While some might be inclined to think that the slasher genre reached its zenith in the ’80s, the ’90s actually produced a significant number of enduring contributions to the genre. This decade saw the emergence of numerous high-quality films that earned praise from both critics and audiences alike. For instance, Wes Craven’s Scream revolutionized the genre by introducing meta horror elements and spawning numerous imitators. On a different note, Bernard Rose’s Candyman left a lasting impression on viewers with its chilling tone, while also delivering thought-provoking social commentary on racial inequality.
While not all ‘90s slasher films reach the greatness of those previously mentioned, there are still numerous high-quality stalk-and-slaughter movies from that era worth mentioning. For this discussion, we’re focusing on five ’90s slashers that nail many aspects but sometimes get overlooked.
1) Maniac Cop 2
Despite often being overlooked by many viewers, enthusiasts who’ve had the chance to watch it appreciate how Maniac Cop 2 builds upon the original film. This 1990 sequel showcases exceptional practical effects, dazzling pyrotechnics, and a well-maintained pace, not to mention. The movie brings back Jack Forrest, played by Bruce Campbell, who appeared to have vanquished the titular character, Robert Z’Dar, in the previous installment.
In this latest round of thrills, the main villain is portrayed as a chilling undead creature resembling a zombie, making a comeback. If you’re seeking an action-packed slasher movie that blends suspense with a touch of humor, then I wholeheartedly recommend giving Maniac Cop 2 a watch!
2) Urban Legend
The movie titled “Urban Legend” is set in a university, where it follows a group of characters as they uncover a vicious murderer hiding among them, targeting students randomly. This film boasts an array of promising new actors from the ’90s, plus several well-known horror genre veterans. The movie effectively weaves chilling elements into popular urban legends, leveraging the sense of familiarity that audiences have with these themes for a thrilling experience.
In a skillful manner, Director Jamie Blanks manages to build suspenseful tension while interspersing it with humorous moments, and an over-the-top villain who seems to relish his role. Unfortunately, when this 1998 slasher film was first released, critics weren’t favorable towards it, labeling it a copy of the classic “Scream”. However, this movie does much to set itself apart from that influential work and should be judged based on its unique qualities.
3) Dr. Giggles
Despite some imperfections, Manny Coto’s horror-comedy movie “Dr. Giggles” is worth appreciating. It showcases the late Larry Drake delivering one of his most outrageous performances ever. The narrative is filled with madness and maintains a campy tone throughout. The deaths are gruesome and they happen quite frequently, adding to the overall intensity.
Despite not introducing anything new to the slasher genre, the movie “Dr. Giggles” manages quite well in sticking to familiar tropes, offering a thrilling experience that’s filled with gore. The film’s storyline is over-the-top and boldly embraces its absurdity. It centers around a character named Drake, who has escaped from a mental institution and harbors dreams of becoming a doctor. He’s prepared to go to any lengths to make his dream come true.
4) Wes Craven’s New Nightmare
Wes Craven’s “New Nightmare” introduced a fresh perspective to the slasher genre, two years prior to his groundbreaking work on “Scream.” Regrettably, this excellent sequel in the “Nightmare on Elm Street” series has not received the recognition it deserves. This might be due to its underperformance at the box office. Despite being the lowest-grossing film in the franchise, “New Nightmare” should by no means be dismissed as poor quality.
In simpler terms, for numerous fans, this less recognized work ranks among the most terrifying installments of the series due to its seamless fusion of reality and fantasy. Heather Langenkamp, who portrays Nancy in A Nightmare on Elm Street, is depicted as a fictionalized version of herself, thereby making it harder to distinguish Heather from Nancy. As the story unfolds, Heather gets drawn into the dream realm, eventually confronting Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund) in his own domain.
5) Candyman 2: Farewell to the Flesh
1995’s follow-up to Farewell to the Flesh, while not quite reaching the depth of its predecessor, effectively continues the storyline set forth by the original. It’s thrilling to have horror icon Tony Todd reprise his role as the main character. The setting this time is New Orleans, where a schoolteacher (Kelly Rowan) finds herself embroiled in a situation when her brother (William O’Leary) is falsely accused of murder.
In this version, we delve into parts of the Candyman’s past, which was previously more centered on Helen Lyle (Virginia Madsen) in the original film. Todd’s performance offers a layered portrayal, making his vengeful side convincing and even prompting viewers to feel some compassion for his violent tendencies. This underappreciated sequel is brimming with an atmosphere skillfully crafted by director Bill Condon. If you haven’t given this sequel a chance yet, we strongly recommend you reconsider – it’s definitely worth watching.
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2025-08-13 03:40