The 2000s gave us some of the funniest and most inventive horror-comedies ever made. Filmmakers mixed the terror of zombies, vampires, monsters, and serial killers with the humor and wit of memorable lead characters. Oftentimes, they also included a ridiculous amount of gore. Some were instantly loved by audiences, while others steadily grew in popularity over time. If you’re looking for both scares and laugh-out-loud moments, you don’t have to choose between horror and comedy.
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Synopsis:
Shaun is a directionless electronics salesman whose life changes overnight when a zombie apocalypse takes over London. Along with his best friend Ed, he attempts to rescue his loved ones. He and the other survivors then wait out the chaos at their neighborhood pub. What begins as an ordinary day quickly turns into hilarious over-the-top moments with the undead. Edgar Wright does a great job of balancing zombie horror, hilarious situations, and heartfelt moments.
What Was Great:
Shaun of the Dead often pops to mind first when it comes to modern horror comedies. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are excellent comedic actors with natural chemistry. The film is packed with clever but subtle visual jokes, making repeat viewings fun. It somehow never sacrifices the emotional core of the story for laughs, making both the humor and the horror equally effective.
Zombieland (2009)
Synopsis:
After a zombie virus wipes out most of humanity, a Type A, highly controlled college student joins forces with an eccentric, take-no-prisoners survivor. After being fooled by two resourceful sisters, they all eventually join a unique foursome. Together they travel across the country searching for safety. They navigate both their emotional past and developing relationships, while ridiculous situations unfold. They realize that it is their unlikely friendships that will ultimately save them from the apocalypse.
What Was Great:
The movie combines fast-paced action with nonstop humor. The characters, especially the two male leads, are unique and memorable, playing off each other in an Odd Couple sort of way. Jesse Eisenberg’s character’s short narration style and list of survival rules acts as a unique form of storytelling. Woody Harrelson nearly steals every scene as the Twinkie-obsessed, say-what-you-mean, Tallahassee. The film includes an unexpected celebrity cameo, leading to a truly darkly funny scene.
Slither (2006)
Synopsis:
A small town is overcome by an alien parasite that transforms its residents into grotesque creatures. As the infection spreads, a sheriff, his wife, and a handful of survivors struggle to stop the invasion before everyone is consumed. James Gunn creates a movie with everything from body horror to outrageous monsters to plenty of dark humor. The growing insanity never lets up.
What Was Great:
Slither has disgusting practical effects and really funny dialogue. Nathan Fillion plays the charismatic town sheriff, who we love from scene one. The creature designs are both imaginative and very unsettling. The film ultimately acts as a tribute to classic B-movie horror.
Bubba Ho-Tep (2002)
Synopsis:
An elderly Elvis Presley lives in a Texas nursing home with another resident who insists he’s John F. Kennedy. The already weird premise gets even weirder when an ancient Egyptian mummy begins eating the souls of people in the town. The elderly pair decide they’re humanity’s last hope. Bruce Campbell makes the absurd premise work by completely committing. Bubba Ho-Tep is scary, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt.
What Was Great:
The movie works because it fully commits to its ridiculous concept without ever winking at the camera. Bruce Campbell gives one of his best performances, playing a genuinely vulnerable character. What seems at first like an absurd monster movie is actually a story about aging, regret, and finding purpose.
Trick ‘r Treat (2007)
Synopsis:
On Halloween night, several interconnected stories take place in a small town. In this place, ancient traditions must be respected. An assortment of villains makes appearances in this movie. Vampires, ghosts, and werewolves all cross paths as the night grows more and more deadly. Watching over all the mayhem is Sam, a silent child in an orange costume. He punishes all who ignore Halloween’s traditions. Each story weaves together to make for an entertaining anthology.
What Was Great:
While more horror than comedy, Trick ‘r Treat contains plenty of wicked humor that keeps its otherwise dark moments a little lighter. The interconnected storytelling is satisfying for those who pay close attention as the plot unfolds. Sam has become one of modern horror’s favorite characters. The most magical aspect of this movie is its ability to perfectly capture the atmosphere of Halloween.
Black Sheep (2006)
Synopsis:
A genetic engineering experiment goes horribly wrong when sheep on a New Zealand farm become blood-sucking killers. As the infected animals spread across the country, a small group of survivors tries to stop the outbreak. The bizarre premise has plenty of opportunity for outrageous gore and comedy, which the movie takes full advantage of. The filmmakers seemed to have tons of fun turning one of nature’s most innocent animals into terrifying monsters.
What Was Great:
Black Sheep is a super fun creature feature that never takes itself too seriously. The practical effects and gore are surprisingly impressive. The dedicated and creative filmmakers constantly find new ways to make killer sheep both terrifying and hilarious. It’s one of the most underrated horror-comedies.
Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006)
Synopsis:
This amazing spoof film tells an odd story from the unique perspective of a documentary film crew. The documentarians follow aspiring slasher villain Leslie Vernon as he gets ready for his first killing spree. Leslie openly explains all the hard work that goes into being a successful slasher, revealing the tricks, planning, and physical training required. His ultimate goal is to become a legendary horror icon, a goal which he approaches with genuine commitment and dedication. However, once Halloween arrives, the movie shifts from comedy to real suspense. The clever premise playfully spoofs and deconstructs the beloved horror subgenre of slashers.
What Was Great:
The movie makes fun of horror clichés but does so with obvious affection for the genre. Nathan Baesel plays the excited and charming yet deeply disturbing Leslie Vernon. Only true horror fans are able to appreciate the countless references hidden throughout the film.
Dead Snow (2009)
Synopsis:
A group of college students heads to a remote cabin in the Norwegian mountains for a relaxing vacation. Before long, they accidentally awaken a group of undead Nazi soldiers buried under the snow. The isolated snow-covered setting becomes a battlefield. The violence is outrageous and the situations incredibly ridiculous. Every time they try to escape, things only get worse.
What Was Great:
Dead Snow tells an outrageous story with infectious energy. The snowy setting is beautiful and haunting, giving the film a unique visual look. Meanwhile, the over-the-top blood splatter is interspersed with lots of dark comedy. It’s a wild ride, and this movie has a cult following for good reason.