6 '90s Horror Films That You Potentially Haven't Watched  Spoilers

We're hopping into our time machine and going all the way back to the ‘90s, folks. If you're hearing a lot of Spice Girls, 2Pac, Lisa Loeb's biggest hit single, and Aaliyah then you know we've made back there. In the ‘90s, the landscape of horror was much different compared to the '80s. And while Scream helped revitalize the horror genre, there were still gems sprinkled throughout the decade.

Many folks already know about Scream, Scream 2, I Know What You Did Last Summer, Urban Legend, and more. Though what about the ‘90s horror films that might have missed your radar, or you never got around to watching? Don't dismiss the ‘90s pre- Scream because you might miss out on a gem that’ll you appreciate. Below are some '90s horror movies that you maybe never got around to seeing, but definitely should.

You can find where to stream these films by visiting Just Watch, which is a relatively reliable site that determines where you can stream films + TV.

Nightbreed (1990)

The main villain wearing a mask (image credit: 20th Century Fox)

All hail Clive Barker for keeping it weird and freaky throughout his work. Nightbreed follows a psychiatric patient who finds himself caught up in a world that consists of monsters, who seek to avoid human beings. The film is very much queer, especially in its exploration of “the other” and the monsters will remind you of the aesthetics of the Cenobites (no surprise, as Clive Barker is also behind Hellraiser).

Nightbreed is a very weird film, but in a good way because it's not trying to appeal to the mainstream. While the end result isn't entirely what Barker wanted, but if you want to see the material that was cut, you should watch the director's cut of the film. Otherwise, it's worth checking out if you enjoy dark fantasy horror, especially when it explores otherness.

Bride of Re-animator (1990)

Bruce Abbott as Dan Cain and Jeffrey Combs as Herbert West (image credit: 50th Street Films)

Re-animator is considered a classic, but for some folks, the sequel dials things up a notch. Bride of Re-animator follows Herbert (Jeffrey Combs) and Dan (Bruce Abbott) 8 months after the events of the first film. And this time their mission is to create a re-animated woman by various means. It's not a retread of the first film because their circumstances are much different, Dan and Herbert's relationship (the subtext is through the roof) is extremely fraught, and the chaos that unfolds is nothing you'll be expecting.

The campy moments are on a different level throughout, the chemistry between Jeffrey Combs and Bruce Abbott is still there, and it's a great time (minus that ending because…no). If you're a big fan of Re-animator, but always felt hesitant about this sequel, this might be the time to give it a chance.


Body Bags (1993)

Alex Datcher as Anne in “The Gas Station” segment (image credit: Showtime Networks)

In terms of horror anthology films, Body Bags doesn't get brought up very much. Body Bags follows three different segments, with a wraparound segments that involving a weird coroner played by John Carpenter. Each segment falls into a different subgenre of horror, and they all have something to offer.

Body Bags might not be perfect or anything of the sort, though it's a better time than you might be expecting. Especially as it's a TV film, and those don't always have a good reputation for being any good. Though this one might very well satisfy you enough upon first viewing. And a horror film from both John Carpenter and Tobe Hooper is quite something. You have to see this one for yourself, for sure.


Tales from the Hood (1995)

Clarence Williams III as Mr. Simms (image credit:

It absolutely deserves to be mentioned more often than it is. Tales from the Hood is a horror anthology that follows 4 segments that focus on issues within Black American communities in particular. All with a wraparound story that'll leave you quaking in your boots by the end. It has cult status, and for good reason.

Tales from the Hood is one of those films that's incredibly important to Black horror cinema, and it has quite a bit to say about Black issues. Of course, social issues shift and change with the times, but this film is still quite timely (which isn't a great thing in the grand scheme). And you won't find yourself disappointed with the overall outcome of this film. In fact, you'll be left thinking about a few things, especially with the current state of the world.


Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight (1995)

Jada Pinkett as Jeryline (image credit: Universal Pictures)

There are so many special aspects to this film, and it deserves so much appreciation. Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight follows a group of folks in a boarding house, who are trying to prevent a demon from ending the world. It's absolutely a horror film with a looming apocalypse, but a huge difference is that this film has a Black final girl. And believe me, that's still not a common occurrence.

The fact that this is not only a Black horror film, it's also one that has a Black director and our final girl is one of the few Black final girls in horror history, is all quite special. Demon Knight also happens to have a lot of practical effects, and when you look at how prevalent CGI is these days, you'll really appreciate this film for that. Overall, it's a horror film that you absolutely need to check off your list.


From Dusk Till Dawn

Quentin Tarantino as Richie and George Clooney as Seth (image credit: Miramax Films)

There aren't many horror films written by Tarantino, but this is one of them. From Dusk Till Dawn follows criminal brothers on the run, and a family they take hostage to go to Mexico. Though, what seems like a “normal” situations, turns deadly when the saloon they end up in is run by creatures. The film is one of those that starts off much differently, and shifts genres later.

If you're into road trip horror, as well as sexy vampires, you'll enjoy yourself. However, it's crucial to mention that there are a lot of things that haven't aged well in this film. And there are offensive moments that might turn viewers off. If you're able to get past all of that, you'll find you appreciate the work that clearly went into this film.

(image credit: 50th Street Films, Universal Pictures, and Miramax Films)

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