Chained (2012)

Vincent D’Onofrio is a cab-driving serial killer who’s been keeping a young boy for years and is now grooming him to follow in his footsteps. This one is uncomfortable and thought-provoking in a thoroughly awesome way.

Pieces (1982)

A lesser-known slasher that employs chainsaws and plenty of dismemberment. There’s also hammy acting, bad line delivery, and vintage early '80s sensibility. I’m kind of ashamed of myself for not having seen this one sooner. It’s a total keeper.

Humanoids From the Deep (1980)

The king of the “Giant Fish People Rape Women” sub-sub-genre. Okay, so it’s the only one in that genre to the best of my knowledge, but I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun with a truly weird and unique film.

Contamination (1980)

Another Italian movie where an abandoned ship rolls into New York Harbor full of grim death. This time the death comes in the form of alien eggs being harvested at a coffee plantation. The score alone makes it worth watching. I love the Italians!

Wake in Fright (1971)

The Australians stand slightly off to the side in horror and exploitation with a wheelbarrow to hold their giant testicles. This movie does things that you won’t believe while making a strong statement about toxic masculinity and man’s base nature. I was floored in a new way. You will be, too. I’ll literally never forget this movie. Don’t let PETA see this one.

Blood Rage (1987)

I’m not going to try and describe this one. Watch it on the Dinners of Death marathon on Shudder so you get the commentary from Joe Bob Briggs. How in God’s name did I miss this one in my youth? The definition of “so bad it’s good” …the literal definition.

Dead and Buried (1981)

A hidden gem from the screenwriter and director of Return of the Living Dead, the late Dan O’Bannon. The score is perfection, the shocks are genuine, and the setting is both creepy and gorgeous. What would you do if murder victims came back to life and resumed as they were?

Man Bites Dog (1992)

I have to thank my editor for turning me on to this. Also, I have to tell my editor to fuck off for introducing me to this, because it is just that ugly. Dear, sweet baby Jesus…I think I’m going to hell for watching it. One of the ballsiest things I’ve ever seen. I’ve not yet gotten over it.

Street Trash (1987)

Technically, I saw this as a kid, but it was the edited for TV version. There are melting bums, toxic booze, junkyard kingdoms, sleazy fat bosses, awkward rape scenes, and a very memorable game of monkey in the middle with a severed penis. I don’t need to sell you any more, now do I? I thought not.

The Cell (2000)

I dismissed this when it came out due to a deep loathing of Jennifer Lopez. I must now apologize to Mrs. Lopez. This movie is one of the five best things ever made from a visual standpoint. The imagery is terrifying and unforgettable…and she’s not that bad in it either. One of the more memorable villains I’ve ever seen.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

The Stepfather 1 & 2, The Legend of Boggy Creek, Channel Zero (all seasons), Roald Dahl’s Tales of the Unexpected, Deep Red, Tenebrae, Beyond the Black Rainbow