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Best horror comedy movies: What to watch after (or before) Tim Burton's Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Do you like your horror with a bit of comedy? Or your comedy with a bit of horror? If so you'll love these six picks for best horror comedy films as Beetlejuice 2 is released.
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After three and a half decades, a couple trailers, and plenty of me repeating one name into a mirror, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has finally arrived in theaters. The much-anticipated return of Tim Burton, Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and more to the world they created in 1988 is almost a miracle to fans of the particular, whimsical dark comedy tone of the original Beetlejuice. And yet, for all the excitement it's conjured up, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is only one movie. What do you do after you've seen it? Or perhaps even while you're waiting for tickets to become available?
Your weirdo friends at Popverse are here to answer that very question, as we bring you this list of the best horror comedy movies to watch before (or after) Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Keep in mind, these aren't just movies that blend the genres of horror and comedy (no Scary Movie here, gang), but movies that fit the particularly Burton-esque tone of Beetlejuice and its undead sequel. and read on.
Best horror comedy movie if you like Beetlejuice's animation: Wendell & Wild
Jordan Peele has successfully tackled both horror and comedy respectively, so when he reteams with pal Keegan-Michael Key on a project that combines them, us spooky nerds have to take notice. For Tim Burton fans in particular, Wendell & Wild is a perfect choice for movie night, as the film deals with some slightly lovable but oh-so-schemin' demons itself, and utilizes an animation style that would be perfectly at home in Beetlejuice's neighborhood.
Summon up your courage (and maybe a netherworldly friend or two) and stream Wendell & Wild on Netflix.
Best horror comedy movie if you like Beetlejuice's undead costar: Lisa Frankenstein
From the mind that brought us Jennifer's Body (screenwriter Diablo Cody) comes this decidedly more whimsical take on the Frankenstein mythos. Like Lydia Deetz, Kathryn Newton's Lisa is a goth girl that's goading for ghosts, although the spirit she conjures hops back into a human body. Still, it appears as though Burton's bio-exorcist and Cole Sprouse's Creature share a skin care routine.
For a comedy that'll have you in stitches (and maybe back out of them), stream Lisa Frankenstein on Amazon Prime Video.
Best horror comedy movie if you like Beetlejuice's dark humor: Death Becomes Her
It's Meryl Streep vs. Goldie Hawn in a duel to the death... and beyond. This Halloween classic is loaded with the same body-morphing special effects that made the Maitlands such a watchable pair in the original Beetlejuice, with a sense of humor dark enough to give the Ghost with the Most himself a chuckle.
Check your lip stick, blush, and brains leaking from your ear, and stream Death Becomes Her on Amazon Prime Video.
Best horror comedy movie if you like Beetlejuice's gross SFX: John Dies at the End
Directed by champion of indie film Don Coscarelli, this adaptation of the David Wong novel of the same name is great for folks that don't mind leaning into the weird. Similar to Beetlejuice, the movie hinges on a connection between our world and another one, though to be fair, this other world is a lot more "cosmic horror" than it is "ghosts and goblins."
I'd say they're pretty equally slimy, though.
Beware of spoilers and stream John Dies at the End on The Roku Channel.
Best horror comedy movie if you like Beetlejuice's B-movie roots: The Little Shop of Horrors
Hold on - you thought I was talking about the musical, right? Well guess again. As you can see in the photo above, I'm talking about the original 1960 Little Shop of Horrors, a late-nite sci-fi B-movie the likes of which inspired so much of what Tim Burton has done. This film comes from the brilliant Roger Corman, and features a then-unknown young actor named Jack Nicholson.
Don't feed the plants, even the old ones, but do stream Little Shop of Horrors on Tubi (for free!).
Best horror comedy movie if you like Beetlejuice's circus scenes: Killer Klowns from Outer Space
And speaking of B-movies, there's no horror comedy out there quite like Killer Klowns from Outer Space. It somehow manages to both be a "so bad it's good" film and parody them at the same time, a feat that I've seen too many movies try and sadly fail. Loaded with bright and gooey practical effects, unburdened by a sensible plot, and must-see fare if you're going to play the game it's based on, Killer Klowns from Outer Space is a Burton fan's Big Top dream come true.
Avoid the circus and stream Killer Klowns from Outer Space on Tubi (for free!).
In the immortal words of Danny Elfman, "Life's no fun without a good scare." We couldn't agree more, which is why we think you should check out horror aficionado Greg Silber's list of the best horror movies of all time. Or, if you've already seen those classics, check out our list of the most underrated horror movies from the past couple years. And if you've already seen all of those, Let us tell you what to look forward to (or dread) in Popverse's list of upcoming horror movies.
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