Editorials
Mr. Disgusting Picks the Best Horror Films of 2014!
Other Year’s Lists: 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020
While studios are focusing on their franchises and remakes, independent filmmakers are building a horror army that’s one to reckon with. This is now the 13th anniversary of our annual Best & Worst editorials, and what makes this year stand out is that the majority of films on my list came from an independent source – even if a studio eventually released some.
On paper, we’re moving the right direction. There are a plethora of new up-and-coming horror filmmakers, and more and more horror films are being made outside of the studio system. The bad news is that it’s not a sustainable system, meaning we could be living in the golden age of independent horror cinema. Instead of bitching and moaning when a studio announces their next sequel/remake – take that negative energy and focus it in the right place…seek out and support an indie film you’ve been hearing so much about.
With that, let’s take a look at just how good 2014 was…
This is the first time I couldn’t narrow my list down to a top 10. In fact, I’m sitting on 20 films that all deserve some love – and if I can use the site as my own personal soapbox, so be it.
What I present to you are two batches of films, with the first 10 in no particular order, while the final 10, below, are shared in the typical countdown format.
Best Horror Films of 2014: 20-11
TOP 10 HORROR FILMS OF 2014
10. The Town That Dreaded Sundown (Universal Home Entertainment)
Alfonso Gomez-Rejon is quickly becoming a name is horror. After helming the sequel to The Town That Dreaded Sundown, he’s gone on to work on FX’s “American Horror Story: Freak Show,” which mirrored his talents shown in this modern day take on the 1976 classic. What I love about this Blumhouse production – dumped to home video – in that it has an otherworldly feel, and reminds me of the old Halloween films if they were to have taken place in the world of David Fincher’s Zodiac. The stunning cinematography only heightens a serious creep factor…oh, and there’s plenty of slasher gore to go around!
9. Nightcrawler (Open Road)
Dan Gilroy’s crime thriller isn’t a horror film, but it’s as thrilling as any genre pic I’ve ever seen. Jake Gyllenhaal plays a terrifying sociopath who is intent on being the first to the news. It’s a very relevant movie that basks in social commentary without being preachy. It’s also one of those movies where you end up rooting for the villain, which sort of makes Gyllenhaal the perfect antihero. There’s also no shortage of car chases and violence (there’s a multiple murder caught on tape) to go along with supremely astounding performances by both Gyllenhaal and Rene Russo.
8. Summer of Blood (Dark Sky Films)
Summer of Blood may be the first of its kind. This hipster horror film was written/directed by and stars Onur Tukel, who delivers a self-reflective performance in the vein of Clerks, but with real social commentary from the male gaze. Oh, it’s also a vampire movie, and a hilarious one at that. This is a must for horror fans that can handle heavy exposition, but should be warned that it’s not going to connect with everyone. In fact, if you can’t stand the opening scene, you should probably turn it off. For those who find it as gut-busting funny as I do, you’re in for a clever ride that’s littered in sex and violence.
7. Under the Skin (A24)
If you’re looking for a scary alien-abduction horror movie, Under the Skin is the closest since Fire In the Sky. In fact, I think it has one of the most terrifying abduction sequences ever caught on film. While the book may be better (and scarier), Jonathan Glazer’s Under the Skin is slow-burn horror at its best. It’s both spooky and nerve-wracking, with Scarlett Johansson delivering a maliciously premeditative and seductive powerhouse performance.
6. Dead Snow 2: Red vs. Dead (Well Go USA)
I strongly disliked Tommy Wirkola’s 2009 Sundance zombie pic Dead Snow and couldn’t understand why they’d bother with a sequel. It was one of the last films I planned to see this year, and ended up being one of my favorites. I’m unsure if it was because of the budget (was it larger?) or if Wirkola is listening to his critics, but Dead Snow 2 is an insanely fun Peter Jackson-esque splatterfest! Beginning immediately after the first, it builds into an outrageous and gory blast that really deserved to be seen with an audience. There’s plenty of homages to go around, especially one to Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead 2, where the main character is gifted with an undead super arm that’s central to the sequel’s plot. But what really ties the movie together is the American zombie hunters group, led by comic actor Martin Starr. I won’t ever watch Dead Snow again, but I plan to have multiple screenings of its sequel that has infinite replay value.
5. Wolf Creek 2 (RLJ/Image Entertainment)
I’m still raving about Greg McLean’s Wolf Creek sequel, which was a complete tonal shift from the first slasher. As I said in my review, Wolf Creek 2 is the slasher horror fans have been dying for; it’s like Crocodile Dundee, High Tension, Texas Chain Saw and Elm Street all mixed into one insanely fun, yet dirty, grimy and vicious slasher massacre. What makes it spectacular is McLean’s decision to make it more of a fun horror comedy than what they call “torture pron.” Mick Taylor becomes more like Freddy Krueger than Leatherface, and what viewers get is a super fun, wild ride that’s sure to become a cult classic.
4. Lost Soul (Severin)
I’m a huge fan of documentaries, but it’s sort of unfortunate there aren’t many based on horror films. Thanks to director David Gregory we take a look behind-the-scenes of the infamous 1996 The Island of Dr. Moreau, which starred Val Kilmer and Marlon Brando. Gregory’s “Lost Soul: The Doomed Journey of Richard Stanley’s Island of Dr. Moreau” shares the tortuous path Stanley set down to make his dream project with New Line Cinema. In what makes a perfect documentary, Stanley’s journey comes full circle as he tells of behind fired from the production, only to have snuck on the set as an extra to witness the furthering chaos. “Lost Soul” is as inspirational, exhilarating, and heartwarming as it heartbreaking and disincentive. “Lost Soul” should become required viewing in film schools across the globe as it’s both a life lesson and reality check. It’s the horror version of “Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse,” which is ironic as Apocalypse Now also starred Brando.
3. As Above/So Below (Universal Pictures)
I can’t remember the last time you guys gave me as much shit as you did for my review of As Above/So Below, directed by the Dowdle brothers (Quarantine, The Poughkeepsie Tapes, Devil). I don’t care what anyone says, but I thought this movie was fucking scary, and seeing it in an empty theater with incredible sound only heightened the experience. As I said in the review, As Above/So Below is a found-footage movie that shows that the subgenre can still work when it’s not abused. It’s astoundingly authentic, which could be the main reason why it’s one of the scariest movies in years. And even though it has its flaws, I champion the terrifying As Above with the highest praise possible…and still do.
2. Only Lovers Left Alive (Sony Classics)
I thought the vampire genre had completely died until I saw Jim Jarmusch’s romanticized horror film. Being that the majority of the drama takes place in a singular location with heavy exposition, the only way it could work is with a powerhouse performance. Only Lovers has two. Tilda Swinton, who is one of my favorite thesps of all time, stars with up-and-coming Goth king Tom Hiddleston. The two play century-old vampires (deeply in love) who are reunited after years apart. Things get out of hand when their disruptive sister (Mia Wasikowska) arrives, and destroys everything they’ve built together. It’s a wonderfully exotic and engaging piece of art that hopefully puts the viewers’ short lives into perspective.
1. Babadook (IFC Midnight)
A lot of Bloody Disgusting readers think Babadook is overrated, although I personally think it’s just overhyped. While Jennifer Kent’s chilling supernatural fairytale is my pick for best horror movie of the year, it’s never going to live up to the hype of being one of the best movies ever made, cause it’s not. Babadook, simply put, is a spine-tingling bedtime story for hardcore horror fans. Kent puts on a filmmaking clinic, using a perfect blend of storytelling, editing and sound design to create a slow-burn horror tale that’s guaranteed to get under the skin.
New month, new horror recommendations from Deep Cuts Rising. This installment features one random pick as well as four selections reflecting the month of May 2024.
Regardless of how they came to be here, or what they’re about, these past movies can generally be considered overlooked, forgotten or unknown.
This month’s offerings include a self-loathing serial killer, a violinist’s murderous ghost, and a postmodern vamp flick.
Scream, Pretty Peggy (1973)
Pictured: Ted Bessell and Sian Barbara Allen in Scream, Pretty Peggy.
Directed by Gordon Hessler.
The TV-movie Scream, Pretty Peggy first aired as part of ABC Movie of the Week. Bette Davis plays the mother of a reclusive sculptor (Ted Bessell), and after the previous housekeeper goes missing, a local college student (Sian Barbara Allen) fills the position. Little does she know, though, the young employee’s predecessor was murdered — and the killer is still on the loose.
Admittedly, Scream, Pretty Peggy isn’t difficult to figure out; its inspiration is obvious. However, Bette Davis’ overstated performance and the son character’s macabre artwork are enough to stay tuned and learn who’s behind the killings.
Scream, Pretty Peggy is now available on physical media from Kino Lorber. Perhaps watch the movie with your own mother this Mother’s Day (May 12).
Paganini Horror (1989)
Pictured: The ghostly killer in Paganini Horror.
Directed by Luigi Cozzi.
For National Buy a Musical Instrument Day (May 22), check out this absurd Italian entry in the subgenre of cursed music horror. A rock band unleashes hell when they unknowingly use a satanic piece of music composed by Niccolò Paganini, the violinist who was rumored to have made a Faustian deal.
Even though Paganini Horror is hardly deemed a standout of Italian Horror, and the movie indeed drags itself toward the finish line, there are some bright spots worth focusing on. For instance: Donald Pleasence. If that’s not enough, the very ’80s aesthetic helps gloss over the flaws in Daria Nicolodi‘s uneven script.
Paganini Horror is now on physical media from Severin Films and is also streaming on SCREAMBOX.
Nadja (1994)
Pictured: Suzy Amis Cameron and Karl Geary in Nadja.
Directed by Michael Almereyda.
These vampires may or may not cast a reflection, but they sure do love to reflect. David Lynch executive-produced as well as briefly appeared in the film, which Roger Ebert succinctly described as “Deadpan Noir” in his review. This tale of revenge and philosophical pondering begins with the vampiric namesake (Suzy Amis Cameron) seducing the daughter (Galaxy Craze) of Van Helsing after he killed Nadja’s father, Dracula. From there a war erupts between the two sides, all while taking place in modern NYC.
Nadja is quite slow but also just strange, stylish and creative enough to keep your attention. In addition, the trip hop soundtrack is easy on the ears, and Peter Fonda plays a memorable Van Helsing. Overall, this is a unique and artsy approach to vampire horror.
Nadja is now streaming on Freevee.
The Bone Snatcher (2003)
Pictured: Scott Bairstow, Warrick Grier and Rachel Shelley in ‘The Bone Snatcher’.
Directed by Jason Wulfsohn.
For National Sunscreen Day (May 27), dig up the monster movie The Bone Snatcher. It will take more than a high SPF to protect the sunburned characters here; they are stuck in a South African desert with a bizarre monster called the Esikhulu.
The best things about The Bone Snatcher are its setting and the creature. This beast, which is brought to life on screen using a combination of practical and digital effects, sports a ghastly design to go with its unnerving ability to animate skeletons. Something else this movie has going for it is a refusal to show the monster too often; that way there is less chance of becoming desensitized to the Esikhulu. Ultimately, this has nothing on John Carpenter’s The Thing, however, those more forgiving fans of Syfy-ish creature-features should be satisfied.
The Bone Snatcher is currently streaming on Tubi.
#1 Serial Killer (2013)
Pictured: Jason Tobin in #1 Serial Killer.
Directed by Stanley Yung.
May is AAPIM, and the subversive #1 Serial Killer (originally titled Chink) is relevant when discussing the “Invisible Asian” notion. Acknowledging the irony, Stanley Yung’s movie has gone widely unnoticed despite its potent take on race and identity.
Jason Tobin (Warrior) delivers a compelling performance as the vile protagonist here. The self-hating, Ted Bundy-admiring character discriminates against other Asians after years of mistreatment and disregard, and that growing rage finally manifests as cathartic violence.
#1 Serial Killer is currently available at digital retailers like Apple.
No genre is as prolific as horror, so it’s understandable that movies fall through the cracks all the time. That is where this recurring column, Deep Cuts Rising, comes in. Each installment of this series will spotlight several unsung or obscure movies from the past — some from way back when, and others from not so long ago — that could use more attention.
‘Infested’ Review – One of the Best Spiders Attack Horror Movies in Years
‘The King Tide’: An Island Town Rots with Moral Decay in Canadian Folk Horror Fable [Review]
Limited Edition Morticia & Wednesday Addams ‘Monster High’ Dolls Releasing Next Week!
TWO New ‘Evil Dead’ Movies Now in the Works; Sébastien Vaniček & Francis Galluppi Directing
“AHS: Delicate” Review – ‘The Auteur’ Gives Birth to a Lackluster, Laughable Finale
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