Have you watched these 11 ridiculous campy horror movies? (where to watch)

One of the best subgenres of horror in my opinion would have to be camp horror. These types of movies don't really take themselves too seriously. They're known for their over-the-top elements and unique blend of horror and comedy. They embrace absurdity and offer a mix of scares and laughs. Truthfully, they're outrageous and ridiculous. But they also provide a fun and entertaining experience, and that's what makes people love them.

Below, we shared a list of 11 must-see campy horror movies. You might've watched most, if not all, of the films on this list. That's okay, though. It looks like a rewatch session may be in order for you.

Thanksgiving (2023)

Where to watch: Netflix, available to rent or buy on digital platforms

Thanksgiving is a fun, campy slasher. It centers around a small town that becomes terrorized during the Thanksgiving holiday by a mysterious killer donning a pilgrim costume. That right there is campy in itself. You have a killer in a pilgrim costume going on a killing spree. Talk about absurdity. It also incorporates elements of dark humor and satire, which also adds to its campiness.

However, Thanksgiving is not your typical campy horror film. It has a more serious tone, making it the perfect movie to watch for fans who enjoy both serious and campy horror.

M3GAN (2022)

Where to watch: Starz, available to rent or buy on digital platforms

Another horror movie with an over-the-top, exaggerated premise and is as campy as camp can get is M3GAN. You have a high-tech, lifelike, artificially intelligent doll named M3GAN who is programmed to serve as a child's companion. But as she evolves and develops self-awareness, she turns into a violent killing machine.

This film also has dark humor and satirical elements. There are moments in the movie that are intentionally funny, like the scene where M3GAN has a random dance number while she chases after her victim. That's just plain ridiculous but also really funny. Overall, M3GAN acknowledges its absurdity and leans into the ridiculousness of its plot at times, which makes it campy.

Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988)

Where to watch: Tubi, Amazon Prime Video, available to rent or buy on digital platforms

One of the classic campy horror movies is Killer Klowns from Outer Space. You can ask any horror fan who has ever watched this movie, and they will agree. Let's first start off with the deliberately over-the-top premise.

You have aliens who look like clowns using circus-themed weapons to terrorize a small town. That's an absurd concept if you ask me. What also makes this film campy is its dark humor, low-budget effects, and self-aware approach. If you haven't seen this movie yet, what are you waiting for? It's entertaining and funny while still delivering scares.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2 (1986)

Where to watch: Tubi, Pluto TV, Amazon Prime Video, available to rent or buy on digital platforms

If you watched The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974), which had more of a serious tone, you were probably surprised by its sequel, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2, which took on more of a lighter tone. The first film is more intense, while the sequel focuses on dark humor and campiness.

Set 13 years after the first film, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2 follows a radio host who finds herself as the next victim of Leatherface and his cannibalistic family. Due to its exaggerated characters, satirical elements, over-the-top gore, dark humor, and self-awareness, there's no arguing that The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2 is considered a campy horror movie.

Gremlins (1984)

Where to watch: Available to rent or buy on digital platforms

Gremlins is a perfect example of a campy horror movie. You have a cute furry creature called a Mogwai that seems harmless, but in actuality, can transform into a mischievous and dangerous monster. In Gremlins, these malevolent creatures begin to wreak havoc on a small town. This bizarre premise is pure campiness. Overall, Gremlins embraces its absurdity, making it a campy horror classic.

Here are six more must-see campy horror flicks and where you can watch them:

• Sleepaway Camp (1983) - Tubi, Peacock, available to rent or buy on digital platforms
• Tucker and Dale vs. Evil (2010) - Tubi, Peacock, Xumo Play, available to rent or buy on digital platforms
• The Babysitter (2017) - Netflix
• Re-Animator (1985) - Screambox, available to rent or buy on digital platforms
• Cocaine Bear (2023) - Peacock, available to rent or buy on digital platforms
• Drag Me to Hell (2009) - Amazon Prime Video

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