Horror is one of the categories of films placed firmly in the so-called “genre ghetto”. For those unfamiliar with the term, it refers to the genres that may enjoy a good degree of popularity, but are shunned and ostracized by critics. However, every Halloween, a horror movie comes around that impresses both audience and critics. This list is not for those films. Rather, we are taking a look at the underappreciated spooky pictures that went unnoticed in the 20th century. Some may have garnered a cult classic and some may have been rediscovered. But, the fact remains that these movies could use some more love.
From Dusk till Dawn (1996)
Directed by the absolute king of the Splatterhouse/exploitation genre, Robert Rodriguez, From Dusk till Dawn is one of those films that experienced average success, and soon went forgotten. However, it certainly deserves more recognition.
Set in a small gambling house, two criminals (played by George Clooney and Quentin Tarantino) become stranded after a robbery gone wrong. They play a few hands of poker, meet an old, retired priest, and pontificate the finer points of life. Gambling dens are no longer as popular as they were in the 20th century. In large part thanks to gambling websites like Novibet Roulette, people now no longer need to leave their homes in order to play their favorite games.
From Dusk till Dawn has become somewhat of a cult classic since its release. It gets praised for its stylistic violence, compelling dialogue, and the intriguing twist that we dare not spoil in this article. Give it a watch, just stay away from the terrible sequels.
John Carpenter’s Prince of Darkness
John Carpenter is certainly one of the masters of horror. As a director, he has made a name for himself in the horror genre, with films like Halloween (1978), The Thing (1982), and Inthe Mouth of Madness (1994). However, there is one film that often goes overlooked.
Prince of Darkness was released in 1987, and is the second installment in the “Apocalypse Trilogy”. The film follows the story of three physicists and a priest who discover a strange liquid. They discover the substance is sentient, and soon enough, an even greater mystery unfolds.
Critics have been analyzing the film since its release, attributing numerous different meanings to it. However, it has largely been forgotten in the 21st century. If you are ever in the mood for a moody, atmospheric masterpiece, check out Carpenter’s Prince of Darkness.
The House on Sorority Row (1982)
Mark Rosman’sThe House on Sorority Row is the embodiment of the 80s “slasher”. College girls pull a prank, which goes horribly wrong, and afterward they are stalked by a mysterious, masked psychopath. In terms of formula, the film doesn’t do much to shake it up. That being said, it is a lot of fun. Fans of the slasher genre will certainly enjoy the now cult-classic film. And for those who have never watched a slasher, or don’t know what it is, this film is the perfect place to start.
