7 Classic Horror Films on Prime Video to Make Your Heart Race

In February, there aren’t many new releases on Prime Video apart from the premieres of seasons 3 of both “Reacher” and “Invincible.” However, there is a variety of older content available for your viewing pleasure if you have a Prime subscription. Here are seven top titles currently streaming, ranging from a Sam Raimi classic comedy horror to two chilling tales from horror maestro Clive Barker. These timeless classics offer something for both fans and newcomers alike. Don’t forget to check out “The Wicker Man” (the original, not the Nicolas Cage remake), “The Monster Squad,” and “Phantasm” as well. Enjoy your spooky viewing experience!

Check out these top horror films available to stream for free on Prime Video, all of which were released prior to the year 2000. For those seeking more recent chills, don’t forget about Abigail, Dog Soldiers and American Psycho – they’re definitely worth a look if you haven’t seen them yet!

Evil Dead 2

A superior version of the “Evil Dead” movie isn’t the first one; it’s actually the sequel, “Evil Dead II”. Blending elements of remake and sequel, Sam Raimi’s revisit to the gory realm of the Deadites offers a hilarious yet consistently unsettling experience.

This film, equally renowned for showcasing Bruce Campbell’s stardom and Sam Raimi’s imaginative flair, is undeniably one of the most brilliant horror movies ever created, whether from the ’80s or beyond. The story revolves around Ash Williams, played by Campbell, who goes on a cabin retreat with his girlfriend. Tragically, she gets possessed by the woodland demon, triggering a whirlwind of chaos, identity confusion, and an emergency chainsaw amputation.

Child’s Play

The movie “Child’s Play” not only brought Chucky, one of the most memorable villains in slasher cinema, into existence, but it also significantly refreshed the subgenre, much like “A Nightmare on Elm Street” did four years beforehand. When a mother purchases an unconventional “Good Guy” doll from a street vendor, she is delighted to have fulfilled her six-year-old’s heartfelt birthday wish. However, this toy turns out to be far from ordinary, as it houses the spirit of the recently deceased serial killer, Charles Lee Ray, instead of what’s portrayed on television.

The storyline of Karen and Andy Barclay stands out as the most captivating in the franchise, thanks largely to the convincing performances of Catherine Hicks and Alex Vincent, but also because it showcases a mother’s fierce determination to protect her child. Additionally, Chris Sarandon from “The Princess Bride” adds depth with his portrayal of the cop who initially apprehended Ray and finds it hard to believe Karen and Andy’s tale. This film is remarkable in its scarcity of dull scenes. However, the main draw lies in Brad Dourif as Chucky – he has crafted a villain that resonates deeply, joining the ranks of Robert Englund from “Nightmare” who have created iconic characters.

Hellraiser

Among the standout directorial debuts from the 1980s, Clive Barker’s horror film, “Hellraiser,” derived from his novella “The Hellbound Heart,” is one of the most imaginative in its genre. The story revolves around a unique puzzle box that, when opened, summons a group of four demonic entities known as Cenobites, who fulfill the solver’s desire for intense suffering over an extended period. In the latest instance, Frank Cotton has managed to evade these demons by having his brother’s blood seep into the floorboards of the house where he opened the puzzle box.

Currently, Frank is seeking assistance from his brother’s spouse (who he has previously had intimate relations with) in reviving him. To accomplish this, she needs to secure warm bodies for him to consume. With each new body, he regains another organ, mends more of his skin, and becomes increasingly likely to continue living on Earth, indulging in his sensual desires. This film may not appeal to everyone with a Prime Video subscription, but those who can connect with its unique style will undoubtedly enjoy it. Boasting exceptional performances from Clare Higgins as Julia, Ashley Laurence as the protagonist Kirsty Cotton, and Doug Bradley as the renowned Pinhead, Hellraiser is a chilling masterpiece that none of its subsequent sequels have been able to surpass.

The Fog

After the success of his chilling masterpiece “Halloween”, horror director John Carpenter ventured into a completely distinct genre with “The Fog”. This film, set in contemporary times, is a haunting ghost story revolving around Stevie Wayne, a radio DJ residing in the coastal town of Antonio Bay. This seemingly ordinary town holds a hidden past, and as its centennial celebration approaches, that secret will be unearthed. A century ago, a leper-stricken man named Blake purchased a ship to sail to California, aiming to establish a leper colony. However, before he could realize his dream, some residents of the town conspired against him and took his gold. Now, Blake and the other lepers have emerged from the ocean depths, seeking vengeance by targeting descendants from each of the murderers’ bloodlines.

Although The Fog could have benefited from an additional 15 minutes to develop the characters beyond Stevie Wayne, it’s hard to fault a horror movie for being a thrilling, fast-paced watch. The atmospheric fog effects are striking, Carpenter’s music score is exceptional (which speaks volumes), and Adrienne Barbeau delivers an outstanding performance. If you finish The Fog and crave more Carpenter, Prince of Darkness is another classic of his available on Prime Video.

Nightbreed

Clive Barker has directed three films during his career, each adapted from his own works and all noteworthy. The initial movie was “Hellraiser,” followed by “Nightbreed” and lastly “Lord of Illusions.” Interestingly, despite the fact that his first film was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, its distributor Morgan Creek essentially seized control of his second film from him, removing most of the story’s depth, and tried to market it as a slasher movie, with dismal results. However, Barker eventually managed to compile a director’s cut of the film, which is the version currently available on Prime Video, frequently referred to as “The Cabal Cut.

The movie, titled “Nightbreed,” focuses on Aaron Boone, played by Craig Sheffer, a man frequently tormented by dreams about a hidden underground city inhabited by monsters named Midian. Interestingly, his psychiatrist, Dr. Decker (portrayed impressively by David Cronenberg), feigns concern for Boone but is actually captivated by the enigmatic subterranean city. Unbeknownst to Boone, Dr. Decker is a serial killer, using details from Boone’s nightmares to pin his crimes on the innocent young man. An unexpected event unfolds when Boone is gunned down by the police; however, the residents of Midian, or the Nightbreed as they are called, miraculously revive him. Motivated by justice, Boone sets out to put an end to Dr. Decker’s murderous rampage once and for all.

Alligator

Over time, films featuring animals attacking humans have become increasingly rare. Early classics like “The Birds” from 1963 and “Jaws” from 1975 still stand out, but there were also some excellent ones from the ’80s and ’90s. For instance, we had “Deep Blue Sea”, “Arachnophobia”, and “Anaconda”. From earlier decades, notable mentions include “Cujo”, “Slugs”, “Razorback”, and the surprisingly serious “Alligator”.

In 1980, this quirky film focuses on a Chicago cop who joins forces with a herpetologist to combat an enormous, ravenous alligator that somehow ended up in the sewers after being flushed down a toilet decades ago. Though it may appear ridiculous, it boasts a powerful lead performance by Robert Forster from “Jackie Brown,” stellar direction from Lewis Teague of “Cujo,” and a well-written script by John Sayles of “Matewan” and “Lone Star.” Despite its genre, this movie demonstrates a level of craftsmanship above the norm for creature features. Additionally, there’s an iconic scene where the alligator disrupts a wedding ceremony. If you’re up for a double feature night with a monster theme, consider streaming Joe Dante’s “Piranha” as well.

Day of the Dead

George A. Romero directed six “Dead” films, but only the first four are truly recommended for viewing. These consist of the complete original trilogy: Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead, and the often overlooked Day of the Dead. Each film offers a unique perspective on societal flaws. In Night, there’s a poignant critique of racism hidden beneath the surface. Dawn presents a stark commentary on consumerism, while Day explores how society might devour itself rather than unite to combat something that literally threatens its survival.

As an observer, I find myself immersed in the subterranean world of “Day of the Dead.” Here, two contrasting entities coexist: a band of scientists, diligently working under an unorthodox doctor, and a small contingent of soldiers, assigned to safeguard them from the relentless undead horde. It doesn’t take long for the scientists to suspect that their leader is veering off course from his designated mission, and if the soldiers were to discover this truth, chaos would surely ensue.

2025-02-03 05:12