Early in their careers, directors George A. Romero and John Carpenter both created some truly iconic films. Romero’s first films included classics like *Night of the Living Dead*, *Dawn of the Dead*, and *Creepshow*, while his later work, like *Land of the Dead*, didn’t quite reach the same heights. Carpenter’s early successes featured *Halloween* and *The Thing*, but his later films, such as *Escape from L.A.*, were less memorable. Wes Craven maintained a more consistent level of quality throughout his career, largely thanks to the success of the *Scream* franchise. Tobe Hooper, however, is a director who arguably had his best work early on, unlike Craven who enjoyed success later in his career.
Despite some weaker entries, he directed seven films – and one miniseries – that most horror fans will likely enjoy. Films like *Eaten Alive*, *Lifeforce*, and *Invaders from Mars* were close to making the cut, but truly terrible movies like *Crocodile* and *The Mangler* didn’t even come close.
5) The Funhouse
The 1980s horror film *The Funhouse* is a classic that’s often talked about as a good candidate for a modern remake. More importantly, it was a turning point in director Tobe Hooper’s career. His work on *The Funhouse* – his first film made with a major studio – caught the attention of Steven Spielberg, who then chose Hooper to direct *Poltergeist*.
I’m a huge fan of *The Funhouse* because it really showcases what a gifted filmmaker Hooper was. He was amazing at creating truly unforgettable villains – Gunther is a perfect example – and he had this incredible ability to build tension, to really pull you into the movie and not let go. The beginning might feel a little slow at times, but once the story picks up, it’s a genuinely terrifying and thrilling experience, like a wild rollercoaster ride!
4) Salem’s Lot
While technically a miniseries, *Salem’s Lot* really feels like one long movie, and it’s effective. It’s not flawless, but it’s definitely a significant improvement over the remakes from 2004 and 2024.
While much of the praise for this three-hour horror film should go to the original story, director Hooper did a fantastic job capturing the book’s atmosphere on screen. He skillfully recreated the scariest scenes – like the chilling image of a vampire child floating outside a window – despite working with a limited TV movie budget. The casting of James Mason as Richard Straker and Reggie Nalder as Kurt Barlow was also particularly effective.
3) The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2
The sequel to *The Texas Chainsaw Massacre* didn’t quite deliver what fans were hoping for. After a 12-year wait, the film left many viewers confused and disappointed when it was released.
What truly sets *The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2* apart is its originality, making it by far the strongest sequel in the series. It successfully balances humor with genuinely frightening moments – the opening highway scene is incredibly tense and gruesome. The film also introduced two iconic horror figures: Caroline Williams and Bill Moseley, whose characters, ‘Stretch’ and ‘Chop-Top,’ have become legendary. Plus, the film’s underground setting offers a fresh contrast to the farmhouse location of the original. Like the first *Texas Chainsaw Massacre*, it’s a terrifying experience, but with a distinctly different atmosphere.
Stream The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 on Prime Video.
2) Poltergeist
Many consider *Poltergeist* to be one of the most frightening PG-rated movies ever made, and it’s a great introduction to the horror genre, just like another Steven Spielberg film, *Gremlins*. Speaking of Spielberg, there’s been ongoing discussion about how much he actually directed *Poltergeist*. While both Spielberg and director Tobe Hooper claimed Hooper was the primary director, the movie strongly resembles Spielberg’s style and feels like one of his projects.
Poltergeist is a perfectly cast and paced horror film from the early 1980s. It’s the ultimate haunted house movie, and setting it in a typical, peaceful California suburb was a brilliant move. The seemingly safe, ordinary neighborhood creates a powerful contrast, because this house offers no refuge. While Poltergeist is a true classic, it’s best to skip both the sequels and the remake.
Stream Poltergeist on HBO Max.
1) The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
Considered a classic of the horror genre, *The Texas Chain Saw Massacre* is a Halloween staple. What makes it so effective isn’t gore, but rather its incredible ability to build suspense and let your imagination run wild with what’s happening – you *feel* the terror of the chainsaw without needing to *see* graphic violence.
It’s remarkable how effectively Hooper and his team create a terrifying atmosphere, even with something as simple as scattered chicken bones and feathers. The film relies heavily on its strong atmosphere and believable characters, making their terrifying ordeal feel incredibly real and impactful.
Stream The Texas Chain Saw Massacre on Prime Video.
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2025-10-13 03:10