Must-See Cult Horror Films from the '90s

      EJ Moreno explores a collection of overlooked cult horror films from the 1990s that deserve a watch…

      We're all familiar with Scream, Candyman, and I Know What You Did Last Summer. These horror movies, which surfaced between 1990 and 1999, reshaped the genre and provided us with numerous thrills. But what about those gems that were ignored?

      Often regarded as a lesser decade for horror, there were still plenty of offerings that kept hope alive for the genre. While we acknowledge the major franchises and significant films like The Sixth Sense, today we’ll shine a light on genre works that are labeled as hidden treasures, forgotten classics, or misunderstood masterpieces. Dust off those VHS tapes, grab your favorite Hi-C, and join us for an exploration of retro horror…

      **Tales From The Hood**

      Today, films are more willing to tackle themes within Black Horror, but that wasn't always the case. Addressing Black trauma and its profound cultural roots was uncommon until Rusty Cundieff initiated that dialogue with the 1995 anthology Tales from the Hood. This film tackled issues like racism, police corruption, and domestic violence through a horror lens. Each segment offers a captivating look into Cundieff's perspective, but it's the iconic prologue featuring Clarence Williams III that truly stays with you. The chilling mortuary scene is just a glimpse of how compelling this film is. In 2018, we finally received a sequel, and while it has its highlights, it doesn’t capture the same magic as the original Tales from the Hood.

      **Frankenhooker**

      Speaking of overlooked films, Frank Henenlotter is a director whose work remains underappreciated, despite ongoing references to his projects. Some have even suggested that the 1990 film Frankenhooker inspired the Oscar-winning Poor Things. This movie, one of the most bizarre of the decade, follows a character who blends the Frankenstein narrative with that of a sex worker. Given such an outrageous premise, you might expect sheer sleaze; however, Henenlotter’s classic exudes a uniquely sweet charm. Maybe it’s Patty Mullen’s portrayal of Elizabeth/Frankenhooker that makes the film so endearing. Despite moments that feel reminiscent of softcore adult films, they don't overshadow the fun journey through early 90s NYC that it offers, reminiscent of the video store horror heyday.

      **Return of the Living Dead 3**

      Similarly overlooked is Brian Yuzna, a filmmaker with several cult horror classics to his name. His works, from the Reanimator series to Society, are celebrated within the genre. However, when he joined the Living Dead franchise, he truly struck gold. While the first two Return of the Living Dead films are iconic in their own right, the third installment, aimed at alternative culture fans, mixes sexiness with a punk vibe. Departing from the plot of its predecessors, Yuzna takes the series in a tragically romantic direction while still including the necessary sleaze and silliness. Although it's slightly toned down, it's still an entertaining ride. Melinda Clarke’s portrayal of Julie Walker ties the film together, showcasing one of the most underrated performances in horror, making her a worthy scream queen. In a franchise that's already somewhat overlooked, this film stands out as its beloved black sheep.

      **Perfect Blue**

      It’s unfortunate that Perfect Blue didn’t achieve the recognition of other 90s animated films that shifted the landscape, yet it remains a significant and overlooked anime horror experience. Unlike lighthearted Miyazaki films, this one is dark and twisted, leaving a lasting impression. Japanese director Satoshi Kon likely didn’t realize the masterpiece he created with the 1997 psychological horror anime. Released alongside films like Se7en and Audition, it stood equally alongside its contemporaries. The film blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, making the audience feel as disoriented as the protagonist Mima. Often regarded as a top anime film, Perfect Blue's chilling images still hold immense power, despite not being widely known.

      **The Resurrected**

      If you recognize the previously mentioned Return of the Living Dead, then you know Dan O’Bannon. The creator of the original film knows how to create memorable moments, which he captures in the frequently overlooked early-90s film The Resurrected. Heavily influenced by H.P. Lovecraft, this film lingers in your mind long after viewing. Even if the director faced some edits he disagreed with, the story's foundation is impressive, merging detective narrative elements with something much more terrifying. A simple mystery evolves into a terrifying tale. Featuring strong performances from John Terry and Chris Sarandon, the film's unusual tone provides the perfect contrast for this iconic cult classic.

      **Stigmata**

      In recent times, filmmakers have reintegrated religious themes into horror, leading to some notable films. However, the 199