Horror

Published by FrightFind On April 23, 2017

Stephen King’s world continues to expand with another classic retelling of The Mist. Much like the upcoming It 2-part theatrical remake, The Mist’s “reimagining” will take on a new format as it comes to us as a series on Spike.

The Mist series trailer

The Mist trailer almost has a post-puberty Stranger Things feel to it.


As an unsettling mist falls over a small town, another storm brews below.

What to expect from The Mist

The “re-imagining” of Stephen King’s classic The Mist is almost here, and with the release of new images from the set this past week, we can’t help but focus our attention on the very human storm bubbling up under all that fog.

The Mist on Spike

“…it isn’t just a supernatural storm that keeps the community captive.”

Spike’s The Mist will primarily focus around a community torn apart by a traumatic crime while trapped together by an other worldly mist. But it isn’t just a supernatural storm that keeps the community captive. Each character appears to be dealing with a whirlwind of internal struggles and a mental claustrophobia that rivals the foggy abyss outside.

Alyssa Sutherland in The Mist series

Alyssa Sutherland (Vikings 2013–) will star as an “overprotective” mother, and a woman at the center of the towns most talked about crime, forced indoors alongside her daughter (Gus Birney of Bloody Mary) and her daughter’s attacker.

Okezie Morro and Danica Curcic in The Mist (2017)

World War Z’s Okezie Morro will play a soldier with amnesia, his identity trapped away inside his own mind, an identity that, according to Spike.com, will unravel over the course of the show while “shocking secrets [are] revealed.”.

The Mist “screws with your mind.”

Stephen King's, The Mist on Spike TV

But internal battles aren’t the only thing this 10 episode series will be bringing to the table and surviving the creatures that the mist produces won’t be easy. The small town community will face trials unknown as the horrifying mist ushers in – to quote a Spike press release:

“terrifying new reality for its residents, putting their humanity to the test.”

Executive producer Christian Thorpe has been quoted praising Frank Darabont’s 2007 remake of the same name, offering hints that the external struggles faced by the characters will be less hopeful and more in line with the shocking Darabont ending.

“I personally love… (Darabont’s) ending, I thought it was a stroke of genius. We are playing around in that territory, and we also know, of course, Mr. King’s ending. And I know Mr. King actually preferred Darabont’s ending. And so I think we came up with our own spin on a very original and surprising ending.”

No matter the direction the show takes we know one thing for certain, we here at FrightFind are looking forward to a rather “misty” June.

The Mist Premieres on June 22 at 10 PM / 9 Central

Here’s a glimpse at the first episode.

Published by FrightFind On April 21, 2017

Kasra Farahani (Director, co-writer) and Jason O’Leary (co-writer) will be debuting Tilt at the Tribeca Film Festival this Saturday, April 22, 2017. Tilt will make its world premiere in the Midnight Section of the festival. In 2016, Farahani premiered The Waiting starring James Caan at SXSW.

Tilt is the chilling story of Joseph, a struggling film maker, and his pregnant wife Joanna. Something is obviously wrong with Joseph, he shouldn’t be this sad with a baby on the way. But you can tell from the teaser that Joseph has some issues. Is he schizophrenic? “I’m watching myself do these things” he tells us. Maybe he’s possessed? “I can’t be normal” he repeats several times. Maybe Joanne can cheer him up. “Everything will be  better when the baby comes,” she tells him. Joseph doesn’t seem so sure.

The Tilt Teaser

Summary of Kasra Farahani’s Tilt

All seems normal with Joseph and Joanne. Joanne is pregnant with their first child. Life in their little urban house is cozy and familiar. But something is off about Joseph. He doesn’t seem excited about the baby. Work on his documentary is becoming increasingly untethered. As Joseph struggles to maintain the routines of his domestic life, his mask begins to slip. Late at night, while Joanne thinks he is working, Joseph prowls the streets of Los Angeles, deliberately courting danger. Joanne is growing worried about Joseph’s odd behavior. But not as worried as she should be.

Tilt explores how quickly the most familiar person in your life can become the most terrifying. How quickly we can become terrifying to ourselves.

Tribeca Film Festival screenings of Tilt

  • 10:15 AM – Sunday 4/23               Cinepolis Chelsea – 03 (PRESS & INDUSTRY)
  • 10:00 PM – Sunday 4/23              Cinepolis Chelsea – 09
  • 9:15 PM – Monday 4/24                Regal Battery Park Stadium 11-01
  • 9:45 PM – Thursday 4/27             Cinepolis Chelsea – 02
  • 3:15 PM – Friday 4/28                   Cinepolis Chelsea -05 (PRESS & INDUSTRY)

So, are you lucky enough to make it to the Tribeca Film Festival this year? If so, come back and let us know what you thought of Tilt!

Published by FrightFind On April 19, 2017

Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead (Spring and Resolution) debut the world premiere of The Endless this Friday, April 21 at the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival in NYC.  This marks the duo’s return to Tribeca after their breakout films Resolution and Spring. Benson and Moorhead bring us another genre- and mind-bending film to the in-competition section of Tribeca.

The Endless teaser sets us up with a quick look at the horrors to come.

The Endless Teaser


The first teaser for the film has already been released and stars Benson and Moorhead…and a whole lot of water. Seriously, if you didn’t have a fear of the deep before, you just might after this. Following the duo as two brothers returning to deal with a cult they managed to escape from years prior, the clip shows Benson diving into the water in a search for answers to their questions. What follows next simply needs to be seen, but we’re sure festival goers lucky enough to be in the audience will be frightfully pleased.

Critical Acclaim

Benson and Moorhead have maintained critical praise since their 2012 indie release Resolution.  Their following hit in 2014, Spring, even managed to garner praise from horror mastermind Guillermo Del Toro, with Del Toro stating on Twitter “Spring is one of the best horror films of this decade. And the only Lovecraftian film that has blown me away.” The duo even earned a spot on Variety Magazine’s “Top 10 Directors to Watch in 2015”. The teaser for The Endless makes it clear that their momentum has only increased.

Benson and Moorhead star alongside cast members Tate Ellington, James Jordan, Kira Powell and Shane Brady.

Tribeca Film Festival screenings of The Endless

  • 9:00 PM – Friday 4/21                        Cinepolis Chelsea 7
  • 10:00 PM – Saturday 4/22                 Cinepolis Chelsea 9
  • 7:45 PM – Sunday 4/23                       Cinepolis Chelsea 1
  • 8:45 PM – Wednesday 4/26               Cinepolis Chelsea 4
  • 8:45 PM – Saturday 4/29                    Regal Cinemas Battery Park 11-3

So, are you lucky enough to make it to the Tribeca Film Festival this year? If so, come back and let us know what you thought of The Endless!

Published by FrightFind On April 16, 2017

Recently we were fortunate enough to get an early screamer, er screener, of the indie horror production, The Dark Tapes. Written, directed and edited by triple threat Michael McQuown, The Dark Tapes has already made the rounds at several film fest circuits, picking up over 60 nominations or wins, including the Rondo Hatton Award for “Best Independent Film” – and for good reason.

“The film instantly teases you with a dose of mystery and intrigue while cleverly weaving an anthology of stories into a grand finale.” -FrightFind

What to Expect from The Dark Tapes?

The Dark Tapes is described well as a wraparound anthology film, opening with an ominous voice-over and CCTV footage of our introductory characters Sam and Marie (David Banks and Sara Castro). Enter a blood stained and disordered studio – complete with rolling cameras, bizarre technical equipment, and one single bloody medical gurney. The story reminded us of a Tarantino-esque style of editing and storytelling. The film instantly teases you with a dose of mystery and intrigue while cleverly weaving an anthology of stories into a grand finale.

The Dark Tapes Review

The opening shot transitions to the introduction of our main characters, Nicole (Cortney Palm of the slapstick slasher Zombeavers), Martin (David Rountree of xXx: State of the Union fame), and Jason (Matt Magnusson of 2015’s Hades) embarking on a mission fit for a paranormal Dateline segment -“To Catch a Demon”.

The very intentional and almost deafening silence that occurs between character dialogue builds throughout the film. The kind of silence that forces your brain to retreat to a safe space and makes you want to pull the covers over you. If only to hear the rustling of the blankets…and well, because we all know those monsters under the bed can’t get you if you’re completely tucked in – or can they? The Dark Tapes might just make you question that logic.

The Dark Tapes Trailer

An Independent Success Story

This film is entirely independently produced. Completely written, directed, produced, edited AND acted by a small crew of passionate filmmakers, we are treated to an anthology that rivals cult classics like VHS and REC.

Another treat that is rarely displayed by most other independent films, including indie successes like Paranormal Activity, is the full view of the various demonic forces (or “trans-dimensional entities” as the film calls them) that are present. The Dark Tapes wants you to be afraid and rest assured, they’re going to show you exactly what you need to fear.

The Dark Tapes Horror Movie Review

But they’re not done there, The Dark Tapes offers yet another tasty treat (can we officially declare April 18th as second Halloween already, because the treats keep coming with this flick). While the film is neatly tied together at the end, each spooky segment stands well on its own, fleshing out characters despite the short screen time, offering Six Flags levels of twists and turns, and individually creating its own small movies inside a movie. (Seriously, “The Hunted and The Hunters” is worth a full-length feature on its own.)

So with all of that being said we can just say one more thing: Get ready horror fans, April 18th has some rather “dark” surprises in store.

Get The Dark Tapes Now

The Dark Tapes can be pre-ordered at iTunes at iTunes.

On April 18th, the film will also be available on Google Play, Vudu, iNDemand (Comcast- Xfinity, Time Warner, Cox, Bright House & more), Dish TV, Amazon, YouTube, Vubiquity (Verizon Fios, Charter, Sudden Link, Media Com &more), Xbox, Microsoft, Playstation, Sling TV & Vimeo.

Tell us what you think of this indie horror film below.

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 FrightFind On February 7, 2017

The production schedule for The Strangers sequel has been as on-again, off-again as Brad and Angelina, but without all the tabloid trash talking.

The sequel to the 2008 horror flick was said to be in production in early 2011, and later announced to be released in 2014. While both of those release dates have come and gone with no trace of the trippy trio of masked intruders, it has now been undeniably confirmed that a sequel is imminent. The script is currently being penned by Bryan Bertino, who both wrote and directed the 2008 film.

The Strangers, which grossed over $82 million internationally, starred Liv Tyler as Kristen McKay, and Scott Speedman as James Hoyt, and was not well-received by critics, despite being a major box office success. The film currently holds a 45% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Matt Mueller of Total Film gave the slasher 3 out of 5 stars calling it “Lean, mean and razor-edged, this nasty little home-invasion thriller drags you by your white knuckles on a horror chill-ride while flicking its middle finger at Funny Games. Prepare to be scared something rotten.”

“Why are you doing this to us?”

The sequel plans to take viewers on a road trip gone wrong, following a family who finds themselves holed up inside an abandoned trailer in a roadside RV park.

Immediately our minds conjure up a Hills Have Eyes scenario and we imagine a landscape plagued by grotesque, disfigured hill-people, but writer Bertino has plans for a more familiar cast of characters. The masked invaders who terrorized Kristen and James in the original will once again don their death masks and stare eerily through the shadows at unsuspecting strangers.

“Because you were home”

Critics and fans agree that there is nothing creepier than the masked psychopath staring in at Tyler through the kitchen window. If The Strangers 2 lives up to the hype, it will leave us all double-checking the locks when it finally hits theaters, hopefully sometime in 2017.

Filming in 2017

Liv Tyler has confirmed that she will return for the sequel, however, her role is expected to be minor. Filming is set to begin this summer.

Published by FrightFind On February 2, 2017

AHS Hints at Season 7

Fans of FX’s American Horror Story are undeniably loyal to the anthology horror series, yet some didn’t care for AHS 6’s plot-twisting, “Roanoke” and hope that a similar theme won’t be repeated. One fan Tweeted: “I can’t believe the ending of this AHS season is a fake tv show about a fake tv show, based off of the first season of a fake tv show.”

The finale drew mixed reactions, and while it is still too early to draw any solid conclusions, AHS creators may have began hinting at a possible theme for the follow up season…

A Tweet posted by the show’s Twitter account immediately following the finale of season six revealed that the theme for season 7 might somehow involve water. Show creator Ryan Murphy says that only three people other than himself know what the theme will be including the series regular, Sarah Paulson. We’ll find out in due time if this was misperceived or more misdirection.

AHS Season 7 Cast

Evan Peters and Sarah Paulson have starred in all six seasons of American Horror Story thus far, and Murphy confirms that they each will return for season 7. No word on Lady Gaga, whose season 6 return had a few fans upset at how limited her role was.

Evan Peters and Sarah Paulson return to American Horror Story Season 7

Evan Peters and Sarah Paulson return to American Horror Story Season 7

Will There Be A Season 7 Theme Reveal?

Traditionally the show’s producers have created anticipation and media buzz about upcoming seasons by creatively unveiling plotlines, new and returning cast members, and themes in early spring. But last season, Murphy and company broke with that tradition.

The theme of AHS season six was only mildly hinted at in July of 2016, but plotlines were not unveiled until the season premiered on September 14th. Until that point, there had been very little chatter about the season’s theme; show’s producers revealing only that it could be expected to be even more dark and offbeat than seasons past.

I don’t know that we’d do [a surprise reveal] again. Maybe we would release [season 7 theme hints] earlier. I just started writing it. I haven’t decided how to do it yet. – Ryan Murphy

Will Murphy and AHS keep us on the edge of our seats before the season starts? Murphy said, “I don’t know that we’d do [a surprise reveal] again. Maybe we would release [season 7 theme hints] earlier. I just started writing it. I haven’t decided how to do it yet.”

Present Day Season 7?

The theme of American Horror Story changes each season, telling a different narrative using the same cast playing different characters. The innovation has been hailed as “genius,” “insane,” and ultimately terrifying by fans and critics alike.

While season 2 titled “Asylum” took viewers back to 1964, and season four was set in 1952, all other seasons were set in the present day. When questioned about the upcoming season of AHS, Murphy revealed that it will be set in modern day.

An American Horror Crossover?

Fans have long predicted that all previous storylines actually exist within the same fictional universe, and season six all but confirmed that theory. Murphy recently went on record that there are plans to create a season that does exactly that.

According to Entertainment Weekly, Murphy told a crowd in Los Angeles: “It’s not going to be next season, but we are going to do a season that’s a crossover between Murder House and Coven together, which is very bizarre.”

Murphy promises to reveal more about the upcoming season’s theme this spring. And in true American Horror Story style, it is sure to be an interesting reveal.

AHS 7 Air Date

Murphy began writing the script for season 7 in January and while filming has historically taken place during the summer, it is unknown when cameras will roll for the upcoming season. No air date has been confirmed, but is likely to debut in September or October.

AHS is slated to continue for at least another 3 seasons.

More questions than answers remain: In what shocking way will the show’s creators reveal the plot for season seven? Will they somehow weave Jessica Lange’s characters back into the show’s bizarre universe? Doubtful!?! Will Lady Gaga return with more screen time than the paltry few minutes she had in all of season 6?

Who really knows AHS 7’s Theme?

The knowledge of the theme is in short supply right now.

There are only three people in the world who know what [American Horror Story Season 7 is about] And that’s FX CEO John Landgraf, [studio executive] Dana Walden, and Sarah Paulson.

Is water a part of the theme? There’s a lot of doubt that the watery teaser from Twitter was related. What do you think?

Published by admin On August 4, 2016

Tickets to a one-night special sneak preview of Rob Zombie’s new scary clown adventure 31 are going on sale as of Friday, August 5th. The special screening of 31 will take place in select theaters on September 1st. This ticketing frenzy will cap off International Clown Week in style.

How to Get Tickets to the 31 Sneak Preview

Tickets will be available through Fathom Events.

Ticketing Info: http://fathomevents.com/event/rob-zombies-31/more-info/details.

We suggest you sign up for the mailing list to be alerted first when tickets are available. We’ll update as more info comes in.

Regular Release Dates for 31

In case you don’t make the sneak peek, 31 will be releasing on VOD September 16, 2016 and in theaters October 21, 2016.

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 July 6, 2016

It’s #InternationalKissingDay so give me some sugar baby! Here are a few of our favorite horror smooches, leading off with good ol’ Jack’s memorable kissing scene in The Shining.

The Shining Kiss Scene

Does anyone else have the song to The Little Mermaid going through their head right now? There you see her. Sitting there across the bathroom. She don’t got a lot to say. But there’s something about her…. And you don’t know why, but you’re dying to try. You want to kiss the girl…. Trust me, Jack. You don’t want to kiss zee girl.

The Shining Kiss Scene

You can watch the full scene here after you approve of the content.

Freddy Krueger Phone Kiss

I think this is technically phone sex, but you gotta give him an “A” for effort. This was in the 80s and data was a lot more expensive back then.
Freddy Krueger Phone Sex

Chucky and His Bride are MFEO

Not only are they friends to the end, but the are the same height! Not an easy feat when your 24 inches tall.

Bride of Chucky Kiss Scene

The Slither Kiss

Do you think he brushed after eating all that raw meat?

Slither Kiss Scene

American Horror Story

Lots of ladies want to kiss Evan Peters. Even if he is a little ‘undead.’ Such passion.
American Horror Story Evan Kiss

Please. Pass Ash the Sugar

The words that made Ash more powerful than you can ever imagine: “Give me some sugar, baby.”

Gimme Some Sugar Baby - Army of Darkness Kiss

And on that note, Patrick Swayze says….

Nobody puts Baby in a corner

Do you think they’re referring to the same “Baby?

Published by admin On May 13, 2016

Here are some of our favorite Friday the 13th Memes from 2016

friday-the-13th-uggs
Someone likes Uggs apparently.

jason-voorhees-facebook

TGIFridays the 13th
Jason needs a bit more flare in my opinion.

Ponderous Jason - Fri 13th
Ponderous. Simply ponderous.

Straight Outta Crystal Lake
Plenty of attitude here.

Carl Popeye Friday the 13th
Love this crossover from @CarlPopEye of the single-eyed variety.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plan ahead with our Friday the 13th Calendar and be sure to never go camping on the wrong day again!

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.

Published by admin On November 13, 2015

Since it’s that time of year, we wanted to share a few Friday the 13th memes with you. A couple of originals, and a few oldie, but goodies. One of these things is not like the other….

ch Ch CH CHhhh. ah Ah AH AHhhhh

Ch Ch Ch CH AH Ah Ah AHHH

I don’t always Ch Ch Ch Ch. But when I do, I Ah AH AH AH

Gotta Get Down on Friday

Gotta Get Down on Friday

Hey Girl - Friday the 13th

Hey Girl, It’s Friday the 13th. Why don’t you put down that axe and stay a while?

It's Friday the 13th!

Mike! Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike. MIKE! Guess what day it is????

C3P0 Friday the 13th

3P0 on the warpath? Gonna put your head on backwards!

Got any you want to share? Send em our way and we’ll put em up.

Happy Friday the 13th, 2015! Plan for the next Friday the 13th with our handy Friday the 13th Calendar.

Published by FrightFind On November 13, 2015

It’s well known that Friday the 13th is considered a bad luck day in Western culture. But why is Friday the 13th unlucky? As with many superstitions, the origin of Friday the 13th as a day to dread is shrouded in mystery, so there’s no definitive answer. There is much history that points to the origins of the Friday the 13th superstition, but they go back hundreds, if not thousands, of years. However, there are many clues, and even more fascinating theories. So go ahead and read on – if you’re feeling lucky.

Fear Friday the 13th

Most people only joke about Friday the 13th being unlucky. But some actually change their behavior on those days by avoiding travel, postponing business and social events, or just staying home to decrease the chance of an ill-fated event. There’s even a word for it. People with an acute fear of Friday the 13th (though not a fear of unpronounceable words) suffer from paraskevidekatriaphobia or friggatriskaidekaphobia. Those among us afraid of the number 13 itself are said to have triskaidekaphobia.

Origin and History of Friday the 13th

Pegging Friday the 13th as an unlucky day has as much to do with the day as the number. Going back centuries, both Fridays and 13 were considered bad luck. But in the 18th century, Fridays and 13 began being lumped together as the ultimate pairing of bad luck. There are many historical references to Fridays being unlucky in general. For centuries, sailors (a superstitious group anyway) often refused to begin voyages on Fridays, while farmers would avoid harvesting on the day, and couples would not marry on Fridays for fear of jinxing their union. Also, Jesus was crucified on a Friday, so that likely has something to do with it. It also explains the notable anomaly of Good Friday, a day celebrated in Christianity, as the single exception that supposedly proves the rule.

Before the 18th century, there is virtually no preserved evidence of Friday the 13th being an ill-fated day. Yet countless superstitious have survived into modernity. The first documented instance of Friday the 13th as bad luck is from a book about Italian composer Gioachino Rossini, who died on a Friday 13th in 1868. A 1907 book, called Friday the Thirteenth, by a superstitious American businessman named Thomas Lawson, further supported the idea when the book’s main character causes a Wall Street stock collapse on that auspicious day.

A few other fun (or not so fun, depending on your perspective) Friday the 13th facts:

  • At least one Friday the 13th occurs each calendar year – and there could potentially be as many as three in one year.
  • A significant stock market crash occurred on Friday, October 13, 1989. Maybe Thomas Lawson was on to something after all.
  • President Franklin D. Roosevelt famously refused to travel on any Friday the 13th.
  • Master of horror and suspense Alfred Hitchcock was born on August 13, 1899 – yep, that was a Friday.

Unlucky Number 13

So why is number 13 unlucky anyway? One of the more common sources of unlucky 13 has Christian origins. Judas Iscariot is said to have been the thirteenth guest at the Last Supper, and since he was the one who betrayed Jesus, leading to the crucifixion, that number has long been suspect. This further led to the superstition that whenever 13 people gathered at a table to eat, one of them would die within the year. This was later extended to include any gathering of 13 people in general.

13th at the Last Supper

Similarly, the number 13 was declared unlucky in Norse mythology as well. That’s because Noki, the god of mischief, showed up uninvited to a gathering of a dozen other gods in Valhalla. While there, he committed the ultimate party foul of orchestrating the death of Balder the Beautiful through trickery, thus killing the god of joy. According to the legend, this murder brought sorrow and darkness to the world – and also marked 13 as the most unlucky number to have at a dinner party. So keep that in mind next time you’re putting together your guest list.

Friday the 13th and Modern Superstitions

According to multiple studies, Friday the 13th is one of the top superstitions among people in the U.S. A few freaky facts about 13 that may contribute to this: many buildings don’t have a 13th floor; traditionally, there are 13 witches in a coven; and if you have 13 letters in your name, you’re fated to have the devil’s luck. Not convinced of the last one?

  • Jack the Ripper
  • Charles Manson
  • Theodor Bundy
  • Jeffrey Dahmer

All these names have 13 letters in them. Do with that as you will.

Bad Things Happen on Friday the 13th

It has been reported that there are more traffic accidents on Friday the 13th. Hospitals also report far more bizarre incidents on Friday the 13th, similar to full moons.

Jason Mask - Fri 13thNo doubt the popular and long-running Friday the 13th movie franchise, which began in 1980, has perpetuated the day’s bad reputation. But whether or not you believe that Friday the 13th brings ill luck, we still think it’s a good rule of thumb to avoid any homicidal manic in a ski mask regardless of the day of the week or number on the calendar. But that’s just us.

 

Check out FrightFind’s Friday the 13th Calendar to plan around the next ominous date.

Published by FrightFind On September 15, 2015

We know, we know. Everybody has an opinion on the best horror films. How do you even begin to rank them? Are they the scariest? The bloodiest? The most shocking? The most jump scares?

We choose to rank them based on the films themselves. The story. The acting. The directing. The cinematography. And yes, fear factor. A horror film should be called great because of all these elements.

One thing that makes movies scary is how old you were when you first saw them. The Exorcist is scary at any age, but is Poltergeist? Carrie? Even Psycho? Many of these films may not have the same shock value or the same scares that they did at the time of their release, but they still stand the test of time cinematically. They have a bit of nostalgia going for them, too.

So go ahead, argue and complain, but it’s our list.  Leave your own list in our comments section.

10. Halloween (1978)

Stars: Donald Pleasence, Jamie Lee Curtis

Director: John Carpenter

All-time classic slasher fest.  No list of all-time horror movies would be complete without Halloween.  Carpenter is masterful in this adaptation – the jump scares are some of the best of all time.  There is subtlety here that is often lacking in horror flicks that followed in its footsteps.  Just consider the idea of the character we are dealing with.  A six-year-old boy kills his sister, is locked up, and his psychiatrist says he spent 8 years trying to help, and the next 7 years trying to keep him locked away. Nuff said.

9. Carrie (1976)


Stars: Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie

Director: Brian DePalma

I prefer (as usual) the original to the remake. The prom scene alone makes the film, but DePalma builds the tension very well throughout. The scenes where Carrie is being terrorized by her schoolmates are bad enough, but the real pressure grows from the scenes with her mother, played by Piper Laurie. The climactic scenes are more powerful because the anger that had been building throughout is released in a brilliant gore-fest

8. Poltergeist (1982)


Stars: Craig T Nelson, JoBeth Williams

Director: Tobe Hooper

Go ahead, find a scarier clown in film history. When little Robbie Freeling starts looking for the clown under the bed, I almost peed myself. Granted, I was a lot younger, but don’t judge me. It’s not just the scares in this film, though. The subtlety early on, and the special effects throughout, make this an all-timer.  Even though the special effects might be a bit dated at this point, one cannot argue with Hooper’s directing skills.

7. Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)


Stars: Heather Lagenkamp, Robert Englund

Director: Wes Craven

The original and easily the best. Craven is the master of popcorn horror flicks, popular among a huge number of people.  You probably rolled your eyes when you saw this as one of the top horror movies, but take a fresh look at it. Don’t lump all the Nightmare films together because most of them have no value.  But just remember what it felt like to watch it for the first time.  Freddy Krueger is one scary sonofabitch.  Horribly scarred man with knives for fingers who will kill you in your dreams if you fall asleep?  Children eerily reciting scary nursery rhymes?  Scary indeed.

6. Alien (1979)


Stars: Sigourney Weaver, John Hurt

Director: Ridley Scott

One of the taglines for this movie says it best. In space, no one can hear you scream. This film is much more subtle than James Cameron’s hugely popular follow-up.  The jump scares come out of nowhere.  Weaver’s Ripley may be the best movie heroine of all time.  The idea of the creatures is scary enough, but it is the entire atmosphere of the film that makes it so scary.

5. Seven (1995)


Stars: Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt

Director: David Fincher

Brilliant storyline and never stops scaring you.  The scariest part of this movie is that it could be real.  A psychopath killing based on the seven deadly sins – it is really one of the smarter films on this list.  An all-star cast, including the two leads and Gwyneth Paltrow and Kevin Spacey, along with great writing by Andrew Kevin Walker, is the strength of the film.

4. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)


Stars: Anthony Hopkins, Jodie Foster

Director: Jonathan Demme

This film swept the Oscars, making it one of the most decorated horror films of all time. Hopkins’ portrayal of Hannibal Lecter might be the greatest depiction of a villain in film history. He actually makes you root for Lecter to escape, which is the best praise I can think of for an obviously horrifying character.  Foster is brilliant in the role of FBI cadet Clarice Starling.  The scenes with Lecter and Starling are the best, with dialogue that is witty and scary at the same time.

3. Psycho (1960)


Stars: Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

The shower scene is not only one of the greatest scenes in horror film history, it’s also one of the greatest scenes in all of film history. The searing music, the angle showing the silhouette coming in the door, the quick cuts that mask the fact that the viewer doesn’t even see the knife enter skin, all come together perfectly. Many people took baths for months after seeing Psycho in the theater.  Audiences in 1960 were shocked by the brutality of the material – tame by today’s standards, but the characters remain

2. The Shining (1980)


Stars: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall

Director: Stanley Kubrick

Very close to calling this one the greatest of all time. The main reason it is ranked this high is Stanley Kubrick. It was a scary story when Stephen King wrote it, but Kubrick took it to the next level. His patented symmetrical shots; the quiet menace of the set; the methodical build to the climax – Kubrick is in rare form.  Nicholson gives an all-time performance as he is coming unglued as Jack, the dull boy.

1. The Exorcist (1973)


Stars: Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Linda Blair

Director: William Friedkin

The Exorcist gets the nod at number 1 simply for sheer terror.  Some of the scenes are hard to watch even as an adult.  William Friedkin was famously difficult to work with and hard on his cast, but the results are inarguable.  He used interesting tactics to get the desired reactions from the actors, including shooting guns to get jump scares, and even slapping actors to get them riled up.  Simply put, it stands the test of time and gets our vote for number 1.