Ready or Not stormed onto the silver screen in 2019, instantly becoming a cult hit thanks to its unique blend of black comedy, horror, and suspense. This film wasn’t just another entry in the horror-thriller genre; it was a game-changer, literally and figuratively. 

With its unconventional take on the “hide and seek” game, it spun an intriguing tale of a newlywed bride thrust into a deadly post-wedding ritual by her eccentric in-laws. The combination of its macabre premise, witty dialogue, and a stellar performance from Samara Weaving made it an unforgettable watch.

What made Ready or Not so compelling was its ability to blend genres seamlessly. It was a horror film that didn’t shy away from splashes of humour, a thriller that kept audiences on the edge of their seats, and a dark comedy that used its disturbing context to deliver laughs. It explored themes of family, tradition, and the lengths people will go to preserve their wealth and status.

But perhaps the most noteworthy aspect of Ready or Not was its subversion of expectations. It turned familiar tropes on their heads, delivering surprise after surprise in a genre that can often feel predictable. This made for an exhilarating viewing experience that left audiences eager for more.

If you’re one of the many who found themselves captivated by the thrilling surprises and black comedy of Ready or Not, you might wonder where you can find more films that capture that same sense of unpredictability and genre-bending excitement. Fear not, for we have curated a list of ten films that echo the spirit of Ready or Not in their own unique ways. Each offers a blend of horror, humour, and suspense and a touch of the unexpected that will keep you guessing till the end.

1. Knives Out (2019)

Knives Out is a modern murder mystery directed by Rian Johnson. When renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey dies under mysterious circumstances, the debonair Detective Benoit Blanc is mysteriously enlisted to investigate. From Harlan’s dysfunctional family to his devoted staff, Blanc sifts through a web of red herrings and self-serving lies to uncover the truth behind Harlan’s untimely death.

Much like Ready or Not, Knives Out features a grand mansion, a wealthy and eccentric family, and a healthy dose of macabre comedy. Both films take place primarily in one location and involve a protagonist trying to navigate a complex and deadly situation while surrounded by a cast of quirky and potentially dangerous characters.

While the narratives differ, with Ready or Not leaning more towards horror and Knives Out being a whodunnit, they share a similar tone of thrilling unpredictability. If you enjoyed Ready or Not‘s suspenseful and humorous aspects, then Knives Out, with its compelling mystery and witty dialogue, will not disappoint.

2. Clue (1985)

Clue is a comedic murder mystery based on the popular board game of the same name; we UK movie buffs know the board game as Cluedo. The film brings together six individuals who all receive an anonymous invitation to a secluded mansion. Upon their arrival, their host—an enigmatic character named Mr Boddy—is found dead, and the guests must solve the murder before the night is over.

Like Ready or Not, Clue involves a game that turns deadly, a mansion full of secrets, and an ensemble cast of eccentric characters. The film combines mystery with comedy, often using suspenseful situations to create moments of hilarity.

However, Clue leans more heavily into comedy than horror, and its tone is generally lighter and more farcical than Ready or Not. Still, if you enjoyed the humour and the mystery elements of Ready or Not, Clue‘s unique blend of comedy and suspense might be right up your alley.

3. The Babysitter (2017)

Directed by McG, The Babysitter is a horror-comedy that follows Cole, a young boy who has a crush on his attractive babysitter, Bee. One night, after pretending to sleep, Cole spies on Bee and discovers that she’s actually a satanic cult leader. Now, Cole must survive the night and escape from Bee and her murderous friends.

The Babysitter shares Ready or Not‘s theme of survival and its blend of horror and comedy. Both films depict an innocent character suddenly thrust into a deadly game, and both use their gruesome scenarios to generate rip-roaring comedy.

Despite the common elements, The Babysitter has a more comedic tone and lacks the family dynamic central to Ready or Not. However, if you liked the blend of comedy and horror in Ready or Not, The Babysitter‘s entertaining and fast-paced story might be for you.

4. Get Out (2017)

Get Out, directed by Jordan Peele, is a horror-thriller that follows Chris, a young black man who visits his white girlfriend’s parents for the weekend. However, as the weekend progresses, a series of increasingly disturbing discoveries lead him to a truth he could have never imagined.

Get Out and Ready or Not both provide social commentary through the lens of horror. Both films present seemingly normal families that conceal dark and deadly secrets, and both involve a protagonist who must navigate through a situation that quickly spirals out of control.

However, Get Out takes a more serious tone, using horror to explore themes of racism and exploitation. While it does have moments of levity, it lacks the overt humour and tongue-in-cheek nature of Ready or Not. Nonetheless, if you appreciated the way Ready or Not used horror to expose the sinister underbelly of a seemingly normal family, you might find Get Out‘s exploration of similar themes compelling.

5. You’re Next (2011)

You’re Next is a home invasion horror film directed by Adam Wingard. When the Davison family comes under attack during their wedding anniversary getaway, the gang of mysterious killers soon learns that one of the victims harbours a secret talent for fighting back.

Similar to Ready or Not, You’re Next involves a gathering that turns deadly and a female protagonist who proves to be more resourceful than the attackers anticipate. Both films combine horror and comedy elements, and both explore themes of family and survival.

Despite these similarities, You’re Next is more of a straightforward horror film compared to Ready or Not‘s satirical approach. However, if you enjoyed the survival aspect and the unexpected twists of Ready or Not, You’re Next‘s relentless pace and surprising turns could make it an exciting choice.

6. The Hunt (2020)

The Hunt, directed by Craig Zobel, is a horror-thriller depicting twelve strangers who wake up in a clearing without memory of how they got there. They don’t know they’ve been chosen for The Hunt, a sport for the elite who hunt humans for sport, but one of them, Crystal, turns the tables on their pursuers.

The Hunt and Ready or Not both revolve around a lethal game where the hunted becomes the hunter. Both films contain dark comedy and social commentary, exploring the dynamics between different social classes.

However, The Hunt is more political in its commentary and presents a more expansive setting than the confined mansion in Ready or Not. If you appreciated the blend of satire, action, and horror in Ready or Not, The Hunt‘s similar fusion of genres could make it an appealing watch.

7. The Cabin In The Woods (2011)

Directed by Drew Goddard, The Cabin in the Woods is a horror film that follows a group of college friends who retreat to a remote cabin for a fun weekend, only to find themselves in the middle of a deadly ritual.

Like Ready or Not, The Cabin in the Woods uses the backdrop of a familiar horror trope (a cabin in the woods) to deliver unexpected twists. Both movies blend horror and comedy and offer clever commentary on their respective genres.

However, The Cabin in the Woods is more of a meta-horror film, deconstructing common horror tropes, while Ready or Not is a darkly comic survival thriller. If you enjoyed the unpredictability and genre-blending of Ready or Not, The Cabin in the Woods‘ unique take on horror might appeal to you.

8. Green Room (2015)

Green Room, directed by Jeremy Saulnier, is an A24-distributed thriller that follows a punk rock band trapped in a secluded venue after stumbling upon a horrific act of violence. They must then fight for their survival against the club’s owner and his henchmen, who are determined to eliminate all witnesses.

Both Green Room and Ready or Not feature characters who must fight for survival in a confined space against ruthless antagonists. Both films are intense and violent but also contain moments of dark humour.

However, Green Room is grittier and more grounded in reality than Ready or Not’s more satirical and supernatural elements. If you liked Ready or Not’s intense, survival-based action, Green Room’s relentless tension might make it a thrilling watch.

9. Housebound (2014)

Housebound is a New Zealand horror-comedy directed by Gerard Johnstone. The film follows Kylie, a troubled young woman placed under house arrest in her childhood home, which she believes is haunted. As she investigates the strange occurrences, Kylie realises that she might not be imagining things.

Like Ready or Not, Housebound is a genre-blending film that combines horror and comedy to great effect. Both movies feature a strong female lead who finds herself in a dangerous situation within her own home, and both use their settings to create tension and humour.

Despite the shared elements, Housebound focuses more on the supernatural and has a more overtly comedic tone than Ready or Not‘s focus on human antagonists and dark humour. However, if you enjoyed Ready or Not‘s comedy, strong lead, and tension, Housebound‘s quirky mix of horror and comedy could be an enjoyable watch.

10. Hot Fuzz (2007)

Hot Fuzz, directed by Edgar Wright, is a British action-comedy that follows overachieving police officer Nicholas Angel who is transferred to a sleepy town and paired with a hapless new partner. As they stumble upon a series of suspicious accidents, they embark on an action-packed quest to solve the mystery.

While Hot Fuzz might seem a departure from Ready or Not’s horror-thriller genre, both films share a darkly comedic tone and a love for subverting genre expectations. They also both involve uncovering a sinister plot within a seemingly normal community.

However, Hot Fuzz leans more towards action and comedy, with less emphasis on horror. Its British humour and style also give it a different feel from the American-set Ready or Not. Nevertheless, if you enjoyed Ready or Not‘s dark humour and genre-bending aspects, Hot Fuzz‘s unique blend of action, comedy, and mystery could make it a worthwhile watch.