10 Summer Horror Movies You Need To Watch

Since the debut of “Jaws” in 1975, summer has been synonymous with blockbuster films that studios are confident will be successful. Over the years, this trend has persisted, with these big-budget productions usually premiering in May, June, or July. Summer also often features a handful of prominent horror movies, such as this year’s “Final Destination Bloodlines”. However, there are also horror films that don’t fit under the umbrella of well-known intellectual properties. These movies have built up an audience but could benefit from additional exposure.

In essence, we’re talking about lesser-known horror movies that were worth watching and came out during the summer of this year. However, they had to be shown in theaters rather than being released directly on video or streaming platforms. Movies like “Tremors 2: Aftershocks” (which was actually released in April) and “Trick ‘r Treat” (not a summer release) were not included in our consideration.

1) The Burning

One key strength that set the original “Friday the 13th” apart was Tom Savini’s exceptional makeup effects. However, he couldn’t return for “Friday the 13th Part 2”. This was because he was busy working on another film, “The Burning”, where he showcased his makeup skills in gruesome sequences, particularly during the raft massacre scene (as depicted above).

One summer camp horror movie, titled “The Burning,” was among the initial slashers to grace the silver screen following the triumph of “Friday the 13th.” Although it didn’t immediately gain popularity, over time it has evolved into a cult favorite. Even critics have begun to reassess its merits. Furthermore, this film holds significant importance as it was the first production by Bob and Harvey Weinstein, and marked the screen debuts of Holly Hunter, Jason Alexander (known from “Seinfeld”), and Fisher Stevens (“Short Circuit”).

Stream The Burning on Prime Video.

2) Fright Night

Among the most delightful vampire films ever produced is Tom Holland’s “Fright Night,” a movie that truly embodies the spirit of the ’80s. Given its plot revolves around a vampire residing next to an unassuming teen, it seems as though only the 1980s could have given birth to such a film.

The movie “Fright Night” skillfully exploits its concept, mastering the art of creating suspense and playfully referencing classic vampire film tropes. Moreover, it boasts one of the finest on-screen vampires, Chris Sarandon’s character Jerry Dandridge.

3) The Return of the Living Dead

Although it’s not as famous as George A. Romero’s initial three “Living Dead” films, “The Return of the Living Dead” holds significance. It’s particularly notable for introducing the iconic zombie phrase “Brains!” that has been echoed in popular culture through shows like “South Park.” This catchphrase is actually a creation from “Return of the Living Dead,” not “Night of the Living Dead.

However, “Return” boasts more than just an interesting tidbit; it offers a lively tempo, a captivating quartet of principal actors, and an unforeseen bleak finale. It’s a hidden gem in the world of cinema that’s worth discovering. Despite spawning a few sequels, it remains relatively unknown. Yet, it manages to appeal even to those who aren’t avid horror fans.

Stream The Return of the Living Dead for free with ads on Tubi.

4) Night of the Creeps

Fred Dekker’s clever “Night of the Creeps” delivers on multiple levels. Beyond being a horror film, it essentially functions as a humorous coming-of-age story. You could compare it to a John Hughes movie, but with an added twist of zombies and a timeless appeal.

The film “Night of the Creeps” is challenging to define because it deliberately has a scattered style. It strives to recreate the appeal of ’50s sci-fi horror films while still maintaining its individuality. Despite its homages to old horror tales, it remains distinct, even after all these years.

5) The Blob

Similar to how David Cronenberg’s “The Fly” and John Carpenter’s “The Thing” were, Chuck Russell’s “The Blob” stands out as one of the rare science fiction horror sequels that significantly surpasses its original version. Regrettably, among these three movies, only “The Fly” managed to attract an audience upon release; both “The Thing” and “The Blob” flopped at the box office. However, over time, their true greatness was recognized.

In contrast to The Blob and those other two masterpieces, Russell’s film departs significantly from the traditional black-and-white movies that influenced them, maintaining a closer resemblance to its predecessors. Notably, unlike the PG-rated tone in earlier films, this one is unapologetically R-rated. Here, death scenes are graphic and brutal, and no character – not even the kindhearted sheriff, young heroes, or children – is immune to danger.

6) Killer Klowns from Outer Space

In a world where Oscars are given for the most memorable movie titles, “Killer Klowns from Outer Space” would undoubtedly win and never need to compete again. One might assume such a title indicates a mediocre B-movie, but that’s far from the truth.

However, it isn’t just a regular film. Over the years, it has gained a significant cult following, with Ryan Gosling among its supporters and even producing a remake. The movie, which garnered positive reviews upon release, is both clever and filled with scary scenes that range from inventive to comical. Notably, it marked the impressive directorial debut of special effects artists the Chiodo Brothers, who seemed to think one film was enough, as they have not directed another since.

Stream Killer Klowns from Outer Space on Pluto TV.

7) Ghosts of Mars

Essentially, “Ghosts of Mars” is the film that most closely resembles a John Carpenter production. Unlike “The Ward,” which is the latest movie he’s directed, “Ghosts of Mars” seems more authentically his work. It’s worth noting, however, that it’s not among his top films.

Over time, this quirky action-horror film has been quite well-received. Similar to many of Carpenter’s later films, its initial segment outshines the subsequent ones. However, it’s now evident that Carpenter wasn’t primarily aiming for a traditional horror movie. Instead, it leans more toward an action flick, with occasional chilling scenes and an early appearance by Jason Statham to boot.

Stream Ghosts of Mars for free with ads on The Roku Channel.

8) Jeepers Creepers

If a horror film from the 2000s starts off strong but then loses steam in terms of quality, it might be “Jeepers Creepers.” As for director Victor Salva, it’s best to avoid discussing him extensively, but with this 2001 production, he effectively demonstrated an ability to craft a chilling and menacing horror antagonist.

The movie “Jeepers Creepers” boasts an exceptional acting dynamic between stars Gina Philips and Justin Long. Additionally, though it temporarily loses pace during the midsection, it packs a powerful punch with a final scene that ranks among the most startling of the 2000s film era.

Stream Jeepers Creepers for free with ads on The Roku Channel.

9) Hollow Man

The movie titled “Hollow Man” presented a significant challenge for director Paul Verhoeven to the extent that he decided to part ways with Hollywood. Although it doesn’t share the same fame as “RoboCop,” “Total Recall,” “Basic Instinct,” or “Starship Troopers,” it retains the essential components that made those films successful.

One aspect is the character’s sexuality, which the film “The Hollow Man” employs to make its protagonist-turned-antagonist, Dr. Sebastian Caine (played by Kevin Bacon), seem detestable. Additionally, the special effects were quite impressive during its release and retain a certain (though significantly diminished) realistic-adjacent allure 25 years later. However, what many criticized about “The Hollow Man” was its tendency to degenerate into a slasher in its final act. Yet, despite the third act not being as powerful as the first two, it’s debatably even more entertaining.

10) The Strangers

Similar to how The Conjuring emerged victorious five years later, The Strangers also stepped into a bustling market filled with fierce competitors such as Iron Man and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Yet, against all odds, it managed to turn a profit. Just like The Conjuring, this success was attributed not just to promotional hype but also to positive word-of-mouth after its release.

The movie titled “The Strangers” leans more towards a nerve-wracking thriller rather than the gory slasher flick many would assume based on its premise – masked individuals with knives. However, despite this, it features an unexpectedly shocking death of Glenn Howerton, who is known as Dennis from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” Despite spawning a franchise, it’s debatable whether this was warranted, as only the initial film has been successful so far.

2025-06-07 22:40