[ Juneteenth Spotlight ] - Listicle: Focus on Black Representation and Black Filmmakers in Horror/Thriller Films
We highly recommend viewing the "Horror Noire" documentary on Shudder before you begin your viewing party of these Horror/Thriller films. This incredible documentary provides immensely thoughtful perspectives on Black representation and portrayal in media and cinema. Horror Noire is now streaming for FREE on Shudder.com, so don't miss it!
The movies on this list were selected to highlight Black actors/actresses, screenwriters, directors, storylines, and/or a combination of each. If we've missed an item that you feel should be on this list, or you'd like to offer your commentary on any of these films, please feel free to do so in the comments!
Some are campy. Some are critically acclaimed. Some are classics in their own right. All of them hold significance in cinema history.
Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror (2019)
An incredible documentary and journey through Black portrayal and representation in cinema history from early days of film through today with commentary and feedback provided from Black actors, actresses, screenwriters, authors, directors. A fantastic critical look into film centering on tropes, stereotypes, representation, and progress of diversity in media history. You won't want to miss it. We recommend viewing this prior to any of the movies on this list to enhance your viewing experiences.
George Romero's Night of the Living Dead (1968)
One of the few early films to center a Black actor, Duane Jones, as a central character who does not die as a "sacrificial kill." A classic Horror movie pioneering the current Zombie subgenre as we know and love it today. A must watch for EVERY Horror fan.
Blacula (1972)
This Blaxploitation Horror flick married the best of campy horror classics, monster movies, and the energy of Blaxploitation grindhouse cinema. Noteworthy for it's all Black cast and Black director, and handling of topics in racism, classism, LGBTQ+ issues during a time when Human Rights topics like those were considered "controversial."
Sugar Hill (1973)
Another incredible Blaxploitation Horror option, but this time with Zombies! After the death of her boyfriend, Diana "Sugar" Hill pays a visit to the mighty Voodoo High Priest Baron Samedi, and summons an undead army of soldiers to enact revenge on her lover's murderers. Need we say more!?
Ganja & Hess (1973)
This is a very unique spin on the Vampire and Mystical/Spiritual horror genres. It is a highly stylized slow-burn film. This does not have the jump shock or brutal gore terror of other 70s Horror. It is quite lyrical and poetic, and a deeply sensual film. When archaeologist Hess is stabbed with an ancient knife by his assistant, he dies, and once resurrected acquires an insatiable bloodlust thanks to an ancient virus. He soon strikes up a steamy affair with his former assistant's wife as she begins to uncover the truth of her husband's disappearance.
Vamp (1986)
A bunch of Frat Bro Pledges accidentally stumble into the "After Dark" club and get a little more than they bargained for when they meet a mysterious vampire. Grace Jones stars in this wildly campy horror-comedy cult classic.
Available to Rent or Own on Amazon
Predator (1987)
A team of brutish muscle men battle a Big Bad Alien known as "Predator" to save the world. Standout performances from cast members Carl Weathers and Bill Duke, as well as Predator monster costumed Kevin Peter Hall.
Available to Rent or Own on Amazon
Night of the Living Dead (1990)
Tom Savini's remake of the original 1968 Zombie classic by George Romero starring the illustrious Tony Todd which has received both backlash and praise for being so incredibly faithful to the original source material. Watch them back-to-back and do your own comparison critique!
Available to Rent or Own on Amazon
Candyman (1992)
Classic 90s horror film based on a short story penned by Clive Barker. This film centers on the Urban Legend of "The Candyman" who haunts the Cabrini Green housing projects of Chicago, and white woman researcher Helen begins to discover that "fiction" may indeed be more real than she considered.
This film does have sequels, but the upcoming remake discards those storylines and follows events of the original only.
Tales from the Hood (1994)
The 90s introduced us to the Urban Horror genre and gave us classics like "Tales from the Hood," an anthology of 4 short films centering on social issues within the Black community such as racism, police corruption, gang violence, and domestic abuse. Clarence Williams III stars in this horror-comedy. It received a "direct-to-video" sequel in late 2018.
Vampire in Brooklyn (1995)
Detective Rita Veder is investigating a serial murder case and bumps into Maximillian, a sexy Carribbean playboy on a mission to secure a lover and continue his legacy. It's an Eddie Murphy horror-comedy in the vampire subgenre. It's not his best work, but anything is worth watching with Angela Bassett as a star!
Eve's Bayou (1997)
Although this film isn't necessarily Horror in the traditional sense, this Drama Thriller is still a notable entry to this list. It's no secret that places like Louisiana are steeped in the spiritual. Well received for its cultural and historical context, this Southern Gothic tale is a web of love, death, and mystery. Starring Samuel L. Jackson and a very young Jurnee Smollet.
Bones (2001)
A modern marriage of 70s Blaxploitation cinema and Urban Horror from the 90s "Bones" has become a campy cult classic. Starring Snoop Dog, Bianca Lawson, and Pam Grier. Covering themes such as Police Brutality, Gangsters/Gang Violence, Racism, Classism, and Spiritual/Voodoo in homage to the Blaxploitation genre.
Attack the Block (2011)
We would be absolutely remiss if we failed to include this Sci-fi Thriller in our list! The wonderful John Boyega stars in this delightful film in which a South London street gang of teenagers must come together to defend their neighborhood from alien invaders.
The Purge (2013)
The premise is simple: In an attempt to thwart systemic violence and political disharmony, for one night a year, all crime is legal in America. The experience of watching this movie for the first time is mind-blowing, especially on The Big Screen. "The Purge" is the first in a series of films addressing current socio-economic issues, racism, modern politics, police brutality, crime, and other modern issues. Pay special attention to The Stranger, as he is a driving force in this film and the rest which follow.
Get Out (2017)
No modern list of Black rep in film would be complete without the work of Jordan Peele. This Horror-Thriller is a brilliant piece of satirical storytelling tackling topics such as racism and performative white allyship.
Sorry to Bother you (2018)
This might seem like an odd choice for this list, but it has merit for its inclusion with all the rest. "Sorry to Bother You" is a one-of-a-kind movie fusing many of the same themes and satirical tones as "Get Out" but with a capitalist dystopian twist. Cassius "Cash" Green takes a job as a telemarketer to make ends meet. When a coworker and friend decides to unionize, Cash must make examine his life and weigh his options to make a very important decision. Tackling topics such as workers rights, racism, activism, and "false consciousness" concepts. Boots Riley has put together an unparalleled screenplay with expert direction and a truly gifted cast including Lakeith Stanfield and Tessa Thompson. We don't recommend you read too many reviews or analyses until you're done watching, or you'll spoil some of the most enjoyable twists and comedic bits of the film! Trust us -- it's an absurdly dark comedy with some really frightening and unnerving twists that you really don't want to sleep on.
Ma (2019)
A B-Movie grade psychological thriller with some real A-list talent, "Ma" stars as Sue Ann, a lonely woman who decides to befriend a group of teenage goons by letting them throw a rager in the basement of her home. Obviously things don't go well for anyone. This one might not be the greatest film on the list, but notable for the fact that the script was partially re-written and the lead role tailored specifically for Octavia Spencer. Spencer chose the role in order to break free and play something quite different from the typical fare offered to Black Women. Tate Taylor and Octavia Spencer had worked together on previous projects such as "The Help" and "Get on Up."
Us (2019)
It's probably safe to assume if you're not familiar with Jordan Peele's "Us" starring the fantastic Lupita Nyongo and incredible Winston Duke, you've probably been living under a rock. One of the most well-received and talked about movies of 2019, this shocking horror movie is a triumph. If you have not seen this and by a miracle have avoided spoilers, do yourself a favor and watch it immediately. If you've seen it, you know why it's here and how good it is. If you've not, remedy that poor choice by immediately streaming it or buying a copy. You won't regret it. It's truly shocking, chilling, and one of the best Horror movies ever made. (Which is obviously a fact and not just the opinion of the reviewer compiling this list, ha!)
What do you think of our picks to highlight? Let us know which ones you haven't seen yet and are most excited to watch!
Have you seen any of these films? Leave us some SPOILER FREE thoughts and opinions in the comments below if you have!