Top 10 Campiest Horror Movies

Two horror icons in the same movie? Sign us up. In 2003, both the villains from the “Nightmare on Elm Street” and “Friday the 13th” franchises came together to haunt audiences everywhere. The storyline is centered around Freddy Krueger resurrecting Jason Voorhees and teaming up with him, only for the two to turn on one another. It’s shameless in its violence and stupidity, which is the perfect combination for a campy flick. It leans into the ridiculousness of each series, such as the constant fakeout deaths. While it wasn’t a critical success, fans are able to look past that and embrace the pure absurdity.

The events of this film follow the plot of the first, where a camper goes on a killing spree. In the 1988 sequel, the murderer from the first feature is back as a counselor, and she wreaks havoc on an entirely new set of kids. From submerging people in the outhouse toilet to strangling them with stringed instruments, the writers went out of their way to find new, creative deaths for her to enact. Her expressions and delivery only add to the comical vibe. The film also pokes fun at other tropes found in the genre, like the obliviousness of the victims before their deaths. The self-awareness helped distinguish it as camp, rather than just tacky.

When utilizing a monster for a scary movie, most studios go for vampires, zombies, or werewolves – certainly not leprechauns. However, one writer-director decided to take a chance on the Irish legend, giving us the cult film that is “Leprechaun.” Unlike others of the “camp” variety, this one was created as a genuine attempt at a thriller. However, Warwick Davis was able to see the comedic elements in his role, and hammed it up in turn. While the terror doesn’t have the best execution, it only adds to its charm. The fact that it spawned several other sequels – including one where the Leprechaun’s in space – is proof that sometimes, all you need to be successful is to stay committed to the bit – no matter how ridiculous.

Some films that were panned upon release end up being viewed in a whole new light by a contemporary audience. While “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes” was made with the intention of parodying low-budget horror movies, it ended up being perceived as one. The story is self-explanatory – it’s centered around produce coming to life and causing chaos. At its release, it was criticized for not going far enough with its satire. Oddly enough, that accidental earnestness is what has helped it become so loved in modern eyes. The actors’ commitment to looking horrified as they’re “attacked” only adds to the hilarity. While it’s undeniably cheesy, it makes it perfect for an ironic viewing with friends.

The “Child’s Play” series has always been slightly tongue-in-cheek, but as it progressed, it fully accepted its comical premise and leaned into it. 2004’s “Seed of Chucky” took it to a whole new level of absurdity. Following the events of the previous installment, “Bride of Chucky,” wherein the doll gets “hitched,” the sequel is all about the murderous toys reuniting with their child. It’s flippant in every aspect, from the celebrity references to the puppets’ appearances. Plus, the idea of two dolls being able to have a child is absurd in the best way possible. While there’s more of a focus on humor rather than fright, there’s still plenty of kitschy brutality to enjoy.

While some gaudy slasher movies lean into excessive barbarity, others opt for the complete opposite. In “Killer Klowns from Outer Space” a crew of homicidal extraterrestrial clowns invades Earth and immediately goes on a vicious massacre. The deaths are hysterical and stupid, such as when a guard is taken out with acid pies. While the lack of gore would normally be a dealbreaker for most fans, the deaths being treated as jokes makes sense. Considering the villains are clowns, it tracks that they’d use seemingly harmless murder methods. The silliness adds to the overall quality of the picture, rather than taking it away. It hits the perfect balance between horror and humor, and is now celebrated as a camp classic.

This delightfully dark picture perfectly encapsulates one man’s struggle with accepting that he’s a werewolf. After the protagonist is changed, he must decide between ending his own life and becoming a savage beast. While it sounds dark on paper, the dramatic overacting and clever jokes prevent the plot from becoming too dreary. Not only is the transformation scene an excellent display of body horror, it also gave the actor a chance to lean into the melodramatic energy. It was a new view on the werewolf myth, and is a standout amongst other narratives about the creature. While some critics at the time viewed the genre-blending as immature, it’s since aged into a shining example of a comedic yet thrilling film.

Known as “Braindead” in New Zealand, this flick has gone on to become one of the most notable in the genre. After a young man’s overbearing mother is zombified, he has to hunt her down before she infects the city. With an idea like that, you know you’re in for a good time. There are moments of ironic cinematic greatness, such as the iconic scene where a priest takes on the undead with martial arts. While not having as many traditional scares as other campy zombie flicks, such as the indulgently violent “The Return of the Living Dead,” it makes up for it in pure comedy. “Dead Alive” shows that even deadly spirits can be portrayed in a humorous light.

Sam Raimi is the man behind several of the campiest films in the genre, the “Evil Dead” series. While “Evil Dead II” is tawdry enough on its own, the third installment, “Army of Darkness,” goes even further in camp. This time out, Ash Williams is trapped in medieval times, and must find a way to escape while ridding the period of the Deadites. From Ash fighting off bite-sized replicas of himself to the deliberately cheesy one-liners, the movie’s become a fan favorite. The series cemented Bruce Campbell as a camp icon. This was solidified by another B-movie he starred in, “Bubba Ho-Tep,” where he played a geriatric Elvis tasked with fighting a mummy.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

If a Possessed Tire Making People’s Heads Explode Isn’t Kitsch, Then What Is?

This Hilarious Motion Picture Gave Us One of the Campiest Lines in Cinematic History

Its Unapologetic Ferocity & Black Comedy Have Cemented It as a Comedic Classic

While It Was a Box Office Flop, Camp Fans Saw the Potential in the Creature Feature

It Leans Into the Nonsensical Aspects of the First One, & Embraces the Excessive Violence

When thinking of over-the-top movies, this horror-musical fusion immediately comes to mind. Its unapologetic sexuality and filth helped create one of the most iconic pieces of art in modern history. It’s centered around a young couple meeting a mad scientist with the ability to create human life. Complete with impressive musical numbers, drag, aliens, and audience interaction, it was entirely unique to the genre. Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s ostentatious character embodies the ideals of camp perfectly, leading him to become a tribute to the term. While it was derided by critics and audiences at first, it quickly found a cult following that has remained loyal for decades. It’s gone on to be an exemplary form of camp within the mainstream.