1992 was an interesting year for horror movies. The most mainstream embraced camp over horror, leaving little to be desired in the offering of chills. That doesn’t mean that 1992 horror movies do not have their charm, as there are still a fairly decent amount of horror movies to be enjoyed from 30 years ago.
Despite being over 3 decades old, some of the best horror movies that turned 30 in 2022 still have a lot to offer audiences. These movies can be enjoyed by first-time viewers or even fans of a specific film. 1992 had movies for everyone, and horror was in no short supply.
6 Alien 3
Although the tagline of 1979’s Alien was “In space, no one can hear you scream.”, the third Alien film had something different in mind. For Alien 3, the recognizable characters of Ellen Ripley and the Xenomorph were franchise leaders, and thus, Alien 3 believed it needed to be something bigger than previous films. There’s a jarring difference for Alien 3, but that doesn’t mean it lacks in some aspects of horror.
The film continues Ellen Ripley’s story, as she once again faces doubt from new faces, whilst being hunted by the alien threat that continues to loom over her. Ripley is the last survivor of a ship, on the new territory of a bleak wasteland inhabited by prisoners. With a notable lack of weapons and technology, Ripley must lead her doubtful and untrustworthy crew to survival and salvation against the terrifying alien threat.
5 Braindead
There’s an uneven yet divine mesh of violence, gore, and comedy in Braindead. This film satisfies the cravings that one might have for a B-movie, especially one helmed by none other than Peter Jackson. As one of his earlier works, Braindead excels with stomach-churning gore and laughability at the front and center. This horror may not be for everyone, but it certainly can scratch an itch for certain fans.
In Wellington, New Zealand, an overprotective mother is bitten by a Sumatran rat monkey upon a visit to the zoo. This bite turns Vera Cosgrove into a zombie, one that her son, Lionel, tries to keep locked safely in the basement. Her repeated escapes make trouble for Lionel, and his relationship with Paquita, and he must find a way to dull these zombie hordes.
4 Death Becomes Her
Death Becomes Her may be more of a black comedy than it is a horror, but some impressive special effects will have people in fright more so than in laughter. With a director like Robert Zemeckis on board, it’s no wonder why Death Becomes Her is a popular movie, which behaves as a desired satire of Hollywood and glamour.
The film follows an actress and a writer, who have been rivals for years due to their adoration and crush on the same man. To garner the affection of Ernest Menville, Madeline Ashton and Helen Sharp drink a miracle cure to prevent them from aging, whilst also becoming immortal, and thus unkillable.
3 Army Of Darkness
After the haunting chills of Evil Dead and Evil Dead 2, Sam Raimi decided to finish his Evil Dead trilogy with more than just a bang. Army of Darkness is a very different film from its predecessors, yet Bruce Campbell still manages to remain hilarious, goofy and committed. Army of Darkness embraces campy fun, whilst keeping some elements of its horror roots. Army of Darkness is a great depiction of a horror/comedy working to a treat.
After the events of Evil Dead 2, Ash Williams is transported to 1,300 A.D., alongside his beat-up Oldsmobile. Ash finds himself captured by Lord Arthur, where he will need to fight to survive and do what he can with the townsfolks to reclaim the Necronomicon, his vehicle, and return home. However, Ash finds himself as the Chosen One, fighting Deadites and an evil version of himself.
2 Candyman
Candyman is somewhat of a disturbing horror. It doesn’t rely on screams to stand out as a horror movie, especially in 1992. By no means is Candyman a gentle film, and it harbors elements of horror that will make the audience’s skin crawl. There’s an uncomfortable premise and an unsettling villain in this horror movie.
Helen Lyle is obsessed with local legends and myths. One legend that captures her attention over all others is that of the Candyman, a one-armed man who will appear after saying his name five times in front of a mirror. After Helen ignores the warnings and commits herself to saying his name, she finds herself in the crux of a series of horrible and gruesome murders, giving way to paranoia about whether this is her fault.
1 Bram Stoker’s Dracula
Having a director like Francis Ford Coppola on board is always a good thing, especially when one wants to remain emotionally connected and source material rich. Bram Stoker’s Dracula is beloved for its depiction of the title character, played with tragedy, sorrow, and power by Gary Oldman. Bram Stoker’s Dracula is a long film, with beautiful visuals, and prioritizes the slow-telling story over cheap horror elements.
Unlike other versions of Dracula, this adaptation follows closely with the source material of Bram Stoker’s original and classic novel. The film follows a young barrister, Jonathan Harker as he is imprisoned by Dracula, an undead vampire with an act for seduction, terror, and tragedy, an undead vampire with eyes for Harker’s betrothed, Mina Murray.