As
part of my continuing series about the ebb and flow of Netflix streaming
titles, here are the latest in new genre films! It's been a while since my last update, so I'm going to list some titles added in the last 2-3 weeks, including cult classics mixed with great new titles:
Horror / Sci-Fi / Action Movies:
Antiviral (2012)
A solid sci-fi from Brandon Cronenberg, son of sci-fi/horror legend David Cronenberg. It's imagines a future where celebrity diseases are collected by obsessed fans - not so crazy when you think about it. This is Brandon's directorial debut and it's unique, eerie, and looks beautiful. My full review.
My Amitville Horror (2012)
An interesting documentary about one of the children who lived in the infamous Amityville house. Has interviews with people directly involved with the case, including Lorraine Warren. Recommended for fans of the legend, true crime, or ghost stories. My full review.
Best Worst Movie (2009)
A hilarious documentary about the cult classic, Troll 2, which is considered one of the worst film ever made. The doc is directed by the (now grown) boy from in Troll 2, with interviews from the cast and crew, as well as fans. Endlessly charming and funny, this is a must-see!
Desperado (1995)
If you're reading this site, by now you've probably seen this second (and best-known) installment Robert Rodriguez's Mexico trilogy about a mariachi with guitar case full of guns. If you haven't see it, do so before your friends ridicule you. If you have seen it, watch it again, it's a blast.
Event Horizon (1997)
The best film Paul W.S. Anderson ever made, and one of the few films that genuinely creeps me out. Yes, it's basically Hellraiser in space, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The cast includes genre badasses like Jason Isaacs, Sean Pertwee, and a creepy-as-fucking-hell Sam Neill.
F/X (1986)
It's an action movie where the hero is an FX artist who uses makeup, squibs, etc. to escape the assassin who want him dead. Nuff said!
Ghoulies (1985)
80s cult classic about creepy little bald demons. Not to be confused with Gremlins. Or Munchies. Or Critters.
Lady Frankenstein (1971)
A Hammer-esque Italian horror about Dr. Frankenstein's daughter continuing his work. She doesn't just want to create a man, she wants to create the perfect man. To fuck, naturally. Expect lots of boobs, blood, and not 1 but 2 monsters!
Munchie (1992)
Following the tradition of Italian knock-off's like Troll 2 and Zombi 2, this one is billed as a sequel to 1987's Munchies (already a Gremlins cash-in), but it's not related at all. It's a family-friendly comedy about a boy who befriends a creepy magical creature voiced by Dom DeLuise. Jennifer Love Hewitt makes her first debut here.
Night Watch (2004)
A visually-dazzling fantasy/horror from Russia that imagines vampires in a way you've never seen them before. A very cool, unique film. Followed by Day Watch, it's the first installment in a trilogy that is not yet finished.
Piranha (1978)
Joe Dante's cult classic that inspired the more recent 3D gorefest. It's about mutant flesh-eating piranha picking people off after being accidentally released in a river. Steven Spielberg has called it "the best of the Jaws rip-offs." For a similar rip-off, 1978's Barracuda is also now available on streaming.
Rollerball (1975)
In a dystopian future controlled by corporations, war and team sports are replaced by a violent sport called Rollerball. James Caan plays a veteran Rollerballer who fights the increasingly more violent system.
Stargate (1994)
Roland Emmerich/Dean Devlin sci-fi about an interstellar gate that allows passage from one side of the universe to another. Kurt Russell and James Spader uncover an alien posing as an Egyptian god and help free some slaves. The movie inspired numerous television shows.
Zodiac (2007)
Probably my favorite David Fincher film to date (though the competition is stiff), Zodiac tells the story behind the infamous Zodiac killer who terrorized San Fransisco in the 60s and 70s but was never caught. An absolute MUST-SEE film with great performances from Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr, Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Edwards, and more. It looks stunning, is incredibly creepy, and has one amazing soundtrack.
Miscellaneous Schlock / B-Movies:
Attack of the Crab Monsters (1957)
Black-and-white Roger Corman flick with cheesy monster FX.
Barbarian Queen (1985)
Busty babes fight the Romans and free slaves (when they're not being raped and tortured). Starred cult icon Lana Clarkson.
Deathstalker (1983)
A sword-and-sorcery film that capitalized on the success of Conan the Barbarian. Also starring Lana Clarkson, the success of this one actually inspired Barbarian Queen to be made. Also stars Richard Brooker (Jason in Friday the 13th Part III). Three sequels followed.
Dinocroc (2004)
SyFy Channel-style flick about dinosaur DNA spliced with a crocodile, and the havoc the genetically-engineered monster wrecks after escaping the laboratory.
