The Scream franchise has become one of the biggest hits in the genre recently. Notable for its influence on consciously approaching horror film clichés and for revitalizing the slasher subgenre for a new generation. Below you will find movies with similar characteristics to the Scream franchise.
Our selection of spooky productions:
The New Nightmare: Freddy Krueger Returns (1994)
The ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’ franchise ended in 1991 after six films, resulting in the erosion of Freddy Krueger’s image and saturation of the slasher genre. However, in 1994, director Wes Craven, who was responsible for the first film, returned with “The New Nightmare – The Return of Freddy Krueger”, presenting a metalinguistic and satirical approach. That film is considered a prototype for Craven’s future hit, “Scream,” released two years later.
In the plot of the film, Heather Langenkamp, the actress who played Nancy Thompson in the previous “A Nightmare on Elm Street” films, is tormented by nightmares and strange events after the production of the film ends. She discovers that the iconic villain Freddy Krueger is coming to life and threatening her real-life family.
I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)
Four teenagers accidentally run over a man on the street, leading him to a fatal destination. Rather than report the incident, they choose to dispose of the body and make a pact of secrecy. After a year, young people begin to receive letters containing a threatening message: “I know what you did last summer.”
‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ was one of the films that helped revitalize the slasher genre, which was facing a decline before the release of ‘Scream’. The feature film is also written by Kevin Williamson, the creator of the “Scream” franchise.
Bride of Chucky (1998)
Following the trend of self-aware horror films following the success of Scream, the Child’s Play franchise was revived as a self-parody, prioritizing humor over horror.
The plot introduces Tiffany (Jennifer Tilly), the ex-girlfriend of Charles Lee Ray, the famous killer who inhabited the Chucky doll. After resurrecting Chucky through a satanic ritual, Tiffany is unexpectedly transformed into a doll and together they embark on a killing spree.
Shocker – 100,000 Volts of Terror (1989)
Horace Pinker, a brutal serial killer is finally caught, thanks to the help of young athlete Jonathan Parker. Before being executed in the electric chair, Pinker makes a deal with the devil and becomes a supernatural entity capable of transporting himself in different bodies through electricity. He now continues to kill and terrorize people, including Jonathan’s family.
‘Shocker’, also directed by Wes Craven, is a slasher horror film that combines supernatural elements. The film deals with the influence of the media on society, a theme that will also be explored later in “Scream”.
The Bloody Bird (1987)
Directed by the Italian Michele Soavi, “The Bleeding Bird” explores the limits of similarities and differences between yellow and slasher at a time when both subgenres were in decline. Like the opera Pânico, this film reflects on cinematography itself by using metalinguistic elements in the plot. However, he is notable for not using comedic elements or referring to himself to the viewer.
The plot follows a troupe of actors who are rehearsing for a musical about a fictional mass murderer known as the Night Owl. However, they soon discover that an owl-masked killer is on the loose, turning the trials into a fight for survival.
The House of Wax (2005)
A group of young people decide to stop off in an apparently deserted city during a trip. However, they soon discover that the town is inhabited by a disturbed family who create wax sculptures using real human bodies.
Under the direction of Jaume Collet-Serra, “House of Wax” is an adaptation of the film of the same name released in 1953. Although not strictly a “slasher” type horror film, the film uses much of the strong iconography of this subgenre to create a menacing and enveloping atmosphere at the same time.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986)
Tobe Hooper blew expectations in the sequel to his hit horror film, the 1974 classic “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” and went overboard.
The plot follows the story of a young DJ involved in a violent confrontation with the murderous family of Leatherface. Additionally, the cast includes famed actor Dennis Hopper, who plays a sheriff obsessed with catching Leatherface.
The post List: Discover 7 slasher horror films similar to the Pânico franchise that first appeared on Olhar Digital.
Source: Olhar Digital
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
