as he would sprinkle in comedic elements into his dark short stories. Many of Poe’s works were transcribed for the screen by Universal Pictures in their early years of monster films. The classic Universal Monsters emerged during a time known as the golden age of Universal Horror, and within these years, some of the most well regarded early horror comedies were produced. Big names like Bud Abott and Lou Costello were prominent in these films, and were part of what won them the praise.
Horror comedies are a perfect pairing in terms of attracting audiences that breach genre gaps. Films like Shaun of the Dead, Killer Klowns From Outer Space, and Gremlins are attributed with paving the way for the sub-genre to emerge. However, films like the Scary Movie Franchiseare straight parodies of horror classics that poke fun at plot holes and clumsy villains. From the early 2000s to now, horror comedies have found their way onto screens, serving up both frights and laughs for many fans alike. Here are some of the best horror comedies to come out of the 2010s.
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6 Warm Bodies
Summit Entertainment
Zombies have been a staple in horror in pop culture since the 1960s, which would later introduce the release of George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead in 1968. The classic film was shot entirely in black and white and served not only as a film about the undead rising, but centered in on a plot that commented heavily on political trademarks of the time. The love for the undead turned into a craze, spawning the release of films like Dawn of the Dead, and the 1985 cult classic The Return of the Living Dead. Yet, in late 2010 AMC’s The Walking Dead premiered, and the resurrection of zombie love was reborn. Johnathan Levine’s Warm Bodies flipped the switch on undead standards, and turned the presumed brain-dead humans into the main protagonists. The film dances on the line of horror and romance, with elements of comedy scattered throughout, and ultimately follows the notion that love can heal all — even the undead.
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5 Happy Death Day
Happy Death Day tells the story of a college student named Tree (Jessica Rothe), who must relive the day of her death until she figures out who her killer is. Following the same premise as Groundhog Day, but with much grimmer circumstances, Tree must learn from her mistakes, and by the end of the film, comes out a better person. The “Bayfield Babyface Killer” is not only the school’s mascot, but a parody on the killers of classic mask wearing slashers. According to Slash Film, one of the films that inspired Christopher Landon’s Happy Death Day was Scream, due to the film’s ability to be ultra self-aware, but also have comedic elements.
4 Krampus
Legendary Pictures
Krampus, the horned half-demon, half-goat creature that terrorizes misbehaved children during Christmastime, has received a handful of movies dedicated to the figure. However, Michael Dougherty’s 2015 release entitled Krampus, not only bases the film on one of the most well-known mythological creatures, but also acknowledges the comedy of the situation. No, being stuck in an eternal snow globe being tortured by Krampus’ helpers doesn’t sound appealing. Yet, from the beginning, Dougherty shows the audience exactly what kind of film this is going to be. From the Black Friday shopping scene to the attack of the evil gingerbreads, Krampus offers up a different lesson for the Christmas season.
3 Scream 4
Dimension Films
The Scream Franchise has always allowed room for comedy throughout the series, with the exception of Scream 2022, arguably being one of the more brutal of the bunch. Wes Craven’s 1996 script was a pivotal turning point and is often credited with revitalizing the horror genre with a fresh idea on a slasher film with a moderate kill count. 2000’s Scream 3 is often regarded as the sloppiest in the franchise due to the various script changes it had to undergo during filming, as outlined by Screen Rant. And although this third installment was supposed to tie up the franchise, Craven came back and released Scream 4 11 years later. Despite the scrutiny the film faces, Scream 4 returns the series to the very heart of Woodsboro with notable Craven flair.
2 Zombieland: Double Tap
Columbia Pictures
Zombieland: Double Tap is the direct sequel to 2009’s hit horror-comedy Zombieland, which featured the return of the entire original ensemble cast. The film picks up five years after the events of the first film, showing that the outcast survivors have made a new home for themselves in the White House. After Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) leave the boys at the White House, Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) declares that he is thinking of branching out on his own. This sparks concern for Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) as he viewed this group as his family. However, after Wichita returns and declares that Little Rock may be in trouble, the group reunites to face the undead once more to save her. The two-film franchise is truly unique in its ability to deliver both gruesome kills, and stunning comedic performances.
1 Ready or Not
Searchlight Pictures
On the surface, Ready or Not seems like a typical run-of-the-mill horror movie, with an obvious path to a predictable ending. However, to the surprise of many, the film served as a success, and Samara Weaving’s Grace Le Domas is regarded as one of the decade’s best final girls in horror movies. When Grace finds out that her new husband’s family must sacrifice her based on an ancient ritual their family performs when one draws a specific game card, she must survive the night to avoid her death. As the family members get picked off one by one, the dynamic between the Le Domases changes from confident to stressed. Grace barely has to lift a finger to outsmart her new murderous in-laws because comically, the majority of the deaths occur thanks to one of their own and are accidental. The film was not only a refreshing take on what could have been a lame premise, but was the perfect way to cap off horror comedies of the 2010s.
