Pranks can be fun any time of year, but on April 1 every year, we’re encouraged to go all out (within reason). So as we all try to pass the time in quarantine, here are 10 horror inspired pranks to do this April Fools’ Day.

Fear and laughter so often go hand-in-hand (as demonstrated perfectly by the filmography of Sam Raimi), so we thought this was very fitting. All of these can be done at home, assuming you live with someone who’s very gullible!

Disclaimer – This is all in good fun, and we’re not actually encouraging anyone to actually do any of these. Doing so may get you beat up and/or arrested…

1. Nuclear War Prank (inspired by American Horror Story: Apocalypse)
Find a way to use “news footage” from movies and convince someone that it’s an actual live news bulletin bringing the grim news that a nuclear airstrike is imminent.

You can also do an “automated” text message to someone’s phone, or if you’re pranking someone who still uses a radio, it will be even easier as all you need is a good voice recording. Do your homework and make it sound official by being specific with where the missiles are being launched from.

The prank should last for a good 30-60 seconds until the person you’re pranking checks social media and doesn’t see anything about it.

2. Cursed Doll Prank (Inspired by Child’s Play, Annabelle, The Doll)
This one works great if you have the keys to someone’s house/apartment and they live alone. Select the doll or object that will be cursed, and start moving things around that doll while the homeowner isn’t around.

Go all out by having the doll move from room to room while they’re at work, and leave creepy crayon written notes asking, “Miss me?”

3. This Movie is Actually a Documentary Prank (Inspired by Blair Witch Project, as well as any and all found footage movies)
Both the easiest and hardest one to pull off, this prank won’t require any props or prep time, just a very convincing prankster and a very gullible victim.

Watch any found footage movie and convince the person you’re with that this is actually a documentary and this footage is real. Say things like, “It was really controversial when they released this” and “that person’s family actually sued the studio for making the movie”.

It only works on someone really gullible, but it does work. I did this prank on my fiancé while watching The Last Exorcism, and she actually bought it until the end of the movie!

4. This House/Apartment is Haunted Prank (Inspired by Paranormal Activity)
Similar to the Cursed Doll Prank, this one works similarly, only the goal is make the victim think there is a ghost/demon causing mischief or terror throughout the house.

You’ll need to find a way to make lamps turn on and off randomly (a clapper might help), as well as make loud knocking/banging noises at 3am (the witching hour).

There is no real limit to what you can do, just make as much happen as possible, while seeming like it’s the work of an unseen force!

5. They’re Here Prank (Inspired by Poltergeist)
This one is pretty simple and straightforward. It’s similar to the previous prank, the only difference being how specific it is.

You’ll need to have a TV turn on to static and play a recording of your voice calling out for help, all while the people in the house can’t see you. It’s a great way to make them think you’ve been sucked into the ghost dimension.

6. Seven Days Prank (Inspired by The Ring)
Probably the most specific (but effective) prank here, all this one requires is for you to show someone the tape from The Ring, then call them from a remote location and say “seven days” in a creepy voice.

You can find the “tape footage” on YouTube, or if you have the movie on DVD, there’s actually a feature that plays the tape, while disabling the remote, so you can pause or turn off the DVD player while it’s on. Bonus points if you live near a well!

7. I Want To Play a Game Prank (Inspired by Saw)
Obviously, we’re not suggesting you actually kidnap someone and put them in a life or death situation that tests their will to live. That will definitely involve committing a few felonies and that’s frowned upon.

However, you can have someone wake up with a tape player in their hands, with a creepy message telling them they must play a game to find their lost phone or keys or something like that. It helps if you make the game ironic or specific to them.

For example if they’re always on their phone hide that, or if they never do dishes, have a clue be in the dishwasher. Essentially it’s a treasure/scavenger hunt dressed up with Saw-inspired décor!

8. Descent Into Madness Prank (Inspired by The Shining)
This is ideal for being stuck in quarantine right now, as we’re all slowly getting cabin fever. Tell everyone else in your house that you’re working on a novel or screenplay.

Then just write the same phrase over and over. Upon someone discovering it, go all Jack Nicholson and watch them run away in fear!

9. There’s A Family In Our Driveway Prank (Inspired by Us)
Be careful with this one as it’s very likely to get the cops called you! All you’ll need to do is wear a red jumpsuit, holding a pair of scissors and stand outside someone’s house at night.

It helps if you choose someone who resembles you at distance, so they will think it’s their doppelganger.

10. Werewolf Transformation Prank (Inspired by The Wolfman, An American Werewolf in London, The Howling, as well as every other werewolf movie)
When the moon is full, it’s your time to shine! Start acting like a wolf, run around on all fours, howl to the moon, go all out.

Bonus points if you can find a way to glue fur on your arms and maybe even wear a convincing werewolf mask. Fair warning though, if you’re too convincing, this could easily get you committed!

Which one is your favorite that you might actually try?! Let us know in the comments below. And have a safe, happy, and hilarious April Fools’ Day!

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