As a child of the ’90s, I can vividly remember the thrill and excitement that came with watching B-movies and cult classics. Among them, three films stand out as absolute knockouts: The Blob, The Fly, and The Craft. Each one offers a unique blend of terror, suspense, and intrigue that has left an indelible mark on my film-loving heart.
As Halloween approaches, enthusiasts eagerly seek out some top-notch scary films to immerse themselves in the eerie mood of the season. Notably, some of the most iconic and long-lasting movies reside within the chilling genre, featuring timeless masterpieces such as The Shining, Dracula, and Child’s Play. These cinematic gems continue to captivate audiences with their memorable antagonists, foreboding settings, and heart-pounding horror elements.
A significant number of these cherished classics are slated to appear or will soon be available on streaming services in anticipation of the fall season and upcoming holidays. This includes ’90s cult favorites such as The Craft, timeless Universal Monster Movies like Frankenstein and The Invisible Man, and the everlasting horror phenomenon The Exorcist, which are all must-watch films for enthusiasts of this captivating genre.
Here are 13 classic horror movies that are on streaming just in time for Halloween.
13 The Invisible Man
Stream on Prime Video
The 1933 science fiction horror movie titled The Invisible Man, inspired by H.G. Wells’ novel, narrates the tale of the brilliant scientist Dr. Jack Griffin (Claude Rains). After discovering a formula to become invisible, he descends into chaos and insanity, resulting in a terrifying and lethal chain of events.
When Jack’s loving fiancee, Flora Cranley (Gloria Stuart), and his wise ex-mentor, Dr. Cranley (Henry Travers), discover that the concoction is causing Jack to become aggressive and mentally unstable, they decide to work together to put an end to Jack’s destructive rampage.
A Trailblazing Blend of Sci-Fi & Horror
During the 1930s, a multitude of Universal Monster Movies were unveiled, and among them was “The Invisible Man,” which shared the silver screen with other timeless horror masterpieces such as “Dracula,” “Frankenstein,” and “Bride of Frankenstein,” all making their debut in the same ominous decade.
The Wells adaptation received widespread acclaim for its pioneering visual effects, heart-stopping plot, and Rain’s remarkable portrayal of the psychopathic villain, and since the initial release of The Invisible Man 91 years ago, this chilling movie has given rise to multiple sequels and reimaginings, solidifying its position as a classic in the realm of science fiction and horror.
12 Child’s Play
Stream on Peacock
After the release of the 1988 horror film “Child’s Play,” children worldwide began to view their toys differently due to the introduction of the menacing character Chucky, a demonic serial killer whose spirit got trapped in a Good Guy doll after being fatally shot. The bloodthirsty Chucky caused chaos for an unsuspecting single mother named Karen and her six-year-old son Andy, who tried to warn others about the possessed doll and eventually sought help from a tenacious detective.
An Undisputed Pop Culture Icon
The movie “Child’s Play” was successful on multiple fronts, earning critical acclaim as well as significant box office returns. It was particularly lauded for its innovative antagonist, intense violence and gore, and skillful puppetry, which gave rise to a terrifying character that is now widely recognized as a horror legend and a cornerstone of pop culture.
The incredible popularity of Child’s Play sparked a beloved film series encompassing numerous sequels, a remake, and a television adaptation. The sinister villain and long-lasting horror saga remain chilling entertainments that instill dread and fear in viewers from all age groups.
11 Frankenstein
Stream on Peacock
The 1931 film “Frankenstein” features Boris Karloff as the iconic monster, a being brought to life by the insane scientist Henry Frankenstein (Colin Clive) and his hunchbacked assistant Fritz, constructed from parts of the dead. Once activated, this imposing and powerful creature breaks free from the lab and wreaks havoc on a nearby village. This forces Henry Frankenstein to confront the monstrosity he created.
Karloff’s Transcending Performance
The movie “Frankenstein” came out as the eagerly awaited sequel to the timeless masterpiece “Dracula” (both premiering in the same year). Initially, Bela Lugosi was intended to portray the title character; however, he declined the role after failing to secure the part of Henry Frankenstein, a role he desired. According to reports, Lugosi expressed his disappointment about this casting decision.
“I was a star in my country and I will not be a scarecrow over here!”
After Karloff assumed the role of the famous Monster, it’s no surprise that the story unfolded as we know it today – Frankenstein became a celebrated cinematic masterpiece, and Karloff earned legendary status in Hollywood. Over the subsequent years, numerous sequels, adaptations, and reinterpretations were produced.
10 The Exorcist
Stream on Max
Unquestionably, one of the most terrifying and disquieting horror movies ever shown on the big screen is none other than William Friedkin’s 1973 supernatural horror masterpiece, “The Exorcist.” This film is renowned for its gripping tale of the chilling possession of 12-year-old Regan MacNeil (played by Linda Blair). The demonic entity Pazuzu inexplicably haunts and torments her, causing her to speak in unknown languages and levitate. Her distraught mother Chris (Ellen Burstyn) is forced to seek help from two Catholic priests, who perform an exorcism on Regan in a desperate attempt to save her.
The Exorcist Causes Widespread Controversy
The movie adaptation of “The Exorcist,” following William Peter Blatty’s novel, undeniably stirred a great deal of commotion upon its release, as moviegoers braved cold, freezing temperatures for hours just to catch a glimpse of the contentious film that sparked outrage among religious organizations.
Hardly anyone could ever forget the chilling spectacle where Regan’s head spun rapidly in a full circle, followed by her violent expulsion of contents and other unsettling instances such as scaling a staircase like a spider and a nerve-wracking encounter with a crucifix. Even after more than half a century, The Exorcist continues to unnerve viewers due to its groundbreaking visuals and terrifying demonic adversary.
9 The Mummy
Stream on Prime Video
In the 1930s, Universal Pictures’ main male star, Boris Karloff, took on the role of another iconic movie antagonist: Imhotep. This character was originally an ancient Egyptian high priest who, after attempting to resurrect his loved one Anck-es-en-Amon, was buried alive and mummified. Fast forward a few centuries, and Imhotep is accidentally reanimated when a British archaeologist reads an old scroll imbued with life force. As the undead mummy, he embarks on a quest to find the reincarnation of his lost love, Helen Grosvenor (played by Zita Johann).
Universal Continues to Dominate Hollywood
Despite not quite reaching the monumental success of its legendary forerunners, “Dracula” and “Frankenstein,” “The Mummy” still proved to be a box office triumph for Universal Pictures. This classic tale of an ancient adversary sparked numerous reinventions, with movies like “The Mummy’s Hand,” “The Mummy’s Curse,” and the hilarious horror-comedy hybrid “Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy” being produced in subsequent years. In 1999, Imhotep graced our screens once more in a remake titled simply “The Mummy,” starring Arnold Vosloo as the mummified monster. This film not only breathed new life into the horror genre but also revitalized the spirit of the ’30s cinema.
8 Candyman
Stream on Peacock
Drawing inspiration from Clive Barker’s short tale “The Forbidden,” the 1992 film Candyman introduced cinematically the hook-handed title villain, a spectral antagonist who was once an African-American artist, tragically murdered due to his interracial relationship. Over time, he transformed into a chilling urban legend among Chicago residents.
Summoning the character known as Candyman, portrayed by Tony Todd, can be achieved by repeating his name five times while standing before a mirror. Once summoned, he embarks on a violent rampage, with his primary target being graduate student Helen Lyle, played by Virginia Madsen.
An Urban Legend Classic
Todd created the background story for his character in the successful horror film and was excited about collaborating with director Bernard Rose, even though his role required multiple bee stings. The actor himself admitted this.
“I’ve always wanted to find my own personal
Phantom of the Opera.
“
Initially, Eddie Murphy was the preferred actor for the antagonist role in “Candyman,” but the studio couldn’t meet his fees. Consequently, the tall, formidable six-foot-five Todd ended up playing the vengeful spirit seeking revenge instead. Known as a horror movie masterpiece, “Candyman” has spawned three successful sequels based on this haunting urban legend.
7 The Wolf Man
Stream on Prime Video
Among the cherished titles in the collection of Universal Monsters films lies the 1941 gothic horror movie, The Wolf Man, featuring Lon Chaney Jr. as Lawrence “Larry” Talbot. Following his brother’s unexpected demise, Larry decides to reconnect with his distant father in Wales and, upon his return, encounters a werewolf that bites him in the chest during an altercation. As the story unfolds, he seeks advice from a knowledgeable fortune teller who reveals that he has transformed into the legendary beast and is now under a curse as a consequence of the violent incident.
Chaney’s Admirable Commitment to the Character
To achieve the iconic werewolf appearance for the character Chaney portrayed, the actor endured a lengthy makeup procedure that required approximately five to six hours to apply and remove, and during filming, he had to remain still for extended periods as scenes were shot individually. The makeup and visual effects in the movie The Wolf Man received critical acclaim upon its release, with Larry’s werewolf form and spine-tingling transformation leaving a lasting impact on subsequent portrayals of the legendary beast, many drawing inspiration from the 1940s masterpiece.
6 The Shining
Stream on Max
Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 horror masterpiece, titled “The Shining“, is a film based on Stephen King’s renowned novel. It follows Jack Torrance (played by Jack Nicholson), a writer transformed into a caretaker, as he takes up a position to look after the isolated Overlook Hotel nestled in the Colorado Rockies during winter. Along with his reluctant wife Wendy (Shelley Duvall) and psychic son Danny (Danny Lloyd), Jack uncovers the hotel’s ominous past and hidden mysteries, driving him towards the edge of mental breakdown.
A Major Horror Movie Triumph
In simpler terms, Nicolson’s eccentric portrayal of Torrance was highly appreciated by critics, as was Duvall’s heartfelt depiction of a desperate woman battling for survival in a snowy, isolated setting. The suspenseful environment and unsettling visuals were also commended, although there were criticisms, even from King himself, regarding Kubrick’s departure from the original novel’s storyline.
Despite initial opinions, The Shining has been reappraised and is now widely regarded as one of the top horror films ever made. It consistently appears on lists of the best horror movies, such as ranking number two on Time Out’s “The 100 Best Horror Movies” and AFI’s “100 Years… 100 Heroes & Villains.
5 Dracula
Stream on Prime Video
In a groundbreaking shift for the horror genre, Bela Lugosi solidified his status as a horror legend by portraying Count Dracula in the pathbreaking film “Dracula” (1931), a cinematic interpretation of Bram Stoker’s renowned literary work. The story revolves around Count Dracula, a vampire who journeys from Transylvania to London to quench his thirst for blood and convert his female victims into his own kind. He develops an interest in the beautiful Mina, the fiancée of Jonathan Harker, while drawing the ire of the vampire-hunter Van Helsing.
Lugosi’s Iconic Vampire Portrayal
After delivering an unforgettable performance as the iconic vampire character, Lugosi achieved unprecedented fame, a status that not only cemented him as a cultural legend but also solidified the image of the bloodthirsty villain in popular culture. Furthermore, this film served as a benchmark for all future portrayals of vampires.
Nearly a century after it initially sent shivers down viewers’ spines, the classic horror film, Dracula, continues to hold significance and inspire other works in the movie industry. This chilling production played a pivotal role in the rise of Universal Monster Movies’ dominance in Hollywood during the 1930s and ’40s, as it paved the way for subsequent successful films such as Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, and The Invisible Man.
4 Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein
Stream on Prime Video
For those who enjoy a heaping dose of humor with their horror flicks need not look further than 1948’s Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, which follows the adored duo as they find themselves crossing paths with not only Frankenstein’s monster but also Count Dracula and The Wolf Man. The comedy legends appear as railway baggage handlers who become swept up in a terrifying scheme to reactivate the towering, grotesque monster, with Dracula and the nefarious Dr Sandra Mornay hilariously targeting the brain of Wilber Grey (Costello).
Winning Blend of Comedy & Horror
The film titled “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein” initiated the duo’s collaboration with Universal Pictures in the horror genre. Its remarkable financial success and favorable audience response encouraged further movies like “Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man ” and “Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde“. The joy of witnessing this hilarious duo tackle horror icons while keeping audiences entertained with humor and antics was truly enjoyable. In 2017, this comedy masterpiece ranked at number 56 on AFI’s “100 Funniest American Movies” list.
3 The Blob
Streaming on Peacock on October 1st
1958 saw the release of an extraordinary sci-fi horror spectacle titled “The Blob,” featuring none other than the charismatic Steven McQueen in his debut leading role. This film chronicles the journey of the legendary Hollywood star as he battles against a voracious amoeba-like alien, which crash-lands in a small town in Pennsylvania. After Steve and Jane, two young lovers, stumble upon a sinister extraterrestrial entity that consumes everything it touches, they strive to protect their community by alerting them of the terrifying danger lurking among them. This menacing creature persistently expands to colossal proportions.
An Epic B-Movie Knockout
On a limited budget of $110,000, the concept for the movie titled “The Blob” was sparked by the strange discovery of star jelly in 1950 Pennsylvania made by two police officers. They were puzzled by the crystal-like purple substance they encountered which left an unusual sticky residue on their hands without any discernible odor.
The movie titled The Blob garnered an impressive $4 million from its theater rentals and later re-releases, solidifying its status as a blockbuster hit and establishing itself as one of the most iconic B-movie monster films in cinema history.
2 The Fly
Streaming on Peacock on October 1st
In 1986, Jeff Goldblum gave a distinctive performance as the unconventional genius scientist, Seth Brundle, in David Cronenberg’s gripping sci-fi horror film titled “The Fly“. This movie was a modern take on both the George Langelaan short story and the ’50s film. The plot revolves around Brundle who develops an innovative teleportation device, but disaster strikes when a housefly unintentionally joins him in the transmission pod. Over time, he starts undergoing a gradual transformation into the insect, ultimately metamorphosing into a grotesque creature.
Goldblum & Cronenberg Make Movie Magic
As a passionate cinephile, I must share that renowned actors such as Pierce Brosnan, John Malkovich, Michael Keaton, and Richard Dreyfuss were on the list for the lead role. However, Cronenberg was resolute in casting Goldblum, primarily because he showed a remarkable readiness to work under layers of heavy prosthetic makeup and wholeheartedly embrace his chilling metamorphosis.
The grotesque final shape of Brundle and the stunning special effects in the horror movie “The Fly” earned it an Academy Award for Best Makeup, leaving audiences worldwide petrified with its chilling tagline “Be afraid. Be very afraid” aptly hinting at the terror that awaited both viewers and Brundle.
1 The Craft
Streaming on Peacock on October 1st
In the 1996 hit movie “The Craft,” four troubled teenagers, including Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell, Robin Tunney, and Rachel True, experiment with witchcraft to gain revenge on their tormentors and improve their social standing. However, this new power leads them down a path of greed, causing disastrous consequences. The film primarily focuses on Sarah (played by Robin Tunney) as she struggles to stop her coven’s destructive actions.
A Bona Fide ’90s Cult Classic
In the 1990s, the popular film “The Craft” ignited renewed interest in depictions of witchcraft across both television and cinema. This movie was praised for infusing a unique twist into the teenage movie genre by introducing darker motifs and elements, leading HuffPost to describe it as an essential part of the ’90s teen film legacy and a cult classic in its own right.
A big success that pleased both critics and viewers, “The Craft” earned over $55 million while only costing $15 million to make, was nominated for Best Horror Film at the Saturn Awards, and in the nearly three decades since its debut has built a dedicated and passionate fanbase.
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2024-09-22 23:32