7 Overlooked Horror Movies That Deserve Oscars

Horror films seldom receive recognition at the Oscars, particularly in top-tier categories such as Best Director, Best Picture, Leading and Supporting Actors, Original and Adapted Screenplays. For example, the 2024 film Nosferatu is nominated for makeup, cinematography, production design, and costume design, but the outstanding performance by Lily Rose-Depp and Egger’s exceptional adapted script are overlooked. Although some fantastic horror movies have been nominated for Best Picture, like The Exorcist, Jaws, The Sixth Sense, Black Swan, Get Out and the most recent The Substance, fewer have actually won, with many considering The Silence of the Lambs as the first and only horror film to win this category.

Although horror films haven’t been frequently recognized in the Best Picture category at the Academy Awards, it doesn’t imply they are inferior to the celebrated movies they tend to overlook. In fact, numerous horror flicks, including those hailed as cult classics, have significantly influenced our culture while showcasing remarkable creativity and innovation in filmmaking.

Night of the Living Dead

1968 marked the debut of George A. Romero’s first full-length film, “Night of the Living Dead.” This movie not only redefined the horror genre but also brought a fresh perspective to the film industry overall. In this groundbreaking production, the undead have come back to life, and a group of unlikely companions are holed up in an isolated dwelling, struggling to survive the night while dealing with internal conflicts among themselves.

Night of the Living Dead goes beyond showcasing the prowess of low-budget filmmaking; it also mirrors the apprehensions of America during the late 1960s, having been released mere months after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. The film symbolically expresses a sense of societal disorientation through its depiction of mindless, animalistic zombies.

In the household depicted, each character symbolizes diverse reactions to challenging circumstances, ranging from those preferring to remain patient, others advocating for action, and some seemingly unaffected. Among them, Ben, skillfully played by Duane Jones, stands out as the most level-headed character. His role is particularly significant given he’s the only Black man in the house, adding depth to the narrative’s message. The groundbreaking storyline, casting, and Duane Jones’ outstanding performance are regrettable for having been overlooked at the Oscars.

Alien

1979 saw Ridley Scott taking the helm for his second film, titled “Alien.” This cinematic masterpiece cleverly combines elements of multiple genres, with its plot resembling classic slasher films set in space, akin to movies such as “Halloween.” The antagonist in this tale isn’t a human psycho, but rather the terrifying xenomorph—a creature design so captivating that it continues to enthrall viewers even today.

The entire film is visually stunning, making it no wonder that it was nominated for Best Art Direction and won Best Visual Effects at the 1980 Oscars. Yet, its recognition extended only to these two categories, despite being an incredibly challenging project to direct, boasting a memorable performance from Sigourney Weaver, and carrying sharp commentary on capitalism.

The characters in the movie ‘Alien’ are primarily working-class individuals. However, it’s not just the alien that poses a threat; the corporation that disregards their safety while exploiting them is equally dangerous. Even today, this film’s warning about corporate negligence remains relevant, as evidenced by ongoing productions in the ‘Alien’ franchise, including movies, TV series, and comics.

The Thing

I’d like to share my thoughts on a unique blend of horror cinema – “The Thing”. In 1982, John Carpenter, a genius in genre filmmaking, took the helm for this remake of the 1951 B-movie titled “The Thing From Another World.” However, this wasn’t your typical remake. John collaborated with screenwriter Bill Lancaster to transform it into an embodiment of the anxieties prevalent during the Cold War era of the 1980s, as opposed to the post-World War II apprehensions reflected in the original 1950s version.

The way The Thing reinvents The Thing From Another World and tailors the original short story Who Goes There? is a remarkable example of adaptation, an achievement that surprisingly missed recognition in the adapted screenplay category at the Oscars. However, it’s important to note that The Thing was not only overlooked by the Academy Awards; upon its initial release, it was a box office failure. Fortunately, it eventually found its audience and gained the recognition it deserved once it became available on VHS.

Currently, “The Thing” is widely recognized as one of the greatest horror films and science fiction films ever made. This stands out even among John Carpenter’s impressive body of work, which includes “Escape From New York,” “They Live,” “The Fog,” and Halloween. Despite its initial underappreciation in cinemas, “The Thing” boasts a remarkably relevant commentary, showcases jaw-dropping practical effects that will make your skin crawl, and boasts a strong ensemble cast, with Keith David and Kurt Russell delivering standout performances.

The Fly

Evidence that practical effects and body horror are powerful tools can be seen in the film The Fly, directed by David Cronenberg. Similar to The Thing, this movie is a remake of a 1950s sci-fi/horror film, where a scientist’s DNA gets fused with that of a fly’s due to an accident in his teleportation device. In the 1986 version, Jeff Goldblum gives a moving, career-defining portrayal as Dr. Seth Brundle, and his on-screen chemistry with co-star Geena Davis makes The Fly one of the most poignant horror romances of late 20th century cinema.

I’m thrilled to say that “The Fly” earned an Oscar nomination and rightfully won for its extraordinary makeup effects. The transformation of Brundle throughout the movie, from man to something far beyond human, is a testament to the artistry involved in filmmaking. However, “The Fly” offers so much more than just a masterclass in body horror.

This tale is deeply moving, skillfully interpreting its original content with a profound sense of empathy. Moreover, Goldblum and Davis deliver outstanding performances in the movie, making Cronenberg’s and writer Charle Edward Pogue’s charming characters even more endearing.

American Psycho

One refreshing rewording for the given text could be: The latest film adaptation that’s caught everyone’s attention is “American Psycho,” based on Bret Easton Ellis’s novel. Much like “Night of the Living Dead,” this movie demonstrates the power of minimal resources, as it was made with a budget of $7 million but raked in an estimated $34 million at the box office. A blend of horror and satire, “American Psycho” offers a biting critique of yuppie culture, further developing the anti-capitalist themes found in the book. Directed and written by Mary Harron, with additional writing from Guinevere Turner, the film is both amusing and twisted while delivering a scathing commentary on the materialistic world portrayed.

Without a doubt, Christian Bale’s portrayal of the despicable yet intriguing Patrick Bateman is crucial to the movie’s impact. In one of his earliest roles, Bale delivers a captivating performance that remains among his most entertaining and finest to this day. Somehow, director Mary Harron and Bale manage to create a character that audiences find repulsive yet cannot resist watching more.

American Psycho is also a love letter to horror films like Psycho and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre while also doing something completely different with a wanna-be slasher like Patrick Bateman. With Bale’s captivating performance, a biting script, and direction that finds a great balance between humor, horror, and satire, American Psycho deserved more recognition at the time of its release.

28 Days Later

The film “Night of the Living Dead” isn’t the only zombie movie that deserves some Academy recognition; “28 Days Later” is another one worth mentioning, particularly given the talented creative team involved: Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle (“Slumdog Millionaire”) and Oscar-nominated writer Alex Garland (“Ex Machina”). This film significantly redefined the zombie genre by portraying the undead as infected individuals who have lost their very identity.

This movie modernized zombies in an original and engaging fashion while still embodying the essence of this horror subgenre as a reflection of societal fears. The film “28 Days Later” can be seen as an anti-authoritarian piece, causing both its characters and viewers to ponder whether those who claim to safeguard us are ultimately our adversaries. Furthermore, it boasts a heartwarmingly anxious cast, one that leaves audiences apprehensive about what’s to come.

Enthusiasm for “28 Days Later” remains strong, as fans eagerly await the release of the third installment in the series, titled “28 Years Later”, scheduled for a theater debut on June 20th.

Nope

In a nod to Jordan Peele’s third directorial venture, let me share that his initial feature film, Get Out, garnered significant acclaim. This horror movie was one of the rare ones to be recognized in top-tier categories at the Oscars, earning wins for Best Original Screenplay and nominations for Best Picture, Best Directing (Peele), and Best Actor (Daniel Kaluuya). Despite Get Out’s Academy recognition, Peele’s latest film, Nope, did not receive similar honors. However, it did secure several nominations from the Academy of Science-Fiction, Fantasy & Horror, ultimately taking home the Saturn Award for Best Science-Fiction.

The movie “Nope” is most enjoyably watched with minimal prior knowledge, just the barebones plot: an enigmatic occurrence bewilders residents in a remote California locale. As siblings OJ Haywood (Daniel Kaluuya) and Emerald Haywood (Keke Palmer) delve deeper into the mystery, events become increasingly puzzling and perilous. Reminiscent of a Steven Spielberg production in terms of entertainment and wonder, “Nope” simultaneously offers something completely unique. It’s noteworthy for its creative and technical ingenuity.

It’s truly disheartening that the film “Nope” – a heartfelt homage to the unsung heroes of Hollywood, the film crews – didn’t receive more recognition from the Oscars. This is particularly surprising when compared to other films like “La La Land,” “Babylon,” and “Once Upon a Time In Hollywood,” which glorify the entertainment industry, yet garnered far more acclaim. It’s worth noting that while these films praise the industry, “Nope” actually delivers on its promises through remarkable technical achievements that would be impossible without the dedication of its crew. This, combined with a distinct script, Peele’s innovative direction, and standout performances from Kaluuya and Palmer, makes “Nope” a film that deserves to be noticed and appreciated.

2025-02-28 00:11