Dive Into Thrills with San Antonio Filmmakers' Scary Movie Picks

Get Ready for a Chilling Movie Marathon

As the spooky season approaches, it's time to prepare for a fright-filled movie marathon. In this article, we tapped into the insights of San Antonio's talented horror filmmakers, who shared their go-to favorite scary movies. These local artisans of fright provide a treasure trove of cinematic recommendations perfect for anyone looking to embrace the Halloween spirit.

Max Booth III: A Love for the Unhinged

Max Booth III, renowned for his writing in We Need to Do Something, admires the offbeat '14 thriller The Guest, calling it a wild ride with one of the coolest haunted house scenes. He also cherishes the 1988 horror-comedy Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, declaring it an essential Halloween classic that deserves more recognition. His Halloween night ritual involves watching Ghostwatch, a film that treads the lines of reality and fiction in a unique way.

Colin Bressler: A Master of Atmosphere

Colin Bressler, director of The Mummy Murders, champions '80s horror-sci-fi classic The Thing, praising its chilling atmosphere and sense of isolation. He finds Jordan Peele's Us an underrated gem full of intense performances that elevate its creepiness. Recently, he also enjoyed Good Boy, which innovatively depicts horror from a dog's perspective.

Jess Castro: Indie Spirit and Spectacle

Director Jess Castro's favorites draw on horror's foundation of creativity. He highlights Demons, a chaotic film where moviegoers face a literal plague, and The Deadly Spawn, a creature feature filled with indie filmmaking charm. Castro also appreciates Terror in the Aisles, which uniquely compiles the best moments from classic horror films, offering great late-night entertainment.

Sam Lerma: Found-Footage Enthusiast

Sam Lerma, associated with Squeezebox, admires M. Night Shyamalan’s The Visit for its dark humor and memorable moments of fright, marking a turning point in Shyamalan's career. He also endorses [REC], which captivates with its claustrophobic tension as well as The Descent, a terrifying dive into the terror lurking beneath the surface.

Rob Mabry: Slasher Parodies

Rob Mabry, director of The Legend of El Chupacabra, offers a humorous perspective on horror with Tucker & Dale vs. Evil, a parody that flips the script on slasher conventions. He also praises The Final Girls, an '80s meta-slasher comedy where high school students must outsmart a killer through their knowledge of horror tropes.

Marcella Ochoa: Blending Genres

Marcella Ochoa, writer of Madres, reveres The Devil's Backbone for its haunting visual storytelling that weaves historical commentary through horror. She also recommends The Texas Chain Saw Massacre for its intense atmosphere that feels especially relevant in Texas.

Brian Ortiz: Balanced Horror

Brian Ortiz, director of Doctor S Battles the Sex Crazed Reefer Zombies: The Movie, offers an eclectic mix of recommendations ranging from the eerie The Fog with its slow-burning ghost story to Event Horizon, a cosmic horror that leaves a lasting impression. He notes that the upcoming thriller Cuckoo promises to generate the ideal spooky mood for Halloween.

Join the Conversation!

As the chilling nights draw closer and the leaves begin to fall, gather your friends and family for a marathon of these unique suggestions from San Antonio's horror filmmakers. Whether you're an aficionado or new to the genre, this lineup will give you the perfect mix of spine-tingling thrills and creativity. Don't forget to connect with others in your community to share your own spooky film favorites!