Get ready for a spine-tingling adventure with this ultimate list of PG-13 horror comedies! We’ve scoured the depths of the film world to bring you the very best, ranked from the absolute cream of the crop to the slightly less chilling. And the best part? You can catch a sneak peek of each film by watching their thrilling trailers!
Discover the gory and hilarious world of these horror comedies as they battle it out to be crowned the greatest of all time. Here, you’ll find all the juicy details about the talented directors, release dates, and star-studded casts of each film. We’ve left no tombstone unturned in our quest to deliver the most comprehensive list for your entertainment.
From the timeless classics like Gremlins and Little Shop of Horrors to lesser-known gems, this collection has something to tickle your funny bone and send shivers down your spine. It’s the perfect go-to guide for anyone wondering which PG-13 horror comedies are the crème de la crème of the genre. And if you’re craving some fresh scares and laughs, look no further than this list to uncover new and exciting options. With streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu at your fingertips, there’s an endless supply of PG-13 horror comedies just waiting to be devoured.
Feel free to play director and rearrange this list to your liking, then share it with your friends on social media to see how their opinions stack up against yours. Who knows what terrifying and hilarious flicks they might recommend?
If you’re curious about the masterminds behind these PG-13 comedy horror movies, you’ll find a host of talented directors, including the likes of Dan Aykroyd and Robert Zemeckis, among other brilliant minds.
(Note: We’ve decided to leave out the most divisive mention of “High Spirits” to keep the discussion thrilling and harmonious.)
1. Ghostbusters
This film is a paranormal comedy classic. It tells the story of a group of scientists who become ghost hunters to save New York City from supernatural forces. It’s a perfect mix of humor, unforgettable characters, and eerie encounters. No wonder it has become a beloved icon of pop culture. Its immense popularity has spawned a whole franchise, with sequels, spin-offs, and a passionate fanbase that can’t seem to agree on whether the original or the reboot is better.
Released: 1984
Directed by: Ivan Reitman
Actors: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis
2. Warm Bodies
Get ready for a refreshing twist on the typical zombie storyline! This one’s got a self-aware teenage zombie who ends up saving a living girl from an attack. Pretty unlikely friendship, right? Well, hold on to your seats, because as they grow closer, the zombie starts to regain his humanity. And that’s not all – it sets off a whole wave of change among his fellow undead pals.
Prepare yourself for a heartwarming and hilarious take on the horror genre. It’s not just about scares and gore – this story offers a whole new perspective on love, loss, and how connecting with others can transform us.
Released: 2013
Directed by: Jonathan Levine
Actors: Nicholas Hoult, Teresa Palmer, John Malkovich
3. Gremlins
This classic horror-comedy flick is all about this dude, right? So, he gets this super rare and super cute creature called a Mogwai as a Christmas present. But little does he know, there’s some serious horror that comes along with it. This Mogwai, named Gizmo, turns into these crazy and dangerous gremlins when certain rules are broken. And man, do they wreak havoc on this small town! But here’s the thing, this movie isn’t just about scares. It’s got this awesome mix of dark humor and genuine thrills. Plus, it takes a jab at consumerism and excess during the holiday season. Trust me, you won’t forget this wild ride!
Released: 1984
Directed by: Joe Dante
Actors: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton
4. Little Shop of Horrors
This musical horror-comedy is about a timid florist’s assistant who stumbles upon a special plant that has a strange desire for human flesh and a devious agenda to take over the world. As the plant’s ravenous appetite intensifies, our main character must juggle his newfound success with the grim consequences of satisfying his botanical sidekick. With catchy songs, twisted humor, and unforgettable acting, this beloved cult favorite delivers a delightful mix of scares and laughs.
Released: 1986
Directed by: Frank Oz
Actors: Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Steve Martin
5. Ghostbusters II
In this sequel, the paranormal investigators are back after the success of the original. They find themselves up against a new spooky danger that’s putting New York City at risk. This time, they have to battle a creepy force that’s been unleashed by an ancient painting and save the city from being flooded with ectoplasmic slime. While it may not have received the same critical acclaim as the first film, it still manages to keep the humor and bond between the team that fans absolutely love. And to top it off, there are some unforgettable new enemies thrown into the mix.
Released: 1989
Directed by: Ivan Reitman
Actors: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver
6. Tremors
This cult classic creature-feature tells the story of a bunch of folks in a small town fighting off these massive, worm-like creatures that dig into the ground and hunt down innocent people. It’s got a great combo of laughs, emotions, and intense monster-hunting action, which has led to a super loyal fanbase and a bunch of follow-up films. The movie’s practical effects, unforgettable characters, and playful vibe make it a shining example of how to do horror-comedy just right.
Released: 1990
Directed by: Ron Underwood
Actors: Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward, Finn Carter
7. Dracula: Dead and Loving It
Master parodist Mel Brooks directs this hilarious retelling of the timeless vampire story. With Leslie Nielsen as Count Dracula and Peter MacNicol as his bug-eating sidekick Renfield, the performances are absolutely hilarious. By playfully mocking the traditional horror elements, this film offers a comedic getaway for those who like their vampires served with a side of laughter. It has become a beloved choice among fans, thanks to its outrageous jokes, unforgettable one-liners, and slapstick comedy.
Released: 1995
Directed by: Mel Brooks
Actors: Leslie Nielsen, Peter MacNicol, Steven Weber
8. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Before the popular TV series, this film introduced us to the teenage vampire hunter, Buffy, who has to juggle high school and her newfound supernatural duties. The movie’s campy humor, distinctive characters, and stylized action scenes set the stage for the later television adaptation. Although it may not have received as much critical praise as its small-screen counterpart, this cult classic remains cherished by fans, offering a glimpse into the early days of Buffy’s journey.
Released: 1992
Directed by: Fran Rubel Kuzui
Actors: Kristy Swanson, Luke Perry, Donald Sutherland
9. My Boyfriend’s Back
Get ready for a hilarious twist on the zombie genre! Picture this: a high school student rises from the dead, all in the name of winning over his unrequited crush. But there’s a catch – his decaying body starts causing all sorts of complications. As our protagonist tackles the struggles of being both a teenager and a member of the undead, this film takes us on a journey that delves into themes of love, loss, and acceptance. And let me tell you, it does so in a way that’s totally unique and full of humor. Brace yourself for a quirky, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy that gives teenage angst a whole new spin.
Released: 1993
Directed by: Bob Balaban
Actors: Matthew McConaughey, Renée Zellweger, Philip Seymour Hoffman
10. Death Becomes Her
In this darkly comedic tale, two aging rivals stumble upon a serum that promises eternal youth. However, they soon realize that immortality comes at a horrifying cost. As their bodies start to decay, they embark on a series of absurd and outrageous attempts to preserve their youthful appearances, all while trying to outdo each other. This film’s unique mix of satire, slapstick, and body horror serves as a sharp commentary on society’s obsession with beauty and the extreme measures people are willing to take to maintain it.
Released: 1992
Directed by: Robert Zemeckis
Actors: Meryl Streep, Bruce Willis, Goldie Hawn
11. Arachnophobia
In this spine-tingling horror-comedy, a tiny town finds itself under siege by a malicious breed of spiders that have taken over their community. As the creepy-crawly menace intensifies, a local bug killer and a spider expert team up to put an end to this eight-legged terror. Packed with both real scares and clever wit, the movie skillfully blends elements of horror and comedy, tapping into our shared fear of spiders.
Released: 1990
Directed by: Frank Marshall
Actors: Jeff Daniels, Harley Jane Kozak, John Goodman