Welcome to the seventh annual mega list of movies you may have missed! Hurrah for more movies, movies and lists!
50 Horror Movies You May Have Missed (vol. 7)
Because there will be more. Oh yes, there will be more.
A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987): A Nightmare on Elm Street is my youth! Wearing over-sized cat imaged shirts, sitting on shag carpet in front of a large television that guarded pretty much the entire floor, late night Saturday nights when the parents were asleep - MY JAM! That was not my experience with this film, however. I saw this one recently. Now I'm in my 40s and cynical of franchise films, I approached this one with apprehension and low expectations - imagine my surprise when I found this film *dare I say* better than the first? At the very least, a close second! Bonus: One of the first films where we see Patricia Arquette (Love You So Much Gurl!). Call me. Read more in my review here.
American Mary (2012): I avoided this film for a LONG TIME because I'm a mega movie poster b*tch and I kept thinking, every time I saw it: "What fresh new hell of an Audition knock-off is this?" So, while I still don't like the poster (again, mega movie poster b*tch - I'll never change), the movie is most certainly a cult classic that everyone should see once. Here we have a vengeful surgeon on a mission to right some wrongs and slice and dice some social norms. The sound quality and editing is weird sometimes but that's also part of its charm. Pairs with blood red wine and questionable shrimp.
Angel (1984): Okay, so not quiet a 'horror film' but certainly a fun thriller! It's also delightfully (and disturbingly) wrong/right. Here we have a nerdy high schooler who is also a sex worker by night, working the dingy streets of 1980's LA. Her and her adorably quirky group of street misfits get entangled in some crime and now they gotta figure it out and save each other. This film is charming and alarming (also at how charming it is) and it fits perfectly in that 1980's VHS shelf of all that is weird.
Bad Taste (1987): Here we have a bunch of aliens that landed in New Zealand to harvest humans for their fast food chain. Sit back, crack open the beers, and let the hilarity begin! Silly, smart, and absolutely disgusting, this is a great film for a lazy day drinking day or a goofy night with a small group of friends. Pairs with bad ideas that intended to be good ideas. Watch in clothes you haven't washed in weeks. Read more in my review here.
Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006): This quirky, mockumentary follows an aspiring serial slasher as he's about to embark on his madness. The documentary crew follows him around and interject their own thoughts and observations as the story progresses. It's cheeky, it's fun, and rather witty. While this one is full of laughs and snark, there are moments of real thrills. In all, a fine choice for a lazy fun evening.
Blood Beat (1983): You know what - sometimes you just need to watch a Christmas paranormal slasher film about a samurai ghost on a killing spree in Wisconsin. Why? No time to explain, just grab that bag of chips, the six pack, and let's go!
Blood Games (1990): Arguably not a horror film - more of a thriller on a bizarre drama/action film level. Here we have a traveling professional woman's baseball team who just beat the local "good ol' boys" in a game. These men, charged with jealously, sexism, and just being stupid, unfortunately send the woman literally running into the woods to escape. Madness ensues. Pairs with warm beer and picnic supplies.
Brand New Cherry Flavor (2021): WHOA! Hold on to your hats, folks. This one is a TRIP. In fact, what doesn't this mini series have? Puking up live kittens, drugs, magic, demons, a budding director, belly vagina sex, magic giant leopard, excellent soundtrack, curses - and that's just the tip of the iceberg. This one is weird and wild, and the end might either have you begging for more or thankful the colorful and atmospheric insane is over. Pairs with ... uh ... perhaps something cherry flavored that shouldn't be cherry favored.
The Car (1977): Gaudy and bizarre, this is a horror film for fans of the good, the bad, and the weird. Folks, this one is just so ... weird. The acting is weird, the dialogue is very weird (and very fun), and the premise alone is weird. The kill scenes though - the kill scenes are epic. Overall this is a grindhouse worthy feature with cheeky but also serious moments. This film doesn't really know what it is and it doesn't care. Especially the car, it's all: IDGAF. Best watched while raking your shag carpet. Pairs with horrifying 1970's jello dinner or appetizer recipes and jello shots. Read more in my review here.
Def by Temptation (1990): Hell yeah, this one is fun! Wrapped up nicely in a late '80s/early '90s nostalgic package, here we have a succubus running loose in New York, preying on young men blinded by her sexuality. An aspiring minister comes along and things start to get really interesting. This film, stars the writer and director, James Bond III, who is thoroughly entertaining! Bring your most '90s attire, favorite '90s snacks, and just sit back and enjoy.
Demon Wind (1990): This story is delightfully all over the place, but in short it's about a (surprisingly large) group of teen/20-somethings that are road tripping to a friend's family farm. The farm is a dark and spooky place where something terrible happened years ago. Mystery solving time! Gore! Gore! Gore! Gitty up gore fans - this stuff is hilariously epic. Fun monsters, side-ticking banter, groan-worthy banter, startlingly striking scenery and settings - this is a fun, fun film. Read more in my review here.
The Devils (1971): Ugh this one! In two words: F*cked up. The film holds your face to the horrors of religion - particularly in 1600s Europe, rubs your face in its filth, and then leaves you to walk around with the taste of it in your mouth for ... years. Everyone here is terrible and suffers their own hell with abandon. Best watched alone, with sad, self mutilating food.
The Exorcist III (1990): I don't have much of a memory of the second Exorcist but this one stuck around in my head - and there's a particular scene during an "interview" that might just stick with you. While following it's own path of tormented religious figures battling evil, this particular film takes on a new - dare I say - '90s refined road. As with most religious horror films, pairs best with wine and crackers.
Frankenhooker (1990): OMG. This. Film. Is. Amazing. Just your typical love story where a fiancé is chopped to bits by a rogue lawnmower and her would be husband pieces her back together with sex workers he accidentally exploded. Loaded with social commentary on sex, drugs, and social norms, this is a must see! Best watched with an unusually large group of people and cheese sandwiches.
Freeway (1996): I saw this film originally in the late '90s but for some reason it was re-watching it decades later where I think I finally comprehended how Horrifying this film is, on multiple levels. The tale of Little Red Riding hood goes on a new, nightmarish adventure. Bonus: this one also doubles as a vengeance horror film. Best watched with a smorgasbord made entirely of gas station and dollar store food.
Ghost Stories (2017): This one left me with goosebumps for years - even just re-watching it recently I was reminded of how soul-crushingly SPOOKY this film is capable of being. Here we have a die hard anti-supernatural investigator who is tasked with discovering the truth behind three paranormal cases. As each case is unveiled the investigator is forced to see things he never could *see* before. As much as I hate the title of this film - boring and unoriginal - it is at least apt! Best watched alone on a dark, cold night. Brace yourself.
Graverobbers (1988): Necrophilia, necrophilia, necrophilia. It's what unites this community and that's pretty much all you need to know about this rare '80s feature. It kicks off with a waitress accepting a wedding proposal from a total stranger at the café counter and things only get hilariously ridiculous from there. Best watched with a trusted friend and pairs with coffee or a bizarre cocktail. Read more in my review here.
Gretel & Hansel (2020): A spooky story that follows somewhat in The Witch footsteps, the title alone should give you a good idea of what this film is about. Dark, menacing, and slowly twisty, this is not a film for all horror fans but should be seen by all at least once. Those passionate about No Slow Burners should pass though. Pairs with sweets and best watched alone or with one other person.
Grizzly (1976): Ah yes, here we have a rugged 1970's good time with just your friendly neighborhood gigantic killer grizzly bear. Nature bites back as people try escape, tackle, and control the beast. Essentially: Jaws on land. Don't let the rather gritty film's premise fool you - like Jaws it's also alarmingly good at showcasing how the fresh outdoor air can kill you. Best watched from tents, with food and drink from the cooler.
Hard Candy (2005): Well, let's just start with a predatory older man who asks a unknown tweenish girl to join him in a coffee shop. [Files nails] and he shouldn't have done that! Screams my growing love for revenge films. Things begin to take all sorts of turns, however, much to my surprise. Brutal, sharp edged turns. Best watched when feeling fighty. Pairs with coffee shop muffins.
The Hearse (1980): I turned this film on one night expecting a little entertaining background noise, but instead was totally drawn into the story. It's a classic tale of a woman taking refuge in a distant and deceased family member's home. Witchery is afoot though in this small, sleepy town - where this new comer is not welcomed and her family legacy is not forgotten... Best watched on a cold, rainy night (or afternoon) alone. Pairs with cozy clothes and TV dinners.
Hell Comes to Frogtown (1988): As you can probably guess based on this outrageous title, this film requires you check your brain at the door and just enjoy the fun. Here we have a post-apocalyptic landscape filled with frog people, a whole lot of fertile women looking to escape the frog people and very, very few virile human men - that is until one of them showed up to Frogtown. Hijinks ensue. Excellent choice for a whimsical movie night with friends. Pairs with the obvious beer and pizza.
Hider in the House (1989): Gimmie gimmie gimmie this straight to TV/ VHS '80s good stuff! Here we have a very disturbed man taking shelter in the attic of an empty house, and then doesn't leave when a family moves in. Frighteningly real things to be worried about, particularly when he befriends the family without them knowing here's living in their attic! OH SH******T. Best watched in a small group of people who enjoys yelling at the dangers on the TV. Pairs with cheap cans of beers.
High Lane (2009): I avoided this one for a while because I thought it was about some sort calamity on a highway and never found myself in the mood. I was wrong, it's about a calamity with hiking and rock climbing. It smells of The Descent, but up, not down and things get super wild even without a lurking creature. Heart racing and exciting, if you were afraid of the great outdoors already - watch this to solidify that fear.
In Fabric (2018): This is most certainly an art house horror film. I love art house horror but this one won't be for everyone (although I still encourage everyone to see it at least once). I mean, it's a story about killer fabric. More specifically a dress that always seems to fit everybody just right, morphs minds, and changes you in more ways than just appearance. This one feels like a dream that skirts the realms of nightmare land. Stunning and flowing, this film is one you'll need to pay close attention to - just forget yourself and get immersed.
The Manitou (1978): Tony Curtis stars in a film about a woman who discovers the lump on her back is not a cyst or a tumor. It's a 400 year old medicine man (in fetus form) that's trying to be reborn. Here's about the time that I take my glasses off and rub my eyes and face in exhaustion. This absolutely ridiculous premise is also the only reason I wanted to check the film out. Is the film insane? Yes. Is it interesting and engaging? Yes. Is it good or bad? Yes. Read more in my review here.
Mikey (1992): Here we have a loner child being shuffled between home after home - after "accident" after "accident" to foster families. On a headier level this is obviously a study on the very real perils of how society can fail children and families, but we're talking a lower budget beautiful trash film from the early '90s so we can also just enjoy the chaos of it all. Our little Mikey also is getting older and falling for a girl next door ... things are about to escalate. Best watched in a small group and pairs best with a family style meal.
Mind Games (1989): As the title suggests, this one is going to mess with: your mind. Well, if not your mind then the minds of the unsuspecting family, who while on a road trip, picks up a stranger that REALLY likes to f*ck with heads. Folks, don't pick up strange people from camping sites. Just... just don't do it. Best watched in a camper. Pairs with wet and soiled picnic food.
The Moose Head Over the Mantel (2017): This title feels like it's part of a therapy question. Like: how does this title make you feel? I'll tell you! Nightmares! This film follows over a hundred years of one family living in the same house - with that damned moose head looming over the living room the whole time, 'watching' the generations come and go. Watching the murder, violence, and mayhem coursing through the bloodline. Overall - it's a memorable and very original film. You'll need to pay attention at all times though. Not one for the background. Best watched alone, late at night. Pairs with drinks that you should avoid because, historically, they make you crazy. Read more in my review here.
My Bloody Valentine (1981): This is a slasher that I often don't see come up in popular slasher lists and I really don't understand why. It will be no surprise me in the slightest that hardened horror fans will have certainly heard of this film - but the lists I'm referring to are usually catered to casual horror fans. So here we are, I'm adding it to this list. Here we have a mining accident, a small town legend around Valentines Day, and a whole lot of horney teens turning up dead. You know the routine - but you haven't seen it quite like this. Well worth a watch if this one has been eluding your watch lists.
Next of Kin (1982): Draw the blinds, close the windows - don't let the damp crawl in because this one has plenty of things to chill you with, in addition to the constant rain. Here we have a young woman returning home who has taken over the family business of running a small and rather exotic (gothic mansion) retirement home. But something is not right, of course. It's... it's almost as if someone is after her... but who could it be when she has no friends and all her family is dead? This is creeper of a film and I would recommend making it a double feature night with the wonderful The Changeling from 1980 if you want more of this style.
The Night Strangler (1973): Kolchak is back! And in Seattle (woot! holla!) trying to find who's hunting down women in our fine, wet, city. Kolchak is full Kolchak - and this city and the crimes are providing to be a fine match. Excellent soundtrack, saucing dialogue, and just overall a fun way to spending an evening, this is one you don't want to miss, especially if you're a Night Stalker fan. Dare I say this might be a good one for nearly the whole family to enjoy.
Omen III: The Final Conflict (1981): I really wasn't expecting much from this one but lawdy, did it throw some great punches. Here demon child is back, grown, and a 'successful' business man who won't let anyone stop him from earning his inheritance from Hell. With plenty of Easter eggs from the original, and even some near play-for-play reenactments, this one is brutal, unforgiving and performed really well. Best watched on a late weekend night alone, pairs with birthday cake eaten just with your hands.
Piranha (1978): Pull open the tabs on your beers, slather on the baby oil, and prepare yourself for a Jaws (in miniature) adventure! What could possibly go wrong when the military begins biological warfare experiments on PIRANHAS? But wait, could it get any worse when those experimental waters are accidentally drained into rivers that are popular with tourists? Sit back folks, rest assured, it all goes down hill and drains into the largest body of water available - all for our thrill-seeking pleasure. Read more in my review here.
Prime Time aka American Raspberry (1977): Living through the era where people take tabloids seriously, let me introduce you to this bizarre feature where TVs world-wide are suddenly infiltrated by parallel universe nonsense ads and programs meant to be "reality". I really can't explain this one any other way. It's totally weird and totally worth at least one looksee. Best watched alone and eating absolutely insane food in the most disgusting way possible.
Rawhead Rex (1986): Uh oh. A farmer, while digging in his property, accidently unearths a GIANT DEMON. Chaos ensues. I want to talk about this monster for a second: it's alarmingly disturbing while the movie is also alarmingly cheeky and weird. As you can imagine, things don't go well for the Irish small town folks once this monster beast is roaming about, particularly for the American family touring the area for genealogy information. I've watched this film twice now and I honestly can't put a finger on it's quirkiness. Absolutely one for beer, pizza, and friends.
Sharp Objects (2018): I am going to say, I'm doing it: I liked this series more than the book. There. Done. Don't hate me. I legit got a better textural and tangible picture of the super awful and menacing backdrop and characters than in the book. [shrugs] And damnit, even the very ending was far more terrifying, visually, than in the book. So there. That's my review. I liked it more than the book. Everything in this show is putrid and dangerous. Prepare yourself for a gut wrenching, nauseous ride.
Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama (1988): If you read this title and are not immediately excited to see it then I ... I just don't know what. I'm sad. But if you read this title and are excited then you're in for a super fun treat. What could go wrong when a sorority pledge prank goes terribly wrong and unleashes a little demon imp thing? Everything goes wrong. Everything, much to the delight of all viewers. This one is all camp, fun, and cheese. Saturate yourself, and others, in this beautiful nonsense. Pairs with all sorts of delicious, terrible food.
Sorry, Wrong Number (1948): First and foremost, you'll almost always find this film in either the Drama or Thriller section. It's on my horror list because it's strikingly nerve-wracking and - really disturbing ANYWAY! The story revolves around a difficult ... disturbed (?) woman who is waiting for her husband. It's late, he's not called, and she's on the phone trying to find him. She's in bed, late at night, and that's when she overhears through a mixed line, a plot to kill a woman. Things spiral into an insane story from there. Read more in my review here.
Spring (2014): This haunting film is beautiful and frightfully mindmelty. It has the feel of sitting in the sun too long, or perhaps wandering strange city streets for days and you just want to sit down in a safe place for a second. There is no safe place here. It seems safe at first though when two young travelers turned lovers meet each other in an Italian village, but someone has plans for the other. Ruin your night by making it a double feature night with The Endless. read more in my review of that film here.
The Stuff (1985): What is it? The question you should be asking yourself is: What can't the stuff do! It solves life's problems, makes you feel great, you don't need anything else in the world, and you can use it for everything! Just take a bite - just a little bite [shoves this down your throat] JUST HAVE A LITTLE - YOU'LL LOVE IT GADDAMIT!
Supernatural (1933): If you're looking for a little known spooky black and white classic, then look no further! This story revolves around a sadistic woman, who, after killing several men, is convicted of murder and sentenced to death. A light opening for a film from 1933. Welcome now a somewhat sketchy scientist who want's her dead body for research purposes - to perform a sort of paranormal experiment. Totally normal stuff, and it just gets more bizarre from there. Read more in my review here.
Things Heard & Seen (2021): Moody and frustrating at times, this film will take you down a dark path of psychological abuse and a little surrealism. I shuddered towards the end and was also a little disappointed - frustrated but oddly satisfied. I should have seen this coming, considering it's a story about a dysfunctional family moving from the city into a notorious old house in a small rural town...
Toys of Terror (2020): Full disclosure, this is not a *great* film, but its low budget honesty and active displays of everyone having fun and getting into making this film, is delightful - dare I say it has texture. I mean, what else can you expect from cursed toys out to kill? Pairs with Winter feel good foods and drink. Best watched with friends in a mood for the fun-loving absurd.
Tragedy Girls (2017): This film is quite original - it's an extremely macabre story about the addictions of social media (in a way). Not sure where to file that one, but I can say that in the era of true crime podcast galore and murder porn everywhere, this film was birthed at just the right time. It is in its element and knows exactly what it's doing. Here we have high school best friends who run social media accounts about a murder spree in the area. But you gotta get those 'likes', you all!! So what are you going to do ... or rather, how far will you go for them? Read more in my review here.
Victor Crowley (2017): Admittedly, I am not a fan of the Hatchet films. Never could get into or actually understand their allure. This one though, this one I found fun! The monster from the Hatchet films is back and fighting a (mostly) whole new team - chaos, blood bath, mayhem, it's all here in all it's glorious slaughter beauty. Great late night goodness.
The Wind (1986): This gothic little tale follows an author as she escapes to a rural and near empty Greek village, hiding out in a drafty cottage to finish writing her book. This actually sounds like a great idea and perfect place to focus on finishing a project - that is until she realized her only neighbor is Major Mr. McCreep Pants. Things get wildly out of control from there. Let's throw in a very spooky, paranormal and powerful wind blasting the coastal shore to fan the madness flames...
Wisconsin Death Trip (1999): I Do Not Have Enough Words To Describe How Much I Love This Movie - well, I love the book far, far more of course, but I will always marvel at how well the bizarre cult book was translated into moving pictures. This is a terrifying tale(s), relaying very true newspaper clippings and photos from Black River Falls, Wisconsin during the late 1800's and early 1900's. It's grizzly and unnerving, and will leave you haunted by something you'll never be able to pinpoint, for a very long time.
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