14 Camp Horror Movies That Mix Scares With Laughs

Some horror movies make you jump, while others make you laugh right after. Camp horror hits that fun middle ground where blood meets absurd humor and over-the-top moments. These films mix scares with ridiculous charm, turning terrifying setups into something wildly entertaining. From zombie comedies to haunted parodies, these are the movies that make horror feel like a party.

This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.

The Cabin in the Woods (2012)

This film begins like a typical slasher with a group of friends heading to a remote cabin for the weekend. What follows turns into a clever, layered story that pokes fun at horror stereotypes while pulling back the curtain on the genre itself. The movie’s secret facility subplot keeps the tension high while adding absurd humor to each bloody moment. By the end, it’s both a satire and a love letter to horror fans.

The blend of scares and comedy feels intentional, almost like the film is laughing with its audience. Every twist plays with expectations, keeping you guessing about who’s really in control. Its mix of outrageous violence and sly jokes makes it a modern classic for those who love self-aware horror.

Tucker and Dale vs. Evil (2010)

Two kindhearted country guys are mistaken for murderers by a group of college kids, and chaos follows fast. What makes this movie shine is how it flips the typical backwoods horror setup on its head. Each accidental death becomes a slapstick moment that’s both shocking and ridiculous. The result is a story that feels warm and absurd at the same time.

Tucker and Dale’s friendship gives the film heart amid the mayhem. Their cluelessness and good intentions make every bloody mix-up strangely endearing. It’s a movie that delivers genuine laughs without losing sight of its gory roots.

Evil Dead II (1987)

Sam Raimi’s sequel-reboot goes for wild energy from the first frame. Bruce Campbell returns as Ash, fighting demonic forces in a cabin filled with possessed furniture, flying eyeballs, and gallons of blood. The mix of exaggerated gore and slapstick humor makes it both scary and funny. It’s chaos, but in the best way possible.

Campbell’s physical comedy is unmatched, and his manic performance gives the film its charm. The low-budget effects add to the campy spirit rather than taking away from it. Evil Dead II became the template for horror comedies that refuse to take themselves too seriously.

Army of Darkness (1992)

This sequel to Evil Dead II takes Ash out of the woods and into medieval times. Surrounded by knights, skeletons, and ancient curses, he’s still as cocky and clueless as ever. The film leans into pure fantasy and slapstick action, complete with hilarious one-liners and practical effects. It’s more adventure than terror, but it keeps that horror bite.

Ash’s chainsaw hand and boomstick antics give him legendary status among cult movie heroes. The ridiculous situations and exaggerated monsters make every scene memorable. It’s a movie that knows it’s ridiculous and runs with it, all while staying wickedly fun.

Scream (1996)

Wes Craven reinvented slasher films with this self-aware, fast-talking classic. High school teens become targets of a masked killer who seems to know every horror rule. The script is sharp and funny while keeping the suspense alive through each twist. It’s equal parts scary and clever parody.

The mix of tension and humor gives Scream its lasting appeal. Characters joke about movie clichés even as they’re trapped in them. It turned horror back into an event—something fresh and entertaining for a new generation.

The Babysitter (2017)

A young boy finds out his seemingly cool babysitter is part of a satanic cult. From there, the movie dives into bright colors, wild chases, and absurd kills that feel more cartoon than horror. The over-the-top tone keeps things light even as the blood sprays. It’s as funny as it is chaotic.

Every character is a stereotype exaggerated to the point of parody. The humor lands because it never takes itself too seriously, and the energy never drops. It’s the kind of movie you watch for the chaos, not the scares.

Scary Movie (2000)

This parody takes aim at the biggest horror hits of the ’90s, from Scream to The Blair Witch Project. It turns every jump scare into a punchline and every death into a gag. The jokes come fast and loud, making fun of both horror fans and the genre itself. It’s pure slapstick wrapped in fake blood.

While crude and dated in places, its humor hit a cultural nerve. It showed how self-aware horror could reach a wider audience through parody. For many viewers, it’s the film that made horror comedy mainstream again.

Shaun of the Dead (2004)

This British zombie comedy blends heartfelt friendship with undead chaos. Shaun, a man stuck in a rut, must lead his friends through a zombie outbreak. The humor grows from awkward characters and absurd situations rather than one-liners. It balances emotion and absurdity in perfect measure.

The film’s heart is what sets it apart from other horror comedies. Even amid gore, the story focuses on loyalty, regret, and small human moments. It’s scary enough for horror fans but sweet enough to stand on its own.

What We Do in the Shadows (2014)

This mockumentary follows vampire roommates trying to live normal lives in modern New Zealand. The humor comes from their outdated habits and petty arguments about chores and club invites. The setting turns classic vampire lore into a sitcom-style comedy. It’s clever, absurd, and packed with charm.

Each vampire has a distinct personality that adds to the chaos. Their attempts to fit into everyday life keep the laughs rolling from start to finish. The movie’s dry tone and ridiculous sincerity make it endlessly rewatchable.

Idle Hands (1999)

When a lazy teen’s right hand becomes possessed, the mayhem begins fast. The story turns from slacker comedy to gruesome chaos as his hand goes on a killing spree. The humor feels unhinged, bouncing between goofy and grotesque. It’s pure late-’90s horror energy.

The blend of teenage nonsense and supernatural horror keeps things unpredictable. Devon Sawa’s physical comedy gives the film an unpolished charm. It’s a weird mix that shouldn’t work, yet somehow does in the funniest way.

Freaky (2020)

This body-swap horror flips Freaky Friday into a slasher setup. When a teen girl trades bodies with a middle-aged killer, everything gets messy fast. The movie delivers sharp humor, gory kills, and surprisingly sweet moments of character growth. It’s wild, loud, and totally self-aware.

Vince Vaughn’s performance as a teenage girl trapped in a killer’s body steals the show. The balance of silliness and horror makes it feel fresh among modern slashers. It’s proof that even old formulas can feel new with the right twist.

Slither (2006)

This gooey alien invasion film oozes with humor and horror in equal measure. A small town becomes infected with mind-controlling slugs, leading to grotesque but hilarious transformations. The mix of sci-fi, body horror, and small-town absurdity works surprisingly well. It’s gross but hard to look away from.

James Gunn fills every scene with a wink to horror fans. Nathan Fillion’s deadpan delivery keeps the chaos grounded in fun. It’s part creature feature, part comedy, and all ridiculous entertainment.

Death Becomes Her (1992)

Two rival women fight over love and immortality, leading to disastrous results. The movie combines body horror and glamorous dark humor, with Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn giving pitch-perfect performances. Each gag lands with morbid style as their bodies twist, crack, and refuse to die. It’s both grotesque and beautiful.

The film’s visual effects were groundbreaking for its time and still hold up for their cartoon-like charm. Its message about vanity and obsession comes wrapped in glitz and satire. It remains one of the most stylish horror comedies ever made.

The Final Girls (2015)

When a group of teens gets pulled into a classic slasher movie, the line between fiction and reality vanishes. The story pays tribute to ’80s horror while poking fun at its clichés. It’s funny, heartfelt, and surprisingly emotional in how it handles loss and nostalgia. Each death scene balances humor with real tension.

The movie’s meta approach keeps it fresh and playful. The chemistry between the characters makes it more than just parody. It’s both a loving send-up and a sincere story about family, memory, and bravery.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.