Indie filmmaking rocked cinema in the ’90s, although its horror films weren’t necessarily as distinctive (besides a heightened degree of self-awareness, and a hefty focus on teenagers). However, the decade was also punctuated by an emphasis on intelligent thrillers to the point that even IMDb was rather confused about the true borders between horror and thriller films. After all, thrillers focus on suspense, but still aim to frighten. So, in an effort to maintain ideal fidelity, it’s best to loosely allow anything with deliberate horror imagery and scares. These are the top ten results of '90s horror, just in time for All Hallows’ Eve.
10 Bram Stoker’s Dracula - 7.4
Francis Ford Coppola may have recently made headlines regarding the MCU's comic book adaptations, but he’s still a talented auteur. Despite countless vampires on film, let alone those starring Dracula himself, this nod to hammer horror was truly effective. Such an emphasis on practical effects is largely uncommon, and adds plenty of gripping, old-school personality. The psychosexual elements were tastefully handled, and the romance of Dracula is radiant thanks to a stellar Gary Oldman performance. Aside from a lesser Keanu Reeves performance, who wasn’t quite the best fit, the film is surprisingly impeccable for such tired material.
9 Man Bites Dog - 7.5
This is easily one of the deepest, most graphic insights into depravity on film. It functions as a false documentary, wherein the camera crew follows around a serial killer. They record all manner of brutal murders and a truly unwatchable rape sequence. The killer’s incessant rambling, and the overt criticism of media might have caused that strange ‘comedy’ label on IMDb. However, this is anything but a laugh-fest. Rather, it’s the darkest possible comedy by way of sheer extremes. It’s certainly tied into the meta, self-awareness of the 90’s generation. But the violence in this film is so utterly ruthless, and blunt. Consequently, it’s more of a mental chore than any form of entertainment.
8 Dead Alive - 7.5
This exotic horror-comedy really delivers a new level of bizarre, if that’s your poison. Peter Jackson built his mammoth career on these oddities, and this one is particularly grotesque. Given the gore Sam Raimi had achieved with The Evil Dead franchise, perhaps Jackson felt the urge to compete.
The plot mainly involves a man trying to conceal the fact that his mother is spreading a zombie outbreak. This results in a very dark sense of humor, which may take a minute to acclimate with. But overall, especially with the bloody payoff, the effort is worthwhile.
7 Jacob’s Ladder - 7.5
Tim Robbins is truly memorable in a film that could’ve rested entirely on his shoulders, but did not require them. It’s a surreal mystery with a very sincere approach to grim themes as invoked by our own harsh reality. This dichotomy lends itself to a brilliant screenplay, which doesn’t treat PTSD as a mere gimmick. Particularly in horror, phobias and mental issues are frequent points of interest. Across the genre, this has correspondingly ended up with tacky, insensitive plots and sincere exploration alike. Luckily, this film provides the latter. The psychological elements are equally horrific and moving, two sentiments that unexpectedly complement each other.
6 Army Of Darkness - 7.5
The first forty-five minutes or so of the film are a perfect fit with the series’ pre-established horror. After that, it becomes a comedy-adventure the likes of which one might find on a Saturday morning. But it’s just so charming, witty, and blatantly intentional, so it’s impossible not to jump on board. This structure also worked for From Dusk Till Dawn, a couple of years later. The laughs are just as genuine as the horror, and with two equally innovative films behind it, the final entry is immensely satisfying. Bruce Campbell was absolutely made for this role, and it’s a true shame the television show couldn’t continue.
5 Funny Games (1997) - 7.6
Yet another thriller that embraces enough psychological torment to deserve the horror brand. It’s uncommon that a director remakes his own material, but the American update was largely considered inferior. Nonetheless, the original is a taut story that musters unexpected surprise out of a very simple premise.
It’s far more disturbing than one would think, without very much blood. But even implied violence works in this film because of its extraordinarily bleak tone and unsettling concepts. True, similar ideas had already been put to the big screen. But this one in particular has a rare, convincing psychological interest.
4 Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles - 7.6
Sure, this movie got something of a bad rap in Deadpool 2, but it was certainly a fun '90s reference. Truthfully, this is one of the more sophisticated vampire films, utilizing agelessness to explore surprisingly potent themes. Consistent guilt, permanent childhood, and the ethics of human prey are well-executed through lines. The ensemble cast delivers absolutely magnetic performances, and Tom Cruise’s infectious playfulness makes for a compelling pseudo-villain. It also offers all of the comic relief. The tone is otherwise appropriately earnest, despite being charged with open sexuality. Ultimately, it feels like the complete, plausible biography of a vampire.
3 Perfect Blue - 8.0
Sure, some of Hayao Miyazaki’s work can include somewhat disturbing imagery, particularly for younger audiences which animation is generally appropriately for. But this film is quite another animal, utilizing animation to exaggerate with extreme artistic purpose.
Heavy with nudity and blood, it even has a blatant homage to The Silence of the Lambs itself. Full of murder and stabbing, its graphic nature is barely justified by its gripping, complex themes. It’s yet another film that derives horror from the psychological warping of reality and achieves it with unrivaled gusto in the animated field.
2 The Sixth Sense - 8.1
So, here’s where things really get tricky. Most films involving ghosts could arguably be considered thrillers, more so than horror. They do not require gallons of bloodshed or scream queens to frighten. But they can certainly deliver the scares, and M. Night Shyamalan’s iconic hit is direct proof. The profoundly mature and sympathetic protagonist undergoes a number of scares involving wounded dead people. This is definitely comparable to Stir of Echoes, also released in 1999—but only the latter earned the horror label. This seems strange, and it’s only sensible to include Shyamalan’s career-launching jewel. Besides including his best suspense, there’s even a couple well-earned jump scares.
1 The Silence Of The Lambs - 8.6
Of all places to have the thriller/horror argument, this classic Hannibal Lecter outing may be the most popular. However, it’s hard to ignore what bloody deeds Lecter ultimately concocts, including a particular face-lift. Further, the blind showdown with the serial killer in the big finale is definitely horror imagery. The film doesn’t fall in with ordinary slasher fare involving serial killers, because of its authenticity and undeniable artistry. Anthony Hopkins’ Lecter is a tad overzealous, but his unblinking ferocity works because Hannibal no longer requires camouflage. The pacing is slow and methodical, and Jodie Foster is impeccable as a nuanced, compelling hero.
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