Horror Movies You’re Wrong About! 😱

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The genre of Horror tends to elicit strong reactions from both viewers and critics. Not everyone appreciates it, with some even having a dislike for the genre. Consequently, it sometimes receives unfair criticism. Interestingly, those who are fond of horror movies can be particularly vocal about their opinions. If there’s one characteristic shared by horror enthusiasts, it’s their deep-seated enthusiasm for the genre. When they adore a movie, they can’t stop discussing it, standing up for it against those who might not share the same sentiment. Similarly, when they dislike a film, they won’t hesitate to voice their dissatisfaction loudly.

Over time, numerous horror films have garnered harsh criticism from viewers and critics alike. Some of these definitely deserve the scorn, but it’s not always fair to say that all the hate directed towards others is fully deserved.

This collection includes 10 horror movies that have received more criticism than they deserve. Some have been criticized for excessive violence, poor writing, or lacking originality. Others were remakes and sequels that didn’t get a fair chance initially. I believe it’s worth revisiting them.

10
‘Halloween III: Season of the Witch’ (1982)

In the Halloween series, Michael Myers swiftly gained iconic status following his debut in the first film. However, when fans learned that the third movie would not include their cherished white-masked slasher, they were left disheartened. What they yearned for was more of the familiar scene of Michael brutally killing a fresh batch of victims. Instead, they encountered a tale spinning around a conspiracy involving mystical Halloween masks and a shady corporation. The new antagonist turned out to be the company’s owner, who aimed to execute an ancient Celtic Samhain ritual that required the murder of children using those magical masks.

One of the Best Movies To Get in the Mood for Halloween

John Carpenter and Debra Hill envisioned an anthology film series instead of continuing the traditional “Halloween” storyline. Unfortunately, this concept didn’t succeed in its initial attempt due to poor reception. It’s possible that “Halloween III: Season of the Witch” would have been more favorably received if it hadn’t been marketed as a “Halloween” sequel. Despite this, the film has developed a dedicated cult following and remains an overlooked gem in the horror genre. Packed with 80s horror aesthetics, surprising scares, and unexpected twists, it offers an entertaining watch, particularly when viewed without too much seriousness. Furthermore, it makes for excellent viewing during October.

9
‘The Rage: Carrie 2’ (1999)

As a cinephile, Brian De Palma’s Carrie is undeniably a cinematic masterwork that left an indelible mark on horror cinema. So, when news broke about a sequel emerging after a quarter-century, it understandably raised eyebrows among the horror community, with many questioning its necessity. However, despite valid concerns about the sequel’s existence, the criticism it has received is far from warranted.

In this second installment, we follow the story of another social outcast, Rachel Lang (Emily Bergl), who is goth-coded and discovers her dormant telekinetic abilities after a tragic event involving her friend’s suicide, following sexual exploitation at their school. Interestingly, Amy Irving reprises her role as Sue Snell, now serving as the high school’s guidance counselor.

A Brilliant Portrayal of Female Rage

The Rage: Carrie 2 may not have been a hit among audiences or critics, but it stands out as one of the most significant teen films of its era. Breaking new ground at the time, the movie tackled themes such as misogyny, male privilege, toxic masculinity, and rape culture. While other films like The Craft (1996) touched upon these subjects, this feminist reinterpretation of a horror classic was unmatched in its boldness and commitment to the cause. Actress Emily Bergl delivers an exceptional performance as one of genre’s most inspiring female leads, a character that is often overlooked. If you enjoy “empowering horror” or movies exploring female fury, this film is well worth watching.

8
‘House of Wax’ (2005)

In the realm of horror during the 2000s, I found myself drawn to the wave of remakes, some of which were met with undeserved criticism. One such film is “House of Wax,” a modern take on the 1953 classic, “Mystery of the Wax Museum.” This reimagining follows a group of college pals who, en route to a football game, find their car damaged in a ghost town. They seek help and stumble upon an eerie abandoned wax museum. Beneath the lifelike figures lies something far more sinister. While it may not reach greatness due to certain aspects, as a slasher flick, it executes its purpose effectively.

A Slasher That Delivers on Body Horror

As a passionate film lover, I can’t help but sing praises for “House of Wax”. This movie delivers chilling kills, an eerie ambiance, and an astounding set design that leaves you spellbound. Its unique brand of body horror will give you the heebie-jeebies in a way that’s both unsettling and grizzly.

The character of Carly Jones, brilliantly portrayed by Elisha Cuthbert, stands out as a final girl who’s not just clever but also better written than many of her contemporaries. Now, let’s talk about Paris Hilton. Despite the criticism she received, she wasn’t half bad in this movie. In fact, Roger Ebert, in his review, acknowledged that she did exactly what was expected of her in a film like this. Her character’s demise is an iconic moment in horror cinema.

I believe Paris Hilton didn’t deserve the harsh treatment she received or the “See Paris Die” marketing campaign. She held her own and proved to be more than just a pretty face in this movie.

7
‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning’ (2006)

The film that serves as a prelude to the 2003 remake begins in 1939, revealing how Leatherface came to join the Hewitt family. Later, it moves on to the year 1969 and focuses on siblings Eric and Dean (portrayed by Matt Bomer and Taylor Handley), along with their partners Chrissy and Bailey (Jordana Brewster and Diora Baird). As they journey across the country, they encounter the horrific cannibalistic family. Despite its commercial success, this movie faced harsh criticism for its excessive violence, positioning it lower within the series in terms of critical acclaim.

An Underrated Prequel That Fleshes Out the Villains’ History

The aspect that initially drew criticism and disdain from both critics and viewers is what makes this film worth revisiting a second time. Despite boasting a large budget, the movie possesses a gritty, grindhouse vibe reminiscent of the 60s and 70s, which is exactly what attracts people to it. As an origin story, it effectively portrays Sheriff Hoyt’s (R. Lee Ermey) rise to power and sheds light on how the family has managed to evade justice for their crimes. Filled with unrelenting horror, the movie takes on a new, more enjoyable dimension when viewed from the perspective of the villains as the primary characters rather than their hapless victims.

6
‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’ (2010)

Kyle Gallner, famously known as “Scream King”, takes on his third horror movie role, teaming up with Rooney Mara in the remake that left many viewers and critics feeling unimpressed. This new adaptation, according to some, lacked the originality and impact of Wes Craven’s classic. The storyline loosely resembles the original, but incorporates alterations such as a more somber atmosphere, a deeper examination of Freddy Krueger’s backstory, and the introduction of micro-sleep for increased tension. Unlike Robert Englund, Jackie Earl Haley steps into the role of Freddy Krueger in this version.

Scarier Than the Original

Although the film isn’t flawless and has its share of issues, it still deserves recognition for being a chilling reinterpretation. The revamped origin story of Freddy Krueger effectively amplifies the sinister elements, making it more disturbing compared to previous versions. Some viewers might disagree, but the portrayal of Freddy in 2010 is more frightening than Englund’s. One of the standout aspects of the film is its opening sequence from the 2010s horror genre. Despite some subpar CGI, the kill scenes are well-executed and memorable. The performances by Mara and Gallner are captivating and make the movie worth watching.

5
‘As Above, So Below’ (2014)

The film “As Above, So Below” follows a dedicated scholar who’s committed her life to unearthing the legendary Philosopher’s Stone, following in her father’s archaeological footsteps. When she discovers it could be concealed within Paris’ eerie underground catacombs, she and her team venture into these vast tombs, uncovering horrifying mysteries they never anticipated. Unfortunately, the movie was heavily criticized by reviewers for its predictable plotline and lack of fresh ideas, among other issues.

A Rare Entry into the Found Footage Subgenre

15 years after “The Blair Witch Project,” being part of a lengthy series of found-footage horror films didn’t do it any favors. By that time, viewers were tired of the subgenre, making it easy to dismiss it. However, this film boasts a distinctive setting and atmosphere that deserves more recognition than it has received. Its obscure subject matter offers an engaging premise. Beyond the legend, the movie also explores historical aspects of the Knights Templar and cleverly references Dante Alighieri’s “Divine Comedy.

4
‘Blair Witch’ (2016)

Under the guidance of director Adam Wingard, the third film in the Blair Witch series follows directly from the 1999 original. In this installment, James Donahue (played by James Allen McCune) journeys into the Black Hills Forest near Burkittsville, Maryland with a group of friends and locals, after finding a YouTube video that he suspects shows his missing sister, Heather, from 20 years earlier. As night falls, they realize that the Blair Witch folklore is not just a legend. Unfortunately, this film was often criticized by both critics and audiences as being a repetition of The Blair Witch Project, with many labeling it as unoriginal.

Not as Bad as Claimed by Critics and Audiences

Viewers found issue with its lack of subtleness, but over-mystery wouldn’t have worked either. There are many aspects to admire in the scares presented here. The film may not have brought anything groundbreaking, but it’s a strong addition to the found footage genre. Equipped with modern technology like drones, cell phones, and GPS, it addresses criticisms of the original’s handheld technique. Its time-warp effect and exploration of Elly Kedward’s death backstory were well received. Additionally, this sequel offers fresh elements that spark new theories for the first film. It’s best appreciated when viewed without constant comparison to the original.

3
‘The Strangers: Prey at Night’ (2018)

Prey at Night” garnered mostly negative criticisms. Many viewers found it dull and felt that it failed to recreate the chilling moments of the initial film. The movie’s main flaw was that it didn’t even attempt to mimic its predecessor. Instead, it introduced a fresh narrative in an open environment, focusing on a family of four who are vacationing in a remote and abandoned mobile home park. To make it through the night, they must confront three masked assailants if they hope to witness another sunrise.

A Criminally Underappreciated Slasher

This sequel should be appreciated precisely because it deviates from the original genre and stands on its own merit. The fact that it’s a slasher, rather than the slow-burn psychological horror of the first film, is what makes it so enjoyable when you accept it for what it offers. From start to finish, this movie is edge-of-your-seat intense and far more brutally violent compared to the 2008 version. Adding teenage characters was a smart move, as it heightened both the stakes and the tension. Above all else, its pool scene is truly noteworthy – one of the most memorable horror scenes from the 2010s.

2
‘Lisa Frankenstein’ (2024)

Diablo Cody, known for her work on Jennifer’s Body, penned this future cult classic that echoes ’80s horror styles. Kathryn Newton delivers an outstanding, captivating performance as Lisa Swallows, a death-fixated teenager grappling with the murder of her mother two years prior and her father’s subsequent marriage to Janet (Carla Gugino), who embodies the classic wicked stepmother stereotype. Despite Taffy’s (Liza Soberano) efforts to integrate Lisa into her life, she maintains a distance, preferring solitude in an abandoned cemetery where she converses with a Victorian-era bust of a young man (Cole Sprouse), whose body comes back to life one fateful night. The two then embark on a deadly adventure together.

A Visually Stunning Coming-of-Age Tale About Grief and Female Sexuality

Despite the negative criticism, time will undoubtedly soften its stance on the quirky, darkly humorous film Lisa Frankenstein. The genre of “weird girl horror” may have been too eccentric and explicit for certain critics, but that’s exactly what makes it endearing. The movie offers a wealth of appeal, such as its captivating 1980s atmosphere, beautifully realized through stunning visuals, creative design elements, and vivid color palettes.

The modern retelling of Mary Shelley’s timeless tale, featuring a unique feminine perspective, has been one of the most innovative adaptations in recent memory. Breaking free from traditional norms, this reimagining presents audiences with an atypical female lead who is complex, morally grey, and assertive over her own sexuality (while avoiding objectification). The enigmatic Lisa Swallows is poised to become a chilling horror legend.

1
‘Black Christmas’ (2019)

Initially panned upon release in 2006, the remake of the 1974 film “Black Christmas” has grown in popularity over time, amassing a dedicated fanbase. Unfortunately, the 2019 reimagining hasn’t been as fortunate. Directed by Sophia Takal, this version abandons Billy and Agnes characters and introduces a sinister cloaked figure as the antagonist. As Hawthorne College students head home for the holidays, this murderer focuses on sorority row. In response, the sisters of Mu Kappa Epsilon put up a brave fight.

A Remake That Should Be Taken Off the Naughty List

Primarily, the movie drew criticism as being overtly progressive and feminist in nature. Some viewers also found it overly dramatic and disorganized. Moreover, there were points where its handling of sensitive topics was criticized. However, despite its flaws, the film’s intent to expose misogyny, rape culture, and the impact of trauma on sexual assault survivors is commendable. The supernatural aspect, which was generally panned, deserves praise for offering a unique perspective. Furthermore, watching college women taking down obnoxious fraternity members can be quite enjoyable.

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2025-05-19 00:06