The Must-See Horror Films of 1996

      EJ Moreno highlights the key horror films from 1996…

      1996 marked a significant resurgence for horror, emerging as a pivotal year following a lengthy dry spell. This year can be seen as a clear declaration that the genre had returned, revitalizing itself after the early '90s slump and preparing to impress a new wave of eclectic teens, gore enthusiasts, and self-aware film buffs.

      Three decades later, 1996 represents a turning point for horror, branching into two distinct directions: shiny, ironic slashers for the MTV audience and gritty, chaotic narratives. This year was filled with covens, Ghostface, vampires in strip clubs, and dentists who decidedly should be stripped of their licenses, showcasing horror's ability to embrace both fun and ferocity. Here are six must-see horror films from this era of creativity…

      The Craft

      Years after the chaos of Heathers, we were reminded of the hazards of youth. Just as 90210 began to rise, The Craft offered us the goth older sister we always wanted. This film serves as the ultimate origin story for Hot Topic, long before it became a mere joke.

      We are introduced to a group of misfits, where the teenage girl's anger manifests as supernatural abilities. Despite its mix of camp and sincerity seeming like a risky blend, it truly resonates. The film's themes of female friendship, revenge fantasies, and the tempting allure of power remain timeless.

      We appreciate many elements of this film: the fashion, the alternative soundtrack, and the iconic hallway walk. Above all, I stand behind Fairuza Balk’s reign.

      Hellraiser: Bloodline

      I have a particular fondness for filmmakers who take daring risks. Bloodline is the fourth and final theatrical installment of the Pinhead saga, attempting to expand the Hellraiser mythology in an ambitious way that might be overly ambitious at times. Is it messy? Definitely. But it’s undeniably intriguing.

      Bloodline spans several centuries, transitioning from an 18th-century French drama to a sci-fi horror set in space. In addition to its grand attempts, it signifies the end of an era for theatrical franchise horror before the rise of direct-to-video releases. Although we would witness a new franchise emerge that same year, it marked the conclusion of films being viewed as “worthy of cinema.”

      While it may not be the top film of the year, it still offered us an entertaining experience, and of course, the Cenobites were visually striking.

      The Dentist

      This film ranks as one of the most shocking entries on this list. Brian Yuzna, a familiar name among genre aficionados from the late '80s and early '90s, came to The Dentist equipped with sharpened skills to create something remarkable. The blend of sleaze and slasher elements worked perfectly here.

      The plot is straightforward: a dentist loses his mind. That’s the crux of the nightmare. Yet, what Yuzna delivers is a dose of body horror set in the most mundane environment, resulting in disquieting yet compelling moments. Capitalizing on the genre's direct-to-video trend, it felt raw and bizarre just when audiences craved that energy.

      The Dentist is the type of film that makes you tense your jaw for 90 minutes. It may lack prestige, but it’s undeniably effective.

      The Frighteners

      If you haven't come across The Frighteners before, now's the time to add it to your watchlist. Peter Jackson's chaotic horror-comedy is a must-see before he ventured off to Middle-earth. The filmmaker's ambitious spirit is palpable throughout the film.

      Although Jackson was already familiar with the genre, he hadn't quite found his perfect tone until this project. The Frighteners is a horror-comedy infused with heart, spectacle, and a dash of nihilism, presenting a challenging tonal balance with its mix of Looney Tunes-style ghost antics against the backdrop of serial killer horror. Additionally, one cannot overlook Weta Digital's impressive early effects work showcased here.

      Though it underperformed at the box office initially, it has since gained a cult following. This film is truly a treasure.

      From Dusk Till Dawn

      Nothing screams mid-'90s quite like the collaboration of George Clooney and Quentin Tarantino with Robert Rodriguez at the helm. Add in some nudity, Harvey Keitel, and trendy vampires, and you’ve got a recipe for a fantastic genre-blending experience.

      From Dusk Till Dawn is essentially the quintessential “you won’t know what movie you’re watching” journey. It has the same spirit as Sinners but without spoiling the bloody surprises of that film. Picture a slick '90s crime thriller that suddenly plunges into a vampire bar, unleashing mayhem. It captures pure ’90s flair in horror form.

      This serves as a reminder that horror can be both trashy and stylish while still being completely electrifying.

      Scream

      This film represents the meta framework that every horror movie made since owes a debt to. When the