When one thinks of seasons perfect for horror movies, one will usually think of fall. For the most part, they would be correct. The chilly weather, the changing leaves, and the looming Halloween season all make for perfect scary movie weather. However, summer is also prime for horror viewing. There are more than a few horror films set during summer that are perfect to put on when the air becomes hot and humid. whether set on a beach or at a lonely cabin, here are ten summer movies that will rival the movies set during Halloween.
10. The Devil’s Rejects (2005)
Rob Zombie’s films are usually divisive in the horror community. Fans either love his style or hate it. However, when mentioning the best Zombie films, almost everyone will say The Devil’s Rejects. The sequel to Zombie’s theatrical debut, House of 1,000 Corpses, Devil’s Rejects follows the deadly Firefly family as they go on a bloody trip through the desert while an equally demented sheriff closes in. The Firefly clan were introduced as the antagonists in the last film, but here they are front and center. This gory and disturbing movie is escalated by the hot climate it takes place. This may not be one of the more upbeat horror movies, but it is perfect to watch on a hot summer day.
9. The Evil Dead (1981)
Whenever summertime rolls around, people usually go on vacation with their friends and family. Oftentimes, this means heading to a cabin to escape life for a while. The original Evil Dead has a group of friends escaping life permanently. The classic film that spawned a franchise follows friends who find the ancient Necronomicon and unknowingly release an army of the dead. The idea of escaping life’s woes only to endure unspeakable nightmares is what makes Evil Dead perfect for some warped summer viewing. unlike the sequels, this film is pure horror and omits the intentional comedy the series became known for. If your vacation plans involve going to a cabin, then Evil Dead is the perfect summer movie for you.
8. The Lost Boys (1987)
When making your vacation plans try sunny Santa Carla, California. Beautiful beaches, great food, and blood-thirsty vampires await you. Lost Boys is a black comedy about a mother and two sons who discover their new hometown is infested with vampires. Corey Haim plays Sam a teenage boy who befriends self-proclaimed vampire hunters Edgar and Alan Frog. Sam soon learns his own brother is in danger of becoming a vampire, so it is up to him and the Frog brothers to save him. This film is oozing ’80s goodness in the best way possible. The movie is filled with scary vampire goodness as well as comedic moments. An idyllic summer getaway turned on its head makes for some of the best horror movies, and Lost Boys is no exception.
7. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
What makes the original Texas Chain Saw Massacre stands out above the others is how gritty it feels. The film was very low budget, and the almost amateur filmmaking works to the film’s advantage. The film follows Sally Hardesty and her friends as they encounter a family of cannibalistic psychopaths. This classic slasher flick is perfect for viewing any time of the year, but watching it on a hot and muggy summer day adds a whole other level. The film was shot in the hot Texas heat, and it is as if the heat is bleeding through the film. Each actor is coated in sweat and this gives the film an uncomfortable feeling. Summer movies usually show the good of the season, but this one shows that the heat isn’t the only thing to be afraid of.
6. IT (2017)
For most people, remembering summer vacations when they were young brings back fond memories. Leavin school on the last day, hanging out with friends, and not having a care in the world. For the kids of Derry, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. A group of friends calling themselves The Loser’s Club face a shapeshifting creature that feeds on their fear..and their bodies. This creature haunts the town every 27 years, and the Loser’s Club looks to put an end to it. What makes this one of the best summertime horror movies, is that it functions as a coming-of-age tale as well as a scary story. The main cast truly feels like a realistic group of friends desperate to enjoy their summer regardless of Pennywise. Everyone can see some of themselves in one of the kids, and that adds to the enjoyment of this Stephen King classic.
5. The Hills Have Eyes (1977)
Before he introduced Freddy Krueger into the nightmares of horror fans, Wes Craven introduced a family of cannibals living in the mountains of a California desert. A suburban family’s car breaks down in a seemingly uninhabited area while on vacation. This area is actually home to a group of savages who have the family in their sights. Like Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Hills Have Eyes feels like the film reel could melt at any moment. The uncomfortable heat seen on-screen just adds to the uncomfortable tone of the film. As for the movie itself, it is one of the best Craven has ever attached his name to. This exploitation movie is one of the best, and horror fans should check out this summer. Just make sure to have plenty of water and air.
4. The Cabin In The Woods (2011)
The Cabin in the Woods is one of the best meta slasher movies, and for good reasons. The film is a satire on the fittingly titled cabin in the woods trope made popular by films such as The Evil Dead. The movie follows a group of teenagers who become the unwilling subjects of a deadly social experiment. While also serving as a satirical comedy, Cabin in the Woods still has some scary moments that can rival some straightforward horror movies. This is another classic that turns the idea of an ideal summer vacation on its head.
3. Friday the 13th (1980)
Summer camps were once a staple of summertime, but thanks to this movie that has all changed. Before exploding into the mega-franchise it became, Friday the 13th was a simple film about an unknown killer stalking the grounds of a summer camp. While summer camps are still a popular part of the season, the fear of someone lurking in the shadows waiting to strike has been doubled thanks to Friday the 13th. While legendary slasher Jason doesn’t make his official debut until the sequel, this movie is still a thrilling time and one of the best slasher movies of all time. This film demands to be watched near a lake, where the killer could be hiding and waiting to attack at any moment.
2. Sleepaway Camp (1983)
While the Friday the 13th franchise has become synonymous with horrific summer movies, Sleepaway Camp has the original beat in the eyes of many. The film follows a young girl going to a summer camp with her cousin to help her overcome a traumatic experience. Things seem to be going well at first until a killer begins taking out campers and staff one by one. The kills are gruesome and memorable, and the twist is one of the best in horror history. This film is a cult classic that should be seen by every horror fan. This summer is the perfect time to take a trip to Camp Arawak.
1. Jaws (1975)
Little can be said about this classic Spielberg movie that hasn’t been said before. A huge shark terrorizes the small beach town of Amity, and it is up to three men to stop it. This movie gave birth to the summer blockbuster, and it is no surprise as to why. The beach is arguably the most famous summertime destination, and this is the movie responsible for making beachgoers afraid to go into the water. To this day, Jaws is seen every summer and gets more and more popular with each passing year. The film’s strength lies in the human leads, but when the shark shows up hairs are sure to stand on end. This is one of the most popular movies of all time and the perfect summer horror movie.
