We were lucky enough to catch Clown in a Cornfield at SXSW this year and have had clowns on the brain ever since. This got me thinking about all of the clowns haunting the horror genre on screen (and on social media). So, I went down a never-ending rabbit hole where I visited many creepy clowns. The kind from outer space, the resurrected ones, and even a clown who slays in an opera house. This also introduced me to more titles in this sinister subgenre. Basically, I clowned around all week and brought you back a streaming guide.
Here are 5 clown horror movies you might want to check out if you enjoy your time with Clown in a Cornfield this weekend. Welcome to the big chop!
The Clown at Midnight (dir. Jean Pellerin)
Where You Can Watch: Prime Video, The Roku Channel, and Tubi
A group of teens works to reopen an opera house where one of their mothers was murdered years ago. Their plans are soon interrupted when a murderous clown begins to stalk them. This 1998 motion picture has a lot going on, and most things are not good. However, it does have the late acting legends Christopher Plummer and Margot Kidder in some ridiculous roles. Those are the two names that put this almost-forgotten movie on my radar. It also has Tatyana Ali playing the role of the Black best friend, which is a huge departure from her time on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. So, if you’re as serious as I am about seeking out more killer clowns, the cast alone helps set this slasher apart.
The Funhouse Massacre (dir. Andy Palmer )
Where You Can Watch: Peacock, Plex, Prime Video, The Roku Channel, Sling TV, and Tubi
Six psychopaths break out of an asylum and immediately terrorize the crowd of a Halloween funhouse.The Funhouse Massacre is giving Arkham Asylum patients set loose at a local haunted house. Most of us hit play because we heard Robert Englund would be there. So, when he became one of the first victims, we were surprised. However, this murderous pack includes Jere Burns and Clint Howard, so it’s hard to look away. While I thought there were more clowns here due to makeup choices, it seems like Rocco the Clown (Mars Crain) is the real cold-blooded clown of this movie. The former professional wrestler is the most intimidating member of the team. He might also be the clown on this list who attended the most arm days at the gym. If you like a little blood and violence in your movies, he’s definitely a clown to keep an eye on.
It (dir. Andy Muschietti)
Where You Can Watch: Max
A group of bullied kids attempt to destroy a sinister creature that disguises itself as a clown. Leave it to one of the most iconic clowns in horror history to be the one from a Stephen King adaptation. Bill Skarsgård had some big clown shoes to fill when he stepped into this role. However, he delivered the stuff of nightmares, and that’s why we keep coming back to this hellish circus. Along for the ride is a pretty stellar cast of kid actors led by Jaeden Martell and Finn Wolfhard. Not only does It fit this theme perfectly, but it’s also my favorite title on the list. The miniseries It (1990), directed by Tommy Lee Wallace, is on VOD and always worth a revisit, too. I have yet to have a bad time when Pennywise is on screen, and I hope that continues with Welcome To Derry.
Killer Klowns from Outer Space (dir. Stephen Chiodo)
Where You Can Watch: Pluto TV and Tubi
When a comet crashes in a sleepy small town, the community becomes infested with murderous aliens who look like clowns. This movie is the first title most of us think of when we think of killer clown cinema. It is not just because these guys had dump trucks, either. Most of us have fond memories of discovering this endearing and ridiculous B-movie in our youth. When we were kids, any horror movie was the goal, and this sci-fi horror comedy was fun to look at. We hold these creatures and their deadly shenanigans close to our hearts because they remind us of simpler times. This is why last year’s Killer Klowns From Outer Space: The Game was one of the most anticipated games for nostalgic millennials. Sadly, the game didn’t live up to our expectations. However, the movie is still a damn good time if you want some clown activity.
Stitches (dir. Conor McMahon)
Where You Can Watch: Fandango at Home, Philo, Plex, Prime Video, Sling TV, and Tubi
After dying at a child’s birthday party, a clown returns years later to punish the kids he blames for his untimely demise. I was late to the party with this horror comedy, but I’m here now. This European slasher caught my attention with some dark humor, an impressive first kill, and a severed penis. I take penis mutilations very seriously and squealed with delight as I wondered if this would become one of my new favorite clowns. While Stitches the dead clown has many more party tricks, and some fun kills on this shoestring budget, the peen scene won me over. I’m surprised by how much fun I had with this silly little movie. I think Stitches should definitely be on your list if you want something delightful and bloody.
So, send in the clowns because you now have some homework. I may also be so bold as to sneak in a recommendation for Dread Central’s own Circus of the Dead. If there is room inside the big top, of course.
Clown in a Cornfield shuffles into theaters on May 9.
Let me know if you’re shoving any of these movies into the clown car holding your watch list this week. You can find me inside the circus tent on Bluesky!
Categorized:Streaming Guides
