Neglected Horror Film Treasures from 25 Years Ago

      EJ Moreno revisits a collection of overlooked horror films from 2000…

      As a new year begins, I find myself reminded of my age, particularly when reflecting on which films are celebrating anniversaries. This year marks the 25th anniversary of movies released in 2000, which is quite astonishing, especially when considering how remarkable that year was.

      Classics like American Psycho, Final Destination, and Scream 3 have proven their endurance, and even indie favorites like Ginger Snaps have enjoyed their spotlight. However, amidst the memorable offerings from both the horror genre and cinema in general, a few hidden gems from 2000 tend to be overlooked. Here, we highlight six horror films that transport us back to that year…

      Hollow Man

      Among the more recognizable films, Hollow Man still fails to receive due recognition for showcasing Kevin Bacon’s best horror performance. Although Bacon began his career in the genre, it wasn’t until this sci-fi thriller that he truly found his niche. This sinister retelling of the Invisible Man is centered around his character.

      Bacon hunts down and eliminates everyone connected to the twisted experiment that altered his life, resulting in a surprisingly chilling film. One might not anticipate much from its premise or the era in which it was released, but Hollow Man succeeds in exploring themes of domestic violence and stalking long before similar films tackled these issues.

      While I may have a bias toward Paul Verhoeven’s work, his voyeuristic interpretation of this classic tale is masterfully executed. Hollow Man is a nostalgic nod to the awkward mid-00s era of sci-fi horror, and it’s easy to appreciate for that. It has aged better than you might expect.

      Killjoy

      The year 2000 was still within what many consider the 'golden' era of video rental stores, where filmmakers could release their indie projects and viewers like myself would stumble upon them unexpectedly. Killjoy thrived in this environment thanks to its eye-catching cover art and our innate fear of clowns.

      This ultra-low-budget indie film encapsulates the charm and grittiness typical of straight-to-video releases from this time. Although my fondness for it is tinged with nostalgia, I recognize its shortcomings. Killjoy is an unnecessary, perplexing movie filled with truly bizarre moments, yet that only enhances its quirky appeal.

      As someone who has always sought out Black horror, this film presents a rare chance to see a story where a white character doesn’t lead the narrative. Killjoy deserves to be mentioned alongside Tales of the Hood, another underrated Black horror film.

      Versus

      Japanese horror experienced a surge in popularity in the early 2000s, with films like Ju-On: The Curse and MPD Psycho being released this same year. This period also coincided with Takashi Miike’s reign. It was an exceptional era for J-Horror, and Versus is part of that legendary moment.

      If you enjoy Evil Dead and Highlander, this film occupies a unique space between those contrasting genres. This distinctiveness makes it special and unlike anything else. Additionally, it has an 80s John Carpenter feel with its blend of action and horror. Just writing about it now makes me want to rewatch it.

      Japanese cinema tends to be ahead of its time, and Versus serves as a reminder of that. Even 25 years after its release, it feels refreshingly current, which is no easy feat. It genuinely amazes me that no one has attempted a remake, as recapturing its magic would be challenging.

      Pitch Black

      While it may seem misleading to label Pitch Black as 'forgotten,' considering it has spawned a franchise, many may not be aware that the origins of the Riddick films lie in sci-fi horror chaos, especially given the action-oriented direction subsequent films took.

      Initially, the film presents itself as a slasher, with Richard B. Riddick (yes, that’s his name) seemingly trying to eliminate the crew of the ship transporting him. However, we soon learn that the planet they crash on harbors larger threats than just criminals; they are faced with monstrous, insect-like beings hunting them in the dark. It’s a brilliantly conceived premise, executed masterfully.

      In my opinion, Pitch Black serves as a superior sequel to Alien, far surpassing anything released in the 90s. While it launched a franchise, it regrettably never received the recognition it deserved as an engaging sci-fi adventure. Vin Diesel would undoubtedly have us all rooting for a return to its horror roots.

      Psycho Beach Party

      I only recently discovered Psycho Beach Party, which had previously flown under my radar. After watching it, I realized how much there is to appreciate. The film is a wild genre mash-up, blending a 1950s beach party with campy 1970s melodrama and elements of 80s slasher films.

      Inspired by the off