40 Funny Halloween Movies to Watch Right Now, from ‘Clue’ to ‘Scream’

Halloween is right around the corner, which leaves me with one very important task: building a list of the best scary titles to celebrate the spooky season. Thankfully, I have more than enough options to consider, from popular Halloween classics and dark mysteries to kid-friendly titles. But this time, I'm turning my attention to films that’ll give me just as many laughs as there are scares.

One of my personal favorites? Tim Story's The Blackening, which expertly weaves comedy and cultural references with horror and suspense. Not to mention the star-studded cast and unforgettable one-liners.

So, whether it’s a clever parody or a silly, campy flick, we could all use a bit of humor to relieve the tension (and make the viewing experience a little less terrifying). From Scream to The Frighteners, keep reading for 40 funny Halloween movies to watch on Netflix, Max and more.

1. Clue (1985)

• Who’s in it: Eileen Brennan, Tim Curry, Madeline Kahn, Christopher Lloyd, Michael McKean, Martin Mull, Lesley Ann Warren
• Rating: PG-13

Arguably one of the best movies of all time, Clue boasts a star-studded cast, sharp humor, plenty of quotable moments and not one, but three endings. Revisit the classic as six strangers try to solve a murder mystery at a secluded mansion.

VP of News and Entertainment Philip Mutz wrote, "The film vacillates between all-out slapstick—characters running into each other in the hall and falling to the ground; Mr. Green spilling his drink on Mrs. White after a loud gong—and surprisingly sharp humor. Like most well-crafted films, this one starts with more subtle jokes and escalates to over-the-top humor and all-out chaos."

2. Ghostbusters (1984)

• Who’s in it: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis
• Rating: PG

After getting fired from their jobs, a trio of university professors decide to launch a “Ghostbusters” service, where they investigate paranormal activity and help remove ghosts. Not only does it expertly balance comedy and horror, but it also features thrilling action sequences and great dialogue. It's no wonder the movie was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Original Song for "Ghostbusters" by Ray Parker Jr. and Best Visual Effects. 

3. Beetlejuice (1988)

• Who’s in it: Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Jeffrey Jones, Catherine O'Hara, Winona Ryder
• Rating: PG

Way before she became the overprotective mom on Stranger Things, Ryder played a teenager who dealt with creepy ghosts haunting her parents’ new home in Beetlejuice. Tim Burton's horror comedy actually earned an Academy Award for Best Makeup and inspired an equally brilliant remake called Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, starring Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O'Hara and Jenna Ortega.

In her review of the sequel, Associate Commerce Strategist Jael Rucker said, "Burton brings a new depth to the afterlife while still maintaining the charm we all fell in love with upon seeing the original for the first time, and that is something to be appreciated."

4. Scream (1996)

• Who’s in it? David Arquette, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Matthew Lillard, Rose McGowan
• Rating: R

Following her mom's murder, a teen and her friends start to get terrorized by a mystery killer in a ghost mask. With smart commentary, nail-biting suspense and dark humor, it's no wonder why this title is a huge classic. Considered one of the greatest slasher films of all time, Scream launched a successful franchise, including five sequels and an anthology television series.

5. The Addams Family (1991)

• Who’s in it? Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd, Christina Ricci, Jimmy Workman
• Rating: PG-13

An aristocratic family with an affinity for the dark arts reunites with a long-lost relative who has disappeared for 25 years—or so it appears. I could never tire of Wednesday’s snappy one-liners or Morticia and Gomez’s envy-worthy romance.

The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Costume Design and Huston was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. It also spawned a sequel called Addams Family Values, which is just as brilliant.

6. The Frighteners (1996)

• Who’s in it? Michael J. Fox, Trini Alvarado, Peter Dobson, John Astin, Dee Wallace Stone, Jeffrey Combs
• Rating: R

A former architect named Frank (Fox) starts to pose as an exorcist after he develops the ability to communicate with ghosts. The ruse appears to work, but trouble ensues when the ghost of a murderer appears and starts to target the living. This will definitely give you Ghostbusters vibes, and the CGI effects still hold up.

7. Hocus Pocus (1993)

• Who’s in it? Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, Omri Katz
• Rating: PG

If you’ve yet to see this classic, then do yourself a favor and add it to your queue ASAP. The fantasy comedy follows three ancient witches, who are accidentally resurrected by a young boy on Halloween night. It’s impossible to watch these villainous ladies without cracking up. (And when you're done, do yourself a favor and check out the sequel, Hocus Pocus 2.)

8. Under Wraps (1997)

• Who’s in it? Adam Wylie, Mario Yedidia, Clara Bryant, Ken Campbell
• Rating: TV-G

When an Egyptian mummy, Harold, accidentally comes to life, it's up to three kids to return him back to his coffin before he disappears forever. Harold’s adventures with the kids are especially entertaining and sure to have you giggling non-stop. A remake was released in 2021, featuring an entirely new cast, and the sequel, Under Wraps 2, was released in the following year.

9. ParaNorman (2012)

• Who’s in it? Kodi Smit-McPhee, Jodelle Ferland, Bernard Hill, Tucker Albrizzi, Anna Kendrick
• Rating: PG

Norman Babcock (Smit-McPhee), a young boy who’s able to communicate with the dead, is tasked with stopping an ancient curse that could destroy his entire town. A compelling, feel-good story and gorgeous animation? Sign us up. (If you need another reason to watch, ParaNorman was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and a BAFTA Award for Best Animated Film.)

10. The House With a Clock in Its Walls (2018)

• Who’s in it? Jack Black, Cate Blanchett, Owen Vaccaro, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Sunny Suljic
• Rating: PG

It tells the story of a young orphan who’s sent to live with his eccentric uncle in a sleepy old town. But when he discovers that his uncle is actually a warlock, he’s introduced to a secret world filled with magic. From silly humor and stunning special effects to standout performances from Black and Blanchett, the whole family will enjoy this one.

11. Boo! A Madea Halloween (2016)

• Who’s in it? Tyler Perry, Cassi Davis, Patrice Lovely, Yousef Erakat, Bella Thorne
• Rating: PG-13

When Madea (Perry) crashes and ruins a huge college Halloween party, the students decide to get revenge by playing a series of terrifying pranks on her. Loyal Madea fans will be happy to know that there are just as many laughs as there are scares. The movie made $74.8 million at the box office, and a sequel, called Boo 2! A Madea Halloween, was released in 2017.

12. Shaun of the Dead (2004)

• Who’s in it? Simon Pegg, Kate Ashfield, Lucy Davis, Nick Frost
• Rating: R

After an electronics salesman learns that a zombie apocalypse has taken over London, he rushes to rescue his loved ones and they all take refuge in a local pub. Get ready for all the gore and witty satire. The movie was a big box office success and earned two British Academy Film Award nominations.

13. Scary Movie (2000)

• Who’s in it? Anna Faris, Jon Abrahams, Carmen Electra, Shannon Elizabeth, Regina Hall, Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans
• Rating: R

Anyone who enjoys a silly satire that pulls no punches will enjoy this comedy slasher. The story follows a group of six friends who accidentally kill a man. But just a year after they dispose of the body, they get stalked by a masked killer. Prepare for references to classics like Scream, The Sixth Sense and I Know What You Did Last Summer.

14. Gremlins (1984)

• Who’s in it? Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton, Polly Holliday
• Rating: PG

It follows Billy, who receives a furry little creature known as a “mogwai” as a new pet. But when Billy slips up on following three simple rules, the creature multiplies and transforms into destructive gremlins. Seeing these creatures create chaos on Christmas Eve just never gets old.

15. Little Shop of Horrors (1986)

• Who’s in it? Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Vincent Gardenia, Steve Martin
• Rating: PG-13

Seymour (Moranis), a nerdy florist shop employee, stumbles upon a unique plant after an eclipse, but as it draws several new customers, Seymour realizes that his plant is actually a monster with an appetite for human blood. The Academy Award-nominated film blends charm and humor with nightmare-worthy horror.

16. Tucker & Dale Vs. Evil (2010)

• Who’s in it? Tyler Labine, Alan Tudyk, Katrina Bowden, Jesse Moss
• Rating: R

As two good-natured men try to enjoy their getaway in a run-down cabin in the woods, a group of college students pass by and mistake them for killers. What could possibly go wrong?

17. What We Do in the Shadows (2014)

• Who’s in it? Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi, Jonathan Brugh
• Rating: R

Directed by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, this mockumentary-style flick is quirky, incredibly funny and so smart. In the movie, a filming crew follows a group of vampire roommates as they struggle to navigate modern-day life and responsibilities, from going to parties to balancing chores. (P.S., if you enjoy this, you might also want to check out the TV series.)

18. Life After Beth (2014)

• Who’s in it? Aubrey Plaza, Dane DeHaan, Molly Shannon, Cheryl Hines, Matthew Gray Gubler
• Rating: R

Following the sudden death of his girlfriend, Beth (Plaza), Zach (DeHaan) is crushed. That is, until he finds out that Beth has magically come back to life. He realizes that his zombie girlfriend isn’t quite the same, which makes him all the more uncomfortable in this bizarre turn of events. Plaza delivers a solid performance in this zombie flick, and it's full of charm and laughs.

19. The Haunted Mansion (2003)

• Who’s in it? Eddie Murphy, Terence Stamp, Nathaniel Parker, Marsha Thomason
• Rating: PG

After forgetting his wedding anniversary, Jim (Murphy), a workaholic husband and father, tries to redeem himself by taking his family on a special vacation. But when they arrive at an old mansion, they learn that it’s cursed and are forced to confront old spirits. The box office hit led to a 2023 reboot adaptation, starring Tiffany Haddish, Lakeith Stanfield and Owen Wilson.

20. Young Frankenstein (1974)

• Who’s in it? Gene Wilder, Teri Garr, Cloris Leachman, Marty Feldman
• Rating: PG

Often considered one of Mel Brooks’s best comedies, the critically acclaimed movie centers on a medical expert named Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (Wilder), who decides to continue his late grandfather's experiments and winds up creating a monster. It’s silly, it’s extremely quotable and you’re bound to get a few scares. The film earned two Academy Award nominations, including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Sound.

21. The Witches (1990)

• Who’s in it? Anjelica Huston, Mai Zetterling, Rowan Atkinson, Jasen Fisher
• Rating: PG

While vacationing with his grandmother in Norway, Luke (Fisher), discovers that the witches are planning to get rid of all children by turning them into mice. But when he’s caught spying, the ladies decide to make him their first test subject. Can Luke still stop the witches as a tiny mouse?

BTW, the movie was adapted from Roald Dahl's The Witches, and while he reportedly wasn't a fan of the movie, it received widespread critical acclaim.

22. Death Becomes Her (1992)

• Who’s in it? Meryl Streep, Bruce Willis, Goldie Hawn, Isabella Rossellini
• Rating: PG-13

When Helen’s (Hawn) fiancé leaves her to marry her frenemy, Madeline (Streep), she falls into depression and ends up going to a psychiatric hospital. But several years later, when Helen reunites with the married couple, they’re stunned to find she’s still glowing and youthful. Helen reveals that her secret is a secret magic potion—but drinking it comes at a high cost.

FYI, did you know this movie had an alternate ending? Streep told Bobbie Wygant, "We had one ending for this movie that was sort of ruminative and very thoughtful and moralistic...and then shot another complete ending, which is the one you you see. I love this ending. It's exactly where you want to take this insane fairy tale of vanity."

23. Vampire in Brooklyn (1995)

• Who’s in it? Eddie Murphy, Angela Bassett, Allen Payne, Kadeem Hardison, John Witherspoon
• Rating: R

As we all know, nearly anything that involves Murphy is guaranteed to deliver laughs. The cult classic follows Rita (Bassett), a young detective who, while investigating a series of brutal murders, meets the mysterious and seductive Maximilian. As he goes to extreme lengths to win her heart, Rita starts to have strange visions, causing her to question her sanity. Though critics initially panned the film, it became a cult classic.

24. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

• Who’s in it? Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, William Hickey, Ken Page
• Rating: PG

As the leader of Halloween Town, a magical place filled with supernatural creatures and monsters, Pumpkin King Jack Skellington decides to switch things up by taking on Christmas for a change. But this turns out to be more challenging than he expected.

PureWow's Executive Editor Dara Katz says her 3-year-old daughter is a big fan of the movie, thanks to her affinity for scary things. She said, “She can't get enough of Jack Skellington as well as the music, and ‘Here Comes Halloween’ is chanted regularly throughout our house.”

25. Goosebumps (2015)

• Who’s in it? Jack Black, Dylan Minnette, Odeya Rush, Amy Ryan
• Rating: PG

Inspired by R. L. Stine's popular children's book series, Goosebumps follows a fictionalized version of Stine (Black), who tries to save his hometown with the help of a neighbor after the monsters from his book magically come to life and try to destroy the real world. This charming film has its spooky moments, but it'll definitely make you chuckle.

27. Casper (1995)

• Who’s in it? Christina Ricci, Bill Pullman, Cathy Moriarty, Eric Idle, Malachi Pearson (voice)
• Rating: PG

The life (or shall I say afterlife?) of a friendly young ghost is turned upside down when a ghost therapist and his daughter move into the mansion where he lives. There’s no shortage of funny moments in this spooky childhood classic, from the breakfast scene to Casper’s awkward first encounter with Kat.

PureWow's Senior Commerce Editor, Stephanie Maida, describes it as “a fun ride that has something for the entire family,” adding that “there’s plenty of humor for parents that went over my head as a kid, but totally delights me now.”

28. An American Werewolf in London (1981)

• Who’s in it? David Naughton, Jenny Agutter, Griffin Dunne, John Woodvine
• Rating: R

When two college friends, Jack and David, are attacked by a huge wolf during their travels in England, Jack unfortunately passes away. But as David tries to recover in the hospital, he’s haunted by images of his wounded friend, who convinces him that he just might be turning into a werewolf. From creepy, gory scenes to clever one-liners, this film is as terrifying as it is funny.

29. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

• Who’s in it? Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick
• Rating: R

A young couple stumbles upon a nearby castle after their car breaks down. However, little do they know that the castle is occupied by a mad scientist who’s working on a mysterious new creation. Watch for the catchy tunes, the clever commentary on stereotypes and Curry’s brilliant performance as the gender-bending character, Frank.

30. Day Shift (2022)

• Who's in it: Jamie Foxx, Dave Franco, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Meagan Good, Karla Souza
• Rating: R

When Bud learns that his estranged wife and daughter may move away to Florida, he embarks on a mission to make fast cash so he can convince them to stay. His plan? To rejoin a union of vampire hunters who make a living by killing the undead. Foxx shines as an action hero, but also brings his comedic chops to the table. In my review, I wrote, "Jamie Foxx and Dave Franco's chemistry shines through in this fun vampire comedy, and die-hard fans of the vampire genre will appreciate the gory fight scenes."

31. Jennifer's Body (2009)

• Who's in it: Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried, Johnny Simmons, Adam Brody
• Rating: R

Fox stars as high schooler Jennifer Check, who starts to exhibit some odd behavior after attending a live concert at a dive bar. But when her best friend realizes that she's demon-possessed, she must find a way to stop her. This horror comedy is terrifying enough to send chills up your spine, but clever enough to get a few laughs.

32. Freaky (2020)

• Who’s in it? Vince Vaughn, Kathryn Newton, Katie Finneran, Celeste O'Connor
• Rating: R

It’s a bit like Freaky Friday, but with a sinister twist. Newton stars as a bullied high schooler who wakes up one morning to find that she switched bodies with a serial killer. To make matters even more complicated, she also realizes she only has 24 hours before the swap becomes permanent. Can she return to her body before time runs out? Vaughn's comedic performance as the murderous Blissfield Butcher is spectacular, and there's a seamless blend of humor and nail-biting horror.

33. We Have a Ghost (2023)

• Who’s in it? David Harbour, Jahi Winston, Tig Notaro, Jennifer Coolidge
• Rating: PG-13

Winston stars as a young boy named Kevin, who becomes fast friends with Ernest, a ghost who's been haunting the attic of his new home. But when he tries to help Ernest find peace and cross over, the CIA intervenes. Per usual, Coolidge shines in her role as a popular Internet medium. I wrote in my review: "We Have a Ghost has a lot going for it, including a strong cast, an intriguing plot and exciting action sequences...While it's not at all scary, it does boast a few laugh-out-loud moments and touch on timely themes."

34. Hubie Halloween (2020)

• Who’s in it? Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Julie Bowen, Ray Liotta, Rob Schneider
• Rating: PG-13

Set in Salem, Massachusetts, the movie follows Hubie Dubois, a prankster who volunteers as a patrol unit every Halloween to protect his community. However, when a real murder takes place, Hubie must figure out a way to convince the police that real monsters are threatening the town.

While discussing his inspiration for the film, Sandler, who co-wrote and produced the movie, told ScreenRant, "When I was a kid, my favorite comedy was Abbott and Costello Meet Dracula, Frankenstein and the Wolf Man. That was the best thing; just Lou Costello being scared of Dracula or of Frankenstein or Wolfie. That's what we were looking to do, just making a goofy movie where my character is afraid of everything. The fact that Halloween is the backdrop for it made it fun."

35. Little Evil (2017)

• Who’s in it? Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Julie Bowen, Ray Liotta, Rob Schneider
• Rating: TV-MA

When Gary marries his partner, Samantha, he finds it difficult to connect with her quiet 5-year-old son, Lucas. But their dynamic gets even more awkward when he starts to suspect that Lucas caused two mysterious suicides. Determined to get to the bottom of the matter, Gary decides to investigate the boy's past. Although there are some cheesy jokes that fall flat, there are definitely a few laugh-out-loud moments, and it tackles themes like parenting and the importance of family.

36. Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)

• Who’s in it? Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, Myha'la Herrold
• Rating: R

When a group of wealthy 20-somethings attend a party at a remote mansion, chaos ensues after a party game leads to a dead body. The slasher film uses dark humor to tackle themes like privilege and Gen Z's obsession with technology.

Also, director Halina Reijn has said that Heathers and Don's Plum and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? were a few of her biggest inspirations for the film.

37. The Blackening (2023)

• Who’s in it? Dewayne Perkins, Jay Pharoah, Yvonne Orji, Grace Byers
• Rating: R

A group of Black friends celebrate Juneteenth by reuniting for a weekend getaway at a remote cabin. But their vacation turns into a deadly nightmare when they find themselves trapped in the cabin with a mysterious killer. This gem, which was directed by Tim Story, offers just as many jump scares as laughs, and it's packed with hilarious one-liners (Would Harriet Tubman be sitting down right now?).

• Who’s in it? Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicholas Hoult, Hong Chau, Janet McTeer
• Rating: R

Calling all foodies! Although I should warn you, this film isn't for the faint of heart. In The Menu, a well-known celebrity chef hosts a group of guests for a special dinner event on a private island. However, chaos (and terror) ensues when an unexpected guest arrives.

Taylor-Joy told IndieWire, "This is a smorgasbord of everything for everyone. If you want to have a laugh, you’ve got it. If you want to have a scream, you’ve got it. If you want to be angry or potentially see some of yourself in a reflection, that’s in there. I love the fact that it’s a medley of all of those things.”

• Who’s in it? Samara Weaving, Adam Brody, Mark O'Brien, Elyse Levesque, Nicky Guadagni
• Rating: R

This horror comedy follows Grace, a naive young bride who is set to marry her partner, Alex. Little does she know that his family, the Le Domases, intend to perform a Satanic ritual and hunt her down on her wedding night. According to Weaving, who plays Grace, this film will make you laugh one moment and freak out the next.

Regarding her character's wild journey, she told GQ, "We tried to make sure that any time she survives it wasn't too miraculous. Her background just means her fight-or-flight response really kicks in. It's believable since she was growing up in and out of foster care. The unraveling of the family, being that some of them are just bumbling idiots, is a factor, too."

• Who’s in it? Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Lil Rel Howery, LaKeith Stanfield, Bradley Whitford
• Rating: R

Get Out is genuinely terrifying, but it blends horror and satire so well. It follows Chris, a black photographer who joins his white girlfriend for a weekend getaway to meet her family. Little does he know that this family has a sinister history. 

Director Jordan Peele told NPR, "Every great horror movie comes from a true fear, and ideally it's a universal fear. The tricky nature of this project is that the fear I'm pulling from is very human, but it's not necessarily a universal experience, so that's why the first third of the movie is...getting everybody to be able to see the world through my protagonist's eyes and his fears."