17 Movies Like Happy Death Day
Happy Death Day is a fun slasher flick that deserves to make it on to horror lists from classics to comedies. I’m a big fan of the scary-comedic mash up genre, and this film masters it wonderfully.
It’s not just a clone of the “Groundhog Day” concept, but rather a new take on an old formula that had me laughing and jumping out of my seat. If you’re finished watching and in the mood for a film that has a similar mixture and story fare, then check out these other 15 movies like Happy Death Day.
Movies like Happy Death Day
1. Happy Death Day 2U (2019)
The obvious choice for movies like Happy Death Day is the sequel, Happy Death Day 2U. Jessica Rothe is back as Tree in this time loop movie. After defeating the first death loop, she find herself in another.
With the help of a new character, Carter (Israel Broussard), the two set out to find a way to escape this one… preferably for good. The second of the Happy Death Day films is good, not quite as good as the original, but worth the watch.
2. The Babysitter (2017)
The Babysitter mixes the comedy and horror movie genres well, but steps up the slasher angle considerably. Cole (Judah Lewis) is a young boy who has a serious crush on his babysitter, Bee (Samara Weaving), for good reason.
One night, while she’s babysitting, Cole catches her and her friends participating in a Satanic ritual. Now, Cole must find a way to stop the group before they sacrifice him as their next victim. The Babysitter is a great watch for horror and comedy fans alike.
3. Final Destination (2000)
I’ll admit I watched my first Final Destination horror thriller this year. It was the fifth movie in the franchise, but I decided to start from the beginning. The first film in the series is about a group of high school students who narrowly escape death after a premonition.
However, Death has a plan for them and starts systematically killing them one by one. It’s a compelling horror flick with plenty of suspense, gore, and jump scares. If you’re looking for movies like Happy Death Day with a similar premise but more scares, then the Final Destination franchise is worth checking out.
4. The Final Girls (2015)
The Final Girls is a comedic journey that pokes fun at other horror films in the genre. When a group of teens find themselves inside a ’80s horror movie that they’ve seen before, they use their knowledge of the film to try and survive.
It’s an interesting concept that’s well executed. If you love self-referential humor and horror movies, then this is the ideal film for you. It combines a fun horror film with the delight of a comedic science fiction element like Jumanji.
5. When a Stranger Calls (2006)
When a Stranger Calls takes on a more traditional horror film look and feel. It’s a cat-and-mouse chase with the main protagonist, Jill Johnson (Camilla Belle), left to fight for her life.
Jill is in the middle of nowhere babysitting for an uber rich family when she starts to receive unexplained phone calls. But who’s calling and what do they want?
When a Stranger Calls is a great horror movie that will have you on the edge of your seat. It’s not as light-hearted as some of the other films on this list, but still worth watching.
6. Freaky (2020)
I thoroughly enjoyed Freaky. This Vince Vaughn led horror comedy is about a high school girl who swaps bodies with a masked killer. Now, she has 24 hours to get her body back before the killer takes over for good. It’s a great slasher film with plenty of laughs and suspense.
This horror flick is perfect to enjoy with friends. It features the comedic elements of Freaky Friday with the horror and gore, traditional scary movie fans have become accustomed to. If it sounds like a fun ride to you, then Freaky should definitely make it on your horror movie list.
7. What We Do In The Shadows (2014)
Looking for something that’s more comedy then horror? Then What We Do in the Shadows is for you. This mockumentary style film follows a group of vampires as they go about their daily lives. It’s a hilarious take on the vampire genre that will have you laughing from beginning to end.
This is the perfect film to watch with friends if you’re looking for a good laugh. The movie is clever, witty, and will leave you wanting more. I highly recommend checking out What We Do in the Shadows if you’re a fan of horror comedies.
8. Russian Doll (2019)
Russian Doll is admittedly a series, not a movie. But if you like Happy Death Day, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. The science fiction series follows Nadia Vulvokov (Natasha Lyonne), a software engineer who’s stuck in a time loop concept.
Every time she dies, she wakes up at the same party only to relive her death again and again. It’s a clever and dark comedy that will have you hooked from the first episode. The series is brilliantly written and Lyonne does a fantastic job in her lead role.
9. Scream (1996)
Looking for an original comedic horror film? Then Scream is for you. This 90s flick follows a group of teens who are being terrorized by a killer who’s obsessed with horror movies. The film is full of suspense, thrills, and laughs.
This is one of the first notable cult-inducing films that combined genuine laughs and silliness with horror elements. If you’re a fan of the slasher genre and haven’t seen this gem, this is a must-watch. But a word of warning, it’s pretty high on the cheese factor.
10. Jennifer’s Body (2009)
Jennifer’s Body takes the more traditional horror movie feel, but still adds comedic elements. The movie follows a high school girl, Jennifer (Megan Fox), who’s possessed by a demon and starts killing her male classmates. It’s up to her best friend, Anita “Needy” Lesnicki (Amanda Seyfried), to stop her.
This is a great horror movie for those who are looking for something that’s a little less serious. It’s still a scary movie, but has plenty of moments that will make you laugh. If you’re a fan of Megan Fox, then this is definitely a film you should check out.
11. The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
The Cabin in the Woods is described as being a legitimate scary movie that actually has funny elements in it. If you’re looking for movie recommendations that cross that line and feature the delicious acting skills of Chris Hemsworth, then The Cabin in the Woods is for you.
This film sees a group of friends go to, you guessed it, a cabin in the woods. But as they start getting picked off one by one, they realize that there’s something far more sinister going on than they could have imagined. It’s a unique take on the horror genre that will have you on the edge of your seat.
12. Zombieland (2009)
Mostly laughs, very little fear is what you’re going to get from Zombieland. This action thriller comedy follows a group of survivors who are making their way across America in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. It’s chalked full of comedy, action, and gore.
Featuring the acting stylings of Woody Harrleson, Jesse Eisenberg, and Emma Stone, this is definitely a movie you’re going to want to watch. It’s a more lighthearted storyline that’s both funny and features a healthy amount of zombies. I enjoy this flick every time I go to watch it, so if you haven’t seen it I’d suggest you do!
13. Scream Queens (2015)
Scream Queens is another horror thriller TV show (sorry, I keep adding these) but it’s truly worth the watch. It’s about a group of sorority girls who are being targeted by a killer. The show is over-the-top, gory, and very funny.
This black comedy series series stars Emma Roberts, Lea Michele, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Keke Palmer. It was created by the same people behind American Horror Story, so you know it’s going to be good. It’s a great show to watch if you’re looking for something that’s both scary and hilarious. Honestly, it’s more funny then scary, but there’s A LOT of blood.
14. Fantasy Island (2020)
We all have hopes, dreams and wishes, and unfortunately on Fantasy Island, they come true. This is a great watch if you’re truly looking for a scary movie. It follows a group of people who visit an island where their deepest desires come true. But as you can imagine, things take a turn for the worse.
Done by Blumhouse, this film is a great blend of horror and suspense. It’s not too gory or graphic, but it will definitely have you on the edge of your seat. I recommend this movie if you’re looking for a few jumps and maybe a scream!
15. Life After Beth (2014)
Life After Beth is another zombie flick that airs on the side of funny. It tells the story of a young man, Zach (Dane DeHaan), whose girlfriend, Beth (Aubrey Plaza), dies suddenly while out on a hike alone. But, she comes back to life as a zombie and, as you can imagine, things go downhill from there.
I would say that Life After Beth is the 500 Days of Summer of the zombie flick world. It features a somewhat mundane tone along with a more “artistic” air of fun. It’s another great horror comedy that will have you both laughing and cringing. If you’re looking for a movie that’s a little more on the humorous side, then I recommend checking out Life After Beth.
16. Tucker and Dale vs. Evil (2010)
Tucker and Dale vs. Evil is another comedy horror film that’s definitely worth the watch. This flick tells the story of two best friends, Tucker (Alan Tudyk) and Dale (Tyler Labine), who are mistaken for killers by a group of preppy college kids. Hilarity ensues as the two friends try to defend themselves against them.
It’s a hilariously gory film that will have you both laughing and cringing. If you’re looking for a movie that’s funny and has a healthy amount of bloodshed, then Tucker and Dale vs. Evil is the movie for you.
17. Ready or Not (2019)
Ready or Not is one of my favorite horror movies as of late. It tells the story of a young woman, Grace (Samara Weaving), who has just married into a wealthy, eccentric family. On the night of her wedding, she must partake in a deadly game of hide-and-seek in order to become a true member.
This movie is intense, gory, and very well done. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a good horror movie. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’re up for a challenge then Ready or Not is the movie for you.
What is Happy Death Day?
Never seen Happy Death Day? Written by Christopher Landon, this time loop movie has a similar concept to Groundhog Day. Tree is forced to repeat the same day over and over again, all of which end in her being brutally murdered.
It’s up to her to solve her own murder mystery so she can break the time loop and move on with her life. And, to make matters worth, this all happens on her birthday (what a day!). If you’re looking for a movie that’s both suspenseful and funny, then I recommend Happy Death Day.
I think everything from the acting to the writing is spot on and it’s definitely a movie that I enjoy watching more than once.
Final Thoughts: Movies Like Happy Death Day
Happy Death Day is a hilarious take on the repeating day movie theme, but it’s not the only one. However, for those that are looking for movies like Happy Death Day, there are plenty.
My top pick is obviously going to be the sequel since it’s along the same line. But if you have a Netflix account, I recommend checking out The Babysitter (there’s a sequel there too).
