The sub-genre of horror comedy typically combines sarcasm with a good dose of the macabre whereas the hallmark horror films are meant to evoke a spooky sensation of fright perfect for Halloween.
Whether it’s a straight-up parody like the popular Scary Movie series or the more recent hits like His House and The Blackening, the terrifying stories in horror films have always held the attention of viewers. However, the increasing emphasis on black voices has given this genre a new perspective.
So if you fancy yourself a fan of Black American comedy cinema or you’re simply looking to add something thrilling to your repertoire as Halloween approaches, then these humorous tales are worth seeing. We’ve got a list of six horror-comedy movies to creep you out and make you laugh out loud this Halloween.
A Haunted House
You’re immediately given a fresh take on the traditional “haunted house” horror cliché, delivered in a distinctly black comedy style. When your movie grosses almost thirty times its budget at the box office, who needs critical praise? Marlon Wayans wrote the screenplay for A Haunted House. He co-stars in the film with comic heavyweights Cedric the Entertainer and Essence Atkins.
The Blackening
Black people have also had the mantra, “couldn’t be me” for decades while they’ve seen other people in horror films be horrifically murdered. The Blackening, a wonderful horror comedy, is the first to bring the running gag to life. The only chance for a group of black friends to escape when they are imprisoned in a cabin by an enigmatic killer is to demonstrate their black identity. It’s incredibly enjoyable, even as it deftly parodies the genre.
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Little Monsters
Lupita Nyong’o has primarily produced more somber works. Little Monsters is a particularly novel horror comedy because of this. It’s such a pleasant treat to watch the Oscar winner in a charmingly lighthearted cinematic role. The plot of Little Monsters centers on Miss Audrey Caroline, a kindergarten teacher, and her fight to protect her students from a horde of zombies. Dave, a failing musician whose nephew is also in her care, lends assistance.
Haunted Mansion
Haunted Mansion, one of the new horror comedies. Led by prominent actors such as LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Rosario Dawson, and others, the film was a large-scale production. Sadly, at the box office, it fell short of its budget. Even so, there are enough jokes to keep audiences laughing.
Scary Movie
Scary Movie, the original movie that started a lucrative franchise, sparked a trend of parody movies in the 2000s. The Wayans brothers are the reason behind the movie’s devoted fan base. Scary Movie has a central plot, unlike the other movies in the series, even though it’s hilarious as hell.
Vampire in Brooklyn
A horror comedy with Angela Bassett and Eddie Murphy together? Success! Despite receiving negative reviews upon its 1995 release, the film has gained more favor in the past few years. Murphy plays a number of roles, so each one should make you laugh out loud a few times. Like the subgenre, though, you’re maybe a little spooked rather than terrified to death.
