13 of the Funniest Jokes and Gags from ‘The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror’
A new annual tradition was born on October 25, 1990. It kicked off what’s now one of television’s most eagerly anticipated yearly events: The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror. Since that first installment, the animated sitcom has produced a slew of hilarious homages to the horror genre. In fact, they’re so good that even the most jaded Simpsons fans still tune in for Treehouse every year.
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Here then are some of the funniest segments and jokes from the spookier side of Springfield...
‘The Sweets Hereafter’
The fantastic 3D animated intro to “Treehouse of Horror XXVIII” also got to poke fun at Bart’s countless ads for Butterfinger bars in the 1990s.
‘Homerzilla’
The Simpsons decided to not just lovingly homage a classic kaiju but also take a shot at the shoddy American reboots of the King of the Monsters.
‘Nightmare Cafeteria’
Springfield Elementary’s employees and administrators become cannibals for budgetary reasons.
‘It’s the Grand Pumpkin, Milhouse’
This segment took the Peanuts’ concept of the Great Pumpkin from their Halloween special and asked what would happen if he actually existed. The result was hilariously horrifying.
‘Attack of the 50-Foot Eyesores’
As in the short and in real life, it’s best to ignore giant advertisements. Just don’t look, just don’t look!
‘Nightmare on Evergreen Terrace’
This isn’t just a perfect parody of Nightmare on Elm Street but provides excellent advice, such as “Do not touch Willie,” and a cromulant argument against Smarch.
‘The Monkey’s Paw’
YOU DON’T KNOW HELL UNTIL YOU’VE EATEN DRY TURKEY.
‘Treehouse of Horror VIII’ Intro
‘House of Whacks’
A fully-automated robot house voiced by Pierce Brosnan that’s thirsty for Marge? What can go wrong?
‘Time and Punishment’
Homer accidentally invents a time machine when trying to repair his toaster, leading him to create a nightmarish future where Ned Flanders rules over all.
‘The Devil and Homer Simpson’
Sure, the episode starts with Homer selling his soul to the Devil Flanders, but it ends on a sweet note (literally).
‘Homer³’
In “Treehouse of Horror VI,” Homer falls into the theorized third dimension and eventually ends up in our world. Thankfully, erotic cakes are there to comfort him from the culture shock.
‘The Shinning’
Another loving homage parody to one of the most celebrated horror films in cinema history, but with plenty of fun gags within it to make it its own, too. Just make sure you have plenty of TV and beer around so you don’t go something, something.
