This was a tough one, I’ll admit it. When Mr. Disgusting came to me with the assignment, I thought to myself, “Feel-good horror movies? Isn’t that an oxymoron?” However, with a little effort, I was able to come up with a list I’m confident in. Whereas most of the time, horror movies leave you with a sense of dread and nihilism, these are ones that fill you with a warm and fuzzy feeling through and through. And Lord knows we could all use a bit of that these days, couldn’t we?
When the two Coreys are involved, a good time is always had by all. This is the ultimate ‘80s teen movie take on the horror genre, in which our heroes come of age and learn some important lessons about life and love from their brush with the undead. Plus, you have the crotchety-yet-loveable grandpa. I rest my case.
9. Hide and Seek (2005)
OK, so not as strictly “feel-good” as the rest, so sue me. But Emily is a cute little thing, isn’t she? And her friendship with the not-so-imaginary Charlie is pretty endearing—until the shit hits the proverbial fan, at least.
8. I Walked with a Zombie (1943)
Inspired by Jane Eyre, this Jacques Tourneur/Val Lewton classic is the poignant of a nurse who falls in love for a guy while trying to cure his wife’s voodoo zombification. The Serpent and the Rainbow meets Awakenings.
7. The Lady in White (1988)
An old-fashioned ghost story with a murder mystery spin, centering on a boy haunted by spirits as he hunts the identity of their murderer. Along the way, he discovers that the real menace isn’t quite what he expected.
6. Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)
“Love Never Dies” was the tagline for Coppola’s take on the classic horror tome. Need I say more? The director’s main departure from the original novel, Drac and Mina’s timeless love affair, is exactly what turns the world’s most famous vampire story into one of horror’s great epic romances.
5. The Sixth Sense (1999)
Back when M. Night Shyamalan was a good director, he debuted with this Oscar-nominated film about a little poppet who “sees dead people”, and the struggling child psychologist who sees a chance to redeem himself by curing him. Until, of course, he finds out the boy is right.
4. The Others (2000)
See “The Orphanage”. Once again, a potentially horrifying situation is turned into a revelatory bonding of parent and children—although not at all as they expected. Hey, they may be dead, but at least they get to haunt houses together for all eternity.
3. Let the Right One In (2008)
This one may cause some controversy, since if you read into the ramifications of how Eli and Oskar’s relationship turns out, it is in fact more sinister than it seems at first. But how can the story of the sweet friendship between a 12-year-old loner and a sympathetic little girl vampire be anything but feel-good?
2. The Orphanage (2007)
I guess whether or not you consider this movie to have a happy ending may depend on whether or not you’re a parent. Although filled with high tension and disturbing imagery, the mother’s torturous search for her son does end with a happy reunion after all, doesn’t it?
And finally, the number-one feel-good horror movie of all time….
1. Poltergeist (1982)
The Spielberg touch (by way of Tobe Hooper). The John Williams score. Cute little Carol Anne. This summer blockbuster horror extravaganza has all the ingredients to make it just about the most heart-warming two hours of terror you’re likely to ever experience. Proof that Satan and his minions are no match for the power of the American family unit.
For more news and opinions on the world of horror, including a three-part look at Godzilla flicks, a commemoration of 25 years of NOES, and shocking news on the Let the Right One In DVD, check out Brian’s daily blog, The Vault of Horror, at thevaultofhorror.net.
a movie that would fit perfectly in this list is a movie called SHIVER (or Eskalofrío). i kid you not guys it's haunting and awesomely acted (the dead kid from THE DEVIL'S BACKBONE stars).
Kudos for "The Lady in White" shoutout. It's probably one of the most underrated films ever...not really a "horror" per se, but still a lovely film all the same. :)
Great list B-Sol. After writing that guest post for you, I know how hard it is to write these damn lists. Everyone's gotta be a critic...
Regardless, I love all of these films and I think you totally nailed it as far as placement on the list. I for one will say, I would put Lost Boys higher just for Keifer...yum ;)
To be honest I can't say I found most of these feel good. The Lost Boys perhaps, but that's about it. I would have included Shaun of the Dead, The Return of the Living Dead, Re-animator, Braindead (DeadAlive) - actually, what is it about zombies that make them sure fun?
I like the movies on this list but none of them with the exception of Lost Boys, and Poltergeist, have a feel good vibe?? A better list would be with movies like Elvira Mistress of The Dark, Big Trouble In Little China, Sleepaway Camp 2, Childs Play 2, Killer Klowns From Outer Space, Gremlins, Creepshow 2, and what about Army of Darkness? This is just my opinion but movies like sixth sense, and the others are dreary and cold. They have no spark to make you feel good.
I think Hide and Seek was one of the worst movies I have ever seen. It fell so flat, it was a freakin pancake!
Lady in White is a wonderful movie but I always felt it was a bit "Wonderful World of Disney around Halloween time".
no one rocked a mullet like Kiefer Sutherland in Lost boys, very fun movie!
What about Silver Bullet? That was a great horror film that was also a coming of age film. It had a great story about the love between siblings. Plus, Gary Busey was never better than as Uncle Red. Boo your list!
HAHAH Good call on the john williams/jerry goldsmith score comment!..
feel good horror movies:
in no particular order...
Motel Hell
Return of the living dead
Feast
They Live
Critters
The Frighteners
Troll 2
Shaun of the dead
Death Proof
Leprechaun 1 & 2
I love Bloody Disgusting, but I have to say that this list sucks the sweat off a zombie's balls. Where the fuck is Frightnight? How about Creepshow or Monster Squad? Throw some Feast in there. And where are the comedies like Shaun of the Dead, Dance of the Dead, Fido, or Evil Aliens. Every movie on that list is a very good movie, but with the exception of Lost Boys none of them would be considered 'feel-good.' I mean if you guys at BD want to fuck with us that's fine, but don't do it half way like this list. Have a feel-good list that has Cannibal Holocaust and Audition in there to really fuck with us good! :)
the list started good with Lost Boys, but I dunno about the rest. I totally agree with Monster squad in re: to coldblood. Here are some that never get old and are a good time: Evil Dead 2, the Gate, the Fearless Vampire Killers, Return of the Living Dead, House, Story of Riki, From Dusk till Dawn, Big Trouble In Little China, They Live, A Boy and His Dog, Street trash, Blue Velvet, Repo Man. I've got more, but that's all I've got right off the top of my head.
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