Hi all!

I have begun a new Halloween tradition. Every year, starting from 2022, I will introduce a specific theme for the entire spooky season. I decided to kick things off with Clowns. My reasons are a.) IT is my favourite horror movie and one of my favourite books, b.) I am attending the IT maze at Movie World Fright Nights (read more here) and c.) this month, we are reading the Clown in a Cornfield duology, for my Bookclub. I am also currently sharing 31 infamous clowns (one per day) in horror history, on my IG page, plus some book recommendations. There is a lot of clownery going on, you won’t want to miss, including a special giveaway for my Bookclub members! With all that out the way, today I am sharing some excellent clown horror movies, you must check out. I am not mentioning IT because I have done so hundreds of times already. I like to diversify my lists, recommending more underrated films. Without further ado, let’s get into it!

1.) Killer Klowns From Outer Space 

In first place, we have one of my favourite horror movies of all time. If you haven’t seen Killer Klowns from Outer Space, what are you waiting for? When teenagers, Mike and Debbie, witness a comet crash outside their sleepy small town, they discover a pack of murderous aliens, who look very much like circus clowns. Despite trying to warn the local authorities, everyone assumes their story is a prank. Meanwhile, the clowns set about harvesting and eating as many people as they can. It’s not until they kidnap Debbie, that Mike decides it’s up to him to stop their shenanigans. This 80’s film is full of campy, spooky fun. It’s hilarious but also quite unnerving. The extraterrestrials themselves take on a very grotesque appearance, that would have scared viewers at the time. Especially those with coulrophobia (a fear of clowns). The soundtrack is incredible, the acting awful (but in the best, cheesy way), and the visuals, bright, colourful and exaggerated. If you only watch one recommendation on this list, let it be this one.

2.) Clown 

Where Killer Klowns was light and fun, Clown is a dark bloodbath, not for the faint of heart. Produced by master of gore, Eli Roth, this story follows a loving father, who discovers a strange clown costume in the attic. He wears it for his son’s birthday party, but once the festivities are over, finds it won’t come off. As time passes, the suit fuses to his body, slowly transforming him into a child killer. There is a scene at a play-centre you won’t easily forget. What I love about this underrated film, is the progression of horror. Our protagonist starts off sweet and kind, but by the end, is an evil unstoppable entity. His final form (the Clöyne) is so terrifying, he could easily give Pennywise a run for its money.

3.) Terrifier

Did you really think I wasn’t going to mention Terrifier? There’s a reason I bought the t-shirt (purchase here). If you want the ultimate Halloween slasher, here it is. Check out my ranking of the franchise here. In all honesty, this movie doesn’t really have a plot. It follows a killer clown named Art, that pursues two drunk girls on October 31st. He comes from a demonic realm, serving as an agent of Lucifer himself. His only goal? Complete and total slaughter. This film has a low-budget grittiness, that adds to the terror. Art is a relentless villain that can speak volumes with just one eerie facial expression. You won’t be able to sleep afterwards!

4.) Haunt 

I have to recommend Haunt. It’s the perfect horror movie to watch with your pals during spooky season. On Halloween, a group of friends encounter an extreme haunted house, promising to feed on their darkest fears. However, the night turns deadly, as they come to the horrifying realisation that some nightmares are real. I loved everything about this film. It was gory, suspenseful and adventurous. Each worker dons a different costume, but the leader, is known for his clown mask. He shows no mercy toward his victims – the last person you would want to meet in a dark room.

5.) Wrinkles The Clown 

Last, but not least, I am recommending a mockumentary. Wrinkles The Clown is based on a real-life person, who was paid by parents in Naples, Florida, to scare naughty children into behaving better. The camera captures the clown at ‘work’, as he appears in children’s bedrooms or outside their windows. The mothers and fathers interviewed, deem their actions ethical and extremely effective. They declare this method of discipline foolproof, despite the obvious lifelong trauma it breeds. Wrinkles himself is portrayed as an ordinary man, only adopting the creepy persona as a means of making a living. In fact, he is known as a good citizen, beloved by the area. The film only goes for an hour, but it’s highly fascinating and worth a watch.

Thank you so much for reading! What are some of your favourite clown horrors?

Peace & Love xoxo