Horror-comedies you should watch if you loved 'Stree 2'

When it comes to horror comedies, all you need to make a good film is some hilarious dialogues, a few good jump scares that send shivers down your spine, and some high-quality CGI to enhance that eerie setting. Yes, that's all it takes to cook up a good horror-comedy film. This particular genre seems to be the flavour of the season with films like Kakuda, Munjya and now, the much-awaited Stree 2, which had one of the best weekend openings (the film crossed ₹280 crores in four days). And it’s done so for a good reason.

Stree 2 is an example of a sequel done right. It had thrills, romance, and laughter, and it also highlighted an important social theme. It’s a complete entertainer and one thing’s for sure—you’ll laugh more than you scream, and isn’t that the whole point of a horror comedy anyway? Rajkummar Rao is a scene-stealer who carries the weight of the film on his able shoulders. Meanwhile, Shraddha Kapoor packs in a punch too, especially in her entry scene. The film integrates a few cameos that open up possibilities for future franchises with bigger and better blockbuster movies.

If you were among the early birds who watched and loved Stree 2 and are looking for something in the same genre, then here are a few bone-chilling laugh fests to check out next (if you haven’t already). 

Stree (2018)

If you’re planning to watch Stree 2, then make sure you watch the first instalment (if you haven’t already) to understand the events in the story. One of the most intriguing horror comedies in recent times, Stree is based on the folk tale of Nale Ba, which translates to ‘come tomorrow’ in Kannada. The story unfolds in the town of Chanderi, where men mysteriously disappear during a festival and are believed to be abducted by a vengeful female spirit known as Stree. According to the legend, Stree only hunts men and can be repelled if people write ‘O Stree, Kal Aana’ (O Woman, Come Tomorrow) outside their homes. The film blends friendship, horror, and mystery while highlighting important issues like misogyny and a woman’s position in society, which make it an all-round entertainer.

Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar and YouTube

Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007)

An official remake of the Malayalam film Manichitrathazhu (1993), Bhool Bhulaiyaa had all the standard ingredients for a horror-comedy including an eerie setting inside a royal palace. The long alleyways and secret passages in the palace made for the perfect setting for a possessed spirit to wreak havoc. Akshay Kumar’s natural comic timing combined with Vidya Balan’s captivating performance, where she played two completely contrasting characters, added to the thrill of the plot. Playing around with superstition, religion, and science in more ways than one, this is a psychological horror comedy that is worth rewatching. 

Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar and YouTube

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022)

Another sequel done (almost) right, the film follows Reet (Kiara Advani) and Ruhan (Kartik Aaryan) two strangers who end up at an abandoned mansion haunted by a spirit (Tabu) that has been trapped for almost two decades. The movie instantly grabs your attention and keeps you hooked with constant laughs and thrills. Kartik Aaryan had huge shoes to fill, considering Akshay Kumar’s performance in the first film, but he gave one of his career’s best performances nonetheless. However, Tabu was the real star of the movie, especially in the second half. Her performance proves why she is one of the best actors in Indian cinema!

Where to watch: Netflix

Bhediya (2022)

Bhediya masterfully combines action, comedy, drama, and social messages without sounding preachy, not to mention it has a climax that will have you whistling. The film's stunning cinematography draws you into its world—contrasting the eerie werewolf scenes against the picturesque landscape of Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh. Varun Dhawan, as the protagonist, pours his heart and soul into this film. It’s hard to imagine any other actor playing this role, where they have to be terrifying in one scene and hilarious in the next. Lastly, the film's message—that there is beauty and a beast or a ‘Bhediya’, within us and it's up to us which one we choose to unleash—lingers in your mind long after the credits roll.

Where to watch: JioCinema

Munjya (2024)

With its origins deeply rooted in Konkan folklore, this Aditya Sarpotdar-directed film revolves around Bittu who awakens the spirit of Munjya, a boy trapped in a peepal tree after dying before his coming-of-age ceremony. Abhay Verma delivers a sincere performance as the geeky Bittu whose life turns chaotic in this supernatural comedy of errors. Filled with horror and humour, the film shows that stories from the heartland can capture our hearts.

Kakuda (2024)

After the success of Munjya, filmmaker Aditya Sarpotdar gave audiences another cursed tale of a town with Kakuda. Set in Ratodi, a town that’s stuck in time due to a curse, the story follows three residents who face a ghost that challenges their superstitions, traditions, and love. Sonakshi Sinha and Saqib Saleem shine in the role of a newly married couple, while Riteish Deshmukh brings his impeccable comic timing as the ghost hunter Victor Jacob. Sarpotdar successfully brings together Indian folklore with humour and horror, delivering a refreshing and worthy addition to this genre.

Lead image: Hype 

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