13 of the Best Cult Classic Horror Movies
Watch these 13 Cult Classic Horror Films-We Guarantee it Will be a Scream
Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash
Content Warning: some films mentions violence against women such as rape, assault, and murder. Reader’s discretion is advised.
There's something truly special about cult classic horror movies. While sometimes they may not be the most polished or well-made films, they have a certain charm and atmosphere that draws in fans and keeps them coming back for more. Here are 13 of the best cult classic horror movies to get you into the spooky spirit.
1. Jennifer's Body -2009
A cult classic horror film written by Diablo Cody and directed by Karyn Kusama. The movie follows a demonically possessed cheerleader, Jennifer, who starts killing her male classmates.
This dark comedy horror movie did not receive rave reviews upon its release. In fact, critics called the plot lackluster and a "Twilight" for boys. However, the film gained a wave of fans and appreciation over the years as a feminist horror classic. It is personally a Shiblaqbri fav.
2. Child's Play-1988
The supernatural horror film introduced us to Chucky. The movie follows a mother who gifts her son a doll that is possessed by the soul of a serial killer. Would you want to play with Chucky? He will be your friend ‘til the end.
Upon its release, there was a protest calling for this movie to be banned, stating that it would incite violence in children. Despite the film's success, the franchise was blamed for "inspiration" involving murders in the UK. Still, Chucky went on to become one of the most horrific killers in the slasher genre warranting several movies after Child's Play and even a TV series starring only on Peacock.
3. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre-1974
The cult classic slasher film directed by Tobe Hooper. The movie follows a group of friends who are stalked by a family of cannibals. This movie is quite brutal and falsely claimed that it was based on a true story to attract an audience.
Initially, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was banned in several countries but is still marked as one of the most inferential films of all time. The use of power tools as murder weapons was one of the many original slasher elements in the movie.
4. The Exorcist-1973
The cult classic horror film directed by William Friedkin follows a mother who turns to two priests for help when her daughter becomes possessed by a demon. One of the best and most gruesome movies.
The reactions of viewers when watching the film upon release are why this film was seen as so controversial then. Several cities attempted to ban the film and prevent children, who were allowed to view it, from seeing it. The elements of grotesque involving a child and the Catholic Church seem to be the biggest reason this film was so contentious.
5. Psycho-1960
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, the movie follows a woman who is on the run after stealing money from her employer. She checks into a motel and later disappears. Her disappearance is investigated throughout the story and it is suspenseful and worth every minute.
Psycho was one of the first films to use graphic violence and nudity, which stirred up a lot of controversies when it was released. It was even banned in several countries. Despite this, Psycho went on to become one of Hitchcock's most successful films and still holds up today as one of the best cult classic horror films. This is also a Shiblaqbri fav!
6. Night of the Living Dead-1968
The cult classic horror film was written, directed, and produced by George A. Romero. The movie follows a group of people who are trapped in a farmhouse and must fight for their lives against zombies. This gory movie set the standard for a lot of zombie films that followed after it.
Night of the Living Dead was one of the first zombie films and is credited with popularizing the genre. The film was also banned in several countries due to its graphic violence.
7. Vampire in Brooklyn-1995
Directed by Wes Craven the movie follows a vampire who is on the hunt for a woman who he believes is his long-lost bride. One of the best cult classic horror films as it is funny and has some great one-liners.
Vampire in Brooklyn was not well-received upon release and was considered to be one of Wes Craven's worst films. Despite this, the film has gained a cult following over the years and is now considered to be one of his best works.
8. The Last House on the Left-1972
The American exploitation horror film was directed by Wes Craven. The movie follows Mari who is abducted, raped, and tortured by a fugitive family on her birthday. After her assault, the family seeks refuge in Mari's home where her parents seek vengeance.
A lot of the criticism involving this film came from its depiction of violence and the effect it had on the actress, Sandra Peabody who played the main protagonist in the movie. It even sparked protests and calls for the film to be removed from theatres for its displays of violence particularly glorifying violence against women. The request was denied and the movie went on to become a cult classic.
9. Evil Dead-1981
Sam Raimi directed this supernatural horror film that focuses on five college students vacationing in an isolated cabin. After finding a tape recorder that releases demonic mayhem upon them, they are forced to survive the terror.
This was one of the first horror films to use practical effects which made it seem more realistic to viewers leading to controversy when released. It had an X rating and now holds a rating of NC-17 for graphic gore and violence. It is still banned in some countries.
10. The Burning-1981
Tony Maylam directed this American slasher film. The movie follows a group of counselors who are stalked by a vengeful maniac with a pair of shears. Since it involved camp counselors some even dubbed it a "Friday the 13th knock-off".
The Burning was heavily edited to gain an R-rating for theatres due to complaints of increased violence in the media at the time. It was also criticized for being dull and dubbed just another summer camp slasher. However, it has gained a huge cult following since its release.
11. When A Stranger Calls-1979
An American psychological horror film written and directed by Fred Walton and co-written by Steve Fake. It follows the story of Jill–who is babysitting the night she receives a strange call asking if she has checked on the children. It isn’t until she is being harassed by this caller that she begins to worry for not only her life but the children’s too.
Due to the first 20 minutes, this movie gained a huge cult following. It was said to be the scariest opening in movie history at the time. The rest of the film was criticized for its lack of jump scares and boring plot. However, the idea of using the phone, which is typically seen as a symbol of hope and refuge, and turning it into something threatening was very modern.
12. Silent Night, Deadly Night-1984
This psychological slasher film Charles E. Sellier Jr follows a young man named Billy who suffered from post-traumatic stress after witnessing his parent's murder on Christmas Eve. Naturally, this traumatic experience leads him to a killing spree whilst wearing a Santa suit on Christmas.
This film was definitely controversial for its time as it featured a killer wearing a Santa Suit and going around murdering people. It was pulled from theatres one week after release and has since gained a huge cult following.
13. The Rocky Horror Picture Show-1975
This musical comedy horror film was directed by Jim Sharman. The movie follows a couple who gets stranded at the castle of a transvestite scientist, Dr. Frank-N-Furter. One of the best cult classic horror films as it is campy and fun.
This film was not successful when first released in 1975 but developed a cult following when shown as a midnight movie. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is now seen as one of the most significant cult films of all time as it has inspired several stage productions and even a TV series.
These cult classic horror films have definitely withstood the test of time. What is it about cult horror classics that keep us coming back for more? Maybe it’s the fear of the unknown or the suspenseful atmosphere that can make our heart race. Or, maybe it’s simply the feeling of being part of a community – a group of people who share in our love for these spooky movies. Whatever it is, be sure to subscribe so you never miss another spooky post!
Socials:
Discover the most spine-chilling Christmas horror films for all horror aficionados. Get ready to Deck the Halls with Fear this holiday season!