The 10 Campiest Horror Movies Of All Time

Horror fans are no strangers when it comes to truly terrifying creature features, but sometimes these horror enthusiasts crave something a bit lighter. With campy horror films, viewers are not only treated to some laughs, but they also get plenty of intentionally over-the-top, ultra ridiculous action.

From kooky clown mischief in a small town to the ultimate showdown between horror franchise rivals, these movies checked every box when it comes to combining the wonderfully absurd with just the right amount of scary. Longstanding fanatics of the genre will definitely remember these satisfyingly campy film creations.

10 Freddy Vs. Jason (2003)

What horror fan doesn’t love the ultra cheesy camp-fest that is Freddy vs. Jason? This movie features the iconic slasher villains Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees teaming up to terrorize the citizens of Springwood. Of course, once Jason starts interfering with Freddy’s plans, the two end up going head-to-head for the ultimate over-the-top showdown.

The film oozes camp from its stereotypical characters, cheesy kills, and the incredibly silly CGI demonic caterpillar. Of course, the closing scene in which a decapitated Freddy winks at the camera is the perfect nod to its intentional silliness.

9 Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (1998)

Intentionally filled with plenty of cheesiness, this horror classic centers around the iconic horror character Elvira as she adjusts to her temporary stay in a small town. Every about this film is ultra campy, from the title character’s over-the-top outfit and wig to the film’s goofy plot, which involves a magical inheritance and a mysterious cookbook.

Of course, there’s also plenty of moments mocking film clichés as well. Horror fans will definitely remember and love this silly so-bad-it’s-good comedy-horror film, as well as its lovable title character.

8 Killer Klowns From Outer Space (1998)

This ultra ridiculous, extremely campy horror film is the perfect combination of horror and comedy. The movie is jam-packed with a wacky variety of murderous klowns with some extremely over-the-top physical features. Of course, the film isn’t really known for its scares—unless viewers happen to be afraid of clowns—but that shouldn’t deter anyone from watching it.

As with any great campy horror film, Killer Klowns From Outer Space knows not to take itself seriously, which only makes the ridiculous premises of space alien clowns taking over a small town that much more enjoyable.

7 Young Frankenstein (1974)

This horror-comedy gets incredibly campy with its satirical premise that parodies many of the classic Frankenstein films such as Frankenstein (1931), Bride of Frankenstein (1935), and Son of Frankenstein (1939). The ultra silly storyline which follows Dr. Frederick Frankenstein recreating the experiments first done by his grandfather has plenty of in-your-face campy thrills that will leave fans of the genre more than satisfied.

Playing on classic clichés such as lightning flashes, grave robbing, and overly dramatic moments, it’s definitely a fine example of camp, and, of course, it’s a classic to seasoned horror fans.

6 Sleepaway Camp (1983)

This franchise first started with its 1983 film which followed a lonely young camper, Angela Baker, as she tries to survive a brutal summer camp where the campers keep getting mysteriously murdered. The film’s overall tone is very campy, with its stereotypical characters, ridiculous camp bullies, and intentional cheesy cliché kills.

Fans of ’80s slashers will love rewatching this campy classic that takes place at the genre cliché summer camp setting. There’s a reason why this franchise has achieved cult status, and it’s even spawned multiple sequels featuring the memorable main character.

5 Leprechaun (1993)

This over-the-top horror-comedy is not only known for being ultra campy, but it also starred Jennifer Aniston in her film debut. The storyline follows the nonsensical cliché formula for horror as a hilariously costumed leprechaun terrorizes a group of young people in his quest to reclaim his gold.

There are plenty of premium campy moments in the film such as the leprechaun’s silly jokes, his ultimate weakness for shining shoes, and the exaggerated scene where he chases Jennifer Aniston’s character while in a wheelchair. Though the film only nabbed a 27% on Rotten Tomatoes, true horror fans know that this campy film is actually a classic.

4 The Evil Dead II (1987)

The first film in the Evil Dead franchise certainly had its silly moments, but this 1987 sequel was truly a masterpiece when it came to being intentionally comedic. This movie truly embraced the tongue-in-cheek humor and camp moments as Ash Williams once again returned to battle evil spirits in the woods.

Of course, there’s plenty of absurdly silly scenes, such as when Ash’s severed and possessed hand makes an obscene gesture towards him and all the over-the-top chainsaw moments. The second Evil Dead film definitely shows off the campy style at its best.

3 Tucker and Dale Vs. Evil (2010)

An intentionally hilarious spoof on the horror film cliché that surrounds teenagers and rural living stereotypes, this film is the perfect take on modern campy horror. The storyline parodies the “hillbilly horror” trope that shows small-town rural locals as sinister individuals with wicked intentions.

Of course, in this campy film, the supposedly evil characters are actually the heroes that fall into a series of unfortunate mishaps that start with a misunderstanding. There are plenty of well-timed jokes and a villain that falls into the attractive college male stereotype, making this campy horror film an absolute standout.

2 Bride of Chucky (1998)

While the original film in the franchise stuck to straightforward scares when it came to its murderous character, the Chucky franchise eventually moved towards a more campy, comedic style that is strongly evident in the film’s fourth installment.

This film was highly self-aware and played up its over-the-top ridiculousness as Chucky’s ex, Tiffany, transforms into a doll and gives herself a glamourous goth makeover before joining her lover on a homicidal spree. This film also marked the turning point in which the series went fully horror-comedy and embraced its new campy style.

1 Cabin In The Woods (2011)

This campy horror film parodies plenty of the classic horror tropes such as stereotypical characters and the “cabin in the woods” setting. Though the film starts out with the fairly straightforward premise of a group of friends traveling to a remote area for a secluded getaway, things take a nightmarish turn that naturally leads to an all-out fight for survival.

Of course, what makes this film different is that all the scares are actually controlled by a secret laboratory. Though Cabin in the Woods uses plenty of these clichés—and a whole slew of monsters—to its advantage, it still has plenty of surprising twists and silly moments that make it completely unique.

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