The Darkly Comedic World of Campy Horror
If you like scary movies that don’t take themselves too seriously, you may already be a fan of campy horror. Campy horror is a delightful subgenre that offers a fresh take on the classic tropes, blending spine-tingling scares with tongue-in-cheek humour.
Movies So Bad They're Good!
If you want to laugh and scream at the same time, give these movies a look. All are free to borrow with your Burlington Public Library card.
The Cabin in the Woods
A self-aware thrill ride, The Cabin in the Woods takes the concept of campy horror to a new level. It's a satirical deconstruction of classic horror tropes, where a group of friends faces unimaginable horrors while on a weekend getaway. The film brilliantly subverts expectations, adding layers of dark humour and absurdity to the mix. The Cabin in the Woods is a love letter to the horror genre wrapped in a hilariously meta package.
Borrow The Cabin in the Woods on DVD
Death Becomes Her
A darkly comedic tale of immortality directed by Robert Zemeckis in 1992, Death Becomes Her explores the consequences of eternal youth and beauty. Starring Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Bruce Willis, this campy horror-comedy follows the rivalry between two women who have consumed a mysterious potion that grants them immortality. Filled with dark humour, stunning visual effects, and memorable performances, the story highlights the absurdity of the beauty industry and the quest for eternal youth. Fun fact: this film won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects, beating out Batman Returns and Alien³!
Borrow Death Becomes Her on DVD
The Evil Dead
Low-budget terror in the woods! Considered a pioneering campy horror masterpiece, this 1981 film gave us one of the most beloved anti-heroes in horror history, Ash Williams. It's a story of unsuspecting friends who face demonic forces in a secluded cabin. The practical effects and comically excessive violence made The Evil Dead (and numerous sequels) a cult classic.
Stream The Evil Dead on Hoopla
Happy Death Day
Directed by Christopher Landon, this slasher-comedy Groundhog-Day-with-a-deadly twist follows Tree, a college student who finds herself trapped in a time loop, reliving the day of her murder repeatedly. With a comedic twist, Tree learns to solve her own murder while exploring the complexities of her own life. The film combines humour, suspense, and a whodunit element, keeping audiences guessing until the end.
Borrow Happy Death Day on DVD
Shaun of the Dead
It's 'laugh after death' at its campy best for fans of British humour and zombie apocalypses! This movie perfectly mixes horror elements with sharp wit, delivering a hilarious and heartwarming comedy. Set in suburban England, it follows the misadventures of Shaun as he navigates an outbreak of the undead while trying to win back his girlfriend. The film's clever humour and memorable characters make it a fan favourite among horror enthusiasts.
Borrow Shaun of the Dead on DVD
More Campy Creepiness
Campy horror movies offer both scares and laughter, making them a beloved sub-genre for fans of all things spooky. Whether you're looking for laughs, screams, or a bit of both, these movies are sure to satisfy your appetite for darkly comedic entertainment. Grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare for a rollercoaster ride of horror and hilarity! Check out our Staff Picks flicks list of more campy horror to borrow.
We have spooktacular books, too!
