History Of The Scream Queen
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The term “Scream Queen” is recognizable by everyone, even those who aren’t fans of the genre. It is a term that is as synonymous with horror as jump scares or murder, but what does it mean, and where did it originate? For the fifth and final entry in my History of series, we are going to take a look at where this term comes from and how it has evolved over the decades.
Typically, I would kick off this article by giving you the definition of a scream queen, but when the term first came about, there wasn’t really a definition for it. The term was simply used to refer to a female character in a horror film that screamed. The very first scream queen was Fay Wray, and the title was given to her after she starred in 1933’s King Kong. After filming on the movie had been completed, she spent an entire day in the studio, just recording different variations of her scream to be used in the film. She admitted during an interview years later that she actually hated being called a scream queen because it resulted in her being typecast in Hollywood. Every time she would walk into an audition, they would ask her to scream even if the role didn’t call for it.
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For decades, the scream queen was a damsel in distress that needed saving and spent the majority of her film simply screaming and waiting for help. It wouldn’t be until 1978 when this panicked damsel would be turned into something more. Jamie Lee Curtis’ role in Halloween showed that the scream queen could also be a fighter. In the film, we saw her screaming and running for help, but she didn’t just sit and wait for it to arrive. Curtis’ character stabbed the masked villain multiple times throughout the film and protected two children in the process. We started to see more and more of this version of the scream queen as slasher horror films became more popular throughout the 80s. Heather Langenkamp’s role in 1984’s A Nightmare on Elm Street added another layer to the scream queen when her motivations for the film weren’t simply to survive but to learn who was chasing her and why. The title of scream queen no longer resulted in actresses being typecast, and instead, many of these roles acted as launching pads for the careers of these actresses.
In 1992, a new name for these female characters was introduced, and it is the one that we use most frequently. Carol Clover introduced the term “final girl” in her book Men, Women, and Chainsaws: Gender in the Modern Horror Film. She also gave us the definition that we still use today: “the single surviving female in a horror movie who tended to be pretty and virginal but was smarter and more resourceful than her predecessors”.
Since 1992, final girls have not only become fan favorites, but the term has become a badge of honor and not a death certificate for an actress’ career. The term scream queen has now become a label for actresses who have appeared in multiple horror films, many of whom have also aided in the evolution of female characters in the genre. The evolution of the term has continued into 2024, with many in the horror community wanting to introduce the terms “scream king” and “final guy” into the mix. This would allow for the incredible male actors and characters of the genre to get some recognition. I personally love this idea and think that the first official scream king should be Matthew Lillard!
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Source(s): Slate
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History Of The Zombie Movie
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Zombie films are one of the most well-known subgenres of horror films. This is probably thanks to their constant popularity through the decades and the popularity of zombie shows like The Walking Dead. Many people think that zombie films are actually creature features, but they are actually their own subgenre entirely. For the fourth installment of my “history of” series, we are going to dive into the history of the zombie film. Make sure you check out parts one, two, and three of the series!
To start, let’s define what a zombie movie is and why they are not considered creature features. A zombie film features reanimated or infected humans who attack and eat other humans. This is the true modern definition of the subgenre, and we will explore the original definition in just a second. The reason that a zombie movie is not considered a creature feature is because the zombies are not the main antagonist of the film. In zombie films, the main antagonist is either an infection/virus, person, magic, curse, or organization that created the zombies. For them to be considered a creature feature, the zombies would have to be the main antagonist for the entire film.
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The original zombie films had nothing to do with gore or the consumption of human beings. The rules for the original zombie films can be traced back to Henry Francis Downing’s Voodoo from 1914. There were four rules that every single zombie film followed.
Rule 1: The film is set in an exotic, tropical location.
Rule 2: It must have a voo-doo-conscious population that is predominately black.
Rule 3: The plot must involve a sorcerer who is skilled in voodoo.
Rule 4: It must also involve the enslavement of corpses.
Countless films followed these rules, but the most popular is White Zombie from 1932 which starred Bela Lugosi. This film further defined the above rules and was used as the blueprint for zombie films that would follow. During World War II, zombies were brought to mainstream media through zombie comedies. These films followed the four rules laid out above, and had no gore. The most stylistic zombie film to come out of this time was I Walked with a Zombie which was released in 1943 and leaned away from the rules just a little bit. The film still leaned into the supernatural beliefs held by those native to the Caribbean, but there were no deaths due to zombies. It would not be until George Romero entered the conversation that we would see zombie films change forever.
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Romero’s 1968 classic Night of the Living Dead changed zombie films in a way that he never intended. He actually did not consider his film to be a zombie movie because it did not follow the four rules that were still believed to be necessary. He actually called his creatures “ghouls” and said that he was inspired by Richard Matheson’s novel I Am Legend which features plague-created vampires as the antagonists and not zombies. Romero’s “ghouls” were human, but they were reanimated beings that attacked and ate other humans.
This was something that hadn’t really been seen in cinema at this point and took a while for Romero to finally lean into the idea that he had created a zombie film. His new version of zombies removed the horribly racist rules that had been followed for so long. No longer were zombies slaves to white masters, but instead they were humans of all races that were enslaved by infections or unseen forces. Romero’s new zombies have continued to evolve over time and have allowed directors, writers, actors, and makeup artists to explore and create all kinds of new zombies. Zombie films and shows have leaned away from religious undertones and explored topics such as racism, consumerism, government corruption, and overcrowding just to name a few. Without Romero’s reimagining of the zombie, we would not have The Walking Dead, The Last of Us, Zom 100, or any of the other modern-day zombie films, games, or shows.
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History Of The Creature Feature
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Creature features are one of the most least talked about subgenres of horror. These films have also been referred to as monster movies and have been around longer than most of the other subgenres we have. The films lean heavily into folklore and urban legends which in many cases makes them scarier than a film featuring an ax-wielding maniac. For part three of my series, we are going to dive into the history of the creature feature. Make sure you check out parts one and two!
To start, let’s look at what a creature feature actually is. They are defined as a horror film in which one or more monsters play a prominent role. This is a fairly loose definition which is why we have many films such as Jaws that are technically considered horror even though that doesn’t seem like the right classification. One of the most interesting and unique things about creature features is that they evoke a sympathy for the “villain” that you don’t get with most other subgenres of horror. Most of the “monsters” that are featured in these films are innocent creatures that were either brought back to life, removed from their homes, or had their homes invaded by humans who then decided that they are evil. Films like Univeral’s The Mummy from 1932 saw Imhotep resurrected by archaeologists who were then terrified of him. The Creature in The Creature from the Black Lagoon has his home invaded by humans who then attack him. These films are much more complex than many other horror films which is what makes them so special.
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The first creature feature was a German silent film created in 1915. Der Golem “The Monster of Fate” was based loosely on Jewish folklore and saw a clay statue brought to life who went crazy when the women he loved did not reciprocate his affection. After the creation of moving pictures, filmmakers focused heavily on bringing folklore to life which is why most of the monsters we have today can be traced back to folklore and urban legends from around the world. In 1922, another silent German film was released that would lay the blueprint for most of the vampire and werewolf films we have today. Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror was the unauthorized retelling of Bram Stoker’s Dracula and dove into the idea that we could be afraid of ourselves, and sometimes that was scarier than any monster.
The biggest breakthrough for creature features wouldn’t come until eleven years later when American filmmakers started creating their own monsters. In 1933, King Kong was released and took audiences by storm through its use of special effects to make the monster look more real than anything we had seen before. This film is what paved the way for other creature features like 1953’s The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms and 1954’s The Creature from the Black Lagoon. The 1950s saw Japanese filmmakers joining the party when their Kaiju “giant monster” films grabbed Western audiences attention with their larger than life creature, Godzilla. Not only did King Kong and Godzilla lay the groundwork for future creatures, but they also became their own incredible franchises.
Unlike most other subgenres the creature feature has never slowed in popularity. Since they first hit the big screen in 1915, we have had a steady flow of new creatures. Films like Jaws and Jurassic Park stuck to the framework laid by Godzilla and King Kong while films like Dracula followed the framework of Nosferatu. One of the most exciting things about 2024 is that we are seeing a resurgence of the classic monsters with Nosferatu hitting theaters this Christmas, and The Creature from the Black Lagoon, Bride of Frankenstein, and The Wolfman all seeing remakes already in the works. Like the creatures in their films, this subgenre is never going to die.
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History Of Practical Effects
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One of the most important aspects of a film, especially a horror film, is the effects. In recent years, many films have resorted to using CGI for their effects, but some directors have worked to use practical effects instead. Classic horror films are so good because of their use of this method, and when a modern-day film decides to use these effects over CGI, the films are far scarier. There are plenty of examples of practical effects used in horror films, like the bees in Candyman’s mouth in Candyman, the werewolf transformation in An American Werewolf in London, and the chest-bursting scene in Alien. What is typically overlooked when discussing practical effects is their history, so let’s take a quick look at the history of practical effects for part two of my five-part series.
To start, let's talk about what practical effects are. Many of you may have heard the term SFX or special effects since these videos are quite popular on YouTube and TikTok. This would be a great example of a practical effect. Practical effects are any effects created on-set while filming. They use real props, makeup, animatronics, pyrotechnics, and puppets, just to name a few of the things that can be used. In films like 3:10 to Yuma, we see practical effects in the gun fights because all of the effects in the gunfights are created on-set. Another example is Geroge Lucas’ use of a puppet for Master Yoda in many of the Star Wars films. Practical effects do not always result in blood and guts, but they can, like the chest-bursting scene in Alien where Ridley Scott used guts from fish markets and puppets to create the jumpscare. Lon Chaney was also known as “the man with a thousand faces”, and he is considered the pioneer of practical effects. He used incredible makeup techniques to completely transform his appearance, which is what led to his nickname. These techniques would lead to the creation of the Universal monsters, who were all made through the use of costumes or makeup.
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There was no denying the success and impact of practical effects in horror films, but the creation of CGI led to them being pushed out of many films. Many action and adventure films would use CGI to create incredible monsters, but this posed a serious issue for horror films. In a horror film, there is supposed to be suspense, and the unveiling of the monster or villain should be horrifying for both the characters and the audience. Unfortunately, the use of CGI led to scenes where the focus was on the CGI-created character, and all suspense and horror was gone.
The best examples of this are the 2005 film Boogeyman and the 2013 film Mama. Both films were full of suspense, but when the CGI monster was revealed, all fear and suspense were gone. We saw this most in the 2000s to the early 2010s when studios were leaning heavily on filmmakers to use CGI over practical effects. There were even cases where, after the films were done using practical effects, the studios would insist that they be replaced by CGI in post-production. This is what happened to the 2011 remake of The Thing, and it led to a completely disjointed and ridiculous film. Thankfully, filmmakers started pushing back, and since the late 2010s, we have seen a resurgence of practical effects in horror films.
While we will never again live in a time without CGI, it is refreshing to know that filmmakers are finally pushing back and insisting on the use of at least some practical effects. Horror films are supposed to prey on our fears and make us scared in a safe space. The CGI in horror only leads to disappointment and the destruction of otherwise good films.
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Source(s): Dead Talk News
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History Of The Slasher Film
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When most people think of horror films, their minds drift to characters like Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees, and Freddy Krueger. Little do they know that those are actually only a small part of the horror genre, and they are officially classified as slashers. The slasher film is one of the most recognizable subgenres of horror, but few people know the history of the genre. For the month of October, I will be doing a five-part series about the history of the horror genre. For part one, we are going to dive into the history of the slasher film!
To start, let's talk about what a slasher film actually is. A slasher film is a film that follows a serial killer who is the, or one of, the main character(s). The killer has a backstory and a specific victim preference, kills with a specific weapon, and is typically masked. If you think of any classic slasher villain, you can check each of these boxes. The first slasher film was Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho. Not only was this the first film to feature explicit violence, but it was also the first horror film that featured the killer as the main character and gave the killer a backstory. This film led to countless horror films, but we didn’t see another boom in the subgenre until 1978, when John Carpenter gave us Halloween. This film did more for the slasher genre than almost any other film. It was the first film to give structure to a slasher film, but it was also the first to get an immediate sequel and the first to introduce the idea of the “unkillable killer”.
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Halloween led to the golden era of slashers, where we were treated to Friday the 13th, Child’s Play, and A Nightmare on Elm Street. We also got a sequel to Psycho and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. This also led to the golden era of practical effects, which were forced to improve thanks to the creativity and gore being introduced with the new films. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and as the golden era began to fade, we saw the slasher genre dying like so many of their killers’ victims. Too many sequels, remakes, and copies of the classics led to an oversaturation of the genre. Fans began begging for something new, but it would take almost two decades for that to happen.
Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson are horror legends, and they are the saviors of the slasher genre. In 1996, they gave us Scream, which was not only a completely original slasher film but also created the idea of a self-aware slasher movie. While the characters made fun of the “rules” and stereotypes in slasher films, they also created the idea of killing for the purpose of recreating their favorite films. Now, almost three decades since the resurrection of the slasher genre, we find ourselves in another comeback. In the mid-2000s, we saw another over-saturation of slasher films, but in the last few years, we have started seeing writers and directors getting creative with the source material. Films like Fear Street and Terrifier have created entirely unique stories for audiences that were becoming bored. The slasher genre is my favorite movie genre, and I am so excited to see all the new slasher films that are expected to be released in the next few months!
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Source(s): Buzzsaw Magazine
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Upcoming Fall Horror Movies
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We are officially in the grips of fall, which means that new horror films are right around the corner! While not all horror films are released during the fall season, it is when we typically see a boom in their numbers. This year, there are quite a few being released both in theaters and directly to streaming. I have compiled a list of ten releases that I expect to be the most sought-after this spooky season.
10. House Of Spoils
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Blumhouse’s newest film follows a young chef who has finally opened her first restaurant. Along with crippling self-doubt, the chaos of running and working in a restaurant, and a less-than-reputable investor, she must also deal with the spirit of the previous owner, who is trying to sabotage both the chef and her restaurant.
This is a Prime original film and will be released directly to the platform on October 3rd.
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9. Forest Hills
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There is a lot of information about this film available, but it is the last film that actress Shelley Duvall made before she passed away, so it had to be included in the list. The film apparently follows a man who begins to descend into madness after a hiking accident in the Catskills leaves him with a head injury and horrifying nightmares.
The film will be released on October 4th in select theaters.
8. The Curse Of The Necklace
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The Curse of the Necklace stars Henry Thomas, who most will recognize from Haunting of Hill House, as a police detective who steals an antique necklace from the evidence room and gifts it to his estranged wife. Unfortunately, the necklace hides a sinister secret – one that could very well end the lives of the family.
The film is set to release on October 1st directly to video on demand.
7. Family Pack
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6. Hold Your Breath
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Hulu is releasing quite a few horror films this year for their yearly Huluween celebration, and this is one of the first. The film stars Sarah Paulson as a mother living through the horrific Dust Bowl that hit Oklahoma in the 1930s. Not only must she deal with the horrors that face her family during the dust storms, but it seems there may also be a horrifying presence that resides inside one of the storms.
This film looks absolutely terrifying and will hit the streaming platform on October 3rd.
5. Smile 2
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Horror fans have been anxiously awaiting the sequel to 2022’s Smile since the credits began to roll. The sequel follows a pop star who is getting ready to embark on a world tour, but her life is thrown into chaos when her friend kills himself in front of her. As she becomes increasingly overwhelmed by the stress of fame and the nightmares that are following, the singer is forced to make a choice. She can either face her dark past and take back control of her life or wait until her life is destroyed forever.
Smile 2 will hit theaters on October 18.
4. V/H/S/ Beyond
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Most horror fans know about the V/H/S/ franchise and have been excitedly awaiting the newest installment. This seventh installment will focus on sci-fi horror and features the directorial debut of scream queen Kate Siegel. Other notable filmmakers attached to the project are horror legends Justin Long and Mike Flanagan.
V/H/S/ Beyond will hit Shudder on October 4th.
3. Terrifier 3
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I am not a fan of the Terrifier franchise, but I know that fans of Art the Clown have been anxiously awaiting this installment, so I had to include it on the list. Although the film is being released in October, it is actually a Christmas movie. Art the Clown is dressed as Santa Claus and is wreaking his normal brand of havoc and carnage. The film takes place on Christmas Eve and sees many of the characters from the previous film returning.
Terrifier 3 will hit theaters on October 11.
2. Time Cut
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Writer and director Hannah Macpherson, known for slasher-comedy Freaky, is back with what I expect to be one of the most popular films of the season. The film follows a high school student who goes back in time to 2003 when she attempts to stop the serial killer who murdered her sister. The film is described as “Back to the Future meets Scream” which means you know I will be checking it out!
Time Cut will hit Netflix on October 30.
1. Salem’s Lot
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This is the film I am most looking forward to this spooky season! After a long delay, the new adaptation of the popular Stephen King novel is finally getting its release. The film follows a young author who returns home looking for inspiration for his new book only to learn that there is something horrifying happening to the people who live there. I wouldn’t look into this film too much, as many of the synopses online list the twist.
The film will hit Max on October 3rd.
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Source(s): Bloody Disgusting
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Horror Films Everyone Should See At Least Once
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One of the best things about the horror genre is that there is something for everyone. To be honest, though, that can also be one of the worst things about the genre. Because there are so many films that fall into hundreds of subgenres, it can get overwhelming trying to figure out what you should watch. I have compiled a list of the ten horror films that I think everyone should see at least once. I have also included where you can watch them to hopefully make it a bit easier when choosing your next movie for movie night. (Side note: After finishing this article, I watched The Autopsy of Jane Doe on Netflix, and it definitely belongs somewhere on this list. If you want to watch one of the most fascinating and unique horror films of all time, then you need to check this one out!)
10. 'The Shining' (1980)
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The Shining should be on everyone's list of horror movies to see in their lifetime. The film is a masterpiece of writing, directing, and cinematography. Although there is a lot of controversy around the making of the film and the treatment of Shelley Duvall, it is still a film that needs to be seen. Jack Nicholson is a genius in this film with his portrayal of a man slowly losing his mind, and the ending of the film is one of the greatest twists in horror.
The Shining is available to rent on Amazon Prime.
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9. 'The Others' (2001)
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I feel like this is a film that most horror fans know of but many people haven’t seen. The film itself isn’t why I put it on the list. Nicole Kidman is phenomenal in this, and the cinematography is stunning, but the best thing about this film is the twist. You will never see it coming, and once you know the twist, you can’t help but want to watch it again to see what you missed. This is one of the few films where knowing the twist makes the second watch better because it completely changes the film and every shadow you see on the wall.
The Others is available to rent on Amazon Prime.
8. 'Poltergeist' (1982)
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Poltergeist is a classic, and for good reason. It is one of the best supernatural horror films of all time. You can watch this movie a hundred times and never get tired of it or get used to the jump-scares. The acting in this film is the best thing about it because you feel the fear that the family is feeling. The actors went above and beyond with their portrayals of the family and the scientists who came in to help. I would definitely recommend skipping the sequel, though, because it is horrible.
Poltergeist is available to rent on Amazon Prime.
7. 'Jaws' (1975)
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I do not consider Jaws a horror film because I love sharks, but I know that it technically is one, so I had to put it on this list. This film not only had a massive impact on the film industry by reigniting fans’ love of creature features, but it also changed the world. Unfortunately, the film led to many people becoming terrified of sharks and many sharks being murdered because of the film. However, the film also inspired many fans to become marine biologists, and it is one of the reasons that we have so many shark scientists today. The shark in this film is one of the best things about it because they chose to use an animatronic representation rather than CGI, which added to the scare factor of the film.
Jaws is available to stream on Netflix.
6. 'A Nightmare On Elm Street' (1984)
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A Nightmare on Elm Street is a classic for a reason. This film has everything you could want in a horror film and more. Robert Englund is a master at his craft, and when you put him and Wes Craven together, you are guaranteed to have a good time. Freddy is a terrifying villain, but the best thing about him is his one-liners. They always hit at just the right moment, and they add dark humor to the otherwise horrifying scene.
A Nightmare on Elm Street is available to rent on Amazon Prime.
5. 'Trick ‘r Treat' (2007)
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Trick ‘r Treat is one of the best horror films I have ever seen! It is structured like an anthology but strays away from that structure at the end of the film when it shows you how every single story is connected. The main character, Sam, is so cute and terrifying, but what makes him so great is that he never speaks! You form a bond with this character without ever hearing a word from him. The casting for this film is also spectacular, and it has just the right amount of jump scares and gore without going too far.
Trick ‘r Treat is available to stream on Max.
4. 'The Grudge' (2004)
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This is an American reimagining of the hugely popular Japanese film Ju-on: The Grudge. I have seen both the American and Japanese versions, and for once, the American version is better than the original film. This is a great introduction to foreign horror because while it was made in the US, it kept the Japanese actress for Kayako from the original film, is set in Japan, and has a writing and directing style that is more reflective of the Japanese style than the American horror genre we are accustomed to. The film is also great if you are looking for something with very little gore that is more unsettling than horrifying. This film explores domestic violence in a very real way, so I wanted to add a quick trigger warning for that.
The Grudge is available to stream on Peacock.
3. 'Creature From The Black Lagoon' (1954)
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This is not only my favorite classic horror film; it is my favorite classic film. I love classic movies, and this one has everything you could possibly want. The Creature’s costume in this film is mind-blowingly beautiful and realistic, especially taking into consideration when it was made. This film is smart, which is one of my favorite things about it. The characters are mostly scientists with decisions that are well thought out, and everything they do moves the plot forward. There is also no gore, so it is great for younger horror fans or anyone who just wants a good horror movie without the blood.
Creature from the Black Lagoon is available to rent on Amazon Prime.
2. 'Scream' (1996)
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If you have read many of my articles, then you know how much I love the Scream franchise! I feel like every film in the franchise, except for five, should be on this list, but if you are only going to watch one film from the franchise, it has to be the original. Yes, it is cheesy and goofy, but it is all done on purpose. This film was so important to the slasher genre and the horror genre as a whole because it came at a time when the genre was dying out. Kevin Williamson and Wes Craven created the perfect slasher film that made fun of the stupid rules woven into every slasher up to 1996 while also respecting the genre and creating the second-best slasher of all time. I could spend hours talking about why I love these movies so much!
Scream is available to stream on Max.
1. 'Halloween' (1978)
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The ultimate must-watch horror film for me is, of course, the original Halloween. This film is the definition of perfection. It has jump scares, unsettling atmosphere, humor, a little sex, and plenty of kills. Jamie Lee Curtis is not only introduced to us as an actress, but she also becomes the definition of what a modern-day scream queen should be. This film changed the horror genre forever, and it was done with a small budget and as a way for John Carpenter to show his skill set. This movie was made to act as a visual resume, and instead, it became the blueprint for the perfect slasher film. This is another film and franchise that I could spend hours talking about!
Halloween is available to rent on Amazon Prime.
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Top 5 Final Girls
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The best thing to come out of the horror genre is the final girl. In more modern horror films, we have started getting more final guys as well, but, for this list, I am only going to be looking at final girls. The final girl is not only the last character standing, but she is also the hero of the film. She has defeated the villain and is going to save as many as she can along the way. She may also be either the first person to die in the sequel or she will be the mentor for the next wave of victims. Let’s take a look at five of the best final girls in horror!WARNING!! This article contains spoilers!!
5. The Carpenter Sisters – 'Scream VI' (2023)
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I absolutely love the Scream franchise, and I was pretty nervous about the idea of there being new final girls, but the Carpenter Sisters are great! I hated Scream (2022), so I am only going to be talking about Scream VI. In the newest film, the girls are not only dealing with the trauma of the events from the previous film, but they are also having to deal with the online backlash which is something that we don’t see most final girls having to deal with. It is rare for the final girl(s) to have to deal with the backlash from saving the day, but that is exactly what these sisters are dealing with. I think that adding the social media element helps to move the idea of the final girl into the new generation.
Scream VI is available to stream on Paramount+.
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4. Julie – 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' (1997)
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This film doesn’t get nearly enough attention, and neither does Julie. I feel like when most people talk about final girls they talk about everyone, but Julie which is crazy because she is one of the smartest final girls in the genre. When her friends kill a man and want to cover it up she is the when trying to talk sense into them. She doesn’t go along with them because she thinks it is a good idea, but because she is worried about her own safety when they threaten her. She is also the person making most of the smart decisions when the killer comes after them. I am really excited to see Jennifer Love Hewitt return to this role in the reboot that is rumored to currently be in the works.
I Know What You Did Last Summer is available to rent on Prime Video.
3. Sidney – 'Scream' (1996)
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I feel like Sidney is one of every horror fan’s favorite final girls. Like Julie, she is smart and makes smart decisions for the majority of the film. While I love Scream 1-4 they did do her character dirty after the first film because she starts making some of the dumbest choices that ultimately get multiple people killed. In the first film, she makes all of the right decisions, her character is one of the reasons that the film did so well. I am excited to see where her character goes in Scream VII because in Scream (2022) she is more of an annoyance than anything.
Scream is available to stream on Max.
2. Nancy – 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' (1984)
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Nancy is another character that I feel is on every horror fan’s list because she is just a great character. Unlike Sidney, her character stays smart in movies one and three even though she does end up getting killed. My favorite film with her though is Wes Craven’s New Nightmare because she not only has to be Nancy, but she also has to make the right decisions in the real world when dealing with a villain that should be just in the films. Heather Langenkamp is one of the best horror actresses of all time.
A Nightmare on Elm Street is available to rent on Prime Video.
1. Laurie – 'Halloween' (1978)
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Laurie is an amazing final girl in Halloween 1 and 2, but also in Halloween (2018) and Halloween Kills. She appears in many of the other films in the franchise, but since those are not canon for the main timeline I am leaving them out. Like the other final girls on this list, Laurie is smart, which is something that you don’t get very often in horror films, and especially not in slasher films. She makes the right decisions, but she also doesn’t worry about saving herself. She is more than willing to sacrifice herself to save other people which is one of the reasons that she is my number one choice for this list. I am still furious with the way they did her character in Halloween Ends, but Laurie and Jamie Lee Curtis will forever be my favorite final girl in the genre.
Halloween is available to rent on Prime Video.
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Top 10 Horror Movie Deaths
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While it might seem weird to many to create a list of the best deaths, horror fans know that the deaths and gore are the best part of the film! You might be wondering what makes a horror film death good or bad, so let me break down my criteria. First, the death has to be well placed within the film. I hate any deaths that are simply there to catch the audience off guard (I’m looking at you Scream 2022). Second, the death must fit within the flow of the film. If it is a slasher film then most of the deaths will fall into this, but if it is a slower burn then the placement of the death is vital. Lastly, there must be gore. I love classic horror films that have little to no gore but for this list, these deaths are bloody and sometimes pretty nasty, I have included pictures, so please take this as a trigger warning. So, let’s take a look at 10 of the best horror movie deaths. Oh, and this should go without saying, but SPOILER WARNING!!!!
10. Father Maddox – 'The Exorcist: Believer' (2023)
Image Source: IMDb
I will never understand the hate that this movie got. It was way better than the original Exorcist film, and it had some legitimately terrifying jump scenes. While there were plenty of memorable deaths, the one that sticks out to me the most is the death of Father Maddox. After he refuses to help the families perform the exorcists things go from bad to worse inside the home. When it seems like everything is crashing down he enters the home and things immediately seem to get better, and we begin to hope that the little girls can be saved. Then out of nowhere, the demon Lamashtu that is possessing the girls snaps his neck. It is one of the most jarring scenes in the film.
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9. Tatum – 'Scream' (1996)
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This is one of the most iconic deaths in the Scream franchise. While everyone is enjoying the house party Stu sends his girlfriend Tatum to get more beers from the garage fridge. While out there the door is shut and locked from the outside so she has no way to get into the house except to raise the garage door. Ghostface appears and blocks her escape. At first, she rolls her eyes and thinks that it is Randy trying to play a prank on her. Unfortunately, she quickly learns that she is wrong and when she tries to escape through the dog door in the garage door Ghostface raises the door, breaking her neck against the roof. What is even more sinister is that he leaves her body hanging there and both Sydney and Dewey are forced to see her like that later in the film.
8. Bob Simms – 'Halloween' (1978)
Image Source: IMDb
This is one of Michael’s most iconic kills in the Halloween franchise. After Bob and Lynda have sex upstairs in the Wallace house, he goes downstairs to get them both a beer. The kitchen is dark except for the moonlight shining in through the french doors and when all seems calm Michael bursts out scaring both the viewer and poor Bob. Michael then stabs him so hard that it pins his body to the wall. Rather than leave, Michael stands there doing his iconic head tilt as he watches Bob die. This also leads to one of the funnier moments in the film when Michael puts on a sheet and Bob’s glasses to make himself look like a ghost, and then enters the bedroom where Lynda is waiting.
7. Jennifer Caulfield– 'A Nightmare On Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors' (1987)
Image Source: IMDb
This is easily one of the most iconic kills in the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise. Jennifer is a young patient in the psychiatric ward who dreams of being a movie star. One night while watching TV and doing her best to stay awake she drifts off for a few moments. Unfortunately, that is long enough for Freddy to enter her dream and when she gets close enough to the scream his head pops out of the top, arms pop out of the sides, he grabs her, lifts her in the air, and delivers one his most iconic lines; “Welcome to primetime bitch”. Freddy then slams her head into the TV, killing her.
6. Opening Of 'Ghost Ship' (2002)
Image Source: IMDb
This is one of the worst horror films I have ever seen, but no kill list would be complete without the opening of this film. I don’t think any other horror film has this many kills in one scene. The film opens with pink cursive writing telling you the name of the film while beautiful music plays. As the camera gets closer to the ship we see crew members and guests mingling around the ship and dancing under the stars. The captain begins dancing with a little girl and you are wondering if you put in the wrong movie. Then, a hand moves a lever and the music begins to change as a steel wire begins quickly moving along a wheel. We see that the wire is lining the dance floor and the music continues to get more imposing. The wire snaps and slices through the crowd, but instead of chaos everything gets eerily quiet before body parts begin to drop to the floor. The only person that survived was the young girl who was too short for the wire to reach. This scene is jarring and perfectly sets the scene for the rest of the film.
5. Emma – 'Trick ‘r Treat' (2007)
Image Source: IMDb
Trick ‘r Treat is one of my favorite horror films, and there are so many great kills! I had to go with Sam’s very first kill in the film though because it perfectly sets up the rest of the film. After returning home from a Halloween Party Emma begins blowing out the jack-o-lanterns and taking down the decorations. Her husband warns her not to because it breaks the rules of Halloween, but scoffs at him and starts taking them down anyways. After a few minutes Sam launches out of the decorations at her, and we see blood spatter the white sheet ghosts. A little while later her husband comes outside looking for her only to find that her body has been chopped apart and hung like decorations on their trees. Her head has been turned into a jack-o-lantern and put under one of the sheets.
4. The Route 23 Logging Disaster – 'Final Destination 2' (2003)
Image Source: IMDb
If you are a millennial then you know this scene all too well, and you still refuse to drive behind a logging truck. While on her way to Florida with her friends for spring break our main character has a premonition about a catastrophic logging disaster that takes the lives of many people. In a panic, she stalls her car on the entrance ramp resulting in many of the people she saw dying being unable to enter the road. While talking to a police officer the pile-up occurs just as she saw it except for the people who were stuck behind her on the ramp. Her car is hit by a car carrier killing her friends, but the officer is able to save her at the last minute. This scene is not only terrifying, but it also scarred an entire generation of people.
3. Lewis Romero – 'Final Destination 3' (2006)
Image Source: IMDb
The Final Destination films have some of the craziest deaths of any horror franchise, but this one may take the cake! After surviving a roller coaster derailment at the beginning of the film Lewis is training harder than ever to ensure that his football career continues exactly as it should. While working out and declaring the death fears him a domino effect occurs in the weight room resulting in two swords falling and cutting the cords on his weight machine. He isn’t harmed so he believes that death can’t get to him, and he lifts the weights only for them to swing down and crush his head. After seeing this movie it took me a long time before I was willing to touch another weight machine.
2. Karen Nelson – 'Halloween Kills' (2021)
Image Source: IMDb
This is one of the most flawlessly filmed and expertly written deaths in any horror film. The only reason it isn’t number one is because nothing can compete with the number one pick. At the end of the film, many believe that they have finally destroyed Michael. Karen, Laurie Strode’s daughter, had led the trap that “captured” Michael, and she had been the one to remove his mask and tauntingly hold it up to him. While in Judith Myer’s old room, Michael appears behind Karen and kills her in a shot-for-shot replica of how he killed his sister in the same room at the beginning of the original Halloween film.
1. Glen Lantz – 'A Nightmare On Elm Street' (1984)
Image Source: IMDb
This is the most iconic horror death of all time, and it is not even close. After the deaths of their friends at the hands of Freddy Krueger, Glen and his girlfriend Nancy are doing everything they can to stay awake and form a plan to stop the killer. Unfortunately, Glen falls asleep and Freddy is more than happy to make him his next victim. Glen’s waterbed opens up and Freddy pulls him creating a geyser of blood that Glen’s mom then walks in and sees. This death was ahead of its time and had some of the best graphics of the 80s.
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10 Horror Films That Are Worth The Hype
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We have already discussed horror films that are over and under-hyped, but that doesn’t mean that every horror film falls into one of these groups. There are plenty of fantastic horror films that get all the hype they truly deserve! For the finale of this series, let’s take a look at 10 horror films that are worth 100% of the hype that they get.
10. 'The Shining' (1980)
Image Source: IMDb
This is one of the best horror films of all time, and it deserves all of the hype that it gets. While the making of this film had some serious issues, it does not take away from how outstanding the directing and acting are. This also has one of the best and most satisfying endings in any film ever.
The Shining is available to rent on Amazon Prime.
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9. 'Dracula' (1931)
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This is a timeless classic for a reason. While I prefer the 1992 film with Gary Oldman and Winona Ryder, there is no denying how influential this film was in the creation of the horror genre we have today. Bela Lugosi is a legend for a reason, and the swagger and charm that he brings to the film is why this character has stayed with fans for so long.
Dracula is available to rent on Amazon Prime.
8. 'The Blair Witch Project' (1999)
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This film deserves all of the hype that it gets and more. It not only had one of the best marketing campaigns of all time, but it also created the found footage horror genre that we know today. It wasn’t exactly ethical how they got such great performances from the actors, but it still gave us some of the best horror acting we have ever seen and gave us the best directing in a found-footage horror film.
The Blair Witch Project is available to stream on Amazon Prime.
7. 'IT' (2017)
Image Source: IMDb
I mean absolutely no disrespect to Tim Curry and the original made-for-TV IT, but this film far exceeds the original. The young actors in this film are spectacular, the directing is amazing, and the atmosphere is perfect. This is one of my favorite horror films because of how terrifying it is even when you have seen it a hundred times.
IT is available to rent on Amazon Prime.
6. 'Late Night With The Devil' (2023)
Image Source: IMDb
This film doesn’t get a ton of hype from mainstream horror fans, but it does get a ton from indie horror fans. It is ridiculous how little marketing this film got because if more people knew about it, it would be one of the most popular horror films of the last decade. The ending of this movie is terrible, but even that can’t take away from how amazing the rest of the film is. It feels like you are watching a documentary and a found footage film all in one which is not something I have ever seen before. The acting is amazing, and it has some of the best directing we have gotten in a long time.
Late Night with the Devil is available to rent on Apple TV.
5. 'Fear Street' Trilogy (2021)
Image Source: IMDb
I grew up with these books, so I was ecstatic when it was announced that we were getting a trilogy. These films don’t only get hype from horror fans, but also from fans of the original novels. The decision to use the entire series of books as inspiration rather than focusing on just one book was pure genius. The writing and directing of these films are incredible, but it is really the acting of the young actors that makes them so great!
The Fear Street Trilogy is available to stream on Netflix.
4. 'A Nightmare On Elm Street' (1984)
Image Source: IMDb
This film is a classic for a reason. Robert Englund created a character that is not only larger than life but one that will never be able to be portrayed by any other actor. The film itself is a masterclass of acting, writing, and directing, but it is Englund’s character that truly makes this film so great.
A Nightmare on Elm Street is available to rent on Amazon Prime.
3. 'A Quiet Place' (2018)
Image Source: IMDb
It took me six years to watch this movie because I did not believe that it could possibly live up to all of the hype that it was getting online. I was so wrong! This film is absolutely spectacular and easily one of the best horror films of all time. It is a completely original idea which is rare in the horror genre these days, and the acting is spectacular. One of the best things though is the atmosphere and how it plays a vital role throughout the film.
A Quiet Place is available to stream on Paramount +.
2. 'Halloween' (1978)
Image Source: IMDb
This is one of the best horror franchises of all time, and I am so glad that social media has helped it get even more hype than it already had. The acting and atmosphere of this film are really what make it so great, but you would be hard-pressed to find anything wrong with the film.
Halloween is available to rent on Amazon Prime.
1. 'Scream' (1996)
Image Source: IMDb
This is not only the best horror franchise of all time, but it is also one of the best horror films. Not only did this film breathe new life into the dying slasher genre, but it also created an entirely new subgenre of slasher comedies. There is not enough space for me to list all of the things that I love about this film, but it is definitely worth all of the hype that it gets.
Scream is available to stream on Max.
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10 Horror Films That Don’t Get Enough Hype
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In recent decades, the horror genre has become oversaturated with content. While some of that content is great and has introduced us to up-and-coming directors like Oz Perkins and Mike Flanagan, so much of the content is falling to the back. Since we have already explored some of the most over-hyped horror films, part two of this series is going to take a look at 10 horror films that do not get enough hype!
10. 'Renfield' (2023)
Image Source: Forbes
This movie did pretty terribly at the box office, but I love it! Nicolas Cage and Nicholas Hoult have incredible on-screen chemistry, and the entire film is a blast from start to finish. Reimaginings of classic horror stories have been falling flat in recent years, but this modern take on Dracula was not only unique but also perfectly written and directed. The film is campy but in the best possible way, and it leaves you wanting more from these characters.
Renfield is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
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9. 'The Invisible Man' (2020)
Image Source: GQ
This is another modern reimagining that was done perfectly. Elizabeth Moss gives a masterclass on acting in this film, and you feel her terror and frustration evolve throughout the film. Like Renfield, this film took a classic story and expertly turned it into something new that would be terrifying to new audiences. This movie doesn’t get enough attention, but I blame that on the fact that it came out at the beginning of the pandemic.
The Invisible Man is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
8. 'House On Haunted Hill' (1959)
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This is one of the best classic horror films of all time. I’m not sure why this film gets so little attention because it stars Vincent Price in his prime, and it has some legitimate jump scares which most classic horror movies can’t say. This film is definitely campy, but it is perfectly done and the overall atmosphere of the film is perfect. There is an atrocious remake that came out in the late 90s that most people think of when they see this title, so make sure that you watch the black and white film!
House on Haunted Hill is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
7. 'Sleepy Hollow' (1999)
Image Source: IMDb
It is truly mind-boggling to me that this film isn’t on every horror fan’s watchlist. Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci are spectacular and have some of the best on-screen chemistry I have ever seen. This film takes the classic story of the Headless Horseman and makes it scary and sexy. If you are looking for the perfect film to get you in the spooky season mood, this is it!
Sleepy Hollow is available to stream on Paramount +.
6. 'Constantine' (2005)
Image Source: IMDb
This film has started to get more hype since Keanu Reeves announced that we were finally getting a sequel, but it has been criminally underrated for the last almost two decades. The cinematography of this film is the best you will ever see in a horror film. It is haunting, horrifying, and somehow also stunningly beautiful. Keanu is at his best in the titular role, and the directing is spectacular.
Constantine is available to stream on Peacock.
5. 'Creature From The Black Lagoon' (1954)
Image Source: IMDb
This is the best classic creature feature of all time, in my opinion. It has more heart than most other films in this subgenre, and the creature is a character that you are rooting for from the very beginning. I will never understand why films like Frankenstein and The Wolfman are praised while this Universal monster seems to stay hidden in the dark.
Creature from the Black Lagoon is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.
4. 'Halloween Kills' (2021)
Image Source: IMDb
This film received a lot of hate within the horror community which makes no sense to me because it was spectacular. I have never seen a horror film that expertly blended the current political climate with a classic story, but this one did it and left me with chills. It was hard to decide if you were more afraid of the people or Michael, and that is not something you can say about any other horror film.
Halloween Kills is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.
3. 'Trick ‘r Treat' (2007)
Image Source: IMDb
I will admit that this film is pretty widely known within the horror community, but it does not receive anywhere near enough hype. This is one of the most unique films I have ever seen, and I love that the creators found a way to breathe new life into the anthology format. The directing, casting, and acting are flawless, and I really wish more people talked about this film.
Trick ‘r Treat is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.
2. 'The Grudge' (2004)
Image Source: IMDb
I have a feeling that this may be the most controversial movie on this list. Most horror fans hate American remakes of Asian horror films, but in this case, the American remake was better than the original film. The best thing about this movie is that some of the actors from the original film were brought in, and it is not a perfect remake. The American film has a completely different story structure, and it is far scarier and more unsettling than the original film.
The Grudge is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
1. 'Poltergeist' (1982)
Image Source: IMDb
This is one of my favorite horror films of all time, and I cannot wrap my head around the fact that it is not talked about more. I know that the late 70s and early 80s were a hub for great horror movies, but this film deserves a spot on the list of best horror films. There is so much about this film that I love, but the very best thing about it is the phenomenal acting by the entire cast. The kids in the film hold their own, and the on-screen chemistry with the family is pure perfection.
Poltergeist is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.
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'Longlegs' Has The Best Horror Marketing Campaign Of The Last Decade
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Unless you have been living under a rock then you have probably heard about the upcoming horror film Longlegs. The film’s marketing team has been working overtime to make sure that everyone knows about and is dying to see this film when it releases. Summer horror movies that are not based around the season itself don’t typically get much excitement from crowds who would typically prefer to watch this genre during the spooky season. This film’s marketing team has guaranteed that their film will not fall prey to this mindset. Let’s take a look at Longlegs’ phenomenal marketing campaign thus far and discuss what might be coming next!
Longlegs is the newest film from director Osgood Perkins and NEON studio. The official synopsis says that the film follows new FBI recruit Agent Lee Harker as she takes on a serial killer case that has been stumping local and federal law enforcement for more than three decades. What were originally believed to be murder-suicides are soon connected to a sinister being known only as Longlegs that Agent Harker learns has a personal connection to her past. The film stars Nicolas Cage as the titular character and Maika Monroe as the young agent.
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The film’s marketing team began their campaign with horrifying posters that gave nothing away about the film other than that it was guaranteed to terrify audiences. Next came short teaser trailers that were hauntingly creepy. Each of the teasers was roughly 30-40 seconds in length and featured titles such as “Every year there is another”, “We’ve been waiting for her”, and “Remember to say your prayers.” Social media was abuzz talking about the teasers and trying to decipher the seemingly random codes that were featured in each. You can check out one of these trailers below. Once the full-length trailer dropped, it was all any horror fan could talk about. The trailer was terrifying, and thought-provoking, and unlike most modern horror trailers, it left us wondering what the film was about.
Fans were surprised to learn that there was a new billboard in Los Angeles for the film that featured a mysterious phone number. When you called the number, you were treated to a pre-recorded message from Longlegs that sent shivers down my spine! If you want to call the number yourself it is 458-666-4355. Now, the newest addition to the marketing campaign was an ad in The Seattle Times that when deciphered sent fans to a horrifying website. The site featured the case files and crime scene photos of every murder-suicide the authorities knew about that also had a letter from Longlegs left at the scene.
The site sets fans up to be as involved as the FBI agents when they finally go into the film later this week. The most mysterious aspect though is that the site tells fans to check back on Monday, July 8, and then includes three lines of coded messages. Fans have been trying to decipher these codes since the site went live, but so far none have been able to fully crack it. If you would like to see the site yourself, you can do so at thebirthdaymurders.net. Please note that there is a major trigger warning for this website! It features crime scene photos and graphic descriptions of the crimes. Although these are fictional crimes, the content can be triggering.
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We are now left wondering what could be happening on Monday, and if the marketing team can create anything better than what they have already given us. You can check out the trailer for the film below and make sure that you get tickets to see Longlegs hitting theaters on Friday, July 12.
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5 Of The Most Overhyped Horror Movies
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If you have spent any time on BookTok then you have probably seen the trend where creators list the books that they feel are the most overhyped, underhyped, and deserving of the hype. I thought it would be fun to do this trend but with horror content. With so many new and classic horror films, some of them are inevitably going to be way overhyped, so let’s take a look at 5 of them!
5. 'The Cabin in the Woods' (2011)
Image Source: IMDb
I was really excited to watch this film when it first came out because it has a great cast led by Chris Hemsworth. The entire idea behind the film is to add a twist to the use of horror film stereotypes. Unfortunately, the entire film fell flat, and while the final scene has an air of dark humor, it ultimately leaves you wishing you could get those two hours back. Although the gore in this film is great and the idea interesting, it was nothing to rave about, so it really surprises me that this film is constantly raved about on social media.
If you want to check the film out for yourself, it is available to stream on Peacock.
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4. 'Sleepaway Camp' (1983)
Image Source: IMDb
The only reason that I can see this movie getting any hype is the twist at the end and the nostalgia for people who grew up with this movie. It’s a horribly written and directed film, but that isn’t even the worst thing about this movie. The disgusting use of predatory behavior by the adults in the film is a line that is hard to cross in horror, but this film does it. I only made it about halfway through this film before I had to turn it off because the sexually tense scenes with the young main character were too much.
If you want to check the film out for yourself, it is available to stream on Peacock.
3. 'The Exorcist' (1973)
Image Source: Rolling Stone
I wish I could say that I understand the hype around The Exorcist, but I can’t. I am a huge fan of classic horror films, and with many of my favorites being from the golden decades of film like the 40s, I had really high expectations for this film. Not only was this movie poorly written and directed, but it was so boring which wasn’t the experience I was expecting for the “scariest film ever made”. My husband and I paused the movie more than once to check on how long it had left because a two-hour film genuinely felt like it had been on for close to three or four hours by the time the credits finally rolled. I guess nostalgia could play a role in the hype, but there are so many other horror films that came out around the same time that were significantly better.
If you want to check the film out for yourself, it is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.
2. 'Halloween Ends' (2022)
Image Source: Variety
I do not understand the hype around this film at all. I did a full review of the film when it first came out and most Halloween fans agreed that this film was atrocious. Now that it has been almost two years since the film’s release it has gained a cult following and taken HorrorTok by storm. The film was poorly written and spit in the face of John Carpenter and everything that Michael Myers had become.
If you want to check the film out for yourself, it is available to stream on Hulu.
1. 'Terrifier' (2016)
Image Source: IMDb
I am not including the second film in this because I have not seen it, and I want to be fair. Terrifier has the biggest following of any new horror film and is known for causing people to pass out, throw up, and even have to leave the screenings due to the amount of gore. I typically love gore, so I was really excited to check this one out. Unfortunately, this film was terrible! I only made it through roughly half of the film before I turned it off. The gore was laughable, the writing was terrible, and the acting was even worse. I will never understand the obsession with this film.
If you want to check the film out for yourself, it is available to stream on Peacock.
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