3 Horror Movies that Expertly Use Dark Humor

Horror movies are loved by adrenaline junkies looking for a thrill, but who is to say horrors have to take themselves too seriously? Whilst it’s not all that common, creating a movie that defies a genre can push it from good to Oscar-winning.

Here are three horror movies that use dark comedy to make the audience terrified and laugh-out-loud in equal measure.

Leprechaun 3 – 1995

Leprechaun 3 is an absolute classic slasher movie, and one of an 8-strong series. Leprechaun 3 is set in Las Vegas, with gambling being the core theme. This may be an unusual setting for a horror movie, but it can make more sense when you see Jackpot City online casino and their thriller games being used to enthrall users. In fact, they have a whole host of online slot games that defy genres.

Whilst there are some mixed reviews for number three, it so evidently uses horror and comedy in equal proportions, yet neither one ruins the integrity of the film. With genuine laugh-out-loud jokes, it’s surprising that they can pull you in during the thriller moments.

Warrick Davies puts on a great performance, although the same can’t be said for the whole cast. If you don’t take the movie too seriously though, the acting can add another comedic layer to it – though not strictly dark humour.

Get Out – 2017

Jordan Peele’s Get Out has it all. A sublimely executed dark comedy on the issue of racism is as entertaining as it is frightening. The story is about an African-American guy who visits his Caucasian in-laws for the first time. Whilst they seem only slightly off at first, an unexpected theme rapidly develops. 

Peele succeeds in manipulating the audience’s expectations to the point where you believe the movie is going one way but flips on its head around halfway through.

The movie has been called a suspense thriller just as much as a dark comedy, but it, more importantly, has won an Academy Award for best original screenplay, which made Peele the first African-American to win said award.

Shaun of the Dead – 2004

Shaun of the Dead is more overtly a comedy, seeing as it’s another Edgar Wright classic. However, being themed on a zombie apocalypse, the movie is rooted in classic horror scenes, although it seems to be the romantic comedy genre that it’s satirising. Either way, horror is no doubt the perfect vehicle for Edgar Wright to get his comedy across.

Not only this, but it’s a buddy comedy, tale of redemption, zombie movie, and an action movie all rolled into one. Shaun of the Dead is deservedly recognised as one of the greatest spoof movies of all time. The classic Edgar Wright edits and cinematography integrates physical comedy into the equation – something that is severely lacking among dialogue-driven comedies today.

If you’re a fan of Shaun of the Dead, then the good news is that it’s the start of an unexpected trilogy: the Three Flavour Cornetto. Hot Fuzz and The World’s End follow in the same footsteps of a Frost-Pegg conflict, horror themes, and a comedic redemption story.

This is a sponsored post.