Thanks Devin for the compliment on my last review about how I tell you “if you like this movie, then you’ll like…” I decided to start a regular post about “types” of horror movies so folks could look for movies within that type that they’re attracted to. I built up my lists years ago when I wanted to find the ultimate horror collection and be able to find a movie for any mood.
This entry is “Disturbing Clowns and Dolls” (come on, don’t deny we all have that cringing fear). As “coulrophobia” (fear of clowns) or “pediophilia”(fear of dolls), are universal themes, I think these movies will thoroughly frighten everyone.
Now, I know I’m not going to get all the ones that you’ve probably seen or love, but these are ones that I’ve seen several times each and feel confident satisfy this genre without being too awfully done. They all represent a wide swath of the genre.
“Clownhouse”(1989): A Victor Salva movie more known for the fact that the director was later arrested for molestation of one of the young stars who also did the movie “Powder.” Nevertheless, it’s genuinely terrifying when a clown torments some brothers left home alone.
“Tourist Trap” (1979): This should probably be put into one of my obscure movie reviews. It’s very unsettling and campy fun. With Chuck Connors as the scary guy, it was good casting on their part. He definitely is freaky. If you have a fear of mannequins this teens-broken-down-in-the-middle-of-nowhere film is your ticket.
“It” (1990): Stephen King’s made-for-tv miniseries was a hit! It had a great cast and involved evil taking the form of a clown trying to tempt children to join him “down there.” Yikes! It drags along a bit, but the storytelling is like a campfire tale and when the action starts, it’s pretty riveting.
“Dead Silence” (2007): Got a problem with ventriloquist dolls? How about hundreds of them? This was a fantastically made movie, one of my top 10 fav’s. The mood and atmosphere and creepy music are genuinely the old-time feeling (60s/70s) of horror tension. It’s not easy to do this in a nowadays setting, but this was done beautifully and if you can watch this in the dark—you’re brave.
“House of Wax” (remake 2005): I didn’t put the original because I think today’s viewers might like something a bit more sinister and edgy. (although Vincent Price did an amazing original version, as well). I don't know many folks who aren't scared of wax figures in museums.
“Funhouse” (1981): If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if you stayed in a funhouse after it closes, these four teens did. It’s superiorly creepy what torments them inside as they are locked into an all-night hell. A very late 70s feel to it, as well.
“Magic” (1978): There’s loads of ventriloquist-doll-gets-out-of-hand movies out there (has to be a universal fear). This one with Anthony Hopkins is genuinely creepy and unsettling. If you ever wondered where the puppet stops and the owner begins, this is the one to see.
“Child’s Play” (1986): Chucky, now there’s a doll with an attitude. Most everyone has seen or heard of him, but he’s worth mentioning for in-your-face naughtiness.
Some lesser players worth mentioning are; “The Clown at Midnight” about a murderous clown in an old opera house, “Poltergeist” with a clown doll (a combo of both clown and doll—mercy!) in which a boy is dragged under his bed by the clown doll, “Trilogy of Terror” with a zuni fetish doll terrorizing a woman in her apartment. And, if you have a twisted sense of humor and like SciFi stuff, “Killer Clowns from Outer Space” is ideal.
There are many more I might have neglected in my desire to represent the full spectrum of types of dolls and clowns. If you know of any others you’d like to tell me about, please comment.