It’s really surprising that there aren’t more Voodoo-based horror movies. Steeped in mystery and mysticism, it’s as close to real life magic as any of us are ever going to see.
My release calendar shows me that The Serpent and the Rainbow is getting a Blu-ray courtesy of the good people over at Scream Factory, and it got me thinking of some other good Voodoo movies. Because who doesn’t love some good face paint, witch doctors, zombies, and fetish dolls?
7) Trilogy of Terror (1975):
All right, a little cheating right off the bat. I know that the Zuni fetish doll isn’t exactly Voodoo. I’m mixing in Polynesian traditionalism with the spiritual blend of Voodoo/Hoodoo. It’s just so hard to keep your migratory island religions straight. I’m giving it a pass, however, as the second story in Trilogy of Terror does have some Voodoo in it. Also, I highly doubt you would have known I was wrong in the first place.
I first saw Trilogy of Terror when I was a kid during one of those late night weekend horror movie marathons. For years I didn’t know its name but remembered that terrifying Zuni fetish doll. Watching it again, it’s easy to see why this film has achieved cult status. The effects haven’t aged very well, but that’s part of the charm. It’s a creative and fun flick, definitely worth a watch after all these years.
6) Tales from the Hood (1995):
I’ve shown Tales from the Hood to several people now and always get the same reaction: “Wow, I can’t believe that was actually good.” The title makes it sound like a cheap blaxploitation film, which is only half right. Race relations is pretty much the topic of every segment, but it doesn’t feel like a cheap cash-in. It’s a good watch for anyone, regardless of ethnicity.
For purposes of this list, I’m talking specifically about the “KKK Comeuppance” segment. The whole movie is great, but there’s something deeply satisfying about watching a racist klansmen get torn apart by dolls. There’s a dark humor to it, making the story a decent social commentary as well as a good time. It’s also great for finding out which of your friends is racist! Bust it out at a party, and see who isn’t getting invited back.
5) Sugar Hill (1974):
Switching gears from 50% blaxploitation, Sugar Hill is 200% blaxploitation. From the company that brought you Blacula, Sugar Hill is a revenge story where the weapon of choice is zombies. Using the power of Voodoo, foxy heroin Diana “Sugar” Hill (Marki Bey) takes vengeance on a group of evil white gangsters who killed her man and want to take what’s hers. It’s about as amazing as it sounds.
I love this movie 90% for the cheese factor and 10% because it’s actually pretty good. The zombies have a really unique look, with glassy bug eyes and cobwebs. These are traditional “zombies,” mindless servants doing their master’s bidding. No brain eating here. It’s kind of hard to find, but if you can, Sugar Hill is a blast from the past that reminds us that afros can be super sexy.
4) The Skeleton Key (2005):
I have to be honest; when I first saw The Skeleton Key as a teenager, I hated it. It wasn’t that the nuance of it went over my head or that any part was bad, but that ending was just so damn sad. I know that it must sound silly for someone to dislike a horror movie because it doesn’t have a happy ending, but the way that Caroline (Kate Hudson) ends up deeply disturbed me.
A decade later, a more bitter and weathered Ted can see the genius in The Skeleton Key. A tense thriller, it relies more on fear of the unknown than jump scares. The atmosphere of the movie is pure New Orleans magic, with that unique blend of mysticism and superstition. It’s a great horror film for people that get scared too easily, making it an easy recommendation for almost anyone.
3) White Zombie (1932):
There’s no way that White Zombie wasn’t going to be on this list. It’s an absolute classic, inspiring film, music, and pop culture immeasurably. It’s worth watching as an artifact alone. Plus, any excuse to watch Bela Lugosi do his signature spooky eyes is valid.
It’s another example of the classic “mind control” zombies versus the Romero reanimated cannibals. It’s fun to see practical zombies, working on a plantation and being useful. The film has plenty of shortcomings with some stiff acting, but its unique setting and plot easily make up for it. It’s public domain now, so check it out anywhere for a classic good time.
2) Angel Heart (1987):
Fun Fact: My mother showed me Angel Heart when I was 12. This is a movie where a body-swapping Mickey Rourke has sex with his own underage daughter while blood drips from the ceiling. Sweet parenting skills, mom!
Angel Heart is up there with Jacob’s Ladder in terms of a complete mindfuck. Do not expect to figure out what is going on your first time viewing it. Even with all the pieces in place, you’ll still want to watch it a second time to see how it all comes together. It’s shocking, bizarre, and fucking awesome. Even if you somehow don’t love it, there’s no way you can walk away from Angel Heart without deeply respecting it.
1) The Serpent and the Rainbow (1988):
Of all the “what the fuck” movies on this list, The Serpent and the Rainbow takes the hardest right turn into batshit crazy town. The way the film goes from rational scientific explanation to full-blown magic is fucking brilliant. You go through most of the movie thinking that there’s a reasonable explanation for everything, and then boom! Jaguar spirits.
It’s a bloody, shockingly violent, and totally weird film. It almost defies explanation. You really just have to see it for yourself. Luckily, the film is getting re-released on Blu-ray, so it shouldn’t be tough to get a copy. I can’t wait to see scrotum nailing in full 1080p.
So, what do you think? Did I miss your favorite Voodoo movie? Would you like to inform me that I don’t know the differences between Voodoo and Hoodoo? Disagree with any of my picks? Let me know below!
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The Serpent and the Rainbow Release Details:
Loyal fans of legendary director Wes Craven (Scream, The People Under the Stairs, A Nightmare on Elm Street) know well the terrifying story of one man’s nightmarish journey into the eerie and deadly world of voodoo from the 1988 horror cult classic THE SERPENT AND THE RAINBOW, directed by Craven and executive produced by Rob Cohen (The Fast and the Furious, The Running Man) and Keith Barish (The Fugitive, Big Trouble in Little China). The film stars Bill Pullman (Independence Day, Lake Placid), Cathy Tyson (Priest, Neil Jordan’s Mona Lisa), Zakes Mokae (Waterworld, The Island), and Paul Winfield (Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, The Terminator).
On February 23, 2016, Scream Factory is proud to present THE SERPENT AND THE RAINBOW Collector’s Edition Blu-ray, packed with insightful bonus content including new interviews with actor Bill Pullman, author Wade Davis, director of photography John Lindley, and special makeup effects artists Lance Anderson and David Anderson, and much more.
Available for the first time on Blu-ray, this definitive collector’s edition contains a collectible cover featuring newly rendered retro-style artwork and a reversible cover wrap featuring original theatrical key art. A must-have for movie collectors, horror enthusiasts, and loyal fans, Wes Craven’s THE SERPENT AND THE RAINBOW Collector’s Edition Blu-ray is priced to own at $34.93 SRP.
Avid fans and collectors please take note: Those who order Wes Craven’s THE SERPENT AND THE RAINBOW Collector’s Edition Blu-ray directly from ShoutFactory.com get it shipped two weeks early, plus receive a limited-edition 18″x24″ poster featuring our newly commissioned artwork! Available while supplies last.
Synopsis:
A Harvard anthropologist (Bill Pullman) is sent to Haiti to retrieve a strange powder that is said to have the power to bring human beings back from the dead. In his quest to find the miracle drug, the cynical scientist enters the rarely seen netherworld of walking zombies, blood rites, and ancient curses. Based on the true life experiences of Wade Davis and filmed on location in Haiti, it’s a frightening excursion into black magic and the supernatural.