MovieChat Forums > Fright Night (1985) Discussion > Horror-comedy or just simply horror?

Horror-comedy or just simply horror?

posted 9 years ago by MozartsMuse
6 replies | jump to latest

I always thought of Fright Night as a horror film, but I've noticed that a lot of people describe it as a "horror comedy" or "comedy-horror" a lot. I can see how it has some dark humor or campy undertones (most '80s horror films do), but I wouldn't go as far as classifying it as a horror-comedy.

Right now it just says "horror" and "thriller" for genres, but I've noticed that the "comedy" label regularly re-appears and disappears. So I guess there is disagreement over the movie's genre.

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[–] DBLurker 9 years ago

Saw this movie yesterday.

It definitely is NOT a comedy. You will smirk but nothing really funny (movie tries to make it funny every now and then).

Overall, they were definitely going for more horror and some scenes and locations have creepy vibe. BUT, again, it isn't really scare.

I consider it a light-hearted horror movie which takes it time showing monster deaths. :))

[–] Nephilim-6 9 years ago

Having rewatched it last night I found it to be a horror-comedy with the emphasis on horror (as good horror comedies should do). The reason I don't consider it full blown horror though is because it intentionally pokes fun at horror stereotypes and cliches.

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[–] mikebos 9 years ago

It's widely considered horror comedy. Evil Ed is a comedy foil. Even when he's a vampire, he's comedy.

[–] 9 years ago

[deleted]

[–] KingCobra686 8 years ago

I'm not sure what to label it. Its not a pure horror film, but I don't think that Horror-Comedy is the best description. Maybe its more of a Horror-Mystery or a Horror-Adventure?

[–] paulkersey-31019 8 years ago

Horror mystery is a perfect descripter. But its core is camp so hor-com would be my pabel. To me its intermediate horror.