LISTICLE: Horror movies that rise above critics’ reviews
While many movie-goers trust Rotten Tomatoes to tell them whether a movie is good or bad, sometimes the critics judge too hard. Many horror films do not do well in theaters and become cult classics for their corny special effects, cheesy factor and underlying morals. Read the list below to see how fan favorites fared.
- “Saw” (2004) – 48 percent by Rotten Tomatoes
Grossing more than $100 million on a $1.2 million budget, “Saw’s” successful opening weekend led to an immediate greenlight to a sequel, “Saw II,” and seven more after that. Critics’ opinions of “Saw” varied, most taking issue with how twisted and gore-filled the film is. Fans love the series for exactly those reasons, as well as the unique take on morality that the Jigsaw Killer uses to methodically choose his victims.
- “Pet Semetary” (1989) – 48 percent by Rotten Tomatoes
The screen adaptation of Steven King’s “Pet Semetary” features ghosts, zombies and a murderous toddler hell-bent on destruction. Critics felt that the story did not translate well to the big screen. It was widely thought that the more horrific characters came across as cheesy on screen. Despite the quirks, “Pet Semetary” gives viewers a unique take on grief by telling a story about characters who suffer by not letting the dead rest. King, who has a cameo in the film, saw “Pet Semetary” gross $57.5 million on an $11 million budget.
- “The Strangers” (2008) – 45 percent by Rotten Tomatoes
“The Strangers” is chock-full of “DON’T GO IN THERE” moments, which results in a thriller filled with hopelessness for its main characters. The characters are oblivious to the reasoning behind the target on their back, as well as why there are invaders in their home. The actions and motivations by the invaders in this film feels so real it leaves the viewers feeling uneasy about navigating their own homes upon the conclusion of the film. At an earned $82.4 million worldwide, “The Strangers” instills a permanent fear of burlap sacks in the viewer.
- “A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge” (1985) – 40 percent by Rotten Tomatoes
Freddy’s return to Elm street was poorly received by critics as most felt it did not live up to the success of the first film, which scored a phenomenal 94 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. “A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge” featured new screenwriter David Chaskin, who instilled a great deal of humor into the film. This allowed the film to breathe new life into the murderous Freddy Krueger. While critics generally find slasher sequels campy, the unique concept of a serial killer invading characters’ dreams makes this film a cult classic.
- “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (2003) – 36 percent by Rotten Tomatoes
Household names Jessica Biel and R. Lee Ermey headline the remake of the 1974 classic, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.” Leatherface, the chainsaw-wielding maniac, has been rebooted on screen several times, which must mean that there is a quality story to tell. Critics deemed this remake unnecessary and gory, but the “based on a true story” element is what keeps Leatherface on the big screen.
- “Final Destination” (2000) – 34 percent by Rotten Tomatoes
“Final Destination” ignored critics’ negative reviews as the movie easily eclipsed the $100 million earned mark and numerous sequels. This cult classic was the recipient of a Saturn Award for Best Horror Film in the year 2000. The unique concept of never being able to escape death personifies death as a character in the film. While some deaths can be cheesy, you will think twice about getting on that airplane.
- “Friday the 13th Part 2” (1981) – 34 percent by Rotten Tomatoes
“Friday the 13th Part 2” reintroduced us to the unrelenting Jason Voorhees. The slasher film faced opposition from the Motion Picture Association of America after its release for too much gore and violence. Jason Voorhees’s motivation to kill is clear, all those whom he deems sinful will die. Despite a negative perception by reviewers, Jason Voorhees’ introduction as the lead antagonist was received well enough by fans to be featured in 10 more films.
- “Resident Evil” (2002) – 34 percent by Rotten Tomatoes
Having been a popular video game franchise, Resident Evil’s film adaptation had enough name recognition to push the film over the $100 million earned mark. The film features Mila Jovovich and Michelle Rodriguez, both of whom are participants on a tour of death through an underground facility filled with flesh-eating zombies. Video game adaptations into films have generally not done well. Critics and fans of the video game nit-picked “Resident Evil” to no end, but the film is worth a watch for the everyday horror buff.
- “Halloween II” (1981) – 31 percent by Rotten Tomatoes
Picking up on the cliffhanger where the first film left off, “Halloween II” was a box office success. Golden Globe winner Jamie Lee Curtis was deemed by fans of the horror genre as the ideal “Scream Queen” following her breakout role as Laurie Strode in this popular franchise. Critics called the film sloppy seconds compared to the first film in the series. Although there was a change in director, Michael Meyers is still one hell of a creepy, psychotic killer which was enough for eight more sequels.
- “House of Wax” (2005) – 25 percent by Rotten Tomatoes
Paris Hilton’s film debut as Paige Edwards in “House of Wax” was met with negative reviews as most felt that the film did very little to relate to the original. Despite the negativity, Paris Hilton’s performance won her the Best Scream Scene Award by the Teen Choice Awards, as well as “House of Wax” taking home the award for best horror movie. Although it did not live up to the original, the film captured the millennial audience.
