10 Movies That Burn the Most Calories (From Laughing or Screaming), Ranked

A great movie can do more than entertain—it can get your heart pumping, whether through gut-busting laughs or spine-chilling scares. Some films are so intense or hilarious that you’ll burn calories just reacting to them, from chuckling to jumping in your seat.

I’ve ranked 10 movies that pack the biggest punch for laughs or screams, based on how much they make your body work. These are perfect for a night when you want to feel the rush and maybe shed a few calories along the way.

10. ‘The Hangover’ (2009)

This wild comedy follows four friends, led by Bradley Cooper and Zach Galifianakis, unraveling a chaotic Vegas bachelor party. The absurd situations—like a tiger in the bathroom—deliver non-stop laughs. You’ll be doubled over with every twist. It’s a high-energy riot that keeps you chuckling.

‘The Hangover’ is a laugh machine, with its fast-paced humor sparking enough giggles to burn a few calories. It’s perfect for a fun, lively night.

9. ‘Scream’ (1996)

Wes Craven’s horror classic follows Neve Campbell’s Sidney Prescott as a masked killer terrorizes her town. The jump scares and tense chases get your heart racing. Its clever mix of horror and humor keeps you on edge. It’s a scream-fest that defined a genre.

‘Scream’ delivers enough shocks to spike your pulse. The thrills and nervous laughter make it a calorie-burning pick for horror fans.

8. ‘Superbad’ (2007)

Jonah Hill and Michael Cera star as awkward teens chasing a wild night of booze and girls. The crude humor and McLovin’s iconic antics spark endless laughs. Every ridiculous moment hits hard. It’s a nostalgic, hilarious ride that keeps you in stitches.

‘Superbad’ is a comedy goldmine that’ll have you laughing non-stop. Its relentless energy burns calories through sheer hilarity.

7. ‘Bridesmaids’ (2011)

Kristen Wiig leads a hilarious ensemble in this comedy about a chaotic wedding. The dress-fitting disaster and airplane meltdown are laugh-out-loud gems. Maya Rudolph and Melissa McCarthy shine. It’s a feel-good riot that keeps the giggles coming.

‘Bridesmaids’ delivers belly laughs that’ll leave you breathless. Its relentless humor makes it a calorie-burning comedy classic.

6. ‘Jaws’ (1975)

Steven Spielberg’s thriller follows a shark terrorizing a beach town, with Roy Scheider and Richard Dreyfuss hunting the beast. The tense buildup and iconic shark attacks jolt your nerves. Every underwater scene grips you. It’s a masterclass in suspense.

‘Jaws’ keeps your heart racing with every fin sighting. Its intense thrills make it a solid pick for calorie-burning scares.

5. ‘Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy’ (2004)

Will Ferrell’s absurd news anchor leads a stellar cast, including Steve Carell and Paul Rudd, in this quotable comedy. From jazz flute to epic brawls, the ridiculous humor never stops. You’ll be laughing at every line. It’s a cult favorite for a reason.

‘Anchorman’ is a non-stop laugh factory. Its over-the-top gags will have you burning calories from constant chuckling.

4. ‘Hereditary’ (2018)

Toni Collette stars in this harrowing horror about a family haunted by dark secrets. The shocking twists and eerie atmosphere deliver gut-punch scares. Every moment builds dread, leaving you gasping. It’s a modern horror masterpiece that lingers.

‘Hereditary’ is a relentless scare machine that spikes your heart rate. Its intense terror makes it a top calorie-burner.

3. ‘Pineapple Express’ (2008)

Seth Rogen and James Franco play a stoner and his dealer caught in a wild chase after witnessing a crime. The mix of action and goofy humor, like Franco’s bromance rants, keeps you laughing hard. It’s chaotic and hilarious. The energy never dips.

‘Pineapple Express’ is a comedy thrill ride that burns calories with every laugh. Its absurd antics make it a must-watch.

2. ‘Get Out’ (2017)

Jordan Peele’s horror-thriller follows Daniel Kaluuya as a man uncovering sinister secrets at his girlfriend’s family estate. The creeping dread and shocking twists keep you tense, with jump scares that hit hard. It’s a brilliant mix of social commentary and terror. Your pulse will race.

‘Get Out’ is a heart-pounding masterpiece that burns calories through sheer suspense. Its gripping scares make it one of the ultimate calorie-burning watch.

1. ‘The Exorcist’ (1973)

This horror masterpiece follows a girl’s demonic possession, with Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair delivering chilling performances. The shocking visuals, like spinning heads and levitation, are pure terror. Your heart will pound through every scene. It’s a legendary scare-fest.

‘The Exorcist’ is a nerve-shredding experience that spikes adrenaline. Its intense scares make it a top pick for calorie-burning terror.

Which movie gets your heart pumping the most, or did I miss a laugh-or-scream gem? Share your picks in the comments!