In this week’s list, I want to share three refreshing horror classics. I haven’t heard nor read much about these films, so I assume they’re underrated. Therefore, I hope to enlighten you!
The Thing (1982)
Underrated movies to me means it’s unheard of, or not popular. Yet, John Carpenter’s “The Thing” is widely used in horror merchandise, although I don’t see it talked about often like other classics. I figure it’s because John Carpenter is a horror icon.
Nonetheless, “The Thing” is an excellent selection for Halloween. It takes place in Antarctica, where a creature is discovered by a group of people, including known actor Kurt Russell who plays Macready. They soon realize the thing assumes their appearance (from people to animals), making it hard to figure out who is an imposter. When we see the creature in transformation or true form, it’s a magnificently disturbing sight.
For creature-horror fans who haven’t yet watched this, it’s an absolute must-watch classic! It’s also great timing since Carpenter announced last year that he and Blumhouse Productions are in the early stages of developing a reboot. There was also a reboot in 2011, which I thought was pretty good, so feel free to check that out too!
You can find “The Thing” on the following platforms: Sling TV (premium subscription), Starz (subscription), Amazon Prime Video (premium subscription), Philo (premium subscription), YouTube ($3.99+), Google Play Movies & TV ($3.99+), Apple TV ($3.99+), Vudu ($3.99+), and Hulu (premium subscription).
Terror Train (1980)
Scream queen Jamie Lee Curtis (“Halloween,” “The Fog,” “Prom Night”) plays Alana Maxwell, who partakes in a prank on a fellow pledge member of the fraternity, Kenny Hampson (Derek McKinnon). The prank resulted in Kenny being traumatized and institutionalized.
Years pass, and the fraternity is graduating, so a graduation costume party takes place on a train. Terror is among them. What I like most about this film is that it takes place on a train. There’s rarely any train horror out there, and horror icon Jamie Lee Curtis makes it even better!
You can find “Terror Train” on the following platforms: Apple TV ($3.99+) and Amazon Prime Video (premium subscription).
The Addiction (1995)
Vampire lovers, this is for you! “The Addiction” has a spin to vampirism. Director Abel Ferrara noted that it’s a metaphorical representation of drug addiction. Kathleen Conklin played by Lili Taylor (“The Conjuring”) is a student who has to handle her craving for blood.
The parallel of drug addiction and vampirism is present when Kathleen is struggling with her newfound craving. From unknowing of what’s happening to the unstoppable urge of feeding and longing for blood. In turn, the addiction spreads from person to person. What I love about this film is the fresh take on vampirism, and the fact that it’s shot completely in black and white.
You can find “The Addiction” on Amazon Prime Video (premium subscription).
Overall, I hope you take an interest or a liking to one or more of the films on this list. I feel these are great additions of horror variety for a terror-riffic binge! If you haven’t read my previous horror watch list, check it out here!
With that said, I hope my insight has enlightened you and I’d love to talk about things horror and more! If you’d like to see more of my content or would like to contact me, you can find me on Instagram or Twitter. You may also email me at jrnw99@gmail.com if you prefer.
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