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While the combination of horror and comedy may appear strange, these two genres actually complement each other quite well. Horror builds tension, while comedy releases it, creating a roller-coaster of emotions. However, it wasn’t until commercially successful films like “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein” that horror-comedy gained popularity. These films added inventive twists to familiar horror tropes, capturing the audience’s attention.
The blend of fear and humor can be surprisingly refreshing, as fans of horror comedies can confirm. The more they manage to be both funny and terrifying, the more enjoyable they become. Giving in to the exhilaration provided by these dark comedies can be a great way to spend a weekend or unwind after a stressful day at work. Yet, with the vast selection of films on Netflix, finding the perfect one can be challenging. Therefore, it’s crucial to explore these movies that will have viewers both screaming and laughing uncontrollably.
Updated on October 30th, 2023, by Neville Naidoo: This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion current and relevant, including new information and entries.
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15 Best Horror-Comedy Movies on Netflix to Watch Right Now
This Is the End (2013)
There is a shortage of meta-comedies, so it’s always a treat when we come across one that cleverly mocks celebrity culture while adding elements of horror for comedic effect. “This Is the End” is a movie created by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, where a group of well-known actors find themselves in the midst of a wild party when the Apocalypse suddenly strikes, resulting in the demise of most people. What remains are James Franco, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride, and Craig Robinson, trying to survive as they face a horde of demons who are out to kill them.
What makes this film exceptional is the humor it brings to the table. The actors essentially play exaggerated versions of themselves, and we get to see how they cope with dwindling supplies, isolation, and the looming threat of death. The comedy is top-notch, as one would expect from this talented cast. However, the movie also surprises with its well-executed action sequences, eerie horror moments, and impressive special effects that add an extra layer of enjoyment to the humor.
He Never Died (2015)
Why don’t we see more films starring Henry Rollins where he can showcase his ass-kicking abilities, similar to what he does in “He Never Died”? The movie’s premise is intriguing, blending supernatural elements with comedy and action sequences. In the film, Jack, a cannibal vampire, follows a strict routine to avoid killing people. However, when his daughter goes missing, he’s forced to confront a host of dangerous individuals who underestimate his capabilities. The plot thickens with the involvement of a local gangster, adding tension to the story. Moreover, the film delivers a fantastic twist, so be prepared for plenty of surprises!
El Conde (2023)
El Conde is a highly original film of the year, written and directed by Pablo Larraín, featuring Jaime Vadell, Gloria Münchmeyer, and Alfredo Castro. It offers an alternative world where Augusto Pinochet, Chile’s former dictator, has lived as a vampire for over 250 years. Tired of witnessing repeated historical events with similar outcomes, the immortal dictator seeks to rule Chile but finds himself in his twilight years, surrounded by squabbling children vying for their inheritance. To eliminate their father, they enlist a nun to assassinate Augusto, but she ends up seducing him to keep the money for herself.
What sets this film apart is its ability to successfully blend horror and comedy. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and fully embraces its whimsical reimagining of history. El Conde confidently exists in its unique realm, offering viewers an incredibly enjoyable and immersive experience.
HollyBlood (2022)
Horror movies become especially enjoyable when they bring a fresh and distinctive approach to the genre. “HollyBlood,” directed by Jesús Font, tells the story of Javi, an ordinary high school student with a crush on his classmate Sara, who is a fan of vampire-themed teen dramas like “Twilight.” Due to a misunderstanding, Sara comes to believe that Javi is a vampire, and he decides to play along, unaware that there are actual vampires in their neighborhood and vampire hunters who are determined to eliminate them.
What Sets It Apart? Foreign films often lack the generous budgets of their American counterparts, but they frequently excel in terms of creativity and execution. “HollyBlood” is no exception, as it successfully takes a well-worn Hollywood trope and injects humor into it, breathing new life into the horror-comedy genre.
Kaatteri (2022)
“Kaatteri” is a foreign film originating from India, with a storyline crafted and directed by Deekay. It revolves around a cursed ghost town housing a concealed treasure. The initial part of the movie may appear gruesome, particularly the scene involving an electric wire, reminiscent of gory moments seen in other films. However, as the story transitions to present times, it takes a delightful turn as a group of clumsy characters ventures into the village to search for the treasure, leading to a series of comical mishaps.
What Sets It Apart? For those less acquainted with Indian cinema, it often incorporates a brand of physical comedy that verges on the absurd. In “Kaatteri,” this outrageous comedy is embodied by the local ghosts, who are furious about the disruptions caused by the treasure hunters. Their ensuing interactions give rise to numerous hilarious moments.
All My Friends Are Dead (2020)
“All My Friends Are Dead” can be categorized as a black comedy, but it delves into deeper themes compared to most in this sub-genre. The story, created and directed by Jan Belcl, explores the concept of parallel lives and how a single decision can significantly alter one’s destiny, either for the better or worse. The narrative unfolds on New Year’s Eve, where a group of friends gathers to commemorate a deceased family member. However, at a post-tribute party, a series of conversations unravel dark secrets, leading to heartbreak, betrayal, and even death.
What Sets It Apart? The film’s unapologetic nature may be attributed to its Polish origins and is, in fact, elevated by this very aspect. It exudes a bold and gritty quality that is liberating in certain scenes. The humor is crude, and the movie is marked by elements such as drugs, explicit content, and graphic violence, which coalesce to give it a distinctly edgy and raw quality.
Girls with Balls (2018)
This dark comedy, directed by Olivier Afonso, centers on a women’s volleyball team stranded in a forest during a road trip to a game. They encounter a group of hunters who force them into a twisted cat-and-mouse game.
What Stands Out? Girls with Balls is an enjoyable movie that combines humor and gore while delving into themes of women’s empowerment, camaraderie, and survival. While it may not be the most exceptional horror-comedy, it offers 80 minutes of entertainment for the audience. Although it can be somewhat predictable, it remains a lighthearted and captivating viewing experience.
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We Have a Ghost (2023)
Christopher Landon, a renowned writer and director known for his work on paranormal movies like Happy Death Day, Freaky, and Zombie Apocalypse, brings forth another impressive creation with “We Have a Ghost.” This film offers a more lighthearted approach to the haunted house theme, focusing on Kevin, a struggling writer, and his wife Erica, who move into a new home with their two children, only to discover it’s haunted by the friendly ghost of a young man named Ernesto. Despite their initial fear, they quickly befriend Ernesto.
What Sets It Apart? Landon’s signature versatility is evident in this film, making it stand out from the rest while remaining thoroughly enjoyable. Adapted from a short story, it effectively translates the source material to the screen and features a standout performance from David Harbour. The movie also takes on a somewhat satirical tone, highlighting society’s short attention spans in the age of modern technology.
Hubie Halloween (2020)
Hubie Halloween features Adam Sandler as the quirky but well-meaning Hubie Dubois, a Salem resident who takes Halloween safety seriously. Despite being a target for ridicule and bullying by his fellow townsfolk, Hubie’s deep knowledge of Salem and its history becomes essential when strange occurrences begin on Halloween night.
What Makes it Stand Out? Hubie Halloween is a delightful blend of comedy, drama, and horror, characteristic of Adam Sandler’s comedic style. It offers minor scares and serves as a lighthearted way to start the Halloween season before delving into scarier movies. This horror-comedy is widely appreciated as an entertaining watch, particularly by fans of Happy Madison productions, and it was also Netflix’s most popular film in 2020.
The Curse of Bridge Hollow (2022)
Marlon Wayans and Priah Ferguson play a father-daughter duo in a horror-comedy film that blends Halloween-themed scares with humor. The story revolves around their efforts to protect their town from an evil spirit that possesses Halloween decorations, causing chaos. The film offers a delightful experience with its humor, especially thanks to Marlon Wayans, but it’s not a movie that’s likely to receive critical acclaim.
What Sets It Apart? The Curse of Bridge Hollow stands out for its appeal to audiences who approach it with a lighthearted attitude. It’s a great choice for horror and comedy fans, especially those who enjoy family-oriented Halloween movies. Marlon Wayans, who has matured since his Scary Movie days, delivers top-notch comedic performances, enhancing the film’s inherent charm.
Vampires vs. the Bronx (2020)
As the title suggests, “Vampires vs. the Bronx” centers around a group of teenagers from the Bronx who find themselves in a heated showdown with a vampire group, as they strive to protect their town from vampire domination. Miguel (played by Jaden Michael) and his friends lead the human team, while the vampires are under the command of Vivian (portrayed by Sarah Gadon), a powerful and charismatic leader.
What makes this film exceptional is its ability to blend comedy with significant themes such as gentrification. This horror-comedy offers an enjoyable viewing experience for both younger and older audiences. While the storyline may seem somewhat familiar, the execution provides a fresh and unique perspective, making it a movie worth watching. It doesn’t induce the kind of fear that would keep anyone awake at night; instead, it serves as a lighthearted film that can help relieve stress.
Secrets in the Hot Spring (2018)
This Taiwanese horror-comedy takes audiences on a spooky yet comedic journey as three friends venture into a haunted hotel. It combines scares and laughter to deliver a one-of-a-kind and thoroughly enjoyable cinematic experience.
What Sets It Apart? In spite of its horror elements, Secrets in the Hot Spring manages to be touching as it highlights the unwavering friendship of the main characters during challenging situations. The storyline is skillfully constructed, offering a mix of amusing moments, although some viewers might find it excessively humorous or cheesy. Nonetheless, it’s a fantastic choice for a Netflix viewing, and it’s particularly appealing to a younger teenage audience.
Little Evil (2017)
Eli Craig’s horror-comedy “Little Evil,” starring Adam Scott as Gary, revolves around the inner conflict of a man torn between his love for Samantha and his apprehension of her 6-year-old son, Lucas. As bizarre events unfold in their home, Gary seeks guidance from a priest who validates his suspicion that Lucas may be the antichrist. With the support of his quirky group of friends, he embarks on a mission to prevent Lucas from taking over the world.
What sets “Little Evil” apart is its ability to take a well-worn plot and infuse it with a skillfully written script and a remarkable ensemble cast, evoking both laughter and heartfelt emotions. While the film may occasionally embrace campiness and silliness, it manages to strike a chord with viewers, making it a cherished and unique cinematic experience for many.
The Babysitter (2017-2020)
McG’s film “The Babysitter” tells the story of a young boy named Cole who harbors a crush on his teenage babysitter Bee. When his parents go out of town for the weekend, Cole looks forward to spending time with Bee. However, as the night unfolds, Cole makes a shocking discovery – Bee and her friends are part of a demonic cult, and they intend to use his blood for a ritual sacrifice.
What sets this movie apart is its uninhibited and often explicit content, which includes a series of gruesome and darkly humorous moments, along with unexpected twists and thrilling sequences. In contrast to the typical horror genre, this slasher film offers a unique and surprisingly humorous narrative. Both the first and second parts of the movie are available on Netflix, providing fans of gory horror films with an entertaining experience.
Day Shift (2022)
In this horror-comedy, Jamie Foxx portrays Bud Jabonski, a diligent individual who works as a sewage cleaner by day but moonlights as a vampire hunter. “Day Shift” follows his adventures as he confronts vampires and other supernatural creatures while delving into a sinister world of crime and corruption. Netflix’s vampire-hunting comedy also boasts notable appearances and supporting roles from well-known figures such as Snoop Dog, Dave Franco, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Megan Good, Karla Sauza, Steve Howey, and Scott Adkins.
What Sets It Apart: The film is lauded for its riveting action sequences, earning it a reputation as possibly the most action-packed vampire film ever made. The dynamic interplay between Foxx, Howey, and Adkins as they combat vampires stands out as a key highlight of the movie. Given its immense success and popularity, it comes as no surprise that a sequel is in the works. With its vibrant visuals and adrenaline-pumping action, “Day Shift” promises an enjoyable and thrilling horror experience available for streaming on Netflix.
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