If you enjoyed the dark comedy and suspenseful mystery of The Burbs (1989), then you’re in for a treat! The Burbs blends elements of quirky humor, suburban life, and a touch of mystery, as Tom Hanks’ character, Ray Peterson, becomes obsessed with his strange neighbors. The movie’s mix of comedy, mystery, and absurdity continues to captivate audiences, and if you’re looking for more films that capture this unique combination, we’ve got you covered. These Movies Like The Burbs are packed with the same offbeat humor, suburban oddities, and a dose of suspense. Whether you’re after more quirky neighborhood mysteries or lighthearted dark comedies, you’ll find something to love in this list.
1. Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)
Arsenic and Old Lace is a classic dark comedy that combines suspense with quirky humor, much like The Burbs. The story follows Mortimer Brewster, a writer who discovers that his beloved aunts have been poisoning lonely old men. The film captures the absurdity of suburban life and a growing sense of mystery, with plenty of comedic moments to keep you laughing. If you love the quirky humor and dark undertones of The Burbs, this is an excellent pick.
2. Beetlejuice (1988)
Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice is a bizarre yet entertaining mix of supernatural hijinks and suburban misfits. When a recently deceased couple tries to scare away new homeowners from their house, they enlist the help of the mischievous and unpredictable Beetlejuice. The mix of eccentric characters, weird happenings, and humor-filled chaos makes Beetlejuice a must-watch for fans of The Burbs. Both films offer a mix of quirky neighborhood dynamics and strange events with a comedic twist.
3. The ‘Burbs (1989)
While you may have already seen The Burbs, this dark comedy about a suburban neighborhood filled with quirky characters and mysterious happenings is worth revisiting. It follows Ray Peterson (played by Tom Hanks) as he becomes suspicious of his reclusive neighbors, leading to hilarious and bizarre situations. With its strange mix of mystery, comedy, and suburban weirdness, The Burbs remains one of the most iconic films in this genre. If you loved this movie, the following selections will feel just as thrilling and entertaining.
4. The Money Pit (1986)
In The Money Pit, a couple’s dream home quickly turns into a nightmare as their newly purchased house begins to fall apart. This film mixes absurdity, suspense, and slapstick humor, much like The Burbs. The constant chaos of home renovations paired with the growing sense of frustration and bewilderment keeps the laughs coming. If you appreciate the combination of domestic comedy and suspense in The Burbs, The Money Pit is sure to be a hit.
5. Death Becomes Her (1992)
Death Becomes Her combines supernatural elements, dark humor, and suburban drama in a way that echoes The Burbs. The movie follows two women (played by Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn) who seek immortality but end up wreaking havoc on each other’s lives. With its mix of quirky characters, eerie happenings, and humor-driven chaos, Death Becomes Her captures a similar offbeat tone and suspenseful mystery, making it a great pick for fans of The Burbs.
6. Home Alone (1990)
Although Home Alone is more of a family-friendly comedy, it shares many elements with The Burbs, especially in terms of its suburban setting and the strange happenings in a neighborhood. When a young boy is left home alone during Christmas, he sets up a series of elaborate traps to defend his house from burglars. The combination of quirky characters, suburban oddities, and slapstick humor makes Home Alone a fun choice for fans of The Burbs.
7. The Invitation (2015)
For a more suspenseful take on neighborhood mysteries, The Invitation offers a slow-burn psychological thriller. A man is invited to a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife, where he starts to suspect something sinister is going on. While this film leans more into suspense and drama than humor, it shares the same sense of unease about the seemingly perfect suburban setting. If you liked the eerie mystery in The Burbs, The Invitation will captivate you with its intense atmosphere.
8. The Nice Guys (2016)
Set in 1970s Los Angeles, The Nice Guys follows a mismatched pair of private detectives investigating a missing person case. The film combines action, comedy, and mystery, with quirky characters and a series of bizarre twists that are reminiscent of the neighborhood intrigue in The Burbs. With its balance of suspense and humor, The Nice Guys is an excellent choice for fans of offbeat comedies with a bit of mystery and chaos.
9. Love Actually (2003)
Although Love Actually is more of a romantic comedy, it shares a similar ensemble-driven approach to suburban drama and chaos as The Burbs. The movie intertwines various love stories during the holiday season, with moments of both heartwarming connection and absurdly funny situations. Like The Burbs, Love Actually showcases quirky, unpredictable characters and a heartwarming blend of humor and heartfelt moments.
10. Gremlins (1984)
Gremlins is another perfect mix of suburban oddities and horror-tinged humor. When a young man receives a strange creature as a pet, chaos ensues when it multiplies and turns into destructive gremlins. The film’s offbeat humor, quirky characters, and suburban setting offer a great companion to The Burbs. Both movies mix lighthearted comedy with unexpected moments of danger and suspense, creating an entertaining rollercoaster ride.
11. Jumanji (1995)
Jumanji follows the story of two children who accidentally release a magical board game that brings dangerous creatures and strange events to life. Like The Burbs, the movie combines quirky suburban life with the onset of strange occurrences, as chaos slowly builds. With its mix of adventure, humor, and suspense, Jumanji offers a thrilling ride, much like the experience of The Burbs, where things aren’t always as they seem in your neighborhood.
12. Clue (1985)
Clue is a murder mystery film that takes place in a mansion with a group of eccentric guests, each of whom could be responsible for a crime. The film’s comedic tone, quirky characters, and increasing tension resemble the strange happenings and suburban intrigue of The Burbs. Like The Burbs, Clue serves up its humor in doses, balancing the suspense and absurdity to keep audiences entertained.
13. The Truman Show (1998)
In The Truman Show, Truman Burbank slowly discovers that his entire life has been broadcasted as a reality TV show. The film explores the theme of a seemingly perfect suburban life with a twist of eerie mystery. The combination of comedy, surrealism, and suspicion that Truman’s life is being manipulated mirrors the tension and oddity in The Burbs, making it an excellent choice for fans of suburban oddities and psychological exploration.
14. Hot Fuzz (2007)
Hot Fuzz is a British action-comedy that takes a similar approach to suburban mystery and absurdity as The Burbs. When a top London cop is transferred to a small village, he uncovers a series of strange events that lead him to believe the town is hiding dark secrets. The film expertly blends comedy with suspense and mystery, creating a unique and entertaining experience for fans of offbeat films with quirky, suspicious neighborhoods.
15. Neighbors (2014)
If you’re looking for more comedic chaos in a suburban setting, Neighbors is a great choice. The film follows a couple whose peaceful suburban life is disrupted by a rowdy fraternity that moves in next door. The humorous conflict that ensues between the couple and their new neighbors plays out like an updated, modern version of The Burbs’ neighborhood antics. The absurd situations, quirky characters, and tension-filled moments make Neighbors a perfect addition to this list.
Conclusion: If you enjoyed The Burbs and its mix of comedy, mystery, and quirky suburban life, the movies listed above are sure to entertain. Whether you’re looking for dark comedies, suspenseful thrillers, or films that explore the peculiarities of suburban living, these Movies Like The Burbs deliver a range of genres with the same lighthearted chaos. For more recommendations, be sure to check out Movies Like Love Actually and discover even more films with heartfelt moments and unpredictable humor.