The best 80’s horror comedies: From The Evil Dead to The Lost Boys

They don’t make them like they used to! What’s your favorite horror comedy from the 80s? We’re counting down our top 10.

Unexpected, thought-provoking, and haunting; the scariest movies stick with us long after the credits roll. Fans love the buildup of tension, the rush of terror, and the relief of survival in the end. From ghost stories to slasher flicks, and everything in between, filmmakers are the architects of our most twisted nightmares.

Like horror, comedy consists of sub-genres that charm a multitude of aficionados. Comedy is art with varying shades and depths, from blue to black. Stoner movies, romantic romps, and cutting spoofs tickle the spirit. If laughter is the best medicine, then directors are Hollywood’s most lucrative M.D.’s.

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Some of the most ambitious writers and directors appeal to your funny bone and your fight-or-flight impulse within the same 90-minute thrill ride. But how can authentic horror and comedy coexist within a single narrative?

While it’s challenging for any moviemaker to produce a frightening-yet-funny film, it’s pretty easy for our brains to process because the limbic system handles both humor and fear. Maybe that’s why both horror and comedy can make you pee, just a little.

Some of the most satisfying films in the genre were released in the 1980’s. Here’s a list of ten horror comedies that still hold up today.

The Evil Dead (1981)

Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell teamed up to tell this gory tale of demonic possession. The cult classic dishes out ample scares, dark humor, and a bit of camp. Perceived as one of the most violent films of its time, The Evil Dead originally earned an “X” rating from the MPAA.

Creepshow (1982)

Inspired by 1950’s horror comics, director George A. Romero, and writer Stephen King brought five scary stories to life within this classic anthology film. Viewers are transported into the pages of a Creepshow comic book to experience one story after another. 80’s comedy royalty, Leslie Nielsen and Ted Danson, appear together in one particularly warped tale of revenge.

Gremlins (1984)

Gremlins is one of the movies responsible for the creation of the PG-13 MPAA rating (Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is the other). As a PG rated film, Gremlins terrified children and alarmed parents, who assumed the film to be family-friendly. Murderous monsters and grim humor on a holiday backdrop earn Gremlins a spot on my Top Ten Christmas Movies list too.

Once Bitten (1985)

In Once Bitten, beauty icon Lauren Hutton plays a 400-year-old immortal who sustains her eternal youth by drinking the blood of male virgins. Is this a clever commentary on the modeling industry’s toxicity, or just your average horror rom-com? You decide. Up-and-comer Jim Carrey co-stars as the sex-starved teen under The Countess’ thrall.

Critters (1986)

Critters was produced during the Small Creature Feature heyday of the 80’s. From Ghoulies to Troll, to the aforementioned Gremlins, we loved our little monsters. In Critters, carnivorous aliens invade a Kansas farm, shape-shifting intergalactic bounty hunters pursue them, and thus, hilarity and horror ensue. Scream Queen Dee Wallace of E.T. fame stars. She learns quickly that these little suckers eat more than just Reese’s Pieces.

Little Shop of Horrors (1986)

Muppet Master and Voice of Yoda, Frank Oz directed this musical horror comedy about a giant flesh-eating plant. Comic powerhouses Steve Martin, Bill Murray, James Belushi, and John Candy appear alongside Rick Moranis – star of the film and apparent vocal gymnast. Motown legend Levi Stubbs of The Four Tops lends his voice as the” Mean Green Mother From Outer Space” – Audrey II.

The Lost Boys (1987)

The title of this film is a reference to the Lost Boys in J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan stories. But the vampire town of Santa Carla is far from the jovial setting of Neverland. When a single mom moves there with her two sons, the oldest falls in with troublesome teens who ride motorcycles, stay out too late, and – oh yeah – drink blood. Also notable, The Lost Boys features the classic pairing of Corey Haim and Corey Feldman.

The Witches of Eastwick (1987)

When three witches accidentally conjure the devil, all hell breaks loose in a tiny Rhode Island town. Jack Nicholson as Beelzebub is naughty, vibrant, and really, really horny. The witches are lured into a polyamorous union with the Prince of Darkness and things get weird. Cher, Susan Sarandon, and Michelle Pfeiffer have wicked chemistry as the Witches.

Beetlejuice (1988)

Beetlejuice is the story of two newbie ghosts haunting their former home to scare the new owners away. The charm of the film lies in the trademark eccentricity of director, Tim Burton, who blends gothic themes and dark humor perfectly. The tone set by Burton coupled with Michael Keaton’s freaky portrayal of the title character is enough to give any fan a case of the heebie-jeebies.

Heathers (1988)

Heathers revolves around an Ohio high school clique of four popular girls, three of whom are named “Heather.” The fourth member -and heart of the movie – Veronica is played by Winona Ryder of Beetlejuice fame. You won’t find typical movie monsters in this sardonic flick. Instead, high school politics lead to murder, mayhem, bomb scares, and – gulp – pep rallies.

What are your favorite horror comedies? Post below and join the conversation!