30 Best Hidden Gem Horror Movies Perfect For Halloween
29. Cast A Deadly Spell
Take a slice of Raymond Chandler, add a helping of H.P. Lovecraft, and sprinkle in a touch of Terry Pratchett, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for an overlooked genre gem - perfect for rediscovery during spooky season.
Set in an alternate version of 1948 Los Angeles, where magic is part of everyday life, our grizzled protagonist, Detective H. Philip Lovecraft (Fred Ward), stands apart with his staunch refusal to use it. When Lovecraft is hired to recover the stolen Necronomicon, he’s pulled into a whirlwind of mobsters, supernatural creatures, and ancient conspiracies, all while trying to prevent the end of the world.
Don’t expect nail-biting scares; the movie leans more into classic film noir with absurdist comedy and horror elements woven into its world. That said, the creature designs are fantastic, and the action is surprisingly intense, especially when some vengeful goblins enter the fray with a penchant for heart rips.
Originally released as an HBO movie in the early ’90s, Cast a Deadly Spell garnered enough interest to spawn a lesser sequel (1994's Witch Hunt) with a new cast and director. It’s a shame, because director Martin Campbell - early in his career - demonstrates a sharp understanding of how to blend humour, action, horror, and retro aesthetics. Ward is excellent as the hard-drinking, chain-smoking detective who takes no nonsense. Add to that a pre-awards-era Julianne Moore as the magnetic femme fatale, alongside genre stalwarts Clancy Brown and David Warner, and you’ve got an eclectic ensemble that elevates this one-of-a-kind hidden gem.