Already braved the horror classics, or are jump scares just not your thing? No worries, it’s time to switch gears and embrace the quirky side of the spooky with some side-splitting horror comedies. From desi delights with a side of social commentary, like Stree and Bhooter Bhabishyat, to international cult faves, such as Shaun of the Dead and Zombieland — we’ve got you covered with the perfect mix of thrills and chuckles.

Here’s our pick of 7 horror-comedy gems that will have you screaming with laughter this Halloween.

Go Goa Gone

Before 2013, comedies about the zombie apocalypse was a genre we mostly associated with western cinema. It all changed with Raj and DK's Go Goa Gone, which offered Indian audiences their first taste of zombie horror with a comedic twist. The film featured a group of friends, played by Kunal Khemu, Anand Tiwari and Vir Das, who find themselves battling a zombie outbreak during a trip to Goa.

From Saif Ali Khan’s scene-stealing act as a wannabe blonde Russian hitman-turned-zombie-slayer to epic zombie chases ala slo-mo la-la-la la-la romantic running between trees, the film manages to keep fans glued to the screens with laugh-out-loud moments, witty dialogues and intense action. With its unique concept, Go Goa Gone's success sparked the beginning of the horror-comedy genre in the country.

Stree and the Maddock Supernatural Universe

“O Stree, kal aana” — if you caught Stree in theatres, you’ll definitely remember the unsettling mix of chills and laughter as the men of Chanderi scribbled these words on their walls, hoping to keep the vengeful spirit at bay. If not, here’s why this is a must-watch. The film was a total game-changer when it came out in 2018, as it turned the horror-comedy genre on its head with its ironic depiction of men going through the physical and mental trauma that women have to suffer on a daily basis.

Following the success of Stree, the Maddock Supernatural Universe went on to expand its franchise. So, there’s more haunting capers about lovelorn spirits and vengeful child ghosts in Roohi, Munjya, and the recent box-office blaster Stree 2 to enjoy. And don’t limit yourself to just spectres. The 2022 hit Bhediya, starring Varun Dhawan, offers a thrilling take on werewolf folklore full of twists and laughs to the catchy sound of Himesh Reshamiya’s Tera Tera Tera Suroor echoing like a wolf-howl.

Bhool Bhulaiyaa

If you’re craving early 2000s psychological horror with a dash of comedy, Bhool Bhulaiyaa is your perfect go-to film. Starring Akshay Kumar in his comedic prime, the film was groundbreaking for its psychological interpretations of horror. It follows Avni Chaturvedi (Vidya Balan), believed to be possessed by the spirit of a deceased dancer, Manjulika.

Following its success, a sequel starring Kartik Aaryan as the cheeky ghostbuster Rooh Baba and Tabu as a woman possessed by a vengeful spirit was released. Now the third instalment, featuring Vidya Balan’s Manjulika in an epic showdown with Rooh Baba, will hit theatres on November 1. So, don’t miss rewatching the original film now.

Bhooter Bhabishyat

In horror films, we often see humans terrified by ghosts, but have you ever wondered about the lives of these spirits? How do they navigate their afterlife, enjoy meals, and protect their cherished homes from being demolished? Well, Anik Dutta’s Bhooter Bhabishyat, will make you convinced that the afterlife is just another whimsical, fun-filled hangout spot. This Bengali classic weaves together the hilarious tales of ghosts living in a worn-out mansion threatened by real estate developers. This Bhoot Chaturdashi, don’t miss the chance to dive into the hilarious escapades of the “Chaudhury Palace er bhoot”, that will have you in stitches.

Shaun of the Dead

While the Walking Deads and the World War Zs might still grab your attention with their action-packed brain-eating escapades, sometimes we just need a break from all the serious survival drama. Enter Shaun of the Dead, a cult classic that proves zombie fests can be a whole lot of fun to go with the oodles of gore. A parody of iconic zombie flicks like Dawn of the Dead and Night of the Living Dead, the film follows Shaun (Simon Pegg), an unenthusiastic retail worker trying to win back his ex-girlfriend Liz while navigating a zombie outbreak alongside his best friend, Ed (Nick Frost). If you’re a fan of zom-coms and British humour, you cannot give this a miss.

Zombieland

With its raucous humour, high-octane action and over-the-top gore, Zombieland is another perfect companion piece to Shaun of the Dead. With Jesse Eisenberg as the neurotic zombie-apocalypse survivor with his list of rules, Woody Harrelson as a badass Twinkie-obsessed zombie slayer, Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin as kickass sisters, this cult-favourite is a perfect blend of goofiness and resilience. And who would have thought that a banjo could be an effective weapon against the undead? Talk about a unique twist on survival!

Tucker & Dale vs. Evil

Another cult-classic that satirises overused horror tropes, especially the stereotype of hillbillies as villains, is Tucker & Dale vs. Evil. The iconic film centres on two friends, Tucker (Alan Tudyk) and Dale (Tyler Labine), who are mistaken for psychopaths by a group of college students. With lots of misunderstandings that lead to comical and gory accidents, the movie cleverly parodies the typical narrative of teenagers trying to survive a murderous killer in the woods. By mocking one horror cliché after another, it delivers a delightful mix of comedy and satire, making it a hit among cinema and horror fans.

Bonus: Psst, if you’re an anime fan (like me), you can satiate your post-watch cravings with 2023’s Zom 100, which follows Akira, an overworked office employee who decides to tick off 100 items on his buckle list before he becomes a zombie. After all, a little undead mayhem is just what you need to find a fresh perspective on life, right?

So, all you horror-comedy fans, get your seasonal chills by going through our watch-list. And if you want more, try out other films like The Cabin in the Woods, Happy Death Day, Dracula Dead and Loving It and Little Evil to make your binge-watching session as entertaining as it is spine-tingling.