10 Best Horror Comedies Of The 2020s (So Far)

Gerard Johnstone's cyber-slasher M3GAN kicks off with a robotics engineer giving her niece, Cady, an android companion called M3GAN to help her deal with her parents' death. When M3GAN begins targeting people she believes threaten Cady's safety, it isn't long before all hell breaks loose.

Within the first few seconds, it's obvious M3GAN is going to be more comedic than the promotions suggested.

But instead of diluting the scares, the well-executed humour juxtaposes with the horror elements beautifully.

Even though Cady is the protagonist and a victim of tragedy, the movie doesn't lazily paint her as a saint. In fact, there are times she comes across as unappreciative or bratty.

Although this decision could've alienated the audience, emphasising Cady's flaws and vulnerabilities makes her more relatable. Because of this, we genuinely care when she and her loved ones are in danger.

Speaking of which, let's look at M3GAN. What makes the titular villain so compelling is her ability to convey a childlike innocence and predatory instinct at once. The uncanny valley factor is noticeable in everything M3GAN says and does, constantly reminding the characters (and the audience) there's an emotionless machine underneath that sweet shell. 

With a sequel on the way and a spin-off in the works, things are looking bright for the M3GAN franchise.