10 Most Horrifying Urban Nightmare Movies

Despite the fact it was made in 1968, Targets is still the greatest and most powerful movie about mass shooters ever made. With the fear of rampage killings being very tangible in present day America, where spree killings have become nearly a weekly event, this movie reflects that nightmare in a very humane way.

Targets is a film about two people: actor Byron Orlock (Boris Karloff in one of his last roles) and Vietnam vet Bobby Thompson who struggles with day to day life after serving in the war. Whilst Orlock’s story is one of an ending career meant to draw parallels between old fears and new fears in horror cinema, Thompson’s story of rage and rampage is much more interesting. Although a plot such as this could easily fall into exploitation, Targets makes a concerted effort not to fall into mindless violence. Thompson is an incredibly human character whose struggle is relatable as he cannot adjust to life back home. His turn from all American boy to murderer isn’t made in a split decision, and the movie follows Thompson painstakingly as his mental health declines.

Targets makes sure that its themes play out properly and realistically without a hint of exaggeration or silliness, thus making it one of the greatest films of the 60s, and sadly still incredibly relevant to this day.