The 10 Best Horror Movies of 1988

1988 has a long standing reputation as a horror fan favorite, and it is easy to see why. There are a lot of genuine and cult classics contained within it. Most of the movies are of the fun type, but there is some that are intelligent and thought provoking, a few are even both. Also, a lot of masters of the genre, put out some of their finest work. Another thing, and I think this why it appeals to so many fans, it was a great year for franchise horror. This list reflects all of that. In fact, there are so many good movies released this year that, like 1987, I had to do a rather large honorable mention list.

Honorable Mentions:
Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers
Monkey Shines
The Serpent and the Rainbow
Faceless
Pumpkinhead
Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama
Elvira: Mistress of the Dark

10. Hellbound: Hellraiser II- While not as great as the first the one (then again, not many movies are), this is a solid sequel that gets better with time and viewings. It is shockingly gory and gruesome, and also has a high amount of sexuality, especially for a mainstream horror franchise flick. The movie is also highly ambitious for its budget, has some great acting, and is topped with some nightmarish imagery.

9. The Lair of the White Worm- Ken (The Devils, Altered States) Russell's wild horror movie is sexy, fun, funny, and, at times, sacrilegious. It also has great acting, wild FX, and a really awesome climax. Amanda Donohue is wonderfully vampy and tempting as the villianess, while the gorgeous Catherine Oxenberg makes for a tasty good girl.

8. Night of the Demons- This immensely fun possession flick has everything that makes 80s horror awesome. These things being: gore, babes (scream queen extraordinaire Linnea Quigley, Amelia Kinkade as goth babe turned demoness Angela, this site's first ever Horror Crush induction Jill Terashita, and, my personal favorite, Cathy Podewell), nudity (including Podewell, who by showing her ass is one of the few final girls to show skin), great music, takes place on Halloween, demons (well obliviously!), and so much more!

7. Killer Klowns from Outer Space- Creepy (well for those of you with a fear of clowns, anyway), highly imaginative, and thoroughly fun cult classic, it is one of the greatest movies to have evil clowns as the central antagonists (shit it might even be the best one!). The FX are wonderous, wild, and original. This great parody/ tribute to cheesy '50s sci-fi/ horror flicks, is also one of the greatest horror comedies ever made.

6. Phantasm II- While, it isn't the best entry in the franchise (that would, obliviously be the first one), it is the most fun one. And, this is thanks to humor that is actually funny, fun characters, and solid acting. These factors combine with exhilarating action, excellent FX, and some bloody, good gore. The script delivers a solid story, which in terms of horror sequels, is definitely a pleasant surprise. It is, in my very humble opinion, one of the best horror sequels ever made.  

5. Child's Play- This wonderfully imaginative killer doll movie is the first and best in horror's greatest franchise. The practical FX are truly phenomenal and the strong acting further help to elevate the film's quality. Add in some memorable and quotable quotes, the introduction of one of horror's most beloved villains (Chucky, of course!), and a great climax, and you have a true genre classic. 

4. Dead Ringers- David Cronenberg's somber, profoundly chilling, and disturbing classic powerfully mixes psychological horror and drama. The acting by Jeremy Irons is superb, one of the greatest in the entire genre, if we are to be honest. The movie also happens to be visually great. This highly mature classic has a power that stays with you long after it is over, especially thanks to the final shot. Truly one of Cronenberg's best work.

3. They Live- One of his best movie, John Carpenter's classic mix of action, sci-fi, socio-political commentary, and horror only gets better with time and multiple viewings. The scariest thing is that it is even more culturally and politically relevant with the current administration. The movie is also thrilling, smart, and quite funny, with Roddy Piper giving one of the greatest performances by a pro-wrestler ever. And, speaking of which, it is impossible to not mention the awesomeness of the ten minute fight between him and Keith David.

2. Brain Damage- Frank Henelotter is one of my favorite directors, so when I say that this cult classic is his best movie, it is no small praise. This low budget masterpiece is a smart, bloody, and funny allegory for drug addiction. It features great effects, solid acting, and an ingenious plot, on top of being a great looking flick. It's a movie that is head and bloody shoulders ahead of much of its competition.

1. The Blob- Chuck (A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 3: Dream Warriors) Russell's graphic, fast paced, exhilarating, and super fun flick is one of the greatest remakes ever made. The gooey FX are excellent, the gore is plentiful, the acting is solid, and Shawnee Smith is a total babe (and a Horror Crush!). This ass kicking sci-fi/ horror flick makes the perfect companion as a triple feature with The Thing and Aliens (all of which topped their respective years, as well!).

Sorry, if it has been taking longer between posts for this series, but I have had a lot of work, on top of reviews (of which more are coming) that I do for this site. Anyway, what are your favorite horror movies of 1988? Let me know in the comments section below. And, here are the rest of the lists, so far. 

The 10 Best Horror Movies of 1980

The 10 Best Horror Movies of 1981

The 10 Best Horror Movies of 1982

The 10 Best Horror Movies of 1983

The 10 Best Horror Movies of 1984

The 10 Best Horror Movies of 1985

The 10 Best Horror Movies of 1986

The 10 Best Horror Movies of 1987

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Horror Crush: Shawnee Smith

Our latest induction into Horror Crushes is one of my all time biggest crushes (as I am sure she is for many of you). She is also one of the most popular and beloved actresses to ever grace our genre. And, with this also being Women in Horror month, it fells like the perfect time for this induction. She is the breathtakingly gorgeous Shanwee Smith!!

Smith was born on July 3, 1969 in Orangeburg, South Carolina. She has been acting since childhood, starting onstage and getting her first movie role, in the 1982 musical Annie. But, this profile really begins in 1987, with Summer School.

While, not a horror movie in any way, shape, or form, this comedy about teens who have to take a remedial English class in, you guessed it, summer time, has two horror and make-up FX loving dudes. In the movie's most beloved scene, said gorehounds make the students all look they got mutilated in a slasher flick. Smith plays Rhonda, a pregnant teen. Our horror loving kids make her out to look like she had a ruler shoved into her mouth. It's a funny and likable comedy (this coming from someone who hates comedies), especially if you are a horror fan, as you'll love the two aforementioned dudes (one of whom is called "Chainsaw"!). And, of course, you'll love Smith, who looks super cute and is delightful in the film.

A year later, she starred in her best movie and role, the one where countless of guys (and probably some girls, too) crushed on her: Chuck (A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 3: Dream Warriors) Russell's The Blob (1988). Like the original, a shapeless life-form from outer space terrorizes a small town, and gets bigger and bigger, as it eats every living being in site.

While, the original is a fun and likable little sci-fi/ horror flick, this amazing remake is one of the rare ones that top its original. It ranks right up there with The Fly and The Thing, as one of the finest remakes ever made. It has kick ass action, some really graphic gore (especially for a big studio horror movie), great FX, cool characters, excellent acting, and everything else that makes a movie try fucking rule! It's been one of my personal favorite movies ever since I first saw it, as a kid.

Smith plays Meg Penny, a sweet and all around good, small town girl and cheerleader. But, she is also, brave, plucky, and tough, as she fights to save and protect those she cares about and kick the Blob's ass (not that I think it actually has one, but I could be wrong?). She is also hot as hell, I mean she is a freaking cheerleader, for fuck's sake! I really wanted to meet a Meg of mine own in high school, but if course real life is terminally lake. She is major part, of many awesome parts, as to why I love this movie so much! To me, she is right up there with Ripley in monster ass kicking. In, fact the film makes a great triple feature with Aliens and the aforementioned The Thing.

After that she took a long movie break from horror shooting other genres, (except on TV where she did lots of horror work, but we'll get to that later), until 1998's remake of Carnival of Souls. Executive produced by Wes Craven, I think I only watched a little bit of it cause what I saw was pretty fucking awful. But, hey maybe I am wrong, and it's good! If by some act of God, that is the case let me know in the comments section below. Also, let me know how Smith was. One thing is for sure, she looked gorgeous in it, but that is a fucking given right?

In 2004, she returned to horror in what might be her most iconic role in the genre. It is certainly her only recurring one, Amanda in Saw. I loved her performance in this one, as the junkie who passes and escapes Jigsaw's trap (the iconic one from below). She was so good, that her character appeared in all the films, whether through original footage or archive, even though Amanda died in the awesome and gore-drenched third installment.

I flipped the fuck out seeing her in the movie and how beautiful she still was. Anytime she appeared in a subsequent Saw sequel I was happy as fucking hell.

It gave her career a new shot in the arm, and certified her as a scream queen, enough so that she appeared in an issue of Maxim. I remember that photo shoot, quite well and ranks among my favorites that they ever did! 

It is also thanks to Saw, that she was one of the hosts and mentors on Scream Queens, possibly my favorite reality show of all time. She looked incredibly hot on it, and the contestants were babes, too!

But, way before she ever that show she had appeared in other horror television.
They include:
The TV Stephen King miniseries The Stand  (1994) from Mick Garris, which is mostly meh, aside from the awesome beginning and her hotness. In fact, watching this as a teen, I crushed hard on her (again!). Oh, yeah the ending to that thing sucked ass. She would return to work for Garris on a much better Stephen King mini-series, The Shining (1997). But, that was honestly just a cameo.

The X-Files episode "Firwalker" (1994) which I barely remember (which is funny cause it wasn't that many years ago that I rewatched it), aside from her looking cute with short hair.

And, finally (as far as the horror goes), in 2008 she appeared in the Fear.Net (remember them?) series 30 Days of Night: Dust to Dust, which honest to God I don't recall ever reading or hearing about. This despite my love for Smith. Any of you ever seen it and if so thoughts? Leave them in the comments section below.

I actually met at the and only Sawmania convention on November 15, 2008. She was very sweet and a total knockout in person. Meeting her remains one of my favorite horror con moments!

And, I think that about covers it. She's has a long standing history with the genre and appearing in two legitimate horror classics, The Blob and Saw (and its sequels!), and other horror work. Her breathtaking and seemingly eternal beauty, make her a goddess. And, then throw in her acting prowess, and your realize that she has it all. In summation, is there a question as to why she is an official Horror Crush? I think not!
In the comments section below, tell me what is your favorite Shawnee Smith role and/ or movie!

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The 10 Best Horror Remakes of All Time

This Friday one of my favorite vampire movies has a remake of it hit the theaters: Fright Night (Conan: The Barbarian also hits the movies, but while it's splatter it ain't horror, and I don't think of it as a direct remake). I am not very interested or excited about said movie since the trailer is less than underwhelming. But, I heard a good review or two. I'm not sure I will be seeing anytime soon (but I do wanna see Conan!).

That being said, remakes have been an annoying trend in the genre in the last couple of years. And, while many have been truly, truly rancid (One Missed Call, Psycho, The Fog, etc.) a couple have been been great. This list showcases the very best in the remake department.

10. House of Wax (2005)- This is an interesting remake in that it takes the Gothic setting and styling of the original Vincent Price classic and completely changes it for nasty slasher film territory. It's not a better movie, but is substantially different. There are a couple of memorable moments, include some tense torture scenes. The gorgeous Elisha Cuthbert also makes for a great final girl, one of the best of the 2000s for sure. Even Paris Hilton being in this does not hurt it one bit.




9. My Bloody Valentine 3D (2009)- Taking elements of the original (which really ranks as one of the best slashers of the 80s, moreso uncut) and adding its own take, this fun and wild gorefest is one of the most rip-roaring good times movie going experiences of the last few years. The cast and everyone involved seems to be having as much fun as we are watching it. It, more or less, kicked off the 3D trend, but unlike a lot of the recent shit out there, this one works excellently in 3D. Extra points for the DVD release being in 3D (and not that over-priced real 3D shit, either).


8. I Spit on Your Grave (2010)- This one had so much going against it. From the get go I did not think a remake to a nasty, grindhouse film like this could ever work today. But, it does, and surprisingly well at that. Sure it's slicker and lacks the grittiness of the original, but it does not lack the teeth. The humiliation/ rape is still prolonged and nasty. While, the revenge scenes are shocking and gruesome. Punches ain't pulled and the acting is solid, with villains coming off as utter filth and the stunning heroine earning our sympathy. The climax will have your jaw on the floor! Honestly this movie puts the Last House on the Left remake to fucking shame!


7. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)- This movie has been remade a total of four times!! The first three are solid films (the forth, er, not so much...), but, to me, this is the best take on the subject. The FX are flawless, the cast and acting excellent, and the directing top-notch. It's a little slow to start, but once it gets on track it's pretty suspenseful stuff. While, it maybe rated PG it still features some gooey and gross FX (moreso than ANY PG-13 movie of today and some R ones, as well!). Plus, the ending is fucking classic.



6. Halloween (2007)- Now, this is probably my most controversial entry in this countdown. Fans tend to either hate this one or love it. I fall in the later category. I think Zombie added an interesting take on the Myers mythos. Some may not like humanizing of him, but I think it was the right way to go. This way he does not retread territory that's been done before. When, he actually does get into remaking the original, he makes for a good time. The added more graphic violence fits the mold of this movie quite well. And, having Danielle Harris nude is nice, too! The less said of this movie's sequel, the better, though...


5. The Ring (2002)- This movie started the HORRIBLE trend of remake Japanese horror films as well cemented the annoyance of long, black-haired bitch-ghost movies. But, this one is actually that rarest of remakes, one that tops the original. I think the pacing is better here, as are the scares. It's also one of those few PG-13 horrors where the rating actually works. It's real creepy and scary, yet subtle. The lovely Ms. Watts is also a great lead in this movie. There are lots of memorable moments: the video itself, the horse, and the villainess coming out of the TV. But, once again, avoid the sequel at all costs!!!



4. Piranha 3D (2010)- If you though MBV3D was fun, then you ain't seen NOTHING yet!! Easily, THE best 3D experience, this wild, over the top remake tops the modest classic, it's based on. It's filled with blood rushing gore, black humor, cheese, a great cast, babes, and nudity. I like every single thing and frame from this movie. I am actually looking forward to the sequel to this one! The movie ripping it off/ cashing in on it (Shark Night 3D), eh, not so much...



3. The Blob (1988)- This long time favorite of mine simply blows the likable original out of the theater. It has some solid acting and spectacular gore FX. Shit, a kid even dies in it! Yet, it is never mean-spirited and always, always fun. It works in that Aliens sort of mode where action, sci-fi, and horror meld perfectly. Plus, Shawnee Smith looks sooo delicious in it! Cannot begin to tell you the crush I developed on her after this movie. It was a bomb when it came out, but due to fan and critic love, it when on the become a classic. An awesome movie all the way!!!



2. The Thing (1982)- John Carpenter's classic was also a bomb when it came out. But, since then this claustrophobic classic has been worshiped by fans all over the world. It would make for a perfect marathon with the aforementioned The Blob and Aliens. In fact, I think I need to do that one of these days!! Anyway, Bottin's FX are flawless, and Keith David and Kurt Russel are just awesome in it. So is the rest of the cast. That said the reremake coming out later this year seems positively uninteresting...


1. The Fly (1986)- David Cronenberg's masterpiece tops the list. It's always been my fav remake and will probably always be. Adding emotion and heart to the story and combining it with excellent acting and flawless FX make for a perfect film. The gore is gruesome and the score is classic. It also happens to be THE best beauty and the beast tale, since the original King Kong. Cronenberg's best movie is one that will always have a special place in my heart.




So, those are my choices. I really had to think about this one long and hard, but I soon found myself connecting with I ended up picking. Now, I'm curious. What are your thoughts on my list? What would have ranked?

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