Super Bowl Sunday saw the release of the newest trailer for the up and coming, highly anticipated sequel to the “Scream” series titled “Scream VI.” This new sequel takes the story out of Woodsboro and in to the streets of New York City. We follow sisters Tara and Sam Carpenter once again as they’re stalked by a meaner, more sadistic Ghost Face. In celebration of the New York bound sequel, I thought I’d list five great New York based horror films you can watch to prepare yourself for the highly anticipated sequel.
What are some of your favorite New York set horror films?
Cloverfield (2008)
Streaming on Pluto TV, Redbox, Amazon Prime Video
Set in Manhattan, “Cloverfield” is a found footage gem set on one night in New York when a giant monster emerges from the sea to wreak havoc on the big apple. Intent on finding their friend in the chaos, a group of survivors travels across the city on foot, and inevitably come face to face with military, giant parasitic monsters, and of course a massive monster destroying everything in sight. “Cloverfield” is still a wonderful monster movie filled with immense replay value and that New York flavor.
Dressed to Kill (1980)
Streaming on Tubi, Amazon Prime Video, Pluto TV
Brian DePalma’s take on “Psycho” is a great whodunit mystery set in New York, focusing on a prostitute and the son of a murder victim who is struggling to find a woman who is murdering other woman around the city. DePalma’s tale is dripping with suspense and some genuinely gut churning moments. As well he transplants the classic Giallo formula for his quasi-remake, eliciting some prime talent including Michael Caine, Keith Gordon, and Nancy Allen, the latter of whom is absolutely sexy in her role. This is a genuine erotic slasher filled with titillating symbolism and a great twist.
Ghostbusters (1984)
Streaming on HBO Max
When ghost sightings and encounters start slowly emerging around New York city in volume, four paranormal enthusiasts team up to find out the source of the paranormal invasion. The Ivan Reitman horror comedy is an absolute classic and a standard for all fans. Filled with a top notch cast of excellent performers (Bill Murray, Dan Akroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, et al.), top notch comedy, and special effects that have aged very well (considering the time period), “Ghostbusters” is filled with creative twists on the paranormal, not to mention a bunch of iconic moments for the sub-genre.
Mulberry St. (2006)
Streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
Jim Mickle’s apocalyptic horror film is set during the summer in New York City where a mysterious outbreak of rat attacks has caused its victims to transform in to anthropomorphic cannibal monsters. With the massive infection overtaking the streets, a group of residents inside an apartment complex fight for their lives and struggle to make it through the night. Mickle’s mini budget horror film is chaotic, gory, scary fun filled with some excellent moments of pure rat infested carnage and puts a creative spin on the zombie apocalypse sub-genre.
Murder Party (2007)
Streaming on Pluto TV, Crackle, Amazon Prime Video, Redbox
Jeremy Saulnier’s micro budget horror comedy is set on Halloween in New York, where a random loner finds an invitation to a local Halloween party. When he decides to crash, he doesn’t realize he’s intruded on a party exclusive to serial killers. Now stuck and being held hostage, he has to find a way to survive and make it home. “Murder Party” is a classic horror comedy filled with big laughs, a creative premise, and some great gore and splatter. Director Saulnier gets deep in to the heart of New York bringing our inadvertent hero in to a slew of wacky circumstances that almost always result in blood shed. This is an underrated Halloween flick, one that deserves a bigger audience.
Honorable Mention:
Jason Takes Manhattan (or Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan) (1989)
Streaming on Redbox, Vudu, Amazon Prime Video, Philo
I only include this because this is considered one of the more notable entries in an iconic slasher series that crosses in to New York. Truthfully the movie is really Jason Voorhees takes a sea cruise, but that’s not as appealing. Really Jason only takes Manhattan for about twenty minutes, and he sticks to back alleys, tunnels and subways for the most part. There’s no Central Park, or The Village, or the Statue of Liberty, or Hell’s Kitchen, etc. It’s a shame because Jason wreaking havoc in the city would have been amazing. For what it is, though, it’s a solid Jason sequel with some iconic kills from the man behind the mask.
Streaming Locations Subject to Change.