9 Worst Horror Movies That’ll Make You Scream With Laughter

promotional image from Leprechaun

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Some horror films are so bad that they should take themselves less seriously. Others are clever enough to do just that, while still others have the potential to be stand-alone horror classics without including intentional or accidental humor. In this article, we’ll look at examples of all three. These are the worst horror movies that are perfect to laugh at while enjoying a chillax session with friends and popcorn.

8. Sharknado (2013)

Shark attacking man from the air

What could be more frightening than sharks attacking people from the air, in the midst of a freak hurricane? Thankfully, we had some acting credibility in the form of Ian Zeiring, Tara Reid and John Heard to help this vehicle of disaster — or should that read disastrous vehicle — toward some kind of acceptable viewing level. The concept of flying sharks is so corny that it works to make a hilariously funny movie where you sit on the edge of your seat, wondering what could actually happen next. 

Memorable line: “They control it all! And the weather too! I gotta hand it to ‘em though, SHARKS? I never saw THAT coming.”

7. Hellgate (1989)

Blonde lady in white with bright blue eyes

Thankfully, I’m not critiquing this movie in-depth, as the plot still evades me. There’s a touristy ghost town called Hellgate and a blue crystal thing that raises the dead. Some bikers abduct a girl called Josie from the town and kill her. Abigail Wolcott plays Josie — quite likely, her only movie role — and a bunch of twenty-somethings play teens unfortunate enough to meet her reincarnation. Nudity and explosions join the mix, making Hellgate confusing but ridiculously funny — a fun time out from playing those horror games you enjoy so much.

Memorable line: “Take this, you zombie bitch!”   

6. Scarecrow (2002)

Hazy orange image of a silhouetted figure

My advice to you is to have a few drinks before settling down to watch Scarecrow. That way, you’ll be functioning on a similar level to the filmmakers when they made it. If you enjoy lost souls that take over inanimate objects to seek revenge for their untimely murders, you’ll love this 2002 bargain bin classic. Complete with corn cob stabbings and Freddy Krueger wannabe one-liners, this slasher pretender has a storyline that isn’t one, and some phenomenal non-acting. It’ll keep you entertained, though, and you may even want to add it to your horror essentials collection.

Memorable line: “You’ve never been STALKED like this…”

5. Piranha (1978)

fake piranha fish near an underwater cage

Piranha was director Joe Dante’s third movie and has spawned a cult following second only to the “Jaws” franchise for “killer fish” movies. Unlike some others on this list, Piranha is not bad, but there’s no way that it’s an underrated horror movie. Don’t take it as seriously as the filmmakers — just enjoy the nasty little fishies that have a bad rap because of this movie — and appreciate the comedic elements prompted by thousands of gnashing sets of teeth, you’ll relish Piranha even more than you should.

Memorable line: “People eat fish, Grogan. Fish don’t eat people.”

4. Birdemic: Shock and Terror (2010)

birds in the sky above a minivan

Birdemic director James Nguyen needs somebody to shake his hand — and then his whole body for having the audacity to bring out a sequel to this hysterically funny cinematic  “masterpiece.” You’ll hold your sides and ask if it’s a spoof — the “shock” part in the title comes when you realize it’s not. I’m still waiting for the “terror” part, so let me know if you find it. Birdemic is so bad, from the classic community theater acting to the plot that isn’t and the screensaver-like floating birds. 

Memorable line: “Enjoy, and appreciate these trees while you can!”

3. Leprechaun (1992)

Leprechaun movie character behind a box

Does Jennifer Aniston remember acting in this one? Does she want to? It’s hardly the worst of the seven titles in the Leprechaun franchise — but you’ll likely laugh at it more than its sequels. Leprechaun has its fair share of eyerolls and giggles, mostly courtesy of the title character, who sometimes seems almost cartoonish. If you must watch this one, look out for the pogo stick murder. By the way, you can go back to this little Irish creep’s origins in 2025 with “Leprechaun: The Beginning,” if you dare.

Memorable line: “Little girls shouldn’t look for four-leaf clovers.”

2. Deathbed: The Bed That Eats (1978)

Old-style brown bed with curtains

Without giving too much away, Deathbed is a movie you should seek out if you want a laugh and several facepalms in a 78-minute time span. It’s weird, and undoubtedly a film that describes its plot in its title. Plain and simple, the bed eats anybody who lies on it. Fortunately, the characters in the movie can’t figure that out, or they would have defeated the villain within minutes. Instead, you’ll watch a 1970s cult classic that will make you laugh and wonder whether we’re in the Matrix or real life. 

Memorable line: “There’s no flesh left. There’s hardly any blood. It’s almost like a surgical operation.”

1. Troll 2 (1990)

Troll movie characters eating green goo

The original “Troll” from 1986 included recognizable actors Michael Moriarty and Shelley Hack among its cast, but Troll 2 doesn’t feature any saviors. Sadly, Claudio Fragasso’s directing delivers a campy, amateurish feel that matches the screenplay, music and dialogue. Troll 2 is bad — very bad — but as one of the most cheesy horror movies ever made, it remains somehow endearing. I mean, how could the inclusion of a blind, one-legged woman with Alzheimer’s not pull at the old heartstrings and prompt a dark giggle? 

Memorable line: “They’re eating her! And then they’re going to eat me! Oh my God!”

The Joy of Watching Bad Horror Movies

The world of bad horror movies is an unintentional comedy treasure trove that always entertains. Whether it’s the absurd plots or the lack of plots at all, the cringeworthy acting and direction or laughable screenplays, special effects or soundtracks, these films remind us that even bad can bring some enjoyment. In truth, there are so many bad horror movies around — even some of the best are cringeworthy in some ways — that you’ll always find one that’ll have you screaming with laughter.

Article images are courtesy of IMDB.

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Author

With almost 10 years of experience writing about cars, gear, the outdoors and more, Oscar Collins has covered a broad spectrum of topics during his time as a blogger and freelancer. Oscar currently serves as the editor-in-chief of Modded, which he founded to spread his love of cars with an international audience. He's committed to providing high-quality content on a regular basis with readers across the world. You can find his work on Auto News, Gizmodo, Esquire and similar publications.