10 Hidden Gem Slasher Films That Will Thrill Scream Fans

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Since the resurgence of the franchise in 2022, it’s been generating a great deal of buzz. A third movie from the contemporary series is scheduled for release in 2026. Unfortunately, the upcoming horror movie has faced significant controversy right from the start, particularly due to Melissa Barrera’s dismissal (from her role as Sam Carpenter) and Jenna Ortega’s decision to leave the series (as Tara Carpenter).

Although the future installments of the slasher series remain unclear, the 1996 original movie maintains its status as the benchmark in the genre. Devoted enthusiasts claim that no other slasher film has exceeded its innovative plotline. However, there are certain movies that appear to be influenced by the slasher genre or make for an excellent follow-up viewing. Fans of Scream might find enjoyment in these undervalued yet entertaining horror films.

I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) Is Another ’90s Sensation

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In “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” four friends face terrifying consequences after a fateful night during their post-high school summer when they struck someone on the road and secretly discarded the body. As mysterious threats escalate, these young individuals are thrown into a life-or-death struggle for survival. However, this film did not achieve the same level of success as its previous slasher movie counterpart, despite boasting an impressive ensemble cast.

In comparison to the groundbreaking “Scream”, “I Know What You Did Last Summer” primarily adheres to the conventions of the slasher genre without pushing too many boundaries. It features a menacing masked killer and naive victims, which are hallmarks for traditional slashers. Although it didn’t revolutionize the genre like an iconic film might, it effectively embodies the genre, earning its status as a campy, classic horror that has garnered affection from many fans today, regardless of critical reviews.

Sleepaway Camp (1983) Has a Disturbing Twist

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In Sleepaway Camp, a young girl named Angela attends a summer camp, still grappling with the grief of her father and brother’s death in a tragic boating incident. However, this peaceful setting soon turns sinister as an unidentified assailant starts terrorizing both the campers and counselors in a gruesome manner. The film concludes with a surprising revelation: Angela is not just a girl; she is actually Peter, her brother who survived the accident but was compelled to live as a female character due to certain circumstances.

Many people find similarities between “Sleepaway Camp” and “Friday the 13th” due to their shared settings and themes, as well as the fact that “Sleepaway Camp” was released three years after the famous slasher set in a camp. However, what makes this movie particularly appealing for fans of “Scream” is its surprising twist ending. In fact, some might say that “Sleepaway Camp” has a more shocking conclusion than “Scream,” as the latter’s ending was often seen as predictable compared to the unexpected turn in “Sleepaway Camp” that continues to startle new viewers even today.

Sorority House Massacre (1986) Emphasizes Its Female Lead

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In “Sorority House Massacre,” Beth settles into her sorority house, yet struggles to recall that it’s the same location where her family was tragically killed by her brother when she was young. As she experiences unsettling hallucinations of a ruthless killer, these haunting images resurface old wounds and rekindle the threat of her brother who aims to complete his gruesome deeds.

The movie titled “Sorority House Massacre” has become less well-known through time, often overshadowed by other iconic slasher films from the ’80s and ’90s. What sets this film apart is its unique focus on the female protagonist’s experience, a perspective that was not commonly explored in slasher movies at the time. Modern horror films like “Scream” can be traced back to this trend, as they feature the “final girl” trope, a strong female survivor archetype.

Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998) Features An Obsessed Killer

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20 years following the original 1978 Halloween, the movie Halloween H20 unfolds. In this story, Laurie Strode, now serving as the dean of a secluded private school, remains in hiding due to her persistent terror that Michael Myers will reappear. While others dismiss her concerns as paranoia, her dread proves justified when Michael manages to track her down and threatens not only the school but also Laurie and her teenage son.

Independent of the reviews, within this film series, it is acclaimed for its chilling tension and high-octane action scenes that culminate in an absurdly exciting climax. Similar to Scream, Halloween H20 showcases a masked murderer who inflicts havoc indiscriminately, even though there’s only one specific target on their list.

Disturbing Behavior (1998) Addresses Teenage Impulses

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In the movie “Disturbing Behavior”, a new student named Steve finds himself invited to join an exclusive group of seemingly virtuous students known as the Blue Ribbons society at his school. However, he prefers the company of a few unconventional friends who don’t quite fit in. As time passes, the behavior of these Blue Ribbon teenagers becomes increasingly disturbing, with unexplained outbursts of violence. Intrigued by the strange happenings at their school, Steve and his companions embark on an investigation, eventually uncovering that their classmates are being manipulated through microchips.

This 90’s movie, often overlooked, strays from typical slasher film conventions. Instead, it offers an unanticipated technological twist, cautioning viewers about potential risks of using technology to control the human psyche. Fans of Scream may find the exploration of adolescent growth compelling, as well as how a significant event during their teenage years can shape their subsequent actions.

The Final Girls (2015) Is an Unappreciated Meta Horror

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In the opening scenes of “The Final Girls“, Max and her companions attend a screening of an old slasher film titled “Camp Bloodbath“, which her mother produced many years ago. As fate would have it, a blaze suddenly breaks out, causing them to flee into a rip in the movie screen. This magical portal transports them straight into the movie itself. To navigate through this harrowing experience and return home safely, they will need to rely on their understanding of horror films.

The movie titled ‘The Final Girls’ is remarkably clever as it humorously portrays characters who seem fully aware they’re part of a horror film, with scenes like the cast of ‘Camp Bloodbath’ reappearing every 92 minutes, which happens to be the length of the actual movie. This horror-comedy shares a similarity with ‘Scream’, as it skillfully delves into the conventions of slasher films, offering an engaging and enjoyable examination of the popular genre.

The Curve (1998) Is A Hilarious Murder Plot Gone Wrong

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The Curve” sees Matthew Lillard and Michael Vartan as college students grappling with failing grades. Finding out about a school rule that permits passing if one’s roommate tragically passes away, they concoct a sinister plot to eliminate their bothersome roommate. However, things don’t go as planned, leading to a rollercoaster ride of humorous and dark twists and turns in the narrative.

Two years after “Scream,” the movie “The Curve” was released, showcasing an almost forgotten thrilling performance by Matthew Lillard. Although it didn’t receive widespread acclaim, “The Curve” is a hidden gem within the comedy slasher sub-genre. Fans of “Scream” can find enjoyment in this film’s humorous portrayal of an absurd concept, which cleverly satirizes many over-the-top tropes common in the genre.

Sick (2022) Offers Modern Social Commentary

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In “Sick”, a band of college students decide to isolate at a lakeside retreat during the COVID-19 outbreak. However, their peaceful vacation is disrupted when masked strangers appear and start eliminating them. The group then finds themselves in a perilous game of hide-and-seek with these intruders. It’s later discovered that the killers are actually the parents of a student who passed away due to COVID-19, holding one of the young women responsible for their tragic loss.

One less recognized element in the horror film Scream lies in the scenes where Billy and Steve hint at attributing their violent behavior to the violence depicted in movies. In a similar vein, the movie Sick presents characters who justify their murders by believing their actions are justified. Although it may not match the 90’s phenomenon in terms of popularity, this slasher film offers a profound social commentary that delves into the complexities arising from multiple tragic circumstances, making us ponder about the blurred lines between reality and entertainment.

Cherry Falls (2000) Subverts a Common Trope

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The story unfolds in a tranquil little town where a mysterious murderer is on the loose, specifically targeting high school students who are yet to experience intimacy. As fear grips the community due to this series of brutal killings, Sheriff Marken races against time to reveal the killer’s identity before more lives are claimed. This includes his daughter, Jody, whose pure character now places her in peril.

In the movie Scream, it’s usually sexually active teens who fall prey to a masked murderer, while inexperienced ones tend to survive. However, the film Cherry Falls turns this pattern on its head drastically, with the characters who are innocent being the ones most at risk of being killed off. Among those films that still receive negative reviews, this movie stands out as a remarkably overlooked and impactful contribution to the genre.

Urban Legend (1998) Is an Inventive Stream Of Murders

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In the thriller Urban Legend, a ruthless murderer is terrorizing a university, carrying out grisly acts reminiscent of urban folklore. Following the brutal killing of her friend, Natalie becomes determined to uncover the identity of this mysterious killer. As those close to her also become targets, she grows increasingly worried that this slasher may have her in their sights.

Despite receiving less-than-stellar critical acclaim, “Urban Legend” has earned cult status as a slasher film contemporary with “Scream.” While not quite as iconic as its predecessor released two years earlier, this horror flick is recognized for its innovative premise and chilling atmosphere. Fans of “Scream” can find appeal in this movie too, especially the unsettlingly gruesome death scenes that made Ghostface so unsettling.

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2025-04-20 17:07