With another Pride Month here, I’m always reminded at how much the LGBTQ+ community has contributed to the horror world. Be it literature, television, comic books, and or movies, the LGBTQ+ spirit is woven in to the DNA of horror as a whole from Mary Shelly, to Don Mancini, to Elvira, et al.
These are five truly great horror standards directed and/or written by an LGBTQ+ creator.
Frankenstein (1931), Bride of Frankenstein (1935) – Directed by James Whale
Now Streaming at: The Roku Channel, Amazon Prime
The openly gay James Whale directed what are still considered not just two horror masterpieces, but two cinematic masterpieces, as well. Both films from mid-1930’s remain moody, atmospheric and complex horror films about God complex, the perils of science gone awry. Boris Karloff’s interpretation of Frankenstein remains the gold standard for the character almost a hundred years later. Whale lived his life as a gay man which in the early 1930’s was a surefire way to be cast out society. Nevertheless, he persisted, and lives through these works of art.
The Lost Boys (1987) – Directed by Joel Schumacher
Now Streaming at: Amazon Prime, Philo
My favorite horror comedy of all time and my favorite vampire film of all time is an eighties classic, a masterpiece of its sub-genre. Openly gay director Joel Schumacher comprised a coming of age tales with not too subtle homoerotic overtones to build up what is a fun, raucous, gory, and exciting vampire tale. Co-starring Jason Patric, Corey Haim and Feldman, Dianne Wiest, Keiffer Sutherland and so many more, “The Lost Boys” is very much of its decade and yet absolutely timeless. It’s a feat only Schumacher could accomplish.
Nightbreed (1990) – Written & Directed by Clive Barker
Now Streaming at: Tubi, Peacock, Amazon Prime
Clive Barker has been an openly gay man for decades delivering some of the most iconic, influential, and groundbreaking horror works of film and literature. Barker’s contributions to the horror genre have been immense with his offering of horror icons like Pinhead, and even directed one of his more personal films, and one of my personal favorites: the horror thriller “Nightbreed.” A critical and commercial bomb upon its release, it’s remained a beloved cult classic with a passionate fanbase, and even warranted a new director’s cut with Barker’s original vision for his horror dark fantasy.
Nosferatu (1922) – Directed by F.W. Murnau
Now Streaming at: Tubi, Amazon Prime, The Roku Channel
The gay F.W. Murnau delivered an often lauded and celebrated unabashed clone of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, focusing on the rat-like vampire Count Orlock. Played by the unusual Max Shreck, Murnau’s public domain silent vampire tale remains an acclaimed gem of vampire cinema with a devoted fan base and always invites countless movie buffs to analyze it or dissect it. Murnau lived closeted, but apparently was outed after his unfortunate death at the age of 42.
Scream (1996) – Written by Kevin Williamson
Now Streaming at: Amazon Prime, MAX
Openly gay Kevin Williamson was a huge voice in pop culture in the nineties, penning one of TV’s biggest hits, the teen drama “Dawson’s Creek” as well as the slasher revival “Scream.” With collaborator the late Wes Craven, “Scream” was a shot in the arm for horror world reviving the slasher sub-genre and ushering in a whole new era of horror film. “Scream” remains a timeless and still celebrated horror gem filled with twists and turns sitting alongside other satirical horror greats like “Popcorn,” “Behind the Mask,” and “There’s Nothing Out There.”