Alex Carter
Mark Twain once said, “Write what you know,” and it seems filmmakers have taken this to heart. Some of the most iconic films, especially in the horror genre, are about the process of filmmaking itself. Think of classics like Wes Craven’s New Nightmare or the chilling The Blair Witch Project.
Inspired by recent meta horror films like MaXXXine and The Exorcism (don’t mix it up with The Pope’s Exorcist), we’ve curated a list of 6 underappreciated Hollywood Horror Films that delve into the sinister side of showbiz.
For this list, we’re focusing on ‘Hollywood Horror’ – scary movies where the act of filmmaking itself is the source of terror. However, we’re steering clear of Found Footage movies as they’re already meta storytelling in their own right.
Before we dive in, don’t forget to share your favorite Hollywood Horrors in the comments below, especially if you think we’ve overlooked a hidden gem.
Now, let’s get started with the list…
6. All About Evil (2010)
Joshua Grannell, better known as the alter ego of renowned drag performer Peaches Christ, made a splash with the 2010 indie horror flick All About Evil. Starring the delightful Natasha Lyonne as a desperate theater owner willing to kill to keep her business afloat, this campy gore-fest is a treat for horror aficionados.
While the low-budget production and over-the-top performances might not be everyone’s cup of tea, I believe it adds to the B-movie charm. Once hard to find, All About Evil is now available on several streaming platforms, so there’s no excuse for horror fans to miss out.
5. Blow Out (1981)
Labeling a Brian DePalma film as “underrated” might seem like a stretch, but it’s rare to see hardcore horror fans discussing this influential murder mystery. With its striking visuals and clever film-within-a-film that satirizes the slasher genre, there’s a lot to admire in this conspiracy thriller about a sound engineer who uncovers a horrifying assassination plot.
Recent films like MaXXXine owe a lot to DePalma’s chilling classic (as well as his other thrillers, like Dressed to Kill and Body Double), which is why I believe Blow Out deserves a special mention on this list. Plus, who can resist a peak John Travolta performance?
4. Terror Firmer (1990)
Warning: this raunchy horror comedy about a revengeful murderer terrorizing the set of a chaotic indie film is not for the faint-hearted. However, no one understands the perils of low-budget filmmaking better than Lloyd Kaufman and the team at Troma, making it hard to leave this provocative flick off the list.
With a blind director, copious amounts of nudity and gore, and humor that hasn’t aged well, Terror Firmer is the epitome of a Troma film – for better or worse. Interestingly, many of the movie’s outlandish scenarios are adapted from Kaufman and James Gunn’s surprisingly informative book All I Need to Know About Filmmaking I Learned from the Toxic Avenger!
3. Starry Eyes (2014)
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I’ve always been fascinated by Hollywood conspiracy theories, so it’s no surprise that I was captivated by Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer’s unique take on the secret societies rumored to control Hollywood. Starry Eyes presents a terrifying allegorical exploration of the demonic influences behind the scenes, as we watch an aspiring actress lose herself in her pursuit of stardom.
Horror fans will appreciate the gruesome effects and eerie imagery, but it’s the unsettling atmosphere that really makes the film stand out. If you enjoy this one, I recommend pairing it with Nicolas Winding Refn’s modeling-based thriller, The Neon Demon.
2. Berberian Sound Studio (2012)
Set in 1970s Italy, Peter Strickland’s Berberian Sound Studio is a surreal tale about a British sound engineer working on a peculiar giallo film. It soon morphs into a psychological thriller and a tribute to the golden age of Italian horror, creating a truly unforgettable meta-horror experience.
With a standout performance from Toby Jones and some eerily unsettling sound work, the film leaves viewers to fill in the gaps as they try to decipher the unseen Equestrian Vortex movie.
1. The Hills Run Red (2009)
One of my all-time favorite horror films from the 2000s, Dave Parker’s retro slasher The Hills Run Red boasts one of the most terrifying killers of that era, along with a compelling mystery surrounding a legendary piece of fictional lost media.
Drawing inspiration from the best of ’70s horror, this film offers a much more brutal experience than you might expect, adding to its retro vibe. Despite its budget constraints, this film stands out as one of the most terrifying entries on this list and a prime example of unforgettable Hollywood Horror.
