Discover the Horror Podcast

Black Sunday (1960), Blood and Black Lace (1964), and A Bay of Blood (1971) There are films by certain directors that are truly iconic—classics of the genre we sometimes assume everyone has already seen. But it’s easy to forget that, right now, there are fans just beginning their journey into horror. Whether due to age or a newfound curiosity, they’re taking their first steps into the genre. For those unfamiliar with him, we’d like to introduce one of horror’s true maestros: Mario Bava. And for those already acquainted with his work, maybe it’s time for a revisit—to once again be stunned by what he brings to the screen. If it’s been a few years, you may find yourself seeing things in a whole new way. That’s one of the beautiful things about cinema. The three films we’ve chosen highlight important parts of Bava’s career and show how his work helped shape entire subgenres—from gothic horror to giallo to the slasher film. Whether you’re discovering him for the first time or coming back for a fresh look, these films are a perfect place to begin. One quick correction: Edgar Wallace was a British writer, not American. Films mentioned in this episode: Baron Blood (1972), A Bay of Blood (1971), Black Sabbath (1963), Black Sunday (1960), Blood and Black Lace (1964), Caltiki the Immortal Monster (1959), The Church (1989), Creature with the Blue Hand (1967), Curse of the Crying Woman (1963), Curse of Frankenstein (1957), Danger: Diabolik (1968), The Day the Sky Exploded (1958), Death Walks at Midnight (1972), Death Walks in High Heels (1971), Deep Red (1975), The Demon (1982), Demons (1985), Django Kill…If You Live, Shoot! (1967), Dr. Goldfoot and the Girl Bombs (1966), Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1932), Erik the Conqueror (1961), Eyeball (1975), The Four of the Apocalypse (1975), Frankenstein ’80 (1972), Frankenstein Island (1981), Friday the 13th (1980), Friday the 13th (1981), The Giant of Marathon (1959), The Girl Who Knew Too Much (1963), The Great Silence (1968), Hatchet for a Honeymoon (1970), Hercules in the Haunted World (1961), Horror of Dracula (1958), Inferno (1980), I Vampiri (1957), Knives of the Avenger (1966), Long Hair of Death (1964), Night Child (1975), Once Upon a Time in the West (1968), Planet of the Vampires (1965), Psycho (1960), She (1965), Shock (1977), Suspiria (1977), Thunderball (1965), The Toolbox Murders (1978), Torso (1973), The Whip and the Body (1963), Your Vice is a Locked Room and Only I Have the Key (1972)

As horror fans, it's hard enough trying to keep up with all the movies—let alone the memorabilia and collectibles—but just imagine having to live with one of us!  In this episode, we've invited our wives onto the show to share their perspectives—not just on living with a slightly obsessive fan, but on how they've come to embrace the genre themselves. You'll hear how they became fans in their own right, and what kinds of films still give them the shivers. As you'll learn, being a horror fan has evolved into a shared experience—a communal passion that binds us together. While we might not all love the same titles, we all agree on one thing: this genre rules. We welcome Kat AuBuchon, Jenn Glonek, and Dawn Kitley as they join us to help Discover the Horror! Films Mentioned in this episode: August Underground (2001), August Underground’s Mordum (2003), Cannibal Ferox (1981), Carcinoma (2014), Deadly Games aka Dial Code Santa Clause (1989), Demoniacs (1974), The Descent (2005), Flesh for Frankenstein (1973), Four Flies on Grey Velvet (1971), Frankenstein (1931), Friday the 13th (1980), Funny Games (1997), The Godfather (1972), Gods of the Deep (2023), Godzilla (1954), Halloween (1978), Halloween II (1981),  Halloween V: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989), Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995), Hard Ticket to Hawaii (1987), High Tension (2003), Hostel (2005), Human Centipede (First Sequence) (2009), Inside (2007), Longlegs (2024), Mandy (2018), Nekromantik (1988), A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), Psycho (1960), Oddity (2024), One Missed Call (2008), Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985), The Redsin Tower (2006), The Rule of Jenny Penn (2025), Salo, or the 120 Days of Sodom (1975), Scream (1996), A Serbian Film (2010), Session 9 (2001), Sleepaway Camp (1983), Society (1989), Sting of Death (1966), The Substance (2024), The Taking of Deborah Logan (2014), Terrifier (2016), Terror Firmer (1999), The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974), The Thing (1982), Three on a Meathook (1972), Tromeo and Juliet (1996), Two Evil Eyes (1990), Without Warning (1980), Z.A.A.T. (1971)

Dive into the cinematic landscape of 90s sci-fi horror, where forgotten gems like 'Hardware' and 'Event Horizon' resurface. The discussion highlights a transformative decade, revealing underappreciated films and their innovative storytelling. Explore how cultural shifts, punk influences, and critiques of corporate greed shaped the genre. Unpack themes of voyeurism and technology as an antagonist, while celebrating the chilling visuals that made these films cult classics. Rediscover why this era deserves a second look!

Explore the challenges of adapting H.P. Lovecraft's haunting narratives into film. Discover how different movies capture the essence of his cosmic horror and the psychological toll on characters. Dive into a critique of unconventional films spanning decades, showcasing Lovecraft's unique influence. Hear reflections on the creativity of indie filmmakers and the absurdity in horror narratives. The discussion also touches on the fusion of humor and horror, revealing the complexities and depth within Lovecraftian cinema.

In our search for more knowledge about the horror genre, the films we love, and the people behind them, many horror fans began their journey with reference books. Long before the internet, these books served as stepping stones, introducing fans to films they had never heard of and offering deeper insight into the people behind the movies they already knew and loved. It was like opening doors for the first time—or pushing open ones that had only been slightly ajar—allowing us to explore and learn so much more. In this episode, we welcome author Bryan Senn to the show to discuss these essential reference books. With over three decades of experience writing about sci-fi and horror in a variety of magazines—not to mention his own books on multiple subjects—Bryan brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation. So sit back and enjoy—but keep a notepad handy, because you might want to jot down a few titles to track down! Films mentioned in this episode: The Abyss (1989), Angel Heart (1987), Attack of the Beast Creatures (1985), The Believers (1987), Blood from the Mummy’s Tomb (1971), The Body Snatcher (1945), Captive Wild Women (1943), Chloe, Love is Calling You (1934), Class of Nuke ’em High (1986), The Corpse Grinders (1971), Cry of the Banshee (1970), Death Curse of Tartu (1966), The Descent (2005), Dog Soldiers (2002), Evil Dead (1981), The Fly (1986), The Fly II (1989), Frankenstein’s Daughter (1958), Friday the 13th (1980), A Game of Death (1945), The Ghost Ship (1943), The Giant Gila Monster (1959), Halloween (1978), The Haunting (1963), The Howling (1981), The Howling V: The Rebirth (1989), Howling: New Moon Rising (1995), Lady Terminator (1989), Late Phases (2014), Leprechaun (1993), Leviathan (1989), The Long Hair of Death (1964), Lords of the Deep (1989), Most Dangerous Game (1932), The Mummy (1932), The Mummy (1959), The Mummy and the Curse of the Jackals (1969), The Mummy’s Hand (1940), The Mummy’s Tomb (1942), Mystics in Bali (1981), Nazi Mummy (2019), Night of the 1000 Cats (1972), A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), Onibaba (1964), Robot Jox (1989), Scream Blacula Scream (1973), The Secret of the Mummy (1982), Serpent and the Rainbow (1988), The Seventh Victim (1943), Signs (2002), Sound of Music (1965), Sting of Death (1966), The Strangeness (1985), Sugar Hill (1974), The Thing (1982), Toxic Avenger (1984), The Uncanny (1977), Uninvited (1988), Van Helsing (2004), Voodoo Black Exorcist (1974), Voodoo Heartbeat (1973)

Night of the Bloody Apes (1969), Don't Go in the House (1979), Butcher, Baker, Nightmare Maker (1981) In 1984, in the U.K., the Video Recording Act was passed, which required certification of all video releases by the British Board of Film Classification, aka BBFC. This all came about due to a list of video titles that a group of various religious and other social groups run by the likes of Mary Whitehouse, deemed unsuitable to be viewed and thought for sure it would help corrupt the youth of England. The initial list had 72 titles on it, both films that had already been released after obtaining a BBFC certificate but now was deemed too offensive, as well as a whole bunch of other titles that were believed to fall under the obscenity law. If you own a shop that rented or sold one of these titles, you could be shut down, fined, and possibly even go to jail for it. And this all took place, not in the dark ages, but in the mid 1980s. Hard to believe it, especially growing up here in the U.S. Some of those titles have only recently gotten passed and released over in the U.K., even 40 years later. Blows the mind. In this episode, we discuss not only the whole Video Nasty era, but cover 3 films from that list, with each of us watching all 3 and see if we made it through without turning us into mindless deviants. Oops. Too late. Films mentioned in this episode: The Bat Woman (1968), Beast in Heat (1977), The Body Snatcher (1957), The Braniac (1962), The Burning (1981), Butcher, Baker, Nightmare Maker (1981), Curse of the Crying Woman (1962), The Curious Dr. Hump (1969), Dead of Winter (1987), Doctor of Doom (1963), Don’t Answer the Phone (1980), Don’t Go in the House (1979), Don’t Look in the Basement (1973), Don’t Open Till Christmas (1984), Driller Killer (1979), Entrails of a Virgin (1986), Eyes of a Stranger (1981), Faces of Death (1978), Fear No Evil (1981), The Gestapo’s Last Orgy (1977), Horror High (1973), I Drink Your Blood (1971), I Spit on Your Grave (1978), Let Sleeping Corpses Lie (1974), Maniac (1980), Mortuary (1982), Mother’s Day (1980), Nekromantik (1988), New York Ripper (1982), Night of the Bloody Apes (1969), Perdita Durango (1997), The Prowler (1981), Psycho (1960), Roar (1981), Santo and Blue Demon vs. Dracula and the Wolf Man (1973), Santo and Blue Demon vs. the Monsters (1970), Santo vs. Frankenstein’s Daughter (1972), Santo vs. the Head Hunters (1971), Santo in the Treasure of Dracula (1969),Santo in the Vengeance of the Mummy (1971), Shock Waves (1977), Silent Night Deadly Night (1984), Speed (1994), SS Experiment Love Camp (1976), Subspecies (1991), Suspiria (1977), Terrorvision (1986), Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974), Twister (1996), Unhinged (1982), El Vampiro (1957), The Wresting Women vs. the Aztec Mummy (1964)

In the horror community, the easiest way to show you are a fan is by what you wear. The horror T-shirt has been a staple in the fandom for what seems like forever. But it wasn’t always like that. To say that fans have it easy today is a slight understatement. Not only in terms of their availability, but of the selection that is out there! It is an easy way to show the public that you are a card-carrying horror fan, whether you’re wearing a Texas Chain Saw t-shirt, Cannibal Holocaust, or even a Night of the Living Dead shirt, it gives others that immediate notation that this person likes horror films. Fright Rags, one of the bigger horror T-shirt companies, has been around for over 2 decades, so we decided to ask owner/operator Ben Scrivens on the show to not only talk about the ins and outs of running a T-shirt company, but also to talk about our love of horror films and conventions. Films mentioned in this episode: Blood Sucking Freaks (1976), Braindead (1992), Bride of Re-Animator (1990), Burial Ground (1981), Cannibal Holocaust (1980), Christine (1983), Day of the Dead (1985), E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), Evil Dead (1981), Evil Dead 2 (1987), Faces of Death (1978), Friday the 13th (1980), Friday the 13th Part 3 (1982), Friday the 13th: The New Blood (1988), The Gates of Hell (1980), The Greasy Strangler (2016), Halloween (1978), Halloween II (1981), Hellraiser (1987), House by the Cemetery (1981), Humanoids from the Deep (1980), I Spit on your Grave (1978), It’s Alive (1974), Jaws 2 (1978), Jaws 3D (1983), Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988), Let Sleeping Corpse Lie (1974), A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge (1985), Night of the Living Dead (1982), Q: The Winged Serpent (1982), Return of the Living Dead (1985), The Shining (1980), Tales from the Darkside (1990), Tenebrae (1982), Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986), They Live (1988), The Thing (1982), Videodrome (1983), The Warriors (1979), The Wicker Man (1973)

The Leopard Man (1943), The Seventh Victim (1943), Isle of the Dead (1945) Back in episode 23, we covered producer Val Lewton and three of his films. While Lewton only produced about a dozen films—and only a handful of them horror—his work made a huge impact on the genre. That’s why we’ve decided to discuss three more of his films, hoping to inspire other fans to seek out not only the ones we’ve covered but his other titles as well. With the help of a talented group of craftsmen—including directors Jacques Tourneur and Mark Robson, screenwriter Ardel Wray, and a skilled cast of actors he worked with repeatedly—Lewton created films that stood apart. They weren’t just different from what he was hired to produce; they defied the expectations of most horror fans at the time. His films had style, compelling stories, and uniquely well-developed characters. They’re a testament to how effective something as simple as a walk down the street can be when crafted by the right people. Films mentioned in this episode: The Body Snatcher (1945), Cat People (1942), The Curse the Cat People (1944), Curse of the Demon (1957), The Day After (1983), Isle of the Dead (1945), I Walked with a Zombie (1943), The Leopard Man (1943), Old Dark House (1932), The Seventh Victim (1943)

Nosferatu (1922), Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979) In episode 78, we started our ongoing Twice Told Tales segment, featuring the first two versions of Invasion of the Body Snatchers. In this episode, with the recent release of Robert Eggers long awaited version of Nosferatu, we're going back to the original, one of cinema's first true monsters, in F. W. Murnau's Nosferatu, then following it up with Werner Herzog's Nosferatu the Vampyre. As in our first Twice Told Tales episode, this isn't a comparison as to which one is better, but an opportunity to dig deep into each film, discussing why we think the impact it has made is still felt today, for both versions. We'll point out the differences, the similarities, as well as some other behind-the-scenes on the films and filmmakers as well.  There is a reason the original film, one that was supposed to be completely destroyed, still lives on, almost like the undead title character. There is a reason you'll see a photo from Nosferatu in almost every book on the horror film genre. And some might think for Herzog to dare make his own versoin of this iconic classic was utter nonsense. Until you see the film. Join us on a little journey back over a century into the past, to the very beginning of horror cinema, and an incredible new take on this tale. Films mentioned in this episode: The 400 Blows (1959), Bicycle Thieves (1948), Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992), Breathless (1960), The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920), Count Dracula (1970), Dracula (1931), Dracula (1979), Dracula Blows His Cool (1979), Friday the 13th (1980), For a Few Dollars More (1965), The Great Silence (1968), Love at First Bite (1979), Horror of Dracula (1958), Nocturna (1979), Nosferatu (1922), Nosferatu (2024), Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979), Salem’s Lot (1979), Shadow of the Vampire (2000), Thirst (1979), Vampire (1979), Vampire in Venice (1988)

As 2024 comes to an end, we look in a rearview mirror filled with some amazing films, especially ones that came out this year. Filmmakers around the world wowed us with creative stories, intriguing plots and outstanding techniques. It is definitely a great time to be a horror fan. 2024 was another stellar year for us at the podcast, where we covered a wide variety of subjects, from Bigfoot to Amicus Films, from Women Directors to Al Adamson & Sam Sherman, to more obscure topics like German Expressionism, and much more. We also had an astonishing lineup of special guests including Severin's David Gregory, Vinegar Syndrome's Archivist Oscar Becher, HorrorHound's Aaron Crowell, and Will Morris from Oscarbate and The Music Box Theatre, just to name a few. One thing that continues through this year is our constant love and admiration for those that have made some long lasting impact on the genre, and our constant striving to help share that love with our listeners. Nothing excites us more than hearing that we've turned someone on to a film or filmmaker or even sub-genre that they might have not experienced before. And you can be damned sure that we plan to continue that in 2025. So join us in this extra long special episode as we go over our favorite viewings of this year, as well as some shout-outs and discussions on other films that came out in 2024.  Titles mentioned in this episode: Abilgail (2024), Alien Romulus (2024), All You Need is Death (2023), An American Werewolf in London (1981), Azrael (2024), Baghead (2024), Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024), The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015), Blackout (2024), Caveat (2020), Cemetery of Terror (1985), Contracted (2013), Crawl (2019), Cuckoo (2024), Daddy’s Head (2024), Darker Than Night (1975), The Deliverance (2024), Depraved (2019), The Descent (2005), The Devil’s Bath (2024), Don’t Panic (1987), The Dead (2010), The Equalizer (2014), Exhuma (2024), The First Omen (2024), Godzilla Minus One (2023), Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024), Grave Torture (2024), Habit (1995), Heretic (2024), High Tension (2003), His House (2020), The House of the Devil (2009), Humane (2024), Immaculate (2024), Impetigore (2019), In a Violent Nature (2024), Infested (2024), Infinity Pool (2023), The Innkeepers (2011), I Saw the TV Glow (2024), I See You (2019), Late Night with the Devil (2024), Like Me (2017), Little Bites (2024), Longlegs (2024), Macumba Sexual (1983), Maxxxine (2024), Mr. Vampire (1985), Never Let Go (2024), Night Swim (2024), Nosferatu (2024), Oddity (2024), Pearl (2022), Poison for the Fairies (1986), Re-Animator (1985), Robot Jox (1989), Salem’s Lot (2024), Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom (1975), Saloum (2021), Satan’s Slave (2017), Savage Hunt of King Stakh (1980), Sea Fever (2019), Smile 2 (2024), Something in the Water (2024), A Song from the Dark (2024), Starve Acre (2023), Sting (2024), Stopmotion (2024), Strange Darling (2024), Suzzanna: Queen of Black Magic (2024), The Substance (2024), Talk to Me (2022), Terrifier (2016), Terrifier 3 (2024), The Terror (2018), The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974), The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003), Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022), Things Will Be Different (2024), Under Paris (2024), Under the Shadow (2016), Vampyros Lesbos (1971), V/H/S/Beyond (2024), The Wind (2018), Winterbeast (1992), X (2022)