Scary but funny, chilling yet giggle-worthy… Scary from start to finish! Here are some horror movies with that mysterious charm.
We’ve gathered films that blend horror and comedy in a perfect balance—just what you want to enjoy during the Halloween season.
Even if you’re easily scared, there are movies with unique worlds that let you soften the fear with laughter.
Watch with friends and the fun multiplies! Spend a special Halloween with horror films that make you laugh and shiver!
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Horror movies to watch on Halloween! From genuinely terrifying to laugh-out-loud comedies (1–10)
HalloweentownDwayne Dunham
If you only hear the title “Halloweentown,” many might think of The Nightmare Before Christmas, but this is actually a film produced in 1998 as a Disney Channel original TV movie.
The beloved actress Debbie Reynolds—known for classics like the musical Singin’ in the Rain—appeared as a charming grandmother.
The movie became a staple of Halloween viewing, spawning a series of four films and gaining widespread popularity.
Some people who watched it as children may still think of this movie first when Halloween comes to mind.
Unfortunately, as of 2020 it has not been released on home video and isn’t easy to watch, but if you get the chance, be sure to check it out.
The Nightmare Before ChristmasHenry Selick
A timeless classic among classics, the film that tops the list of the most famous Halloween movies here in Japan is surely The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Conceived and written by Tim Burton—known for works like Edward Scissorhands and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory—this musical animated film has enjoyed enduring popularity since its 1993 release.
Its visual beauty, skillfully blending the cutting-edge digital techniques of the time with traditional stop-motion animation, is always breathtaking, and the film has been so influential that it inspired creators around the world to pursue their craft.
The comical movements of the residents of Halloween Town feel almost lifelike and are utterly captivating.
As a Halloween-season essential, this is a masterpiece you simply have to know!
Tim Burton’s Corpse BrideTim Burton
When it comes to horror animation, Tim Burton is the go-to, of course! He’s famous as the creator of Disney’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, but he has other signature works too—one of them being Corpse Bride.
It’s a story about a dead bride and a living man, and it’s an incredibly entertaining film that showcases Tim Burton’s uniquely humorous yet spooky world.
The Addams FamilyBarry Sonnenfeld
Even if you’ve never seen the movies or the original TV series, chances are you’ve heard the iconic theme song, “The Addams Family,” at least once.
As a horror-comedy centered on the spooky Addams clan, The Addams Family enjoys worldwide popularity and is a staple for Halloween viewing.
Its distinctive atmosphere and quirky characters have been a major source of inspiration for creators like Tim Burton.
A new animated film was released in September 2020, proving the franchise’s appeal across generations.
The work introduced here is the first theatrical installment, released in 1991.
It’s a superb film—just scary enough, packed with humor, and even moving—that families with young children can enjoy together!
The Texas Chain Saw MassacreTobe Hooper
There are many classic splatter films, like Friday the 13th and A Nightmare on Elm Street.
A pioneering work in that genre is Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.
The story follows a group of young people who are attacked by a character named Leatherface, who wields a chainsaw.
It contains some quite shocking scenes, so please be cautious if you’re sensitive to that kind of content.
Since its release in 1974, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre has remained a popular series with numerous sequels.
If you enjoy the original, be sure to check out the sequels as well.
The Wolf HouseCristóbal León, Joaquín Cociña
If you’re tired of ordinary movies, I recommend The Wolf House.
It’s a stop-motion animation created by Cristóbal León and Joaquín Cociña, depicting a woman who escapes from a sinister organization and is gradually cornered by men.
Its indescribably eerie and grotesque imagery is the highlight.
Since it’s made with a highly unusual technique, start by watching the trailer.
It’s about two minutes long, but even that is quite scary.
Ernest in the AtticChristopher Landon
It’s a warm-hearted comedy that portrays an encounter with Ernest, an amnesiac ghost met in a newly moved-into house.
Until meeting Ernest, the story leans heavily into horror with the suggestion that something might be there, but after the encounter the tone shifts more toward comedy.
As the characters investigate the mystery of Ernest’s past—and even draw the attention of a government agency—the intense turn of events pulls you deep into the story’s world.
The ghost’s uniquely free movements and the townspeople’s reactions as they get swept up in them are also key points to watch.
