BlackGeekdom Science-Fiction from a Different Perspective

It’s been a couple of years since I posted this, so I thought that it was time to bring it back.

In true blogger Halloween tradition, I decided to do a horror movie list. They aren’t the greatest horror movies you’ll find, but each of them have a certain charm that can’t be denied.

1. Blacula (1972)

How can you not include this movie on a list like this? It is a classic.

2. Scream Blacula Scream (1973)The only sequel on the list. But a horror movie with the Queen (IMHO) of Blaxploitation movies, Pam Grier, is definitely a movie you should see.

3. J.D.’s Revenge (1976)

I saw this movie one late night and was captivated. I just kept saying to myself, “That’s Col. Taylor?!?” (only Different World fans will understand.)

4. Petey Wheatstraw (1977)

Rudy Ray Moore BKA Dolemite, is a candidate to become the Devil’s son-in-law. To me, this movie was the epitome of black exploitation films. That being said, it’s pure classic comedy, with a little creepiness mixed in.

5. Night of the Living Dead (1968)

Here’s two trivia freebies: Name the movie which starred the first African-American in the lead role in a horror movie? What movie was the first time a black actor was cast as the lead in a major motion picture that did not specify the part had to be played by a black actor? This movie is often overlooked as revolutionary for the black actor in Hollywood. On top of that, this is a George Romero masterpiece.

6. Def By Temptation (1990)

This bit of modern blaxploitation has some great memorable comedic moments. The movie is no masterpiece, but all the actors give great performances. It doesn’t have as much camp as the wacky so-called horror movies today, but it doesn’t take itself too seriously.

7. Candyman (1992)

Tony Todd still scares me till this day. I scared my little brother out of his mind by saying Candyman in the mirror several times. (I stopped before completing the ritual, not because I was scared).

8. Vampire in Brooklyn (1995)

This is actually one of my favorite Eddie Murphy films. Angela Bassett. It’s a pretty good vampire movie which harkens back to Blacula. Angela Bassett. Kadeem Hardison shows up again on this list in another Vampire flick, but he turns in a good performance just like he did in Def By Temptation, only this time he’s a ghoul. Angela Bassett. There’s one other reason I liked the movie, but I can’t think of it right now.

9. Spawn (1997)

Can’t have this list without a Demon. Spawn is a Demon, right? I think this movie is what contributed to the success of the Blade franchise by paving the way for mainstream acceptance, outside of the comic book world, an African-American superhero. I like Blade, but Spawn is just as good.

10. Gothika (2003)

Alright, it’s not a great movie, but it’s Halle Berry locked in an insane asylum for the brutal murder of her husband. She hacked away at him with an axe. The movie is beautifully shot and a technical achievement in cinematography. It also has (Spoiler) possession, ghost, psychopaths, and torture.

Honorable Mention

Blade (1998)

I put this here because it’s one of my favorite movies of all time, but this list already had too many vampire movies on it.

Posted under Movies