10 Terrifying Halloween-Set Horror Movies
2. Terrifier
One of the anthologies considered for this list was All Hallows' Eve, a worthwhile watch that largely fails to deliver on scare factor due to a gut-bustingly inept middle section and a boring wraparound story. But what it does get right is its introduction of Art the Clown, more prominently featured in the spinoff film Terrifier.
Terrifier mainly works on the strength of its cast. David Howard Thornton's skillful pantomime bridges the gap between comedy and horror, aided in no small part by some intensely unnerving makeup design. Stars Catherine Corcoran and Jenna Kanell further sell the terror through their believably grounded performances, including a refreshingly down-to-earth spin on the stereotypical "bimbo" slasher victim.
Despite being a standalone film rather than an anthology, Terrifier still hits a number of tonal shifts that work on various levels. Naturally, the stalk-and-kill sequences build suspense through the fear that Art could be anywhere, but one intensely gory torture sequence will evoke feelings of dread and discomfort even in those viewers who lack the anatomy being eviscerated on screen.
Terrifier 2 is aiming for release next year, so this may be the perfect time to brush up on Art the Clown's origins and see why he just may be the scariest clown ever put to film.