PopHorror Let's Get Scared
After a bit of research, it appears as though the world lacks horror films that are specifically geared toward America’s Independence Day. Since most of the writers from PopHorror live in the US, we all wracked our brains and found some films you might want to check out this Fourth of July. These films keep with the theme of what we do when we celebrate our independence from Britain… patriotism, celebrations, fireworks, BBQs and summer fun. If it’s as hot there as it is here, I think watching the movies on this list make it worth staying in and keeping cool this Fourth of July. Find out which ones we recommend below in no particular order.
Uncle Sam (1996)
Plot: A Desert Storm vet who was killed in combat rises from the grave on July Fourth to kill the unpatriotic citizens of his hometown, after some teens burn an American flag over his burial site.
This film is a cheesy slasher film. Do not look for anything beyond that. Uncle Sam was written by Maniac Cop’s Larry Cohen, and Shaft’s Isaac Hayes and Halloween’s PJ Soles make appearances. A fun, ’80s style slasher.
I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)
Plot: Four young friends bound by a tragic accident are reunited when they find themselves being stalked by a hook-wielding maniac in their small, seaside town.
This film is set on Fourth of July when a group of friends set out to celebrate graduation and things go awry. The film has the perfect cast of pretty “teenagers” that were so popular in the ’90s, like Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Freddie Prinze, Jr. and Ryan Phillipe. The Fisherman proves to be a great villain. Some believe it is a rip-off of Scream. It may be a tad, but it is well worth a watch!
Return of the Living Dead (1985)
Plot: When two bumbling employees at a medical supply warehouse accidentally release a deadly gas into the air, the vapors cause the dead to rise again as zombies.
The film is actually set on July 3, 1984, but hey, that’s close enough! If you still haven’t seen it, Return of the Living Dead is a quirky horror comedy that is paced out perfectly, with never a dull moment. And the scenes keep getting wackier and wackier. A must see!
Independence Day (1996)
Plot: The aliens are coming, and their goal is to invade and destroy Earth. Fighting superior technology, mankind’s best weapon is the will to survive.
This film is best described as a science fiction Top Gun. There’s a kick ass cast of Will Smith, Bill Pullman and Jeff Goldblum, a non-stop action thrill ride, and hey, aliens!
Purge Franchise
Plot: It is based on a future dystopian America where every year, there is a 12-hour period during which all crime, including murder, is legal.
All of the Purge films are worth a watch. The more recent ones do have a more political tone, so it made our list. The premise is that there is an annual purge where all crime is legal for 12 hours, so criminals can kill each other off. Of course, non-criminals are constantly getting caught in the crossfire.
The Bay (2012)
Plot: Chaos breaks out in a small Maryland town after an ecological disaster occurs.
This is a found footage film set in the town of Claridge, Maryland during their Fourth of July Crab Festival. What happens next is pure chaos, with people getting infected by something in the water. The town shuts down and questions begin… is this a government cover up?
Piranha (1978)
Plot: When flesh-eating piranhas are accidentally released into a summer resort’s rivers, the guests become their next meal.
This is a fun genre film for B horror lovers, not only reminiscent of Jaws, but other monster films of the ’50s as well. This film is suspenseful, witty and definitely gory! Sure, there are other Piranha movies, but this one is highly recommended to watch first, just for the shots of the frenzied fish frantically feasting on unwitting vacationers.
Jaws (1975)
Plot: A local sheriff, a marine biologist and an old seafarer team up to hunt down a great white shark wreaking havoc in a beach resort.
This Steven Spielberg flick is a absolute must see, the original summer blockbuster film. It will keep you on the edge of your seat with plenty of startling moments, plus those great actors we love so much, like the late Roy Scheider and Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss and Lorraine Gray star as well. You may never go back in the water again!
Land of the Dead (2005)
Plot: The living dead have taken over the world, and the last humans live in a walled city to protect themselves as they come to grips with the situation.
I know what you are thinking… what does this have to do with summer or Fourth of July? The late George A. Romero’s film uses fireworks to keep the zombies away. Simon Baker, Asia Argento, John Leguizamo and the late Dennis Hopper star in this film. Great post-apocalypse fun with a pretty decent plot, solid performances and zombie gore! Plus, be on the lookout for Shaun of the Dead’s Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright’s cameos.
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012)
Plot: Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, discovers vampires are planning to take over the United States. He makes it his mission to eliminate them.
This blood-filled action film is perhaps slightly ridiculous, but in the best way possible. Our 16th President was a vampire hunter? Awesome! The acting is great and the effects are well done. If you enjoy seeing vampires slashed, hacked and bashed during your Fourth of July celebration, then this film is for you.
Be sure to stay cool and safe this Fourth of July! Settle in and watch some of our picks. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do. Did we miss anything? Let us know what you think below!
