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2023 Horror Anniversaries

Dead Northern takes a look at the big horror film anniversaries of 2023, which films will be on on your re-watch list?

1- Night of the Living Dead (Directed by George A. Romero, 1968) – 55th Anniversary

It can easily be said that without Romero’s Night of the Living Dead, the well-exercised zombie era would not be the same as it is today. This socially conscious story ignited a spark for the genre that would inspire many influential future filmmakers, including Edgar Wright and James Gunn. Romero’s classic will be celebrating its 55th birthday this year. Despite the time that had passed, this zombie extravaganza very much lives on to this day, with the film offering key paraphernalia that is paramount in any modern zombie feature.


2- The Wicker Man (Directed by Robin Hardy, 1973) – 50th Anniversary

The Wicker Man belongs to the Unholy Trinity of folk horror, along with Witchfinder General (1968) and The Blood on Satan’s Claw (1971) depicting rural picturesque scenes amongst utterly sinister crowds. The Wicker Man has captivated audiences for 50 years now. Not that this figure is easily believed considering how timeless Hardy’s countryside horror is. Perhaps it’s the performances by Edward Woodward, Christopher Lee, and Britt Ekland that make The Wicker Man the iconic film that it is. Or maybe it’s the endless displays of brooding tensions that culminate in an unforgettable finale that keep the film’s acclaimed flame lit. Either way, The Wicker Man is far from being forgotten, and it’s highly doubtful that it ever will be.

3- The Exorcist (Directed by William Friedkin, 1973) – 50th Anniversary

The Exorcist is one of the most colloquially known horror films across the globe and one of the few frightening features that garnered admiration from the Academy Awards. Friedkin’s tale of possession, demons and a genre-defining depiction of evils have granted The Exorcist a beloved place within cinema. However, this firm favourite was not without its controversy. During its initial release, there had been countless reports of fainting and nausea, ensuring the film’s banning in the UK for 11 years. 

4- Sleepaway Camp (Directed by Robert Hiltzik, 1983) – 40th Anniversary. 

Summer slashers are known for their camp (both figurative and literal) splatter-fests, with films such as Sleepaway Camp dominating this bloody, sunny, and very much ‘forward’ subgenre of horror. Sleepaway Camp delivers an impeccably entertaining storyline of a whodunit amidst a summer campsite, with plenty of extremely gnarly kills featuring along the way. However, if there is one thing that makes this 40-year-old film a classic, it is the iconic ending that will leave your jaw on the floor for a very, very long time.

5- Videodrome (Directed by David Cronenberg, 1983) – 40th Anniversary 

If there is one thing Cronenberg is known for, it’s his exuberantly horrifying filmography that refuses to shy the camera away, instead directing the frame to be as visceral and infringing as possible. An excellent example of a pure Cronenberg gem that has stood the test of time (for 40 years now) is Videodrome, which is very much a body horror through to the bone. Working alongside the icky displays of gratuitous practical effects is the science fiction plot that transports the viewer into another dimension where morals are tested and the terrifying illusions of surreality are left to run riot.


6- Killer Klowns from Outer Space (Directed by Stephen Chiodo, 1988) – 35th Anniversary

On paper, the story of extraterrestrial creatures with clown-like appearances invading a small town should not work. However, there is something so hilarious and entertaining about watching alien clowns wielding popcorn guns, going absolutely berzerk on screen. Killer Klowns rivets in the absurd, which is wholeheartedly aided by the impressive practical effects that are an absolute testament to the creativity seen within 1980s horror.

7- Ringu (Directed by Hideo Nakata, 1998) – 25th Anniversary 


Ringu is responsible for the nightmares of pretty much every audience member ever since its release 25 years ago. This timeless classic belongs to the long line of technology-based terrors, which is seeing a resurgence in the current horror domain. Ringu revels in the brooding terror of slow-burn horror that takes its time in building up to a horrifying conclusion, as well as introducing one of the genre’s most chilling creatures to ever meet the screen.


8- House of 1000 Corpses (Directed by Rob Zombie, 2003) – 20th Anniversary 

Rob Zombie has garnered a slightly unbalanced reputation in the horror scene, with many believing his music to be better than his filmography. However, one film from his wide selection that many can agree on being an utter bonanza of cruel fun is House of 1000 Corpses. Not only is this the feature where Captain Spaudling (Sid Haig) made his mark, but it is also where Zombie showed off his extravagant style, with the film revelling in grindhouse cinema aesthetics. This now 20-year-old film is still as hyped today as it was upon its initial release, with its fanbase securing the film as a cult classic.


9- Wrong Turn (Directed by Rob Schmidt, 2003) – 20th Anniversary 

During the early 2000s, a ‘new-ish’ type of horror film dominated the genre – a neo-slasher/ cabin in the woods-esque style of feature. It is difficult to determine a definitive answer, but many will refer to these films simply as the ‘early 2000s’. A Kickstarter and iconic entry into this market was Wrong Turn, which reaches its 20th anniversary this year. Wrong Turn thrives in the sheer gravitas of the Appalachian Mountains to display gruesome scenes of cannibalism, dismemberments, and the usual graphic debaucheries seen in teen horror.

10- Martyrs (Directed by Pascal Laugier, 2008) –  15th Anniversary 

Many only watch Martyrs once as this gritty gem exudes such graphic levels of torture and violence that most deem it ‘sick and twisted’. This mainstream-extreme horror is a significant player within the New French Extremity paradigm that aims to shock and startle every step along the way. As Martyrs reaches its 15th year of disturbing audiences, its connotations remain stringent, with the film’s visceral displays of exploitations aiming to comment upon the wider discourse of immortality and pain.

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Review – Videodrome (1983)

Grace from Film Overload takes a look at our Saturday evening feature screening of  VIDEODROME. Watch this genre defining horror/sci-fi classic at this years festival on 31 October 2020 at 19.00pm. (some spoilers ahead!)

‘Cronenberg’s artistic vision of visceral sensuality, body horror and alluring conspiracies – brings a genre defining classic’

David Cronenberg’s legacy as a genre defining director began when his incredibly influential film Videodrome was released in 1983. Cinema of the 1980s still remains iconic to this day, with Videodrome solidifying its status due to Cronenberg’s artistic vision of visceral sensuality, body horror and alluring conspiracies.

We follow the sordid channel operator Max Renn (James Woods) who specialises in the adult entertainment industry. With audience expectations becoming harder to meet, he searches for something never seen before. Fortunately he stumbles across a seedy show broadcasting extreme torture and violence. However, his new-found show ‘Videodrome’ brings about horrid consequences.

The film also features Debbie Harry, or as some may know her, Blondie. Harry plays the masochistic Nikki Brand who sensationally thrusts Renn’s life into a chaotic oblivion. As with most of Cronenberg’s work Videodrome is not shy to venture into eccentric and surreal topics. The film works as a metaphorical standpoint, alongside the utilisation of horror iconography to create a transcendent experience.

From Cronenberg’s visual perspective we are manically treated to a spontaneous eruption of visceral images exhibiting fleshy horror. As aforementioned body horror is a keen contributor to the film, with blood, guts and gore heavily making an appearance. But it’s the treatment of the body within the film that fashions such a complex visual composition; the themes of violence that come from the channel Videodrome are not afraid to cross the line, with one particular scene exhibiting a human torso being ripped open, graphically exposing each vein and tendon.

Despite the brutal exposure of torture and violence, the film is yet to fall into the satirical gory horror of the eighties. Instead, the act of violence is a simulation to further the film’s powerful allegorical notion.

The film plays its message out via a morbid and torturous atmosphere that has no fear in pushing audiences limitations. At the time television was seen by many as the enemy, the ruthless manipulator causing havoc amongst the young. With the early eighties seemingly dooming the horror market by the video nasty scandal and an influx of graphic and violent horrors being imported across the world, it’s no surprise that the media spread fear. Although from today’s perspective the idea of TV haunting viewers is radically nonsensical, it was once a real ‘emergency’.

Cronenberg utilises and exploits this fear through directly mocking people’s responses to the media. Within Videodrome, this channel that Renn stumbles upon is powerful enough to cause hallucinations and psychically harm. The show is a weapon that can literally cause mass tumours, with the intention that anyone who would want to consume the snuff-like material coming from the channel deserves a fatal end.

Videodrome is a testing film, the characters are not necessarily likeable and the entire play-through is gloomy. Yet, it’s an unforgettable experience that uses its speculative nature and bitter eccentricity to coerce and distort the viewers expectations, making it a must see for all horror fans.