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- The upcoming release of Evil Dead Rise (April 21) is the perfect reason to revisit some of the funniest and most memorable horror comedies of the 1980s. The decade produced many of the most iconic entries in the sub-genre, cementing it as a leading player in American cinema. From iconic pictures to underrated B-movies, these horror comedies will never get old, continuing to attract intense fan devotion decades after their original release.
From angst-filled teen movies (The Breakfast Club) and Steven Spielberg blockbusters (Raiders of the Lost Ark) to scary slashers (Friday the 13th) and big-muscled action movies (The Terminator), 1980s cinema had it all. In a great decade filled with great movies, the '80s gave generations of movie-goers timeless and memorable classics.
However, amidst the popularity of High-Concept blockbusters, a sub-genre of films gained cult status or at least attracted a loyal and devoted fan base: horror-comedy. With the spooky season well and truly here and for those looking to add some hilarious horror to the Halloween watchlist, these are the best horror comedies the decade had to offer.
Updated on April 16, 2023, by David Caballero:
The upcoming release of Evil Dead Rise (April 21) is the perfect reason to revisit some of the funniest and most memorable horror comedies of the 1980s. The decade produced many of the most iconic entries in the sub-genre, cementing it as a leading player in American cinema. From iconic pictures to underrated B-movies, these horror comedies will never get old, continuing to attract intense fan devotion decades after their original release.
15 'Killer Klowns from Outer Space' (1988)
After a comet crashes nearby, Mike Tobacco (Grant Cramer) and Debbie Stone (Suzanne Snyder) decide to go and investigate it, only to discover the comet is populated with extra-terrestrial clowns. While the young teen couple seeks help, the clowns go on a murderous rampage as they terrorize a small town.
Since its release in 1988, Killer Klowns from Outer Space has become a cult classic and horror-comedy fan-favorite. The film also stars John Vernon as Curtis Mooney, whose defining character trait is "old man hates teenagers," and boasts a memorable theme song. With a stupid-yet-fun premise, some grotesque, some of the most terrifying killer clowns in film, and wildly inventive production and set designs that are wacky and creative, Killer Klowns from Outer Space is an entertaining and enjoyable festival of nightmares.
14 'House' (1985)
Famous horror novelist Roger Cobb moves into her aunt's house shortly after her tragic suicide. Shortly after arriving, Roger is haunted by creepy monsters and apparitions from his troubled past.
In a great imitation of past haunted house movies, 1985's House is a hidden gem of a horror-comedy from Steve Miner. Entertaining and bonkers, House not only tricks its main character but manages to trick the audience with all the twists and turns it takes. The special effects hold up surprisingly well, the scares are well-executed and genuinely terrifying, and George Wendt brings comic relief as Harold, Roger's friendly neighbor.
13 'Parents' (1989)
Bob Balaban directs the 1989 horror-comedy Parents. The story revolves around Michal, a ten-year-old who suspects something is wrong with his seemingly perfect parents and their idyllic suburban life. When he goes to a school counselor for help, his family's dark secrets come to life.
Weird and disturbing, Parents is a comedy that delivers plenty of awkward laughs and introduces two of the all-time worst movie parents. Balaban crafts a creepy atmosphere, using the film's intriguing premise to its fullest and delivering a unique and unfairly-maligned film that ranks as one of the most curious entries into the horror-comedy genre.
12 'Re-Animator' (1985)
When Herbert West (Jeffrey Combs) starts his class and moves into his apartment, Dan (Bruce Abbott) and his girlfriend, Megan (Barbara Crampton), are involved in West's weird scientific experiments in which dead brain tissue is re-animated and living organisms come back alive.
In under 90 minutes, 1985's Re-Animator is full of gory horror and hammy performances from its cast. Containing a mysterious-yet-wonderful score from Richard Brand, Stuart Gordon's low-budget movie is a splatter fest and a treat for those looking to watch a good schlocky horror. With a razor-sharp script filled with funny lines of deadpan dialogue and some gruesome and highly-effective special effects, Re-Animator is a 1980s hidden gem.
11 'Vampire's Kiss' (1988)
Nicolas Cage has given many over-the-top performances in his career, but few outrank his unhinged turn in the 1988 horror-comedy Vampire's Kiss. The Oscar-winner plays Peter, a yuppie who gets bitten on the neck by one of his one-night stands and becomes convinced he is turning into a vampire.
Producing some of pop culture's most iconic memes and featuring a truly chaotic performance from Cage, Vampire's Kiss is a wild and outrageous ride that won't be for everybody. However, Cage fans and horror-comedy enthusiasts will find plenty to love about this delirious cult classic.
10 'Teen Wolf' (1985)
When Scott (Michael J. Fox) mysteriously turns into a werewolf, he learns from his father, Harold (James Hampton), that this is a generational family curse. As a result, Scott decides to use his new-found wolf powers to help his high school basketball team and his chances of teen romance.
Infused with light-hearted humor and a charismatic performance from Michael J. Fox, Rod Daniel's Teen Wolf is a cleverly-written fantasy comedy that nicely executes the horrors of growing up and the trials and tribulations of adolescence. Also filled with fantastic werewolf make-up that holds up well, 1985's Teen Wolf has since gained cult status and has most likely left pre-teen viewers with one terrifying question: is puberty really that horrifying?
9 'Fright Night' (1985)
The underrated Chris Sarandon stars in 1985's horror-comedy Fright Night. The plot centers on Charlie, a horror film fan who becomes convinced his new and mysterious new neighbor is a vampire. As his community shuns him, Charlie must find a way to expose the dangerous vampire and prevent him from killing the neighborhood.
Elevated by Sarandon's wickedly delicious turn, Fright Night is funny and genuinely scary. It never takes itself seriously, instead going all-in on its wild premise to deliver a well-told tale of chills and laughs that will satisfy fans of the popular genre.
8 'Gremlins' (1984)
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Billy (Zach Gilligan) is given an adorable pet Mogwai for Christmas with three specific instructions. However, when he breaks all three rules, Billy unleashes a group of ravenous creatures, and chaos quickly ensues in a small suburban town.
Gremlins was released at a time when child-friendly movies terrified younger viewers. Also starring Corey Feldman and Phoebe Cates, two '80s teen movie stars, Gremlins is a wonderful mix of kid-like fun and mystery while depicting a glorious festival of violent mayhem. The charming nature, the silliness of the story, and the imagination from Joe Dante (who has crafted some underrated 1980s films like Explorers and The 'Burbs) make Gremlins a childhood classic of horror and comedy.
7 'The Witches of Estwick' (1987)
Jack Nicholson stars opposite Cher, Susan Sarandon, and Michelle Pfeiffer in the dark comedy horror fantasy The Witches of Eastwick. The plot follows three friends who get seduced by a mysterious and newly-arrived stranger, who eventually reveals himself as the Devil.
Featuring a spectacular cast of bonafide movie stars and a biting screenplay, The Witches of Eastwick is an acidic and campy delight that ranks among director George Miller's best movies. It's far funnier than scary, but Nicholson's gleefully wicked performance and Cher, Sarandon, and Pfeiffer's brilliant performances elevate the film, turning it into an unforgettable ride.
6 'An American Werewolf in London' (1985)
An American Werewolf in London might be the creator of the horror-comedy. Released in 1981, the film centers on David and Jack, two American backpackers attacked by a werewolf while in England. David gets bitten, becoming infected and turning into a werewolf, wreaking havoc across London.
Featuring spectacular prosthetics that made it win the first-ever Oscar for Best Make-Up, An American Werewolf in London is a classic. Balancing screams and laughs in equal measure, the film is an outstanding achievement and one of the most consistently funny and terrifying horror comedies from the 80s.
5 'Beetlejuice' (1988)
When they fatefully drown after a car accident, Adam (Alec Baldwin) and Barbara (Geena Davis) come back as ghosts and decide to haunt the family, who has recently moved into their former home, to try and scare them away. Failing, the young married couple decides to contact bio-exorcist Betelgeuse (Michael Keaton), and things soon take a twisted turn.
Brilliant and bonkers, Beetlejuice is a cartoonish hellscape of wacky comedic sketches and well-crafted puppetry mixed with stop-motion animation and special effects. A perfect mix of horror, humor and the bizarre, Tim Burton's Beetlejuice is a must-watch Halloween treat for movie fans and a memorable '80s classic. Its sequel Beetlejuice 2 is coming, so this beloved IP is far from dead.
4 'Little Shop of Horrors' (1986)
In a bid to save his failing florist shop, Seymour (Rick Moranis) purchases a plant from a local street vendor. As the plant quickly grows and demands to be fed, Seymour's chances of romance and success are threatened.
Directed by Frank Oz, 1986's Little Shop of Horrors is an addictive musical of horror and comedy that features a brilliantly crafted puppet with Audrey II, the giant man-eating plant. Filled with catchy and memorable songs like "Suddenly Seymour," Little Shop of Horrors is a charming, entertaining horror-comedy and one of the best modern movie musicals.
3 'Evil Dead II' (1987)
Bruce Campbell delivers one of the great horror-comedy movie performances in Evil Dead II. After surviving a demonic attack, Ash returns to another secluded cabin in the woods. And just like last time, he must battle evil spirits when they attack again.
Following the cult success of the first film, The Evil Dead, several years earlier, Sam Raimi and Campbell reunited and teamed up for another movie about evil books and flesh-possessing demons. Yet, where its predecessor was disgustingly horrific and genuinely terrifying, Evil Dead II introduces more comedic elements while staying true to the blood-fest of the original. Campbell returns for the upcoming Evil Dead Rise, making it a must-see for fans of the now-iconic franchise.
2 'The Lost Boys' (1987)
Lucy (Dianne Wiest) and her two sons, Sam (Corey Haim) and Michael (Jason Patric), move to a new seaside town. When Michael joins a group of rebellious and troublesome bikers, however, he becomes a vampire and seeks help from Sam to break the curse.
Directed by Joel Schumacher with his signature techno-pop visual flair, 1987's The Lost Boys is a highly-entertaining movie about teen vampires. The film also features a group of popular stars of the decade (such as Corey Feldman, Kiefer Sutherland, Jami Gertz, and Alex Winter) in what is a great '80s cast. Throw in a killer synth-infused soundtrack, crazy costumes, wild hairdos, and a guy playing the sax within the first 10 minutes, and The Lost Boys is, perhaps, the most '80s movie to ever exist.
1 'Ghostbusters' (1984)
When New York is under attack from evil spirits, a team of ghost hunters - Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis), Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd), and Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson) - are called into action to remove these ghoulish threats that are lurking in the city.
Helmed by Ivan Reitman, 1984's Ghostbusters is widely regarded as an '80s classic. From its cast of the decade's most-loved and cherished actors to a memorable giant Stay Puft Marshmallow man, the blockbuster hit is a special effects-infused Halloween treat for any horror-comedy movie fan. Ghostbusters also contains several of the funniest supporting characters in horror and an iconic and catchy song that is fabricated into the DNA of the movie.