The 1970s and ’80s were a golden era for campy horror films, with filmmakers blending over-the-top scares, outrageous special effects, and often unintentionally hilarious dialogue. These movies didn’t always aim to be taken seriously, but that’s what makes them so entertaining even today. Whether they were trying to scare you, make you laugh, or do both at once, these cult classics deliver an unforgettable viewing experience. Here are 14 campy horror movies from the ’70s and ’80s that are still a blast to watch.
1. The Evil Dead (1981)
Sam Raimi’s The Evil Dead is a masterpiece of low-budget ingenuity and relentless campy fun. The story follows a group of friends who awaken ancient demons during a trip to a secluded cabin, leading to gory chaos and demonic possession. The film’s outrageous special effects, including geysers of blood and claymation monsters, are as charming as they are unsettling.
What makes The Evil Dead so fun is its unapologetic commitment to going over the top. Bruce Campbell’s performance as Ash is both hilarious and iconic, setting the stage for his transformation into a cult horror legend. It’s a wild, bloody ride that’s as entertaining now as it was over 40 years ago.
2. Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988)
What happens when aliens invade Earth disguised as clowns? You get Killer Klowns from Outer Space, a hilariously absurd horror-comedy with creative kills and ridiculous visuals. From cotton candy cocoons to balloon animal hunting dogs, the movie takes its bizarre premise and runs with it.
Its campy charm lies in its refusal to take itself seriously. The practical effects are delightfully cartoonish, and the clowns’ antics are as funny as they are creepy. It’s a perfect movie for fans of offbeat horror who don’t mind a healthy dose of silliness.
3. House (1977)
This Japanese horror-comedy, known simply as Hausu in its native language, is a surreal and utterly bizarre tale of a group of schoolgirls visiting a haunted house. The film combines psychedelic visuals, absurd humor, and genuinely creepy moments, creating a fever-dream experience unlike anything else.
The movie’s campiness stems from its unapologetically experimental style. Killer pianos, decapitated heads biting people, and strange animated sequences make House a joyfully chaotic watch. It’s a cult classic that defies categorization and remains a favorite for fans of weird cinema.
4. Re-Animator (1985)
Based on an H.P. Lovecraft story, Re-Animator follows a mad scientist who creates a serum that brings the dead back to life—with horrifying and often comedic results. The film’s outrageous gore, dark humor, and over-the-top performances make it a standout in the campy horror genre.
Jeffrey Combs shines as the eccentric Herbert West, whose experiments escalate into a series of increasingly absurd disasters. Re-Animator perfectly balances its horror and comedy elements, making it a must-watch for fans of both genres.
5. The Return of the Living Dead (1985)
This punk rock-inspired zombie movie adds a comedic twist to the undead genre. When a toxic gas accidentally reanimates corpses in a small town, chaos ensues as the zombies demand “BRAINS!” The movie’s self-aware humor and wild energy set it apart from other zombie films of its time.
Its campiness comes from its mix of slapstick gore, memorable one-liners, and a killer soundtrack. The zombies are both terrifying and hilarious, making The Return of the Living Dead an endlessly fun ride.
6. Piranha (1978)
Directed by Joe Dante, Piranha is a campy creature feature that sees genetically modified killer fish terrorizing unsuspecting swimmers. While clearly inspired by Jaws, the movie leans into its absurd premise with tongue firmly in cheek.
The low-budget special effects and over-the-top performances add to its charm. Piranha knows exactly what it is and revels in its B-movie status, making it a delightful watch for fans of cheesy creature horror.
7. The Stuff (1985)
What if the newest dessert craze turned out to be a parasitic goo that consumed people from the inside? That’s the premise of The Stuff, a satirical horror-comedy that pokes fun at consumer culture while delivering plenty of campy scares.
The movie’s blend of ridiculous visuals and biting social commentary makes it a unique entry in the genre. It’s both laugh-out-loud funny and surprisingly clever, proving that campy horror can have something to say.
8. Sleepaway Camp (1983)
This slasher flick about a summer camp plagued by mysterious murders is infamous for its shocking twist ending. Along the way, it serves up plenty of over-the-top kills, awkward dialogue, and melodramatic performances.
While the movie’s campiness has made it a cult favorite, it’s also genuinely unsettling in parts. Sleepaway Camp is a perfect example of how a low-budget slasher can still pack a punch while delivering unintentional laughs.
9. Troll 2 (1990)
Though technically from 1990, Troll 2 deserves inclusion for its deep roots in ’80s campiness. This hilariously inept movie about vegetarian goblins (yes, goblins—not trolls) trying to turn a family into plants is often hailed as one of the “best worst movies” ever made.
Its campy charm lies in its terrible acting, nonsensical plot, and bizarre special effects. Despite—or perhaps because of—its flaws, Troll 2 remains an endlessly entertaining watch for fans of so-bad-it’s-good cinema.
10. Pumpkinhead (1988)
This dark fairy tale of revenge follows a grieving father who summons a demon to punish those responsible for his son’s death. While Pumpkinhead delivers genuine scares, its melodramatic storyline and creature effects give it a campy edge.
The titular monster, created by effects legend Stan Winston, is both terrifying and oddly endearing. Pumpkinhead walks the line between horror and camp, making it a standout in the creature feature genre.
11. Dead Alive (1992)
Peter Jackson’s Dead Alive (or Braindead) may technically fall outside the ’80s, but its spirit is firmly rooted in the era’s campy horror. This splatterfest about a zombie outbreak caused by a cursed monkey is one of the goriest—and funniest—movies ever made.
Its campiness comes from its sheer excess. From kung-fu priests to a lawnmower massacre, Dead Alive throws everything at the screen with gleeful abandon. It’s a must-watch for fans of over-the-top horror.
12. Chopping Mall (1986)
What happens when a group of teens gets trapped in a mall with malfunctioning security robots? A gloriously campy horror movie, of course! Chopping Mall delivers absurd kills, cheesy dialogue, and a synth-heavy soundtrack that screams ’80s.
Its ridiculous premise and low-budget charm make it a perfect late-night watch. The robots may not be scary, but they’re endlessly entertaining.
13. Motel Hell (1980)
This dark comedy about a farmer who turns people into sausage features a bizarre mix of horror and humor. With its absurd premise and over-the-top performances, Motel Hell embraces its campiness with gusto.
The movie’s blend of gore and laughs makes it a unique entry in the horror-comedy genre. It’s as unsettling as it is funny, ensuring its place as a cult classic.
These campy horror movies from the ’70s and ’80s remind us that horror doesn’t always have to be serious to be fun. Whether they’re making us laugh, cringe, or cheer, they’ve earned their place in the pantheon of cult classics.
