With bizarre storytelling, shoddy special effects, and unintentional awkwardness, these movies end up being laugh-out-loud funny. While these films might not deliver spine-tingling terror, they’ve carved out a niche as cult classics, loved for their charm and comedic value. Here’s a look at some of the most unintentionally hilarious horror movies, both classic and modern, that audiences can’t stop laughing at.
"Plan 9 from Outer Space" (1959)
Called one of the worst films ever made, Plan 9 from Outer Space is a prime example of how poor execution can completely overshadow a story’s intention. Directed by Ed Wood, this sci-fi/horror mashup follows aliens attempting to stop humanity from creating a doomsday weapon by resurrecting the dead. While it might sound eerie in concept, the execution is anything but.
From cardboard tombstones that wobble like pizza boxes in the wind to cringe-worthy dialogue (“Future events such as these will affect you in the future”), everything about this movie is a perfect storm of hilarity. Adding to the absurdity, vampire icon Bela Lugosi’s role was completed using random scraps of footage he filmed before his death, supplemented by a stunt double who awkwardly hides his face with a cape.
Though it was meant to terrify, Plan 9 from Outer Space has instead become a charmingly bad movie night staple, earning legions of loyal fans who appreciate its amateurish sincerity.
"Troll 2" (1990)
Despite the title, Troll 2 has no actual trolls in the movie. Instead, this low-budget horror flick is about vegetarian goblins (yes, goblins) who attempt to turn humans into plants to eat them. Everything about Troll 2 is wild, from the non-sequitur dialogue to the actors’ overly committed-yet-terrible performances.
One standout moment of hilarity occurs during an infamous scene where a character screams, “They’re eating her! And then they’re going to eat me! Oh my god!” The overly drawn-out delivery, paired with cheesy synth music, made this scene an instant meme in the internet age.
Another gem is the strange rules of goblin folklore, such as their weakness to bologna sandwiches. Viewers are left scratching their heads at the absurdity of it all, but Troll 2 thrives on its unintentional comedic brilliance. It’s so iconic in its ineptitude that it inspired a documentary, Best Worst Movie, chronicling the film’s ascent to cult status.
"The Wicker Man" (2006)
This remake of the 1973 folk horror classic wasn’t meant to be funny. With stars like Nicolas Cage and a cult-based plot steeped in mysticism, it had all the right ingredients for a suspenseful thriller. However, the combination of wooden acting, melodrama, and some absurd writing made for an unintentionally hilarious experience.
One of the most infamous scenes involves Cage in a bear suit punching an unsuspecting woman—it’s so random and over-the-top that it’s hard to stifle a laugh. But the scene that truly seals its place in unintentional comedy history is “NOT THE BEES!” Cage's panicked screams as bees are poured onto his face are as melodramatic as they are laughable.
Instead of gripping terror, viewers are left with an unintentionally campy thrill ride. While the original film remains a horrifying classic, the 2006 version is beloved for its sheer meme-worthy chaos.
"Birdemic: Shock and Terror" (2010)
With a title like Birdemic, you might expect a creature feature reminiscent of Hitchcock’s The Birds. What you get, however, is a baffling low-budget disaster with CGI so bad it could’ve been created on a PowerPoint presentation.
The plot centers on “killer birds”—poorly animated, pixelated models flapping awkwardly over human actors who are clearly pretending to be scared. Scenes of romance, clunky dialogue, and environmental messages delivered with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer make this movie unforgettable—but for all the wrong reasons.
Perhaps the most laughable scenes are the bird attacks. Instead of running, the characters often stand around flailing coat hangers at stationary bird graphics. Birdemic has earned a loving following for its utter lack of self-awareness, making it a must-watch for fans of “so bad it’s good” cinema.
"Jaws: The Revenge" (1987)
The fourth installment of the once-terrifying Jaws franchise is so far removed from the nail-biting thrills of the original that it crosses into comedy. The story hinges on the absurd premise that a great white shark is out for vengeance against the Brody family—a concept more suited to parody than to horror.
Highlights of unintentional hilarity include the shark roaring underwater (how?!) and its ability to follow the family from New England to the Bahamas. The effects are notoriously bad, with the mechanical shark looking more cartoonish than menacing.
With lines like “It came for him; it will come for us,” viewers can’t help but chuckle at the straight-faced attempts to make this plot remotely logical. Jaws: The Revenge may have sunk the franchise, but it floats as a comedy gem among horror fans.
The Charm of Funny Horrors
Why do audiences continue to adore these unintentionally funny horror movies? For starters, their flaws create a sense of authenticity and charm. These films don’t take themselves too seriously, and their earnestness is endearing. They also remind us that perfection isn’t necessary for entertainment—sometimes the most enjoyable experiences come from unexpected mishaps and delightful absurdities.
Whether it’s wobbling grave markers in Plan 9, the deep-fried acting in Troll 2, or a rampaging bear-suit Cage, these films deliver laughs where there were meant to be screams. They’ve transcended their initial failures to cement themselves as cult classics. If you’re in the mood for poorly executed scares that make your sides hurt from laughing, these “horrific” gems have you covered. Bring popcorn, an open mind, and enjoy the comedy of errors.
