Some people just can’t stand gory horror films or convoluted psychological thrillers. Thankfully, there is a whole subgenre of horror movies that are intentionally comedic, so you may enjoy a frightening movie without feeling too afraid. There are a ton of great horror comedies to watch on streaming services right now, from old favorites like Critters and Gremlins to more recent additions like Bodies, Bodies, Bodies, and Freaky. Here are 30 comedic horror films from 2023 that are available on streaming services and are certain to give you a good chuckle, if not a good night’s sleep.
1- Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
During a complete solar eclipse, a strange talking plant called Audrey II arrives and quickly becomes friends with Seymour, who works at the store. It becomes clear that Audrey II needs an immediate transfusion of blood. Steve Martin and Rick Moranis provide hilarious performances in this 1986 film, making it the ideal adaptation of a great musical.
2- Nope (2022)
In this science fiction/horror film, Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer portray siblings. The siblings decide to try to catch a UFO on film after seeing it hover over their horse property. Meanwhile, a nearby ranch plots to use the flying thing for macabre gain.
3- Hocus Pocus (1993)
Young people investigate a mysterious home and unwittingly let loose a gang of witches. The youngsters are in a race against the clock to prevent the witches from gaining immortality, which leads to all sorts of mischief. The film features Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy in lead roles.
4- Happy Death Day ( 2017)
In Tree’s grim take on Groundhog Day, she is doomed to relive the same day over and over again until she dies. The Babyface Killer, whose mask is equal parts humorous and horrifying, is also on the lookout for her. Tree must quickly identify her killer before it’s too late. Has she had what it takes to end this vicious cycle?
5- Willy’s Wonderland (2021)
In this humorous slasher, animatronic animals come to life within a closed family restaurant. A homeless man (Nicolas Cage) offers to clean the restaurant in exchange for having his car restored, but he has no idea what kind of hazards he will encounter once he sets foot inside. Is he going to make it out alive?
6- Ready or Not (2019)
As part of their ceremony, the new bride’s family has her play a dangerous game. If she makes it through the night, she’ll be accepted into the family. But her in-laws are sneaky, so she has to figure out how to outwit them before morning.
7- Shaun of the Dead (2004)
The ordinary life of Shaun (Simon Pegg) is turned upside down as he becomes the focus of a zombie outbreak in London. Shaun, with the assistance of his pals, defends his home and family against an army of zombies.
8- Zombieland (2009)
An unusual group of survivors form a coalition after a zombie apocalypse wreaks havoc throughout the United States. The group devises a set of survival rules that they must adhere to in order to make it to Los Angeles, frequently with funny results. Features Woody Harrelson, Abigail Breslin, Jesse Eisenberg, and Emma Stone in lead roles.
9- M3GAN (2022)
The killer doll in M3GAN has unparalleled dancing skills and witty one-liners, which helped propel the horror game to overnight success. Cady moves in with her robotics designer aunt, Gemma. Her innovations include a doll with artificial intelligence that can form a friendship with a human host. So many positive outcomes!
10- Renfield (2023)
Renfield (Nicholas Hoult) is attempting to escape from his employer Dracula’s (Nicolas Cage) control. Renfield, who has been assigned the responsibility of locating fresh victims for Dracula, is ready for a break.
11- Fresh (2022)
Noa (Daisy Edgar-Jones) has given up on dating until a chance encounter with a stunningly handsome stranger in a supermarket changes her mind. Steve (Sebastian Stan) takes Noa on a weekend getaway to his country property, but their time together is anything but relaxing. Instead, Noa finds herself in a horror movie where she is the main character.
12- Tucker & Dale vs. Evil (2010)
Two villagers are framed as serial murderers by a bunch of teens they encounter in the woods. Accidental fatalities occur as the two men attempt to clear up the confusion, with the teenagers ultimately being responsible for their own demise. Unpredicted success for an independent film.
13- Child’s Play (1988)
The pinnacle of murder-movie dolls. Instead of getting Andy the talking doll he asked for his birthday, his mother ended up buying a broken one from a stranger in an alley. She has no idea that this specific doll houses the spirit of a serial murderer who is dying to escape.
14- What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
Vampires from all walks of life dwell under the same roof and maintain a communal lifestyle. The advent of a hipster gives the vampires an opportunity to demonstrate their true undead status. Taika Waititi stars in and helped script the film.
15- Come to Daddy (2020)
Norval (Elijah Wood), who had been alienated from his father, goes to an isolated lodge after receiving a letter from the man. When Norval arrives, his father’s odd behavior puts him on edge and makes him question what he’s gotten himself into.
16-Jennifer’s Body (2009)
Jennifer (Megan Fox), now possessed by a demon, has a taste for blood, and the boys at her high school fit the bill. Jennifer’s friend Needy (Amanda Seyfried) doesn’t approve of anything she does and attempts to put a stop to it. Diablo Cody’s classic comedy-horror novel
17- Beetlejuice (1988)
Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) and her family move into a haunted mansion, only to find that the ghosts are desperate to see them go. It’s time for Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) to show up and ruin everything. A new film starring Jenna Ortega is in the works, almost four decades after the first.
18- Gremlins (1984)
Billy’s dad brings back a special souvenir from his travels. Gizmo, the mogwai, is a kind and lovable creature with a rigid code of conduct. Something terrible occurs if you feed him after midnight, immerse him in water, or expose him to harsh lights.
19- Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988)
Clowns from an unfamiliar traveling circus cause chaos in a sleepy community. These “killer clowns” have come from another planet aboard a spaceship, and now nobody is safe. Can the citizens of this town figure out who is killing people in such bizarre ways?
20- Evil Dead II (1987)
Ash’s (Bruce Campbell) fight against Book of the Dead-released demons continues. When Ash’s lover becomes possessed on a weekend getaway in the woods, he is once again thrust into the fight against darkness.
21- Scream (1996)
Sidney (Neve Campbell) is being stalked by a masked assailant while she mourns the loss of her mother. The serial killer has a history of disturbing callers and has killed many students at the local high school. A resetting of the horror genre in popular culture
22- Goosebumps (2015)
A group of R.L. Stine’s horror novel characters break out when a youngster mistakenly releases them. The adolescent, aided by Stine, must pursue the characters and return them to their respective books.
23- Leprechaun (1993)
This wickedly funny horror film stars Jennifer Aniston as a leprechaun who uses his powers to commit murder. The leprechaun goes on a murdering rampage while searching for his gold coins, prompting a band of heroes to intervene.
24- Critters (1986)
A family is terrorized by aliens when they crash on Earth. The cute but dangerous creatures like eating people, putting everyone in danger. And when a little girl’s life is in danger, the family takes swift and decisive action.
25- The Menu (2022)
A private dinner has been arranged by Chef Julian Slowik (Ralph Fiennes) for a small number of VIPs. When you go to Slowik’s restaurant on his own island, you’ll see that he has a lot planned for the evening. And Margot (Anya Taylor-Joy) (who isn’t supposed to be there) is really getting under his skin.
26- This Is the End (2013)
When the end of the world comes to Los Angeles, a group of prominent actors band together for safety. But as the world crumbles around them, the group must face some formidable obstacles.
27- Scary Movie (2000)
Scary Movie, released in 2000, was Anna Faris’ breakout film and the ultimate horror film spoof. Scary Movie parodies adolescent slasher films like Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer to show how funny horror films can be.
28- The Blackening (2023)
A group of black friends are spending the weekend away for Juneteenth when things take a nasty turn in The Blackening. After discovering a racist board game at a remote cabin, the party becomes the target of a masked assailant. A scathing parody of the token characters often present in slasher movies.
29- Bodies, Bodies, Bodies (2022)
A bunch of twenty-somethings are stuck in a mansion during a storm, so they decide to play a party game to pass the time. When deaths begin to occur, however, everyone is a possible culprit. As the celebration rapidly turned deadly, fear and suspicion spread. Playing key roles are Rachel Sennott, Amandla Stenberg, Myha’la Herrold, Chase Sui Wonders, Maria Bakalova, Lee Pace, and Pete Davidson.
30- Freaky (2020)
The Butcher (Vince Vaughn) has escaped with his enchanted blade. In this funny horror take on Freaky Friday, he strikes Millie (Kathryn Newton), a high school student, and the blade switches their bodies. Is there still time for Millie to retrieve her body?