With the release of the highly anticipated The Quarry by Supermassive Games, players can once again dig into an epic horror narrative reminiscent of '80s horror flicks and slasher films. Remote, eerie, and filled with supernatural suspense, The Quarry is the perfect cinematic gaming experience for any avid fan of horror.
Though scary movies set at remote summer camps aren’t as popular nowadays as they used to be, their influence and effects can still be felt with games and films incorporating elements from when the concept was everywhere in horror. Gamers who want to travel back in time to experience the thrill of horror films that inspired The Quarry will be surprised by the number of films that use a camp as their prime setting.
7 Cabin Fever (2002)
Although not set at a summer camp, Cabin Fever includes everything else on the checklist, including a bunch of teenagers having a good time in a remote cabin in the woods and something that tries to kill them.
Instead of the usual deranged murderer wanting to pile on the body count, the monster is an insidious flesh-eating virus that begins to spread as it infects a nearby water supply. Isolated and terrified, the teens panic as the virus slowly drives them insane and consumes them one by one. Fans who appreciate body horror and copious amounts of blood will find themselves delighted by this old gem.
6 The Burning (1981)
As Friday the 13th inspired other film directors to create their versions and knock-offs, few can compete or stand up to the 1981 classic, The Burning. Inspired by an urban legend known as the Cropsey maniac, the plot follows a camp caretaker who is disfigured after being burned by a prank gone wrong.
After recovering from convalescence and seeking revenge, Cropsy (the killer) starts stalking kids and other counselors at another nearby camp. Armed with a pair of garden shears, Cropsy begins his killing spree. The movie uses incredible FX, considering the times, and still holds up to this day as a solid horror film.
5 Cheerleader Camp (1988)
Originally titled Bloody Pom Poms, Cheerleader Camp came out as the camp slasher genre was becoming a boring cliche. However, knowing this the makers of the film decided to create a horror film but not take themselves too seriously.
Having a cast made up of former Penthouse Pets Of The Month and Playboy Playmates (which was a great way to draw a crowd), the film centers around a faceless killer inside a mascot outfit. Although the acting is rather questionable, the high body count, pacing, and gory violence are one for the books.
4 Sleepaway Camp (1983)
Considered to be Friday the 13th with a side of Carrie, Sleepaway Camp is a franchise that did quite well for itself back in the '80s featuring at least five entries in the series. Departing from the usual killer flick, the film focuses on the exploits of a young, bullied girl named Angela who goes on a warpath against her tormentors.
The fact that the main killer wasn’t a disfigured dude was quite a standout but Sleepaway Camp adds another shocker to the recipe in the form of one of the best twists in slasher history. Without spoiling it, this revelation introduces more depth and adds a psychological layer to the whole film as well.
3 Moonstalker (1989)
Returning to the iconic murdering maniac trope present within horror slashers, Moonstalker revolves around a father and son murdering duo. Pop (the father), garners sympathy from potential victims whilst Bernie, his son, goes out to do some good old-fashioned murdering. As this happens, Pop happily helps himself to the belongings of the deceased.
As the killings continue, an old police officer named Taylor decides to take matters into his own hands to hunt down both Pop and Bernie. With a solid atmosphere and decent effects, Moonstalker is a great film to watch from under the covers.
2 Cabin In The Woods (2011)
Part horror and part comedy and a film that could have spawned its own franchise, Cabin In The Woods introduced viewers to a very whacky and strange horror premise. As a bunch of college students makes their way into a remote forest retreat, they inadvertently stumble across an underground facility where technicians and soldiers keep all sorts of weird and horrifying creatures behind bars.
Revitalizing yet also subverting and deconstructing the slasher trope, Cabin In the Woods offers viewers a decent story and solid performances by seasoned actors. Being made in 2011, the effects land and look good compared to others on this list. Viewers who are new to the slasher genre or who enjoy things like the SCP Foundation will particularly like this film.
1 Friday The 13th (1980)
Friday the 13th remains the undisputed king of slasher camp horror. Boasting over a dozen films since its inception, the franchise is still popular to this day, even spawning a multiplayer video game in 2017.
As teenagers and campers fall prey to Jason Voorhees’ murdering prowess, viewers get to see that it’s his psycho mother that is driving his violent intent, getting revenge on those pesky camp counselors. Slasher films might not be as popular as they are today if it were not for this classic and viewers should treat themselves to the granddaddy of all summer camp horror.
The Quarry was released on June 10 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.