Clowns

Published by FrightFind On May 20, 2025

For decades, Stephen King‘s IT has terrified bibliophiles and cinephiles alike, starting with the first page of the classic 1986 novel, then the 1990 miniseries, and bookending with the 2017 and 2019 blockbuster films. But Pennywise isn’t finished just yet. HBO is taking us wayyyy back with IT: Welcome to Derry, a prequel series that explores the origins of Pennywise, the fun-loving neighborhood clown.

The Plot of IT: Welcome to Derry 

Long before the rainstorms of the 1980s caused the children of Derry to be ripped to shreds, there stood a sleepy town where people could live out the American dream. At least that’s what the community thought.  The series will dive into the origins of Pennywise and the sinister events that haunted Derry for centuries, including the catastrophic happenings that brought about that aforementioned fun-loving clown.

Cast & Crew: Familiar Faces and New Blood

IT: Welcome to Derry

IT: Welcome to Derry brings together a stellar cast and crew of veterans and newbies that will ensure a bloody good time.

Cast

  • Bill Skarsgård returns as Pennywise the Clown. We know you were concerned about that one.
  • Jovan Adepo of Babylon and Overlord.
  • Chris Chalk of Gotham.
  • Taylour Paige of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and the upcoming Toxic Avenger reboot.
  • James Remar of Dexter and Oppenheimer.
  • Stephen Rider of Daredevil.
  • Joshua Odjick of the upcoming film, The Long Walk.
  • Andy Muschietti returns as writer and director.
  • Jason Fuchs, Barbara Muschietti, and Brad Kane are on writing duties.

When Can You Watch IT: Welcome To Derry?

HBO has confirmed that visiting the town of Derry will commence in the Fall of 2025. An exact date has not been announced, so stay tuned.

Trailer: A Glimpse into Derry

With an exceptional cast, an origin story that is to die for, and the return of Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise, IT: Welcome to Derry, is shaping up to be the “you cannot miss an episode and think you won’t hear about it at the around the water cooler” fall series. Thanks HBO! Don’t believe us? Check out this trailer and find out.

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Published by FrightFind On October 20, 2019

Drive-thru car washes are something that everyone has in their part of town. Most of them cost $8 or $10, and you can drive your car right up to the conveyor built, slip it in neutral, and feel the weight of your car being pulled inside the wash tunnel. Some use neon lights while others utilize near-total darkness, but overall people find this oddly claustrophobic trip to be therapeutic at times. It is only natural that some car washes have upped their game by adding terrifying and gruesome clowns to the experience. Here are three spooky clown car washes that can help get those bloodstains out……or do they?

GFY Car Wash – Houston, Texas

Located at 20615 Kuykendahl Road, the GFY Car Wash is once again providing the scares along with a rinse and wax to customers looking for a Halloween fright with their wash. This location is providing extra late hours so as to make use of every drop of nighttime goodness that they can. Expect to be given free candy before your wash, but stay alert because at any moment gruesome-looking clowns and spooks of all types can appear at your window! Ghostface from Scream, Pennywise from IT, and even Jason Voorhees are scaring things up in any car wash capacity you can think of. Be sure to get there as the sun goes down as the lines are known to be long, and above all else keep your windows up and doors locked!

Rain Forest Car Wash – Brunswick, Ohio

Situated at 3365 Center Road, the Rain Forest Car Wash is looking to get all those pesky bloodstains off your car. During the Halloween Season, the Rain Forest extends their hours into the late evening so that victims…er…customers can come in for some cleaning up. Approach the misty, and fog-filled wash tunnel as a cavalcade of sinister-looking clowns offer to squeegee your windows and others prowl and tap on your windows. Never before has terror been so close, and cleansing to your car at the same time. Get there early to avoid late-night lines.

Rich’s Car Wash – Daphne, Alabama

If you’re in the Mobile area of Alabama and looking to get your car washed as you’re terrorized by some ghastly ghouls, then get on over to 28823-US98 in Daphne to Rich’s Car Wash. For the second year in a row, the “Tunnel of Terror” is back. Have your pre-wash check conducted by a machete-wielding psychopath before you enter the fog-filled, red-lighted wash. Was that blood that just sprayed across your windshield? Or perhaps a cleaning solution used to get all those streaks off? You’ll never truly know because some frightening fiends will pound and tap on your windows hoping you may be their next victim. Rick guarantees you’ll drive away with a cleaner car, but can’t guarantee you to be nightmare-free!

Published by FrightFind On July 22, 2019

It’s finally here…Again! Rob Zombie has released the full-length 3 From Hell trailer with more gore and clown hell than ever.

New: Watch the first 3 From Hell full-length trailer

3 From Hell Teaser

Rob Zombie had previously been counting us down to the first look at 3 From Hell. Coming to theaters in September 2019, Rob Zombie teased the below first look of his latest horror installment, 3 From Hell.

Featuring the returning cast of Sid Haig (Captain Spaulding), Bill Mosely (Otis), and Sheri Moon Zombie (Baby) alongside new additions of Richard Brake, Danny Trejo, Kevin Jackson, Jeff Daniel Phillips, and many more. 3 From Hell has an “R” rating and is hitting theaters in September of 2019.

Published by FrightFind On March 27, 2019

It was the box office, horror smash sensation of 2017. Opening to $123.1 million during its opening weekend, the film quickly became the 5th most profitable film of 2017 as well as the all-time horror film box office record holder. With an overwhelming critical response as well as thumbs up from the film’s original author, Stephen King, the IT remake sequel was quickly in the works. Here are a few of the latest facts we know about IT: Chapter Two.

IT: Chapter Two Release Date

The release of IT: Chapter Two sequel official theatrical release is slated for September 6, 2019. The date has been locked down. Any fan of both the film and the book knows that the 2017 film ended midway through the original novel by Stephen King (which clocks in at a hefty 1,138 pages). With so much material to cover, it was a natural fit to split the film into a beginning and concluding part.

A 3-Hour Tour of Derry, Maine

IT Chapter 2

Any fan of King’s novel knows just how lengthy and detailed it is. With so many main characters and many plot lines and conclusions to mead out, the first film’s original director and helmer of the sequel, Andy Muschietti have edited down a version which clocks in at an astounding three hours! The battle between The Losers Club and Pennywise is looking to be a long one.

IT: Chapter Two Production and Cast

IT Chapter 2

Principal photography on the upcoming horror masterpiece finished late last fall. As a result of the constant editing, a much bigger cast has been revealed. Bill Skarsgård naturally returns as the sinister and cosmically evil clown Pennywise. Adult versions of The Losers Club are phenomenally cast with some of Hollywood’s hottest names. James McAvoy stars as Bill Denbrough, Jay Ryan as Ben Hanscom, Jessica Chastain as Beverly Marsh, Bill Hader as Richie Tozier, Isaiah Mustafa as Mike Hanlon, James Ransone as Eddie Kaspbrak, and Teach Grant as Henry Bowers.

IT Chapter 2

IT‘s Gonna Be Bloody

Actress Jessica Chastain who plays Beverly Marsh in the sequel recently made some of the most sensational comments about the film’s most terrifying scenes. Confiding to funnyman Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show, Chastain revealed that while filming a particular scene, the special effects crew on the film informed her that this was the most amount of blood to ever be used in a modern horror film.

IT Chapter 2

She went on to say that so much blood was being used that the next day she found dried blood stuck to the inside of her eyes! Fallon pressed for one more detail on how the film turned out and Chastain demurred originally, but gave in to the crowd and whispered,

“It is scary man, really scary”.

It: Chapter Two is looking to terrify crowds and break box office history on September 6, 2019.

Published by FrightFind On May 8, 2018

KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE 30th YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION!

Killer Klowns From Outer Space is turning 30! Klowns is one of our all-time favorite clown klown horror films. Not only does that mean I’m getting old, but it means the Klowns are back. Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Killer Klowns From Outer Space with a Bacchanalian Circus Celebration and Fan Tribute on May 19, 2018, at The Montalban Theater at 1615 Vine St. Los Angeles, CA 90028. Get tickets to the event here.

America’s fascination with Killer Klowns From Outer Space began on screen in 1988, as a group of clown-like aliens land their trans-dimensional spaceship and terrorize a small American town. The film has achieved cult status with its clever blend of horror, science fiction, and comedy.

“Clowns can be frightening, bizarre and terrifying. We took that primordial fear and put it in a Sci-Fi movie,” explained composer John Massari. “You have something that should make you happy and laugh, but now it will kill and eat you and… it’s from outer space! Who would have dreamed of this? That’s the craziest idea in the world.” Over time the film has earned generations of fans – many of whom Massari has connected with both through social media and at conventions leading him to create this special celebration of all things Killer Klowns.

KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE 30th YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

For the 30th Anniversary, Massari has created a three-ring Sci-Fi/Horror celebration, reuniting an amazing line-up of special guests, including the film’s creators, the Chiodo Brothers, musical guests The Dickies, stars Grant Cramer and Suzanne Snyder.

At 6PM, the Kosmic Klown circus celebration will begin with stilt walkers, balloon folding artist Buster Balloon Cadwell, contortionist Bonnie Morgan, plus fortune tellers, strong men and women, magicians, body art, fan arts and crafts, and of course the Killer Klowns. There will be a pre-show Q&A at 7PM featuring Stephen Chiodo (writer/director), Charles Chiodo (writer/art director), Edward Chiodo (writer/producer), Grant Cramer (Mike Tobacco), Suzanne Snyder (Debbie Stone), members of The Dickies, and composer John Massari, moderated by Jim Branscome of Cinematic Void.

The Dickies perform Killer Klowns From Outer Space Theme Song

Following the Q&A, at 8 PM, the film will be screened with its original musical score performed live by The Hollywood Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Massari. LA’s very own original punk rockers, The Dickies, will perform their enduring classic Killer Klowns From Outer Space theme song. Stephen Chiodo declares, “Whoopdee God Damned De Do!! What a fantastic way to celebrate a 30 year anniversary surrounded by fans, John’s incredible score, and the Dickies.”

Varèse Sarabande Records will be releasing a new recording of the soundtrack on CD and LP, available for sale at the concert. The album features the original score performed by members of The Hollywood Chamber Orchestra, with new orchestrations by Massari and Bernhard Eder. The Dickies recorded a BRAND NEW version of the film’s theme song featuring an extra creepy intro followed by their signature pure punk energized sound.

“For 30 years, love and loyalty from fans the world over made this extraordinary movie a beloved cult classic,” said Massari. “This event is our way to celebrate Killer Klowns From Outer Space directly with these fans.”

Published by FrightFind On July 21, 2017

Ryan Murphy and FX are bringing the pot to a boil. The first clues to the American Horror Story season 7 theme were revealed via a waterfront stunt outside the San Diego Comic-Con last night as they sent in the clowns.

American Horror Story Season 7: CULT

American Horror Story Season 7 Theme Revealed at Comicon: CULT

Fans were encouraged to visit www.AHS7.com for more info, including the official theme title and premiere dates. It appears the website will be counting down with a new release each week ending one week before the premiere on September 5th. There is no official word on more releases or updates, but the first video was leaked at https://www.ahs7.com/week-one which suggests a weekly release.

AHS Season 7 Info Short and Sweet

The AHS7 theme is titled CULT
Premiere date is Tuesday, September 5th, 2017 on FX

San Diego Comic-Con Announcement

 

Do you ever feel alone, does it ever seem like no one really stands behind you … Do some people just make you sick … Are you afraid? … We can set you free … We will make you strong … We want you. -Creepy Clown

American Horror Story Season 7: CULT Preview

 

AHS7: CULT First Teaser

 

American Horror Story season 7: CULT will premiere on FX on Tuesday, September 5th, 2017

It looks to be a fun few months of clowning around with International Clown Week coming up August 1-7. Add Stephen King’s upcoming IT Remake and a visit to the quaint Clown Motel in Tonopah, Nevada and your nightmares will be complete.

L.A. Paley Center Extends American Horror Story Exhibit

Coincidentally, the Paley Center in Los Angeles has extended its AHS: Style of Scare exhibit due to overwhelming demand. The exhibit is free and will now be open through August 13, 2017. Get further details on the first ever AHS Exhibit here.

Published by FrightFind On March 29, 2017

After a series of pics from director Andres Muschietti (@andy_muschietti on Instagram) showing a colorful balloon filled countdown, the first official trailer for the highly anticipated IT remake is here!

The IT: Part 1 Trailer

While a horror classic like IT leaves some awfully big clown sized shoes to fill, horror master Stephen King has given the film his blessing, tweeting the following just this past month:

Planned as a two part release, IT: Part 1 -The Losers’ Club will focus on everyone’s favorite Derry, Maine school children and their nightmare inducing nemesis, Pennywise the clown. And while the sequel hasn’t nabbed a green light quite yet, if the movie lives up to the trailer we’re sure to see the Derry children back as adults soon.

The Cast of IT

The film has a notable cast, including Megan Charpentier and Javier Botet of Guillermo Del Toro’s horror hit Mama (as Gretta and The Leper respectively), Stranger Things actor Finn Wolfhard as Richie “Trashmouth” Trozier, and Jaeden Leiberher of St. Vincent fame as “Stuttering Bill” Denbrough, leader of The Losers’ Club.

But it is perhaps the choice of Bill Skarsgard as the shape shifting Pennywise that has everyone most excited…and horrified. Speaking to Collider.com, Producer Dan Lin had this to say regarding Skarsgard’s audition, “You’ve had Ledger doing almost a clown joker, you’ve seen obviously Tim Curry as a clown. We wanted someone who created a Pennywise character that would stand on its own and Bill came in and created this character that frankly freaked us out.”

After viewing the trailer ourselves, it’s obvious Skarsgard has kept his monstrous momentum up and Lin isn’t the only one “freaked out” by his performance. But don’t just take our word for it, watch the first official IT trailer for yourself.

IT is scheduled to hit theaters September 8, 2017.

Published by admin On August 22, 2016

ET brings us a new look at Pennywise the Dancing Clown from the 2017 IT remake. The first look at Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise got everyone’s attention. Now, the clown gets even more sinister with a peek at his hellish clown suit from another age.

“There is almost a doll-like quality to the costume,” designer Janie Bryant told Entertainment Weekly.

Clown from IT - Credit ET
Photo Credit: Entertainment Weekly

The full frontal of the clown suit is more authentic than the original Pennywise played by fan favorite, Tim Curry. Designed by Emmy winner Janie Bryant (Deadwood & Madmen) the costume resembles clown garb from a much different era. The clown suit has Grimaldi-esque features. Joseph Grimaldi’s famed “Joey” the clown of the 1800s has inspired clown makeup and attire down through the ages. You can see some semblance in the form-fit arms and legs as well as the Fortuny pleated collar.

Grimaldi The Clown

We still don’t know too much until we see Skarsgård’s Pennywise in action as these images are definitely treated. In comparison, the colors are not as loud as Curry’s original. Curry’s clown looks more like the one that shows up to your house to blow up balloons while the new Pennywise resembles a clown from the theater with a hint of Mime.

Pennywise Comparison: Curry versus Skarsgard

The remake of IT is synonymous with the remake of Pennywise. So far, so good.

Published by FrightFind On August 5, 2016

Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the challenger in the blue corner: Standing in at 6 feet 4 inches and hailing from Vällingby, Sweden. He barks. He bites. He’s Bill “Don’t Cha Want It?” Skarsgård!!!

And in the red corner: Standing in at 5 feet 9 inches and hailing from Grappenhall, England. Rated by many as the best pound for pound Pennywise there will ever be! The legend and current champion of the world … Tim “The Dancing Clown” Curry!!!!!!!

Skarsgard, Curry, and Pennywise

There is no doubt that any fan of Tim Curry, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, or Stephen King’s original miniseries IT is keeping an eye on the two Hollywood remakes that made Tim Curry a legend in hearts and minds. It’s not often you have two defining roles win over so many, only to have both recreated at the same time. Now, with the much anticipated IT remake everyone is quick to compare Curry to his youthful Pennywise successor, Bill Skarsgård. While Tim Curry has transcended his roles, it may be a tough bout for Skarsgård who has been quick to point out that he will not be trying to recreate Curry’s performance in IT.

“Tim Curry’s performance was truly great, but it’s important for me to do something different because of that. I’ll never be able to make a Tim Curry performance as good as Tim Curry.” -Bill Skarsgård

Recently, the first look at Bill Skarsgård in Pennywise clown makeup made quite a stir. Many fans of the original miniseries have formed their opinions already, but you have to give the IT remake a chance. The miniseries was NOT perfect. Curry may have been brilliant, but so much was left out of the made-for-TV miniseries that you have to be somewhat excited to see what new technology and a Hollywood budget can do with the story.

If you don’t know much about Skarsgård, check out Hemlock Grove on Netflix. The Hemlock Grove series is based on Brian McGreevy’s best-selling book of the same name and produced by new horror master Eli Roth. Skarsgård’s performance is devilish and his expression is nothing short of sinister. Coming from a family of Swedish actors, he definitely knows how to carry a torch without lighting his own ass on fire.

And one thing’s for sure: They both look good in drag. We did have to Photoshop Bill’s face onto his brother’s body, but you can barely tell, right?

Tim Curry vs Bill Skarsgard in Drag

Only time will tell how Bill Skarsgård will recreate the infamous Pennywise. Until then, it’s all speculation. So without further ado…

…Ladies and gentlemen, from Derry, Maine, Lllllllllllleeeettt’sss Get Ready to RUMMMMMMMMMMBBBBBLLLLLLEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!

Published by FrightFind On August 2, 2016

Big shoes. Giant red nose. Squirting flower. Tiny car full of other face painted lunatics. CLOWNS! Millions of people fear them, but why do so few love them? I’m sorry to all you clowns out there, but it has to be said. You freak people out! But why? Clowns are supposed to make us laugh and bring joy into the world. Aren’t they?

History of Clowns

From the beginning of recorded history, there have always been men and women who could make others laugh. 5000 years ago, ancient Egyptians used African Pygmies, known as Dangas to amuse the Royal Families. China used clowns, called YuSze, to keep Ch’in Shih Huang-ti entertained as he oversaw the construction of the Great Wall of China.

Ancient Rome used several types of clowns to entertain. They would “keep” people with physical and learning disabilities whom they called Stulti or Fatui. They were believed to be good luck and were thought to have special powers, which meant they were usually treated well. So they had that going for them.

These early clowns grew into what we know as the Jester. The Jester was meant to entertain the nobleman and his many guests with acts of song and storytelling. Some juggled or performed magic but were still considered a buffoon in the eyes of their turkey leg eating employer. Private jesters slowly died out, or were killed off if they weren’t funny enough, and up popped the street performing jesters. More than anything, these Jesters lead to the clown that we know and love fear today, by way of the theater and circus.

Classic Circus Clowns

The first modern circus opened in England in the late 18th century, where they mostly featured horse riding tricks. It didn’t take long for people to demand more and so the clown was introduced and the rest is history. Circuses began showing up everywhere and clowns were in hot demand. This is when the classic white face, expression painted-on-look took hold. Yep, you can blame the Brits.

What makes clowns so scary?

An estimated 20-30% of the entire population is afraid, to a certain degree, of clowns. Extreme cases of clown fear have an actual phobia called Coulrophobia. Panic attacks, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, sweating, and nausea are all signs of Coulrophobia. But why? What makes these painted face pranksters menacing to so many? Is what’s hiding behind that makeup? Could it be the many scary clown movies that have left an impression on us from our youth? Is it the sadness that often accompanies the person behind the makeup? Is it all the examples of mean or murderous clowns in pop culture? There are plenty to be afraid of.

John Wayne Gacy

John Wayne Gacy: Killer Clown

Known as Pogo the Clown, John Wayne Gacy was nicknamed “Killer Clown” after his conviction in 1980 for murder and sexual assault of 33 teenage boys and young men. He spent his time spent dressing as a clown for community fundraisers, events, parades and children’s parties. He sometimes performed his unspeakable acts while dressed as Pogo. Gacy was put to death by lethal injection in 1994 and before his death he was quoted as saying, “A clown can get away with murder.” Honk Honk!

Pennywise – The Clown from It

Pennywise: The Clown from It

This is no fast food hamburger selling clown. Pennywise is the demonic clown from Stephen King’s IT, who preys on the community of Derry, Maine. Many believe that cases of coulrophobia increased in the 1990s after the release of this made for TV miniseries. It makes sense to me. After watching IT in my youth, I am a firm believer that behind every balloon is a murderous clown. “Ohh yes… They Float Georgie… They Float… and when you’re down here, with me… YOU FLOAT TOO!”

The Joker

The Joker: Killer Clown

Cesar Romero was energetic. Jack Nicholson can’t help but be scary. Heath Ledger was brilliant. Jared Leto looks darn right insane in Suicide Squad. But none of them are as scary as the comic book Joker. This psychotic clown is a serial killer and mass murderer who killed Batman’s best bud Robin. A lot of people forget that he’s a clown, but he is through and through. “Smile because it confuses people. Smile because it’s easier than explaining what is killing you inside.”

The Poltergeist Clown

Clown from Poltergeist

The toy clown from Poltergeist was part of several defining scenes from the movie. Audiences were scared to death of this doll. It doesn’t talk, or dance around. It merely exists. Always staring back at you. Never blinking. One thing Poltergeist teaches us: if your creepy toy clown goes missing, do not look under the bed!

Ronald McDonald

Scary Clown: Original Ronald McDonald

Over the years, even McDonald’s has downplayed its “lovable” clown from public view. Ronald McDonald, known as the McDonald’s marketing centerpiece since the 60s is rarely seen or even mentioned in ads or even in the restaurants. Fun fact, did you know that Willard Scott, the weatherman from the Today show was the original portrayer of Ronald McDonald? Scott also portrayed Bozo the Clown, another famous clown from the 60s. Apparently marketing in the 60s was a LOT of fun.

Here’s the 1st Ronald McDonald commercial from the 60s for your viewing pleasure.

Not afraid of clowns? You might be after you try and stay at the haunted Clown Motel in Tonopah, Nevada. 

Published by FrightFind On July 18, 2016

The anticipation behind Rob Zombie’s 31 is peaking as Zombie and Saban Films released 4 new character posters recently. With the Sept 16, 2016 VOD release date just under 2 months away and the theatrical release October 20th, fans who have patiently waited through a rating delay and a change in production houses are eager. The wait looks to be paying off as the new character art is revealed.

The premise of 31:

five carnival workers who are kidnapped the night before Halloween and held hostage in a large secret compound known as Murder World. Once there, they have 12 hours to survive a terrifying game called 31 in which “The Heads” – murderous maniacs dressed as clowns – are released to hunt them down and kill them.

See the new movie posters below for Rob Zombie’s 31 here.

Something tells me this will be one of those rare occasions you’re rooting for the carnies. Check out the poster art of Doom-Head, Psycho-Head, the playful Father Murder, and Charly played by the better half of the Zombie household.

New Character Posters for 31

Malcolm McDowell is Father Murder and the owner of Murder World.

Father Murder 31 Movie Poster

Doom-Head as played by Richard Brake.

Doom-Head 31 Poster

Psycho-Head, played by Lew Temple

Psycho- Head 31 Poster

Sheri Moon Zombie as Charly.

Sheri Moon Zombie - Charley 31 Poster

When does Rob Zombie’s 31 Come Out?

Official release date for Video On Demand is September 16, 2016
Theatrical release date is October 21, 2016

Just in time for the peak of the season!

More 31 Movie Posters

31 Movie Poster - Rob Zombie

The show must go on!

Rob Zombie's 31 Movie Poster

Published by FrightFind On March 1, 2016

With Rob Zombie’s new movie 31, and the upcoming remake of Stephen King’s IT, we thought we’d take the time to look at some of the scariest clown movies of all time. Why not 31 movies? Because in the world of funhouse mirrors and your worst nightmares, everything is turned around. People have been frightened by clowns for centuries. There is even a word for it: Coulrophobia.

While most real clowns are silly, there is just something sinister about clowns. Those smiles are fake and painted on. The more you stare, the more the face warps into something wicked. Clowns push what is rational and reasonable to the breaking point, and that alone is enough to fear them. Here is our list of the Top 13 Scary Clown Movies. I wonder where 31 will fall into this in the future.

1. Stephen King’s IT

Pennywise-the-clown-from-IT

I have very strong memories of this movie, and it quite possibly has one of the scariest clowns you’re ever going to come across. At least with most clowns, you don’t have to worry about them coming after you once the sun rises. This clown appeared in a dreary haze, like a daydream, and quickly turned your pleasant Sunday afternoon into a slice of pure Hell. Ultimately, this movie is frightening because of the overall message that you can’t escape your past, and when you finally realize you have “a past” to escape, it’s grown into a virtually undefeatable monster. One has to wonder wear the new Tim Curry-less IT remake will fall.

2. Poltergeist

Clown-from-Poltergeist

We all watched the original poltergeist knowing damn well that the freaky clown sitting on that chair was up to no good. We could have warned that poor kid, but he was too wrapped up in the tree outside to really pay attention. Before you know it, lightning strikes, the clown has been released, and its frighteningly soft-cloth-filled arms have him in a vice-grip from Hell.

3. Killer Klowns from Outer Space

Klowny-Killer-Clowns-From_outerspace

I’ll admit, the first time I saw this movie I thought I had suffered and survived an aneurysm. War of the Worlds has nothing on this movie. We all know if aliens come to Earth we’re essentially screwed. If they truly did their research, then it makes perfect and total sense that they would come as clowns. I mean, half the population would drop dead from fear, and the other half would simply lose their minds. Well, except the teenagers, they are always up for a good fight and will likely be the savior of us all in a real-life horror situation.

4. House of 1000 Corpses & The Devil’s Rejects

Captain-Spaulding

Sid Haig as Captain Spalding. That’s really all you need to know. He’s simply amazing in both films, and his nuanced performance while the two teens flee through the woods is mesmerizing. Captain Spaulding was rumored to have some influence on Rob Zombie’s new release, 31. Zombie denied it, but nonetheless, this is one clown you’ll likely end up rooting for in the end.

5. Gacy

John-Wayne-Gacy-The-Clown

There are few things as terrifying as a movie based on an actual, real-life serial killer who dressed up as a clown. John Wayne Gacy is one of America’s most sinister serial killers, and this movie reflects that.

6. Stitches

Stitches-the-clown

Think twice before you forget to tip the clown at your kid’s birthday party. This birthday clown came back from the dead with the intent of exacting its revenge on the kids he blames for his death.

7. All Hallow’s Eve

All-Hallow's-Eve-Clown

Where do we start? All Hallow’s Eve pulls out all the horror stops. Not only is there a homicidal clown named Art, but there is a VHS tape that won’t turn off, trick or treating gone horribly wrong, and deranged demons who perform c-sections! Did I mention the babysitter is having her worst night ever?

8. Clownhouse

Clown-from-Clownhouse

This one’s scary because there is a large dose of reality. It’s staged at a circus where Casey discovers his life is about to end from a fortune teller. The clowns do a good job setting the stage for disaster.

9. S.I.C.K. Seriously Insane Clown Killer

S.I.C.K.

This has some of the 31 flavor to it. A group of clowns hunts friends who are lost in the woods. It’s a seriously creepy movie, and the clown make-up really helps to reflect the evil clowns psychopathic tendencies.

10. Clown

Scary-Clown-from-Clown

This isn’t so much about a killer clown but a killer clown suit. What happens when the clown costume you put on for your son’s birthday party just won’t come off? Apparently it gives you a big appetite and the only thing that sounds good is small children. Did I mention this is produced by and stars the new king of horror, Eli Roth?

11. Zombieland

Clown-from-Zombieland

It’s not fair. Not only is this clown freakishly disturbing looking, it’s also a zombie. That’s a double-whammy that is enough to scare anyone away from visiting an amusement park or carnival during the zombie apocalypse.

12. Drive-Thru

Clown-from-Drive-Thru

If someone wanted to make a horror movie about Ronald McDonald, they could use this movie for references. Horny the Clown is the mascot for Hella Burger. What makes him most scary? The fact that he’s a vengeful clown spirit set upon killing his murderer’s kids.

13. 100 Tears

Clown-from-100-Tears

Okay, this is an independent release, and you likely haven’t heard of it. This doesn’t take away from the fact that Gurdy is an innocent man accused of rape. So, he does what any high-functioning psychopath in the making does. He goes on a murderous rampage of revenge but finds he simply can’t stop.

Suggestions?

This is our list. Did we miss your favorite? If so, let us know what your faves are in the comments below.

Want the full clown experience? Try a stay at the haunted Clown Motel in Tonopah, Nevada. It’s one of the craziest places in the US sitting right next to an early 1900s cemetery.

Published by FrightFind On February 1, 2016

Rob Zombie’s 31 focuses on five carnies held hostage and forced to play a horrifying game called “31.” The goal of the game? Survive the night. All while sadistic clowns hack at their heels in a compound that resembles The Circus from Hell. It’s as if Rob Zombie physically entered my nightmares when conceiving this movie. Carnies, clowns, and total carnage ensue.

How Did Rob Zombie Come Up with the Name “31?”

The title 31 was chosen after Zombie found a statistic noting that Halloween is the most notorious day for mysterious missing person reports. Similar to the storyline of Nicholas Cage’s equally horrifying movie, Pay The Ghost, which adds absolutely nothing to this conversation, but does allow us to plug Nicholas Cage.

31 Rated “R”

This film is over-the-top horror, which is a good thing and something you expect from the creator of House of 1000 Corpses and The Devil’s Rejects. Although the film’s intensity did originally get 31 slapped with an NC-17 rating, Zombie was able to get it downgraded to rated R before the release. The MPAA notes that the film had “sadistic graphic violence, bizarre sexuality/nudity, pervasive disturbing images, and some strong language.” This leaves us awaiting the director’s cut. For the art of course!

Zombie told a fan on Facebook, that the “Zombie Cut” would eventually be released on DVD.

31 Film Poster - Source: IMDB

Early movie poster for 31

Clown Hell

The crazed clowns are all given “head” monikers and have creative names like Sex-Head, Schizo-Head, Sick-Head, Psycho-Head, and Death-Head. For the first time in my life, I find myself rooting for the carnies. The evil clowns are remarkably deeper characters than you’d expect. The opening scene with Doom-Head leaves you with a sense that there may be something more to his character and the movie.

Of course, it all goes to Hell once the blood-lust commences. 31 nicely touches on the struggle of a psychotic killer clown’s state of mind. Or, at the very least, the mindset that any psycho (John Wayne Gacy comes to mind) who would put on clown make-up to kill their victims would assume. After all, who has time for philosophical thoughts and musings when you’re looking for the best way to kill your victims?

31 is a great, horrifying, terrifying, intense, scary clown movie that is a perfect addition to the Rob Zombie horror portfolio. It’s fun, has brains, some heart, and gory humor spliced in along the way. It’s a Grindhouse movie, and few do that better than Rob Zombie.

31 Trailer [ updated trailer from Saban films ]

This is the new trailer for 31 with Saban Films taking over distribution. Releasing on VOD September 16, 2016 and in theaters October 21, 2016.

Want the full clown experience? Try a stay at the haunted Clown Motel in Tonopah, Nevada. It’s one of the craziest places in the US sitting right next to an early 1900s cemetery.