Best Horror Comedies of 1985
- HaHa Jokester
- May 26
- 9 min read
Updated: Jun 20
1985 was a banner year for horror comedy—loud, weird, and wonderfully unhinged. The genre wasn’t just a quirky sideshow anymore; it was exploding with creativity, pushing boundaries with effects-heavy spectacles, punk rock sensibilities, and a newfound love for self-aware, blood-soaked absurdity. From satirical zombies to sexy vampires and reanimated corpses, 1985 gave us horror comedies that were bold, messy, and unforgettable.
This was the year horror comedy truly matured—without ever growing up.
The Horror Comedy Landscape in 1985
Post-Slasher Irreverence
As the slasher formula wore thin, filmmakers looked to twist it with humor, subversion, and gore that went from shocking to slapstick.
Zombies, Vampires & Reanimation
Undead stories took over the genre—but with tongue planted firmly in cheek. Whether it was corpses coming back with punchlines or vampires with sass, horror icons were no longer just scary—they were fun.
Practical FX Hit Peak Insanity
Makeup effects and creature work were outrageous and imaginative, blending gross-out horror with surreal visual comedy in ways that defined the decade.
Top 10 Horror Comedies of 1985
Re-Animator
Runtime: 1hr 26min
Stuart Gordon’s cult classic is a pitch-black, blood-soaked Frankenstein riff filled with deadpan performances, outrageous gore, and demented wit. Still one of horror comedy’s gold standards.
Re-Animator (1985) is a gleefully gory and darkly comedic cult classic that blends mad science with outrageous horror. Directed by Stuart Gordon and loosely based on H.P. Lovecraft’s “Herbert West–Reanimator,” the film follows medical student Herbert West, who develops a glowing green serum capable of bringing the dead back to life—with grotesque and often hilarious consequences. As West’s experiments spiral out of control, he drags his roommate Dan Cain into a nightmarish world of reanimated corpses, decapitated heads, and escalating chaos. With its over-the-top effects, deadpan delivery, and unapologetic insanity, Re-Animator stands as one of the most iconic and influential horror comedies of the 1980s.
Fright Night
Runtime: 1hr 46min
A stylish and sly love letter to vampire lore that mixes teen comedy with genuinely spooky set pieces. It’s sexy, funny, and reverent to classic horror without ever feeling dusty.
Fright Night (1985) is a stylish and self-aware blend of vampire horror and teen comedy, directed by Tom Holland. The film follows Charley Brewster, a high schooler and horror fanatic who becomes convinced that his suave new neighbor, Jerry Dandrige, is a vampire responsible for a string of local murders. When no one believes him, Charley turns to a washed-up TV horror host, Peter Vincent, for help in confronting the bloodthirsty threat. Balancing genuine scares with campy humor and strong character work, Fright Night cleverly pays homage to classic monster movies while updating the vampire mythos for the MTV generation. Its mix of sharp writing, inventive effects, and gothic atmosphere has cemented its legacy as a horror-comedy favorite.
Return of the Living Dead
Runtime: 1hr 35min
Punk rock zombies, brain-eating humor, and endlessly quotable lines ("Send more paramedics"). Dan O’Bannon’s splatter-comedy masterpiece redefined the undead.
The Return of the Living Dead (1985) is a punk-fueled, splatter-filled horror comedy that redefined the zombie genre with a blend of outrageous gore, dark humor, and a killer soundtrack. Directed by Dan O’Bannon, the film kicks off when two bumbling employees at a medical supply warehouse accidentally release a toxic gas that reanimates the dead—who return not only hungry for brains but capable of speech and thought. As chaos erupts in a nearby cemetery, a group of teens and hapless workers must survive the relentless onslaught. With its fast-moving zombies, anarchic energy, and iconic moments like the talking half-corpse and the unforgettable "Send more paramedics" line, Return of the Living Deadstands as a wild, subversive classic that helped shape modern zombie lore.
The Stuff
Runtime: 1hr 33min
Larry Cohen’s satirical monster movie about killer yogurt is both a scathing consumerism critique and a delightfully bonkers creature feature.
The Stuff (1985), directed by Larry Cohen, is a satirical horror comedy that skewers consumerism, junk food culture, and corporate greed through the lens of a gooey, body-snatching thriller. The film centers on a mysterious, addictive dessert—simply called “The Stuff”—that becomes a nationwide sensation despite its sinister side effects: it turns those who eat it into mindless, hive-minded hosts. When a corporate saboteur named David Rutherford investigates, he uncovers a terrifying conspiracy that reaches from shady businessmen to government cover-ups. Blending campy horror with sharp social commentary, The Stuff delivers absurdity and allegory in equal measure, earning cult status for its unique concept, practical effects, and biting wit.
Transylvania 6-5000
Runtime: 1hr 34min
A goofy tabloid satire featuring Frankenstein, a werewolf, and a vampiress played by Geena Davis. Pure slapstick with a Universal Monsters twist.
Transylvania 6-5000 (1985) is a goofy, monster-filled horror comedy that plays like a live-action cartoon. Directed by Rudy De Luca, the film follows two tabloid reporters, played by Jeff Goldblum and Ed Begley Jr., who are sent to Transylvania to investigate reports of Frankenstein’s monster. What they find instead is a bizarre cast of classic horror figures—vampires, werewolves, mummies—each more eccentric than the last, all tied to a quirky village and a madcap conspiracy. Filled with slapstick gags, deadpan one-liners, and a playful tone, the film leans into absurdity rather than scares. While critically panned on release, Transylvania 6-5000 has since gained cult appeal for its cast, quirky charm, and affectionate riff on old-school monster movies.
Once Bitten
Runtime: 1hr 34min
Jim Carrey stars as a teen targeted by a centuries-old vampire in this sex comedy with fangs. A cult favorite thanks to Carrey’s elastic energy and ‘80s camp.
Once Bitten (1985) is a cheeky vampire comedy that blends teen sex farce with supernatural flair. Starring a young Jim Carrey in one of his earliest leading roles, the film follows Mark Kendall, a high school virgin who becomes the target of a seductive, centuries-old vampire Countess (Lauren Hutton) in desperate need of virgin blood to retain her youthful looks. As Mark begins to change in strange and hilarious ways, he and his girlfriend must unravel the mystery and fend off the Countess’s advances. With its campy humor, 1980s flair, and Carrey’s signature physical comedy already on display, Once Bitten stands as a fun, if lightweight, cult favorite that puts a playful spin on vampire lore and teen angst.
Lifeforce
Runtime: 1hr 41min
Space vampires in London? This Cannon Films oddity delivers jaw-dropping nudity, psychosexual panic, and apocalyptic energy—part horror, part surreal comedy.
Lifeforce (1985) is a wildly ambitious sci-fi horror hybrid directed by Tobe Hooper that mixes space vampires, apocalyptic chaos, and erotic terror into one of the most bizarre films of the decade. The story begins when a space shuttle crew discovers a mysterious alien spacecraft housing three humanoid beings, including a mesmerizing female vampire. When they bring her back to Earth, she unleashes a plague of energy-sucking mayhem, turning London into a city of walking corpses. Part gothic horror, part science fiction epic, Lifeforce is known for its bold visuals, intense atmosphere, and surreal storytelling. Though divisive upon release, it has since developed a cult following for its unapologetic weirdness, striking effects, and genre-blending insanity.
Creature
Runtime: 1hr 37min
A blatant Alien ripoff with just enough camp and awkward performances to earn cult curiosity status in the horror-comedy gray zone.
Creature (1985), also known as The Titan Find, is a low-budget sci-fi horror film that riffs on the success of Alien with its own grim, monster-in-space premise. Directed by William Malone, the film follows a group of American astronauts who land on Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, only to discover a derelict German spacecraft and an ancient alien creature that feeds on human hosts and reanimates their corpses. As the team is picked off one by one, paranoia and desperation set in. While Creature is often criticized for its derivative plot and uneven pacing, it compensates with eerie atmosphere, practical effects, and a genuinely creepy monster design. It has earned cult status among fans of ’80s space horror for its gritty charm and pulpy thrills.
Ghoulies
Runtime: 1hr 21min
Tiny monsters wreak havoc in bathrooms and basements. A Gremlins cash-in with more goo than logic—but undeniably fun in its chaotic absurdity.
Ghoulies (1985) is a campy horror-comedy that blends satanic rituals, demonic creatures, and outrageous practical effects into a mischievous tale of occult chaos. Directed by Luca Bercovici, the film follows a young man who inherits a spooky old mansion and unknowingly unleashes a gang of pint-sized, sharp-toothed monsters after dabbling in dark magic. These mischievous "Ghoulies" cause havoc with their grotesque antics, turning the film into a mix of supernatural horror and slapstick mayhem. Though often compared to Gremlins, Ghoulies leans harder into the occult and low-budget absurdity, earning its cult status through VHS-era notoriety, especially for its infamous poster featuring a monster in a toilet. It’s weird, messy, and proudly ridiculous.
The Bride
Runtime: 1hr 59min
A gothic Frankenstein retelling with a romantic twist. Not outright comedy, but its melodrama and theatrical tone make it ripe for campy viewing.
The Bride (1985) is a gothic romance and reimagining of the Frankenstein myth, offering a dramatic and emotional take on Mary Shelley's classic tale. Directed by Franc Roddam, the film stars Sting as Baron Charles Frankenstein and Jennifer Beals as Eva, the beautiful woman he creates to be the bride of his original monster. When Eva rejects the creature, named Viktor (played by Clancy Brown), their lives diverge—she is groomed in high society while he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and human connection. Lushly shot and atmospherically rich, The Bride emphasizes themes of identity, love, and alienation over traditional horror scares. While it received mixed reviews, it remains a visually striking and uniquely heartfelt entry in the Frankenstein film legacy.
Underrated Picks Worth Your Time
House
Runtime: 1hr 33min
A haunted house tale with war trauma, ghoulish effects, and surprising heart. Balances horror, absurdity, and dark comedy better than most.
House (1985) is a quirky and inventive horror comedy that mixes haunted house scares with absurdist humor and emotional trauma. Directed by Steve Miner, the film follows Roger Cobb, a Vietnam veteran and horror novelist, who inherits his aunt’s spooky old house after her mysterious death. Hoping to work on his next book and confront the disappearance of his son, Roger instead finds himself battling bizarre supernatural forces—from floating tools to undead soldiers and interdimensional portals. With its shifting tones, practical effects, and mix of slapstick and sorrow, Housestands out as a unique genre-bender that balances genuine pathos with outrageous creature-feature fun. It became a cult hit and spawned several sequels, each weirder than the last.
Howling II: Your Sister is a Werewolf
Runtime: 1hr 31min
Sybil Danning. Werewolf orgies. A punk soundtrack. It’s a mess—and a must-watch for bad movie nights.
Howling II: Your Sister is a Werewolf (1985) is a gloriously bizarre sequel that cranks up the camp and leans hard into cult territory. Directed by Philippe Mora, the film picks up after the events of The Howling, with Ben White (Reb Brown) discovering that his sister, reporter Karen White, was a werewolf—and now he must stop the queen of werewolves, Stirba (played by Sybil Danning), from unleashing lycanthropic chaos. Joined by an occult investigator (Christopher Lee, in one of his most eyebrow-raising roles), Ben travels to a surreal Eastern European setting filled with gothic ruins, synth-heavy music, and werewolf orgies. With its jarring tone, wild editing, and infamous ending montage, Howling II is less a traditional horror film and more a fever dream of ‘80s excess—messy, ridiculous, and totally unforgettable.
Spookies
Runtime: 1hr 25min
So chaotic it’s legendary. Multiple monsters, incoherent plot, and wall-to-wall creature effects make it a cult classic of accidental comedy.
Spookies (1986, often associated with 1985 due to production history) is a chaotic, creature-packed horror oddity that’s earned cult status for its sheer strangeness and behind-the-scenes drama. The film follows a group of partygoers who stumble upon a creepy, abandoned mansion—only to be trapped and hunted by an array of bizarre monsters, from muck-covered zombies to a farting, bloated ghoul. Originally conceived as a different film (Twisted Souls), Spookies was heavily re-edited and spliced with new footage by a second director, resulting in a plot that barely makes sense—but that’s part of its charm. With nonstop practical effects, wild creature designs, and an anything-goes attitude, Spookies is beloved by fans of so-bad-it’s-good horror and remains a fascinating artifact of low-budget genre filmmaking gone gloriously off the rails.
Horror Highlights & Trivia
Jeffrey Combs Becomes a Genre Icon: His turn in Re-Animator as the unhinged Herbert West helped redefine mad scientists for a new generation.
"Brains!" Goes Mainstream: Return of the Living Dead cemented the brain-hungry zombie trope still parodied today.
The FX Arms Race: From The Stuff to Lifeforce, 1985 pushed practical effects to absurd, glorious extremes.
Where to Watch These Today
Streaming:
Re-Animator – Shudder, Freebie tv
Fright Night – Prime Video, Pluto TV
Return of the Living Dead – Tubi, Pluto TV
The Stuff – Shudder, Pluto TV
Once Bitten – Tubi, Prime
Physical Media: Scream Factory and Arrow Video have definitive editions of Re-Animator, Return of the Living Dead, House, and more, complete with commentaries and unrated cuts.
Closing Thoughts
1985 was a horror-comedy explosion—bloody, bizarre, and brilliant. It was the year filmmakers stopped caring about boundaries and started embracing madness. From socially conscious satire to brain-munching anarchy, horror comedy in 1985 proved it could be as thoughtful as it was deranged. If 1984 made horror comedy mainstream, 1985 made it wild. And its influence still drips across screens today—with a wink, a scream, and a whole lot of slime.
