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Top Five Cult Horror Films

This next entry in my "Top Five Horror Film" lists has proven to be extremely difficult, much like my vampires one. Unlike the vampires list, however, it's difficult not because of a lack of interest on my part. While there are so many fun little cult films to choose from, few stand out as really great to me, other than a couple of legendary hits.


What's also made this harder is removing zombies movies. Why would I do such a thing? Because I think zombie movies deserve their own list, that's why. So it's a matter of not just selecting five from a vast quantity of movies, but also the ones that, I feel, best represent this odd little corner of the genre. I'll do my best.

5. C.H.U.D.



A nice mix of classic 1950s sci-fi and gruesome horror. Low budget, and seemingly intentionally cheesy. The film sports an odd cast- two actors from Home Alone and an appearance by John Goodman- goofy effects, and a thoroughly entertaining story. Mutant monsters, created by toxic waste that was dumped underground in Manhattan by the government, terrorize homeless people who live in abandoned subway stations and tunnels. Done with a sense of humor, though.

So why does this one make the list? Because of one scene in particular. Kim Greist finds a dead dog in the basement of her new apartment building. She's terribly frightened, so she calls the cops. Once off the phone, she forgets her troubles and takes a shower. But the drain gets clogged up, so she uses a hanger to unclog it. Bad idea, because blood starts spraying at her. She seems to be in shock, until the next scene when she's drying her hair like nothing's happened. Then a big, horrible, nasty C.H.U.D. breaks in and tries to kill her. It's so silly, but so damn entertaining.

4. Basket Case



This one seems to epitomize the cult horror movie of the 1980s. There's no budget to speak of, the acting is terrible, and the sets are all poorly constructed. Nobody in this movie went on to do anything of note. But it's over the top and creepy.

It makes the list for several reasons. One is that, as I said, it's just a really good example of a classic cult horror movie. Another reason is its mix of stop-motion and puppet work for the character of Belial, the parasitic, half aborted formerly conjoined twin of Duane (who somehow got the better name). But, what I always really appreciated about this movie, is the setting. I'm a sucker for almost any movie that takes place in New York during the 80s. The New York of that time wouldn't have been fun to live in, but it was sure great to look at.

3. Creepshow



One of George Romero's best looking movies, and one of Stephen King's better writing efforts. A great homage to the classic horror comics like Eerie, or Tales from the Crypt. King's writing captured the often campy nature of the stories, and Romero's visuals matched the over-the-top illustrations. And you can't go wrong with that cast, which includes Ed Harris, Leslie Nielsen, Ted Danson, Hal Holbrook, Adrienne Barbeau, and E.G. Marshall. Or Tom Savini's make-up effects.

Creepshow made the cut because it works on every intended level. It's funny, it's scary, it honors the comics that inspired it while still being wholly original. Its got a great visual look, pitch perfect performances, and well crafted effects. It remains one of George Romero's many overlooked films. The man did more than just a few zombie movies, people!

2. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre



For many people, this is the zenith of horror film making. Ridley Scott named it as one of his influences while making the first Alien. Everyone in the world has heard of it, even if they haven't seen it. There's not much I can say about this film that hasn't been said more eloquently by smarter people. Despite a few sub-par sequels (though, I will admit, I enjoy Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 on a certain perverted level), and an atrocious remake, the original has maintained its legendary status, never tarnished by what's come after.

I must confess, however, I wasn't all that impressed with the movie the first time I saw it. I could tell it was well made, but I didn't think it lived up to the hype. It made this list because I kept going back to it. For no other reason than "I guess I could watch that again." It grew on me. It's the ultimate adrenaline movie. Once it gets going, it never lets up.

1. The Evil Dead Trilogy



Yeah, yeah, I'm cheating. I'm putting three movies as my top pick. But, one could argue that its really one movie. Sure, parts of it were shot in different decades, and certain characters were played by three actors, but if you cut the beginning off Evil Dead 2 and splice it to the end of Evil Dead, you have one movie. Do the same with Army of Darkness, you have one really long movie. And now I've fully justified my choice.

The original Evil Dead is sort of special to me. I saw it when I as 14, and before that I had been a very squeamish kid. I had seen Poltergeist only a couple years before, and that had actually scared the bejeezus out of me. I slept next to a closet at the time. It was torture every night going to bed for months (maybe this is why I have insomnia).

So, at 14, sure that I was not a fan of horror movies, I somehow ended up watching a late night showing of the first Evil Dead (hosted by Rob Zombie, no less). I was scared a little, sure. But I was also blown away by it. I loved the visuals. I loved Bruce Campbell's performance. I loved the cheesy effects, and Sam Raimi's obvious intention to ignore the boundaries of good taste. The next day at school, all I was talking about was Evil Dead. I convinced every one of my friends to seek it out. None of them loved it as much as I did. This was when I learned what a cult movie really was.

The sequels go with it because I've never watched them out of order or stand alone. I always watch all three back to back. I do the same with the original Star Wars trilogy. I watch them regularly, I've listened to the commentary tracks numerous times, I've read books on it, I own a couple of the action figures and have the actual theatrical posters for all three. I even have a Japanese import of the trilogy soundtrack.

Some might say these count as zombie movies. I don't. These are straight up horror movies, with ghosts and monsters. What makes them the best cult movies for me? They show what these low budget movies should be all about. Seat-of-your-pants film making, no worries about marketability or merchandising. It's all about making a fun picture, which is all Sam Raimi set out to do, and he succeeded three times.