The2020shave so far seen a refreshing wave ofhorrorcomedies, blending scares and laughs in inventive ways that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. This decade has delivered films that not only provide genuine thrills but also offer sharp commentary on societal issues, making for a unique and often absurd mix of dark humor and terror. From unsettling satirical jabs at high society to absurd body-swapping horror, these films push the boundaries of the genre, making each one both unpredictable and entertaining.
When analyzing the best horror comedies the 2020s has to offer so far, movie lovers will notice how certain offerings come with quirky spins on what it means to blend horror and humor. Whether it’s through surreal, mind-bending narratives or exaggerated violence with a comedic twist, these films stand out for their ability to make audiences laugh just as much as they make them scream. Get ready to dive into a world where absurdity reigns and horror is hilariously twisted.
10’Beau Is Afraid' (2023)
Beau Is Afraid
Beau Is Afraidis a bold departure from Ari Aster’s signature style of psychological horror. It blends existential dread with pitch-black comedy that’s both unsettling and hilarious. Joaquin Phoenix delivers an excellent performance as the titular Beau, a man whose anxieties manifest in increasingly surreal and terrifying ways. As he embarks on a chaotic journey to attend his mother’s funeral, the film spirals into a nightmarish epic filled with absurdity, paranoia, and changing settings that distort reality into a fever-dream atmosphere, resulting inone of 2023’s strangest films.
Beau Is Afraidis an audacious cinematic experience that revels in its own unpredictability. Its grotesque visuals and offbeat humor push the boundaries of what a horror comedy can be. Aster’s satirical approach to fear and trauma transforms even the bleakest moments into absurdist punchlines. While its surreal structure and philosophical themes can come with mixed reception, those who resonate with its bizarre humor will find themselves cackling at the sheer madness of it all. Whether it’s a scathing commentary on parental guilt, a Kafkaesque nightmare, or the longest setup to an outrageous joke, the film establishes itself as one of the more unique horror comedies of the 2020s so far.
9’Willy’s Wonderland' (2021)
Willy’s Wonderland
Willy’s Wonderlandis a gleefully absurd horror-comedy that leans into its ridiculous premise with unapologetic energy. Nicolas Cage delivers a hilariously unhinged performance as a silent drifter who, after his car breaks down, agrees to clean an abandoned family fun center overnight. Unbeknownst to him, the facility is infested with possessed, bloodthirsty animatronics. Instead of running in terror, he methodically battles each mechanical monstrosity with an almost robotic sense of duty, turning what could have been a standard survival horror plot into a bizarre, action-packed spectacle filled with campy charm.
A Campy, Absurd Horror Comedy That Blends ’80s B-Movie Vibes with Over-the-Top Violence and Humor
With its neon-soaked visuals, synth-heavy soundtrack, and over-the-top violence,Willy’s Wonderlandfeels like an ’80s B-movie fever dream. It thrives on its self-awareness, blending absurd horror with deadpan humor - especially through Cage’s completely wordless performance. The exaggerated action sequences, combined with the ridiculousness of killer animatronics, make for an entertaining and comedic take onwhereFive Nights at Freddy’sfails. Whether horror fans are in it for the over-the-top carnage, the sheer weirdness, or just to see Nicolas Cage fight possessed robotic mascots, they’ll have a fun time withWilly’s Wonderland.
8’Spree' (2020)
Spreeis a razor-sharp horror comedy that satirizes influencer culture, internet fame, and society’s obsession with going viral - no matter the cost. Joe Keery delivers an eerie yet darkly hilarious performance as Kurt Kunkle, a desperate rideshare driver who will do anything to achieve online stardom. Armed with an array of cameras, he turns his car into a mobile live stream, broadcasting his increasingly deranged killing spree in real time. The film’s unique found-footage style, blending social media aesthetics with fast-paced horror, makes for an unsettling yet absurdly entertaining experience.
A Sharp Horror Comedy That Satirizes Society’s Obsession with Viral Fame
What setsSpreeapart is its pitch-black humor and scathing critique of digital culture. The film cleverly mocks influencer tropes, from shallow engagement tactics to the way audiences passively consume extreme content. Keery’s unhinged performance, combined with the film’s relentless pacing and satirical bite, makes for a disturbingly funny thrill ride. Equal parts terrifying and ridiculous,Spreeis one of the most biting horror comedies of the 2020s.
Spree: Why It’s a Perfect Halloween Thriller
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7’Bodies Bodies Bodies' (2022)
Bodies Bodies Bodies
A clever satire of Gen Z culture,Bodies Bodies Bodiesis a hilarious and suspenseful horror-comedy that thrives on paranoia, social media-fueled hysteria, and brutally honest wit. The film takes place during a hurricane party at a remote mansion, where a seemingly harmless game turns into a real-life murder mystery. As the privileged group spirals into chaos, the film transforms into afun slasher comedywhen the night descends into bloodshed, betrayal, and darkly comedic accusations. The film cleverly dissects modern friendships, performative activism, and the dangers of online-fueled mob mentality, making it both a sharp critique and an immensely entertaining thrill ride.
A Satirical Horror Comedy That Critiques Gen Z Culture
As a fresh and innovative take on the whodunit subgenre,Bodies Bodies Bodiesthrives on its sharp dialogue, unpredictable twists, and a cast of memorable, larger-than-life personalities. With standout performances from Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, and Rachel Sennott, the film crafts a volatile blend of tension and laugh-out-loud absurdity. The script, packed with ironic humor and social satire, ensures that every moment crackles with energy, leading to a shocking and darkly funny reveal.
6’Freaky' (2020)
A bloody and hilarious twist on the body-swap genre,FreakyreimaginesFreaky Fridayas a teen slasher with sharp and gruesome kills. The film follows shy high schooler Millie, who becomes the latest target of the Blissfield Butcher. However, a mystical dagger causes them to swap bodies, leaving Millie trapped in the form of a hulking serial killer while the Butcher wreaks havoc in her teenage body, leading to a thrilling mix of horror, action, and laugh-out-loud moments.
A Fresh Body-Swap Twist That Offers a Genius Blend of Slasher Horror with Comedy
Freakybrilliantly merges slasher horror with self-aware comedy, delivering a fresh take on familiar tropes. Vince Vaughn steals the show with his comedic portrayal of a teenage girl navigating a murder spree, while Kathryn Newton brings a sinister edge to the Butcher’s reign of terror. The film balances gory, over-the-top kills with clever humor, embracing both its absurdity and its genre roots for thisbody-swapping story. With Christopher Landon’s signature mix of scares and satire,Freakystands out as one of the most inventive horror comedies of the 2020s, proving that the slasher genre still has plenty of surprises left.
5’Totally Killer' (2023)
Totally Killer
Blending time-travel hijinks with slasher mayhem,Totally Killerdelivers a nostalgic and self-aware horror comedy that plays with both genre conventions and generational clashes. When 17-year-old Jamie is thrown back to 1987 after a run-in with the revived “Sweet Sixteen Killer,” she must navigate the unfamiliar world of the ’80s while trying to stop the masked murderer before his reign of terror even begins. Director Nahnatchka Khan infuses the film with a sharp comedic edge, poking fun at outdated social norms, retro aesthetics, and classic horror tropes while maintaining a thrilling, blood-soaked mystery.
A Fun, Self-Aware Genre Twist That Combines Time Travel and Slasher Horror with Sharp Humor
What setsTotally Killerapart is its seamless blend of slasher brutality and time-travel absurdity, crafting a fast-paced, entertaining ride with a strong sense of humor. Kiernan Shipka leads the film with charisma, bouncing off an amusingly oblivious ’80s cast, while the Sweet Sixteen Killer adds a menacing presence. The film’s self-awareness and witty script pay homage to the golden age of slashers while modernizing the formula for today’s audience.
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4’Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' (2024)
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Decades after the original,Beetlejuice Beetlejuicereunites audiences with the mischievous bio-exorcist Betelgeuse as he re-enters the chaotic world of the Deetz family. This sequel follows Lydia Deetz, now a paranormal investigator and television host, and her family, who are returning to Winter River, setting off a series of supernatural events thatlive up to the originalwhile also bringing a new whirlwind of supernatural misadventures. Tim Burton’s signature Gothic aesthetic, combined with Danny Elfman’s evocative score, immerses viewers in a visually captivating and darkly comedic narrative.
A Gothic, Comedic Supernatural Adventure That Blends Nostalgia with Innovation
Beetlejuice Beetlejuicemasterfully balances nostalgia with innovation, delivering a horror-comedy that resonates with both longtime fans and new audiences. Michael Keaton’s reprisal of his iconic role brings a fresh yet familiar energy, while Winona Ryder and Jenna Ortega’s dynamic adds depth to the evolving family saga. The film’s inventive practical effects and imaginative set designs pay homage to the original’s quirky charm, ensuring a delightful cinematic experience. As a standout entry in the 2020s horror comedy landscape,Beetlejuice Beetlejuiceexemplifies how to honor a classic while breathing new life into its legacy.
3’Abigail' (2024)
Abigailis a standout in the horror-comedy genre, offering a fresh twist on the vampire trope with an undeniably dark sense of humor. The film follows a group of colorful kidnappers who, upon discovering their captive is a vampire, quickly find themselves in over their heads. What makesAbigailtruly shine is its perfect blend of gore and humor, skillfully balancing the tension with absurd comedic moments. Alisha Weir’s portrayal of the titular vampire girl is both menacing and hilarious, and the ensemble cast of bumbling criminals adds an extra layer of fun to the film.
A Fresh, Black Comedy-Driven Take on the Vampire Subgenre
Directed by the talented Radio Silence team,Abigailstands out by pushing beyond the basic premise of a killer child. The film leans into character-driven comedy, with the criminals' evolving dynamics providingslapstick comedy throughout the heist thriller. Rather than relying solely on Abigail’s bloodthirsty antics, the film deepens its humor by exploring the complexity of its characters and their increasingly absurd efforts to survive. This smart, layered approach makesAbigailone of the best horror comedies of the 2020s.
2’M3GAN' (2022)
M3GANis a prime example of how horror and comedy can be seamlessly blended into an unforgettable cinematic experience. The film follows Gemma, a roboticist who creates M3GAN (Model 3 Generative Android), a life-like doll designed to be a child’s perfect companion. However, when M3GAN becomes self-aware, her protective instincts go too far, resulting in a series of increasingly violent acts that toe the line of darkly hilarious. The film thrives on its unapologetic silliness, skillfully mixing genuine moments of horror with moments of humor, all while maintaining an engaging pace that keeps viewers hooked.
A Mix of Genuine Scares with Dark Humor Creates a New Horror Icon
The doll’s unsettling appearance, combined with her sassy personality and now iconic dance moves, quickly made M3GAN a cultural sensation. With its tongue-in-cheek tone, the film cleverly balances emotional drama and outlandish violence, creating a truly entertaining experience.M3GANnot only delivers scares but also showcases the absurdity of the premise, turning its AI antagonist into a modern-day horror legend who could easily rival classics like Chucky and Annabelle.
1’The Menu' (2022)
The Menuoffers a sharp, satirical take on the high-end culinary world, blending dark humor and horror in a way few films manage. The story follows an elite group of diners who travel to a remote coastal island to experience the extravagant dishes of Chef Slowik’s exclusive restaurant, Hawthorne, in thisdisturbing movie about food. However, they quickly realize that the evening’s meal comes with a deadly twist, as Slowik has crafted a truly dangerous course of events for his wealthy guests. The film explores themes of classism and privilege, exposing the absurdity of wealthy people’s obsession with fancy food that is only deemed superior because it is exclusive.
A Satirical Exposure of Classism and Privilege Through a Deadly Culinary Experience
With standout performances from Ralph Fiennes as the sinister chef and Anya Taylor-Joy as a sharp-eyed final girl,The Menuis both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply unsettling. The film’s clever satire targets the ridiculousness of high-class dining while building up to one of the most memorable and shocking horror movie endings in recent years.
