10 Best Horror Comedies of the 1980s

The ’80s were a prominent decade in the horror genre and branching off from what are some of the best comedic horror films. This popular subgenre is often hit or miss as some of the films lean too far into a campy, comedic tone.Completely deprived of any effective thrills. Therefore, the best horror comedy films strike the right balance between the two genres and make for an equally entertaining and spooky time.

Most comical, cheesy horror films are self-aware and make a deliberate effort to be a B-movie, but that’s where they start to differ from the best. Films like An American Werewolf in London Are only hoping to provide a few laughs with their terrible concepts. The best horror comedies range from classics like Beetlejuice And Ghostbusters to more underrated films such as Vampire’s Kiss.

10

Vampire’s Kiss (1989)

Directed by Robert Bierman

Before playing the titular killer in Long legsNicolas Cage’s underrated horror film Vampire’s Kiss was among his scariest performances. The film’s horror elements come from the vampire that turns Cage’s Peter into the same supernatural creature, As well as a bit of Cage’s performance. When he becomes a vampire, Peter begins to exhibit strange behavior that is just so terrifying before it turns stupid.

Not entirely celebrated by critics and audiences, Cage’s performance is largely over-the-top. Some critics have explained His exaggerated actions make it hard to care about his character’s journey, And while that may be the case, audiences are still sure to have a good time with the film. Surprisingly, there are many layers to Cage’s character Vampire’s Kiss And while the exploration of the layers can be a bit much at times, it’s fascinating to watch it all unfold.

9

Fright Night (1985)

Directed by Tom Holland

Play child’s play And Psycho II Director Tom Holland Made his directorial debut with Scary night. The comedy horror film follows William Ragsdale’s teenage character, Charlie, who suspects his neighbor is actually a vampire. To prove he’s right about his suspicions, Charlie teams up with an actor to capture him. The premise, considering the retired actor used to portray a vampire hunter character in films, is humorous enough, but the real laughs come from the character’s interactions with each other.

Sarandon provides just the right amount of campiness as the film’s assumed antagonist. His loud, comical personality is never overbearing and is anchored by his menacing energy. Scary night is not a revolutionary horror film, but it received critical acclaim and continues to be beloved by fans of the genre.

8

The Witches of Eastwick (1987)

Directed by George Miller

While the history of The Witches of Eastwick Does not hold up all the way through, the power of its shape is undeniable. George Miller’s film follows three women – Cher, Susan Sarandon and Michelle Pfeiffer – who are unaware of the fact that they are witches, but begin to experience strange phenomena after meeting a mysterious man (Jack Nicholson). The Witches of Eastwick is based on John Updike’s novel of the same name and although some changes have been made, the film is still a lot of fun.

Despite no unfavorable critical reviews, The Witches of Eastwick After managing to garner a few award nominations, including two Academy Awards. In addition, a remake was rumored to be in development with Warner Bros., although no further details were revealed as to whether those plans were still in the works.

7

Killer Clowns from Outer Space (1988)

Directed by Stephen Chiodo

Deep in all its silliness, there is still enough for critics to praise Killer clowns from outer space When it was first released. Killer clowns from outer space is about a group of aliens who take over a small town with a murderous mission in mind. for the longest time, The colorful and cartoonish image of clowns was strongly associated with scares and the titular characters in the sci-fi horror film are exactly the same.

The clowns are out to kill the local community and show they are not to be messed with. Still, their image and comical antics make them far less terrifying. Among their kills, The clowns engage in typical clown tricks and behavior. In addition to the clever blend of horror and comedy, Killer clowns from outer space Also has spectacular visuals, making for an all-around immersive viewing experience.

6

Re-Animator (1985)

Directed by Stuart Gordon

Inspired by HP Lovecraft’s Herbert West-Reanimator, Re-animator is a comedy horror film that follows a medical student’s experimentation with bringing dead bodies back to life. Considering its premise, there is a large number of gory scenes, which is not common for most horror comedies. yet, There is just so much dark humor sprinkled throughout Re-animator As there are bloody scenes.

The humor in Re-animator is a result of its cast, which is made up of actors like Jeffrey Combs and Bruce Abbott. This balance of humor and horror has earned the film a consistent number of positive reviews and Re-animator is now seen as a cult film. After the success of Re-animatorTwo sequel films were made, in addition to a musical adaptation that opened in 2011.

5

Little Shop of Horrors (1986)

Directed by Frank Oz

Supported by the collection of catchy music in Little Shop of Horrors is a dark plot that follows a floral shop worker, Seymour, overwhelmed by the task of keeping a carnivorous plant, Audrey W, away from his customers. Adapted from the Broadway musical of just a few years earlier – which itself was based on a ’60s film – Rick Moranis takes on the role of Seymour and acts alongside the giant factory doll voiced by Levi Stubbs.

The humor in Little Shop of Horrors Comes from the giant plant itself, which demands to feed on human blood, how hard it is makes no difference to Seymour. moreover, While all the songs add bits of levity to the film, the funniest song by far is performed by Steve Martin. The famous comic actor plays a sadistic dentist and his character’s song shows just how comically eccentric and dangerous he is.

4

Ghostbusters (1984)

Directed by Ivan Reitman

Starring the iconic ghost-catching group of Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Bill Murray, Ghostbusters is a prime example of how to blend comedy and the supernatural. The film, in which the title service investigates and confronts paranormal creatures, was conceived by Aykroyd and inspired by his personal interest in the supernatural.

The source of laughter in Ghostbusters comes from the talents of the film’s comedic cast. Whether it’s in their interactions with one another or the various catchphrases ad-libbed by the cast, especially those by Murray, There is never a dull moment in Ghostbusters. Although the creatures in the film probably won’t cause nightmares for audiences, there is still a chill present in the Ghostbusters’ confrontations with the paranormal. with the following additions to these Ghostbusters Franchise, the collection of films has grown a substantial fan base.

3

Beetlejuice (1988)

Directed by Tim Burton

Tim Burton Beetlejuice Follows a recently deceased couple, the Maitlands, who are stuck in the perimeter of their old home but are bothered by its new tenants, the Deetz family. The ghostly couple asked to get rid of the deets, BetelgeuseA bio-exorcist who claims he can help them out. In true Tim Burton fashion, there are bold horror images throughout the film.

Whether it’s the variety of dead people the Maitlands encounter in the netherworld or the tactics the couple try to get rid of, such as pulling their eyeballs out of their sockets or dangling their bodies in a closet. however, With Michael Keaton as Betelgeuse, there is no shortage of laughs. Betelgeuse is rude and talkative, which is meant to annoy the characters in the film, but Keaton’s entertaining and cartoonish nature prevents audiences from feeling the same way.

2

An American Werewolf in London (1981)

Directed by John Landis

Thought up by Trading places And National Lampoon’s Animal House Director John Landis, initial reviews of his film An American Werewolf in London Was not entirely positive. Some critics have seen An American Werewolf in London As unfinished, but retrospective reviews have been cheaper and The film is now seen as a quintessential example of the horror comedy subgenre. With his previous experience in mind, it is no wonder that Landis’ An American Werewolf in London is full of dark humor.

However, there is still a decent amount of horror, particularly in the transformation scenes of David Naughton’s werewolf character. The impressive horror makeup done by Rick Baker – who went on to work with Michael Jackson for his “Thriller” music video – earned the film an Academy Award for Best Makeup, making it the first film to win in this category.

1

Return of the Walking Dead (1985)

Directed by Dan O’Bannon

The introduction of zombie characters in a horror film is often associated with George A. Romero Night of the Living Dead. However, the way audiences expect zombies to play comes from Dan O’Bannon The return of the living dead. The ’80s horror comedy introduced the concept of zombies’ favorite part of the human body, because the brain and zombies are invincible against a gun to their skulls.

O’Bannon’s film, which follows the efforts to contain a batch of zombies accidentally released in a small town, is a fun time all the way. Described by many as a punk comedy, the film is accompanied by a suitable rock soundtrack featuring artists such as The Cramps and The Meat Eaters. While The humor in The return of the living dead Can be outrageous at times, it’s always a well-timed thrill To keep the film from straying too far out of the horror genre.