Horror is a wonderfully versatile genre. While some of the most acclaimed entries aim to terrify, there's a special place in our hearts for the gloriously over-the-top, the absurd, and the delightfully silly. Campy horror isn't a knock against a film; it's a badge of honor for those of us who grew up on '80s slashers where the plot was just an excuse for a wild ride. These movies know exactly what they are and lean into the fun, offering a different kind of thrill.
We're seeing a resurgence of this spirit with recent releases like M3GAN 2.0, but the last five years have already given us a treasure trove of campy gems. From a coked-up bear to a ballet-dancing vampire, these films prove that horror can be both hilarious and horrifying. Here are the nine most campy horror movies of the last five years, ranked by how perfectly they balance the silly with the scary.
9. It's a Wonderful Knife (2023)
What if Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life was drenched in blood and set in a town terrorized by a serial killer? That's the wild premise of It's a Wonderful Knife. Winnie (Jane Widdop) kills the masked murderer known as The Angel, but the trauma of the act leaves her emotionally shattered. A year later, she's given a chance to see what her town would be like if she'd never been born—and it's not pretty.
This holiday slasher takes the classic "it's a wonderful life" concept and injects it with a body count. It's a festive treat that reminds us to be thankful for the loved ones who haven't been stabbed. With a delightfully creepy turn from Justin Long as the town's ruthless mayor, it's a new addition to your holiday horror rotation.
8. Malignant (2021)
James Wan's Malignant starts as a grim mystery. Madison (Annabelle Wallis) begins having visions of brutal murders after a head injury, and she's soon suspected by the police. But the film's true nature is revealed in a spectacularly bonkers third act that sends the camp meter into overdrive.
For the first hour, Malignant plays it straight, but once the killer is unmasked, it becomes a gloriously unhinged supernatural rampage. It's a film that rewards patience, delivering one of the most jaw-droppingly silly and entertaining finales in recent horror memory.
7. Slay (2024)
Four drag queens—Trinity the Tuck, Heidi N Closet, Cara Melle, and Crystal Methyd—find themselves fighting for their lives against a horde of vampires in Slay. After a booking mix-up sends them to a rundown dive bar, they're forced to team up with the roughneck locals to survive until dawn.
This Tubi original is a low-budget gem that's more funny than terrifying, but it's packed with charm and wit. It's the kind of campy B-movie that's destined for cult status, so long as you go in with the right expectations.
6. Willy's Wonderland (2021)
Nicolas Cage stars as a silent janitor who must spend the night cleaning a decrepit family restaurant in Willy's Wonderland. But the animatronic characters come to life with a thirst for blood, and Cage's character has to fight them off one by one while still finishing his chores.
This is pure grindhouse madness. Cage delivers a completely silent performance, but his intensity is off the charts. He takes breaks between killing possessed robots to play pinball and do an intense dance. It's a movie that's light on plot but heavy on irony, perfect for a watch party.
5. Clown in a Cornfield (2025)
The title says it all: Clown in a Cornfield is exactly what you'd expect. Quinn Maybrook (Katie Douglas) moves to the economically depressed town of Kettle Springs, where she quickly becomes the target of Frendo the Clown, the former mascot of the town's shuttered corn syrup factory.
This slasher doesn't waste time on subtlety. It's a straightforward, bloody romp that knows its audience. The killer clown is genuinely creepy, but the film's over-the-top nature keeps it firmly in camp territory.
4. Abigail (2024)
From the directors of Scream comes Abigail, a film about a group of criminals who kidnap a young ballerina for ransom, only to discover she's a vampire. What follows is a bloody, balletic battle for survival as the kidnappers are picked off one by one.
This movie is a masterclass in tonal balance. It's genuinely scary in parts, but it's also incredibly fun, with a standout performance from Alisha Weir as the titular vampire. The film's blend of gore and humor makes it a must-see for campy horror fans.
3. Heart Eyes (2025)
Romance and horror collide in Heart Eyes, a slasher that follows a couple who become the targets of a serial killer who only strikes on Valentine's Day. The film is a love letter to both rom-coms and slashers, and it works on both levels.
The kills are inventive and bloody, but the chemistry between the leads keeps things light and fun. It's a perfect date-night movie for those who like their scares with a side of sweetness.
2. Cocaine Bear (2023)
You know a movie is campy when the title is a complete sentence. Cocaine Bear is based on the true story of a bear that ingested a duffel bag of cocaine, and the film imagines what happened next. The result is a chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly heartfelt romp through the woods.
The film doesn't take itself seriously for a second, and that's its greatest strength. It's a wild ride that delivers on its promise of a coked-up bear wreaking havoc, and it's one of the most purely entertaining horror-comedies in years.
1. M3GAN (2022)
Topping our list is M3GAN, the story of a robotic doll designed to be a child's best friend, who takes her job a little too literally. When she's separated from her owner, M3GAN goes on a murderous rampage, and it's glorious.
The film is a perfect blend of camp and genuine scares. M3GAN is an iconic horror villain, with her deadpan delivery and dance moves becoming instant memes. It's a movie that knows exactly what it is and delivers on every level. With the recent release of M3GAN 2.0, it's clear that this campy killer is here to stay.
These films prove that campy horror is more than just a guilty pleasure—it's a vital part of the genre's DNA. Whether you're in the mood for a blood-soaked comedy or a terrifyingly silly slasher, there's something on this list for you. And if you're looking for more horror recommendations, check out our list of the greatest horror games ever made or our ranking of the best dark comedy TV shows.
