5 ’90s Horror Movies Better Than Scream

As a huge movie fan, I’d say Wes Craven’s Scream is probably the most iconic slasher film of the ’90s. It’s a truly fantastic movie and really reinvented the horror genre. You can definitely see its influence in so many other great horror films that came out during that decade – it totally raised the bar.

When slasher films were becoming less popular, Scream brought the genre back to life and also energized the horror movie world in general. Because of this, several other films were released around the same time that, while not as famous as Scream, some people actually consider to be even better.

Frankenhooker Is a Bizarre Dark Comedy With Real Bite

It’s safe to say Frankenhooker isn’t a high-class horror movie, and it doesn’t stick closely to the source material. However, the film has a bizarre and surprisingly funny sense of humor that makes it memorable.

The story is a wildly silly one, centering on a scientist named Jeffrey Franken. When his fiancée tragically dies in a lawnmower accident, he attempts to revive her by building her a new body using parts from women who were accidentally killed. This results in the creation of one of the most absurd monsters ever seen in a horror film.

Frankenhooker is a bit silly, but that’s actually part of what makes it fun. It’s genuinely funny when it tries to be, and surprisingly creepy when it goes for horror, with some effective body horror moments. If you enjoyed Frank Henenlotter’s earlier film, Basket Case, you’ll likely love Frankenhooker just as much, if not even more.

Candyman Has Depth That Most Slasher Films Lack

Candyman Trailer

Look, everyone knows Clive Barker for Hellraiser, but let me tell you, Candyman is a horror film that really deserves more recognition. It brilliantly blended a genuinely creepy supernatural story with a surprisingly tender romance, and didn’t shy away from the gore. Honestly, even today, it’s a film that holds up and continues to earn the respect of horror fans – and rightfully so.

The film centers around Candyman, a spirit haunted by a tragic past. He was a 19th-century Black artist who was murdered after falling in love with a white woman. Now, he’s a vengeful ghost summoned by saying his name three times in front of a mirror. The story follows Helen Lyle, a student investigating the Candyman legend in the notorious Cabrini-Green housing project in Chicago, and becomes his target.

People primarily remember Candyman for two things. It offers social commentary rarely seen in slasher films, largely because its villain is portrayed with some sympathy. Also, it’s a horror movie with a romantic core, focusing on the tragic story of a vengeful spirit who longs for lost love. Unlike many predictable slasher films, Candyman stands out as a truly original combination of themes.

Funny Games Is Even More Metafictional Than Scream

One reason Scream revolutionized horror was its self-awareness – it was a horror film that acknowledged and played with the tropes of the genre, often in a funny way. However, Funny Games took this idea even further, becoming the most truly self-aware horror film of the decade by directly questioning why audiences are drawn to violent movies.

A group of intruders breaks into a vacationing family’s home with the intent to torment them. These intruders have the disturbing ability to alter reality itself, even reversing events in the story to change what happens. Throughout the ordeal, they directly address the viewers, creating a uniquely unsettling experience.

Even now, Funny Games sparks a lot of debate. Some horror fans appreciate its unique take on the genre, while others feel it criticizes viewers for enjoying horror. No matter how you feel about it, though, it’s a film people will continue to discuss for a long time.

The Blair Witch Project Works Even If You Know It’s Not Real

These days, found footage is a common approach in horror movies because it’s a simple way to create suspense and atmosphere. While many, like Rec and Paranormal Activity, are enjoyable, few have had the same lasting impact as The Blair Witch Project.

The movie is structured like real footage following a group of young filmmakers as they investigate the legendary Blair Witch. However, The Blair Witch Project wasn’t the first horror story to pretend it was based on true events, and because of this…

Some people believe The Blair Witch Project relies on fooling the audience into thinking it’s a true story, but that’s not really what makes it effective. The actors give convincing performances, the made-up local legends are interesting, and the film smartly avoids showing too much, letting the viewer create their own sense of horror.

Audition is One of the Most Extreme Horror Movies Ever

While not as well-known as some other films, Audition is highly regarded, even by those who typically enjoy extreme horror. The last part of the movie is particularly notorious for its intense violence, and many viewers find it difficult to watch.

Shigeharu, a man who lost his wife, runs a video company. He holds auditions, telling the women he’s casting for a TV show, but really he’s looking for a new wife. He falls for the stunning Asami, who hides a dangerous side.

Audition is a disturbing and intensely graphic horror film. Beyond the shocking violence, it’s a thought-provoking movie that challenges typical portrayals of women in horror, showing they can be far more than just victims. It also demonstrates that the most terrifying figures in horror aren’t always male.

2026-02-24 04:07