SHOCK selects 10 of our favorite 90s movie posters.
Seeing as our 70s and 80s horror posters pieces were so eye-catching, we opted to soldier forth and tackle the next decade.
So here we go into the 1990s!
Again, this was a daunting task as there were hundreds of great images to filter through, so don’t be too angry if your personal favorites didn’t make the cut.
DEATH MACHINE (1994) – Dir. Stephen Norrington
On the verge of being a direct-to-video candidate (the film did have limited theatrical in some markets), this Norrington (BLADE) classic was unleashed into the world in 1994. Not the most in-your-face image, but it was definitely a throwback to the poster artwork of the 80s’ captivating and effective with a hint of ELM STREET. What 15 year old boy could resist DEATH MACHINE?
HELLRAISER: BLOODLINE (1996) – Dir. Alan Smithee (a.k.a Kevin Yagher)
As you can tell from the Smithee stamp, BLOODLINE was not the best flick in the HELLRAISER franchise and was certainly bogged down with production problems. FX master Kevin Yagher bailed out as director, near the end of filming and the movie unmistakably suffers for it. But at least the poster’s memorable.
BRAIN DEAD (1990) – Dir. Alan Simon
A bizarre little number, probably missed by many and not to be mistaken with Peter Jackson’s BRAINDEAD (a.k.a DEAD ALIVE, although another excellent poster). This psychological horror boasts an incredible cast, Bill Paxton and Bill Pullman. Hey, this film was even produced by Julie and Roger Corman.
JACOB’S LADDER (1990) – Dir. Adrian Lyne
A surprise favorite at the dawn of the decade from the director that gave us the mega-hit, FATAL ATTRACTION. Diving back in, Adrian Lyne delivers another psychological nail-bitter, only this time he brings some demons along and the under-appreciated Tim Robbins. This one-sheet is simple and effectively scary without giving away too much of the plot.
CANDYMAN (1992) – Dir. Bernard Rose
This wonderfully unnerving film from producer Clive Barker (and based on his short story THE FORBIDDEN) explores the myths and whispers that drift throughout urban communities and how their potency grows with each generation’s telling of the tale. This wonderful poster creates subtle horror and definite intrigue…and if you say his name 5 times, Candyman will be obliged to come…
THE GUARDIAN (1990) – Dir. William Friedkin
A radically misunderstood film, but a welcome return to horror by veteran maverick Friedkin. This druid tale was casually creepy, but thoroughly effective and it kinda sticks with you, even after leaving the theater. Borrowing heavily from his early work, THE EXORCIST and Blatty’s own THE EXORCIST III poster, THE GUARDIAN’s poster employs the same stylistic approach.
IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS (1994) – Dir. John Carpenter
One of the scariest flicks of the decade, it also marked a true-to-form horror return by maestro Carpenter. This Lovecraftian tale is Carpenter’s third entry in our ongoing poster profiles. JC films always managed to feature memorable, soul-stealing one-sheets.
EVENT HORIZON (1997) – Dir. Paul W.S. Anderson
Billed as THE SHINING in space, EVENT HORIZON was another surprise hit with horror fans. Like a real event horizon, the poster sells it and sucks you right in; truly sinister and mysterious.
THE PEOPLE UNDER THE STAIRS (1991) – Dir. Wes Craven
An oddball tale from the 90s; not entirely sure what to make of this film, it almost feels like a failed carbon copy of Joe Dante’s THE BURBS with some S&M thrown into the mix. Considered a dud at the box office, this Craven entry at least boasts a top-notch and memorable poster. Very reminiscent of our 80s entries FRIGHT NIGHT and RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD II.
LORD OF ILLUSIONS (1995) – Dir. Clive Barker
Say what you will about the film, this one-sheet is exquisite. The LORD OF ILLUSIONS teaser poster also demands some love as well…
Some quick honorable mentions go to: THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, APT PUPIL, and Carpenter’s VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED.
Feel free to share your own picks in the spaces below…
