Those of you who know me know I have a soft spot in my heart for cheesy horror movies. Not bad movies, but cheesy. The kind of movies you watch, expecting them to be bad, just so you can laugh with your friends.
There is a difference, though, between cheesy and bad. Cheesy is fun and campy and silly and ultimately entertaining. Bad movies are just boring. They are not worth the time it takes to watch.
But, that’s not the point of this post. It’s Halloween. Tonight’s for fun. So, if you don’t have any plans but you don’t want to be too scared, check out some of these, my favorite cheesy horror movies.
2001 Maniacs
This is essentially a remake, but it’s damn different. If ham-fisted social commentary and out-and-out racism appeal to you (on film only, of course), there’s no better place to start than this tale of college kids on Spring Break who get lured into a pre-Civil War re-enactment of the south. And, best use of a cider press in a movie…ever.
Arachnophobia
Don’t get me wrong. I’m scared to death of spiders, and this movie is genuinely frightening in parts. I mean it’s a town infested by deadly mutant arachnids. But, it’s also pretty funny. It’s particularly funny if you get the chance to watch it with someone who is afraid of spiders. Just ask my friends.
Jack Frost
A favorite prank of college students in video stores: switch the Jack Frost kids’ movie (remember that one? it had Michael Keaton. no?) with this silly horror flick. Clever, I know. Either way, you can’t go wrong with an evil Frosty the Snowman.
The Leprechaun series
There are six movies here, and the first one was scary when I was 10. Now, it’s kind of funny. But, everything after the first one was always funny. Of particular value are Leprechaun in Space and Leprechaun in da Hood. So, if watching a small Irish man repeatedly get upset about his gold is your thing, look no further.
Piranha
If at all possible, go with the original on this one. The 90s remake has its charms, but no remake will ever top a Roger Corman masterpiece. It’s about the evils of capitalism, science, and the military industrial complex, but mostly, it’s about piranha eating the swimmers. In this works right now, I hear, is a 3D remake, so watch for that in the near future.
So, enjoy, and happy Halloween.
