The creatures of the night have always captivated and terrified audiences with their eerie and alluring nature. However, there is a peculiar joy in witnessing these monstrous beings placed in the most outrageous and amusing situations. Vampire comedy movies have become a sensation in the horror community for the past four decades, continuously pushing the boundaries of terror and hilarity with each new film.
These movies excel in their ability to blend the grotesque and over-the-top use of blood and gore for comedic effect. They also feature some of the most entertaining actors who embrace their roles with a mischievous attitude, sporting fangs and embracing the absurdity. The finest vampire comedy movies brilliantly straddle the line between serious works of art and fantastical farce, all in the pursuit of providing audiences with a rollicking good time.
In the 80s, vampire movies took a comedic turn compared to the 60s and 70s. Films like The Lost Boys and Fright Night injected moments of levity to offer respite from the unadulterated terror. Then, in the following decade, full-on spoofs of the horror subgenre emerged. Movies like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Dracula: Dead and Loving It showcased the ludicrousness of bloodsucking creatures, adding an extra layer of humor to the mix.
Today, the vampire comedy genre has found the perfect equilibrium. It flawlessly blends both horror and comedy, satisfying fans of both genres. These films provide the ideal combination of chills and laughter, ensuring audiences have an absolutely marvelous time. Movies like Renfield and What We Do in the Shadows epitomize this blend flawlessly.
If you’re a fan of vampire comedy movies, be sure to explore the finest ones of all time. And don’t forget to check out The Best Horror Comedies of All Time to see how these uproarious vampire flicks measure up against other top-notch horror comedies.
1. Renfield
Renfield, a horror film, is a total blast for fans of vampire flicks and comedy. With Nicolas Cage and Nicolas Holt leading the way, this gory, disgusting, and fantastical movie takes a hilarious dive into the campiness of the horror genre. The humor in Renfield is completely over the top and cheesy, which will undoubtedly make viewers laugh or at least crack a smile at the sheer absurdity of it all. But beware, once the truly disturbing and mind-blowing scenes of dismemberment and mutilation hit the screen, it’s a whole different story.
2. What We Do in the Shadows
Released in 2014, What We Do in the Shadows had a significant impact on the horror comedy genre for the following decade. This film, featuring a talented ensemble of comedians led by the brilliant Taika Waititi, completely revolutionized the way vampires were portrayed on screen. It flawlessly combined the hilarity of classic vampire comedies with a fresh and captivating approach to these iconic creatures of the night.
3. Dracula: Dead and Loving It
Mel Brooks, a renowned master of comedy and spoofs, took on the iconic character of Dracula in 1995. The film, Dracula: Dead and Loving It, is a brilliant display of Brooks’ talent as a director and Leslie Nielsen’s ability to hilariously overact. Their exaggerated performances can be almost overwhelming, but in the most enjoyable way. However, it’s important to note that the film reflects the humor of its time and some of the jokes may be outdated or offensive by today’s standards. Nevertheless, Dracula: Dead and Loving It is a delightful reminder of a bygone era.
4. The Lost Boys
The Lost Boys is like a time capsule for the 80s, capturing the essence of that era perfectly. It’s the ultimate vampire horror comedy that effortlessly combines spine-chilling terror with side-splitting humor. The movie boasts a talented cast of emerging stars who give their all, delivering one-liners and non-stop laughs at lightning speed. And when it comes to genuine scares, the film doesn’t hold back, leaving every viewer trembling in fear.
5. Fright Night
Fright Night, one of the earliest films to mix comedy with vampire horror, gave us a cheeky take on those creepy creatures of the night. It didn’t fail to scare the audience, though, as people still left the theater feeling nervous about the dark. Now, this ain’t your typical vampire comedy that horror fans are used to these days. Make no mistake, Fright Night is first and foremost a horror film, but it also happens to serve up some of the funniest moments in the beloved horror subgenre.
6. The Monster Squad
The Monster Squad is a Halloween film that is both cozy and charming, making it a favorite among young horror fans. It brings together all the iconic monsters from movie history in one epic adventure. Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Wolfman, and The Creature From the Black Lagoon invade a quiet suburban town, and it’s the job of the monster squad to defend their homes. This beloved horror comedy is adored for its charm, humor, and just the right amount of scares. It serves as a perfect introduction to the genre for young audiences.
7. Day Shift
Day Shift is a film that totally gives off those nostalgic 90s vibes, which is both a good thing and a not-so-good thing. It’s a super enjoyable vampire comedy movie starring Jamie Foxx as a vampire hunter in LA. His mission? To take down enough bloodsuckers to cover his kid’s tuition and braces. Now, Day Shift isn’t going to snag any prestigious awards or make it to any “best-of” lists. But you know what? That’s totally fine. It’s just a really fun movie that captures a kind of flick that Hollywood doesn’t really do anymore. It’s not super high-stakes or anything, but man, is it entertaining.
8. Dark Shadows
Dark Shadows, the film adaptation of the beloved television show, transformed the campy cult classic into a typical Tim Burton-style adventure. It might not have pleased everyone, but one thing is certain: it was made with a lot of love and had a delightful sense of humor. Johnny Depp effortlessly carries the film with his charm and charisma, bringing an extra level of enjoyment and comedy to what could have been a run-of-the-mill movie.
9. Once Bitten
Back in 1985, just before Jim Carrey became a huge sensation in popular culture, he starred in a cute vampire comedy called Once Bitten. While it didn’t get much attention at the time, it has since become a cult favorite from the 80s. The movie has a totally crazy plot where a 400-year-old vampire has to find a virgin to turn into a vampire before Halloween. And guess what? Carrey plays that virgin! Get ready for a hilarious and exciting adventure that will definitely put a smile on your face.
10. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Most mainstream horror fans may associate Buffy the Vampire Slayer with the 90s television show. However, the film that came out in 1992 was actually the original, and it was quite campy and cheesy compared to the later TV series. The movie had a distinct Joss Whedon vibe, as he wrote it with his trademark quips, one-liners, and constant jokes, often at the most unexpected moments. But director Fran Rubel Kuzui managed to rein in these elements slightly and presented them in a campy manner that somehow became endearing once again.
11. Vampire’s Kiss
Nicolas Cage takes on the lead role in a vampire comedy where he willingly lets himself be bitten in order to maintain his sexual connection with a creature of the night. However, this decision takes a toll on his sanity and drives him slowly mad. If this summary doesn’t get horror fans pumped up, then it’s hard to imagine what will. Vampire’s Kiss is an absolute gem in the vampire comedy genre, delivering an incredibly wild, enjoyable, and downright absurd experience. It goes so far beyond the norm that it achieves a level of campiness and hilarity that is simply unmatched.