5 Underrated Wes Craven Films You Need To Watch This Halloween
One thing you need to know about me is that I love Wes Craven’s films more than almost anything else in life. Craven was my first favorite director as a kid. I have screamed into so many microphones that even a bad Wes Craven film is more fun than many directors at their best. That’s a huge part of the reason I’m here to encourage you to add some Uncle Wes to your Halloween plans.
Sure, we all know and love Scream and A Nightmare on Elm Street. Most of us even know his more popular titles outside of the franchises. Films like Vampire in Brooklyn, The People Under the Stairs, and Cursed are important to me for various reasons. However, Wes Craven also made quite a few underseen titles that, until recently, were hard to track down. This is why even I, a Craven stan account, was late to the game with these hidden streaming gifts. Allow me to introduce you to some of these chaotically charming, albeit shaky, titles helmed by my first fave.
Deadly Blessing
Where You Can Watch: Tubi
When her husband has a deadly accident, a woman begins to suspect the nearby religious community is out to get her. This movie is so chaotic and fun. It also has plenty of Cravenisms that keep it interesting and reward you every rewatch. Deadly Blessing is one of Wes Craven’s first features and his first stab at supernatural slashers. Part of why I love it is that you see the germs of what would bloom in A Nightmare on Elm Street a few years later. Along for this deadly ride are Ernest Borgnine and Sharon Stone. I don’t want to ruin the killer reveal, but I do want to discuss it with everyone who’s seen the movie. While it’s not the best movie you’ll see this year, it’s a reminder that Wes knew how to throw a weird party.
Deadly Friend
Where You Can Watch: Tubi
When his crush is killed by her abusive dad, a kid attempts to bring her back by implanting his robot’s chip into her brain. This movie came out in the good old days before anyone knew Kristy Swanson was a MAGA supporter. While abuse and bodily autonomy are at the front of this mess, it’s actually the sweetest genre film on Wes Craven’s resume. Wes wanted to adapt Friend by Diana Henstell and made a cute PG sci-fi film. However, the studio made him reshoot and re-edit it to cash in on his horror brand. That’s how we ended up with this movie suffering an identity crisis. I appreciate that it is a strong reminder that Wes could do it all. I still wish I could see his original version because I bet it was better. Although we would lose an epic death by basketball, which would also be a shame.
Invitation to Hell
Where You Can Watch: Fandango at Home, Peacock, Pluto TV, Prime Video, Sling TV, and Tubi
A family is coerced into joining a weird club after moving to a suburb. This 1984 made-for-television movie saw Wes Craven do what he did best: reminding us that the suburbs are where the real horror lives. Even the cast of this supernatural moment is a surprise. Did you know Robert Urich, Joanna Cassidy, and Susan Lucci were in a horror movie together? Even I didn’t know that until a few years ago, and I’m still surprised after watching it twice. A TV budget didn’t stop Craven from having fun. This movie shouldn’t be as memorable as it is. That is a testament to what a great director Wes was. I can’t wait to grab some snacks and run at this chaotic title again. I encourage you to do the same. Do it for the 80s discount special effects. Do it for the genre. Most importantly, do it for Wes.
Stranger in Our House
Where You Can Watch: Plex, The Roku Channel, and Tubi
A family of five takes in an orphaned cousin after her parents die in a horrible car crash. However, they soon learn the teen might have a sinister agenda. Stranger in Our House (also known as Summer of Fear) is a familiar tale. However, the old premise is way more interesting with Wes Craven at the helm. You wouldn’t believe me if I told you the places this made-for-TV movie ended up going. To add to the ’80s vibes, Linda Blair plays the cousin who calls this teen witch out. Most of us think of The Exorcist when we think of Blair. So, seeing her as a teen with the big poodle hair of the era is a kick. Watching people gaslight her when she says something is up with her cousin is not as fun. However, that is the way the genre crumbles.
Swamp Thing
Where You Can Watch: Plex, Prime Video, The Roku Channel, and Tubi
A research scientist is turned into a monster after coming into contact with chemicals during an incident. Wes Craven doing sci-fi body horror? Sign me up immediately! Wes wrote and directed this adaptation of Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson’s Swamp Thing. As a nerd, I piss on DC properties a lot, but I am here for the Cravenfication of this pollution baby. This is a very interesting watch for people who associate Craven with slashers and the supernatural subgenres. It is one of the many reminders that he really could do anything. It makes me sad that he didn’t get nearly enough respect and accolades when he was still with us. Very few directors possess the kind of magic he displays with something even as simple as Swamp Thing. I have to shout out Chad Collins for raising the alarm that this movie is streaming this month.
You cannot go wrong with about 98% of Wes Craven’s filmography. I have seen almost all of his genre movies aside from The Last House on the Left, which I might keep skipping. Hell, I even made myself leave the genre to watch Music of the Heart when I got sad on the anniversary of his death this year. Instead of continuing to mope about how I have a limited supply of Craven helmed goodies, I’m going to go buy a “Directed By Abe Snake” t-shirt and tap into Swamp Thing again. I hope you enjoy these chaotic movies to some degree.
Let me know what Wes Craven films you’re adding to your Halloween plans on Bluesky.
Categorized: Streaming Guides
