EJ Moreno takes a look at seven overlooked sci-fi horror films that are a must-see…
Get ready to add a ton of amazing sci-fi horror movies to your watchlist. We’ve explored the hidden gems of the subgenre that keep us awake at night.
If you have heard of these films or are learning about them for the first time, this list is intended to highlight films that combine the intelligence and horror that make films like Foreigner or The thing Classics for fans. Unfortunately, not every film can be as hyped or linger in your memory as long as these, so we’re looking at films from horror masters and indie darlings that you’ll instantly love.
Join this list and contact us via our social channels @FlickeringMyth to discuss your favorite forgotten sci-fi horror films…
Honorable Mentions:
- Street Garbage (1987)
– It’s a gnarly little body horror film that makes Troma seem harmless. - Dice (1997)
– One of the most claustrophobic and gripping offerings in the genre. - Splice – The Great Adventure (2009)
– What a nasty little movie that we all put behind us far too quickly.
The Village of the Damned (1960)
Long before Foreigner made it cool to mix science fiction with horror, Village of the Damned was a trendsetter.
The early 1960s were a transitional period for horror, as it left the B-movies of the 1950s behind and entered a new, more mature space after therear window And Psycho. Village of the Damned fits perfectly between the eras, taking the more science-inspired horror of the ’50s and mixing it with the hard-hitting “it could happen to you” approach of the ’60s.
Instead of giant monsters, horror took over households and made the idea of children scary, right at the time when the nuclear family was all we needed. The fears and anxieties of the time are perfectly manifested in this beautiful classic sci-fi horror.
The Crazy Ones (1973)
Even with a remake from the 00s, it is surprising, how overlooked The crazy ones belongs to George A. Romero Classic.
Romero’s next step after making the most famous zombie film five years earlier was to delve deeper into science fiction without losing the horror. The filmmaker also found a way to bring his usual dose of social criticism into the film, showing what happens when the government tries to cover up its terrible misdeeds.
Similar to the previous entry, you will see what happens when normal life is affected in a way that sends shivers down your spine. While The crazy ones was not seen in the same light as his Dead Franchise, it’s crazy to see how well it has aged over time.
Life Force (1985)
Tobe Hooper gave us Texas Chainsaw And poltergeistbut he made a pit stop with Life force between these legendary films.
To summarize this film as “vampires in space” would not do justice to one of the most outlandish and progressive entries in the subgenre. Hooper was never a director who did big and spectacular things with his works, but it would be surprising to learn that the filmmaker has hidden talent as a blockbuster director. The film is cheesy, but it has big ideas.
As much as I love the trash Texas Chainsaw massacre Page by Tobe Hooper, it’s incredible to see him play in a genre we haven’t had the chance to explore enough. All of the films included are worth watching, but you should make a special effort to find Life force.
Hardwares (1990)
In his debut film, Richard Stanley mixed the worlds of metal, horror and science fiction and ushered in the technology-loving 1990s.
Hardware was not well received upon its release, but has gained a cult following that appreciates how brutal and punky it feels. If you thought Terminator wasn’t hardcore enough, this was the perfect movie. It’s a trippy, chaotic movie, but there’s no denying how absolutely cool the whole thing feels; the kind of sci-fi horror movie that makes you say “Hell Yeah” a few times.
The soundtrack features Ace of Spades by Motorhead and was once rated as an X-rated film, so that alone tells you what kind of film you’re in for. Hardware is not for everyone, which makes it even more unique; there really aren’t any more films like this.
eXistenZ (1999)
Even a sci-fi horror legend like David Cronenberg can be overlooked by the general public, but there is no excuse for existence.
It’s crazy to think how far ahead of the curve this film was, incorporating video games and virtual reality before that was common. Mix those elements with the typical Cronenberg style of body horror and shocking imagery, and you’ll understand why it’s a must-see. existence as soon as possible. In a filmography full of wild movies, this one is at the top of his list.
You can’t talk about this film without mentioning the brilliant leading actresses Jennifer Jason Leigh and Jude Law. If this film would not be so close to The Matrix, it would have had time to shine and could and should have found its audience.
Splinters (2008)
At a time when so many genre entries are emerging, we forget Splinters makes sense, but anyone who has seen it hasn’t been able to ignore it since.
As one of the lesser known on this list, Splinters This is definitely made up for by the inventive and offbeat scares. The film never takes itself too seriously, and when you’re having fun you forget how bad things can get, but the film often reminds you that it’s got a lot going for it. It’s a strange mix of 28 days later And The thingbut somehow even sicker.
If you love Shea Whigham, like most of us do, then that’s another reason to check this out. It’s packed with good scares, good acting, and plenty of gross-out sci-fi moments that we all love. Splinters is the kind of film that stays in your memory for a long time.
Detention (2011)
2011 brought us one of the most bizarre genre entries arrest mixes so much together to deliver a refreshing energy boost.
Director Joseph Kahn returns after the wild 00s film Torque to provide an even more unusual experience. While others find the film very inspiring, I can easily say that I have never seen a film like arrestThey are equal parts Back to the future And Screamthat sounds simple but it’s anything but simple. It’s exaggerated but it’s so much fun to watch.
While many other films on the list strike a heavy tone or feel the need to incorporate social commentary, arrest knows its place as a silly little genre-bending film. If you loved what they did with Happy death anniversaryJust think of him as the movie’s chaotic big sister.
What do you think of this list? Be sure to share your own recommendations with us, @FlickeringMyth…
EJ Moreno
