It’s my birthday today, and I was inspired to curate this spine-chilling list of birthday horror movies! As I sat down to brainstorm what I’d be watching tonight to celebrate, I realized… there are a lot of birthday-themed horror movies. So I figured I’d share them with you, too!
Whenever you’re looking to add a thrilling twist to your own birthday celebrations, look no further! From relentless time loops to sinister birthday parties gone awry, these movies are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat and give your birthday festivities a hauntingly unforgettable twist. So, bookmark this list and enjoy these 10 horror movies on your own special day. Grab some popcorn, invite your bravest friends, and get ready to scream your way through this hair-raising collection of birthday horror movies that will leave you with more than just cake and candles!
Happy Death Day (2017)
This slasher-meets-Groundhog-Day horror film follows Tree Gelbman (Jessica Rothe) as she relives her birthday over and over, each time meeting a grisly demise. Trapped in a time loop, Tree must uncover the identity of her masked killer and solve her own murder before her birthday resets again. With its clever blend of horror, humor, and a compelling lead performance, Happy Death Day will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final twist.
Happy Birthday to Me (1981)
Welcome to Crawford Academy, where birthdays can be deadly! This eerie mystery slasher centers on Virginia Wainwright (Melissa Sue Anderson), a high school senior whose friends start mysteriously disappearing just before her big birthday celebration. As the body count rises, Virginia’s own sanity is called into question, making this cult classic a thrilling addition to any birthday horror marathon.
Bloody Birthday (1981)
What happens when three children born during a solar eclipse turn ten? In Bloody Birthday, these seemingly innocent kids have hidden dark impulses, and as they celebrate their birthdays, the bodies start to pile up. This campy horror flick serves up both fun and fright, making it a perfect addition to your birthday horror watchlist.
My Soul To Take (2010)
Directed by the legendary Wes Craven, this spine-chilling film takes place in the eerie town of Riverton. On the night the notorious serial killer, the Riverton Ripper, meets his end, seven teenagers are born. As their 16th birthday approaches, the legend resurfaces, warning that the Ripper’s malevolent soul will possess one of the teens. (..for some reason.) Gripped by horrifying nightmares and strange occurrences, the group must face the grim possibility that the Ripper’s spirit has returned to claim its next victim. And all on their birthday!
Frogs (1972)
Celebrating your birthday in nature may not be as picturesque as you think, especially if you find yourself in the middle of a swampy nightmare. In Frogs, a wealthy man’s birthday celebration turns into a fight for survival as nature’s creatures, including snakes, lizards, and of course, frogs, begin attacking humans. This eco-horror film offers a unique twist on birthday terror and serves up a dose of creature feature fun.
Child’s Play (1988)
Don’t let the cute Good Guy doll fool you. In Child’s Play, when Andy Barclay (Alex Vincent) receives a seemingly innocent doll named Chucky for his birthday, he’s in for a bloody surprise as the toy is possessed by the soul of a serial killer. Chucky’s homicidal rampage and darkly comedic one-liners make this horror-comedy a classic birthday treat for any horror fan.
Frankenhooker (1990)
If you’re in the mood for some darkly humorous horror, Frankenhooker is the perfect birthday treat. Directed by Frank Henenlotter, this campy horror-comedy follows Jeffrey Franken (James Lorinz), a mad scientist who tragically loses his fiancée Elizabeth (Patty Mullen) after she’s killed in a freak lawnmower accident during her father’s birthday party. Determined to bring her back to life, Jeffrey hatches a hair-raising plan: he reassembles her using the body parts of New York City’s finest prostitutes. With its over-the-top gore and offbeat humor, Frankenhooker is a wild and entertaining birthday fright fest that will leave you in stitches… heh
The Omen (1976)
When diplomat Robert Thorn’s (Gregory Peck) adopted son Damien turns five, he begins to realize the boy may be the spawn of Satan. As ominous events and deaths surround the child, Robert must confront the horrifying truth about Damien’s origin before it’s too late. This chilling and atmospheric birthday thriller will leave you questioning fate and the forces of evil. Happy Birthday, Damien!
House on Haunted Hill (1999)
Gather your friends for a thrilling birthday party at a creepy, haunted mansion, courtesy of an eccentric millionaire. In this remake of the 1959 classic, a group of strangers is invited to spend the night in an abandoned asylum with a promise of a huge cash prize for those who survive until morning. As the night unfolds, they soon realize that the horrors within the house may not be merely staged attractions. House on Haunted Hill offers a rollercoaster of scares and suspense, making it a perfect choice for a fun birthday scare-fest. Make it a double-feature and watch the OG as well!
Madhouse (1981)
As Julia Sullivan (Trish Everly) looks forward to her birthday celebration, she remains unaware of her twin sister Mary’s (Allison Biggers) struggle with mental instability and a deeply unsettling secret. As the birthday party unfolds, Mary unleashes a reign of terror, turning the celebration into a nightmarish ordeal. Madhouse delivers a suspenseful and twisted tale of sibling rivalry, making it a perfect addition to your birthday horror watchlist.
These 10 birthday horror movies are guaranteed to give you the chills and make your special day one you won’t forget. From relentless time loops to supernatural encounters and gruesome parties, each film offers a unique and terrifying celebration. So, dim the lights, close the curtains, and let the screams begin as you celebrate your birthday with these bone-chilling movies that are sure to leave you with lasting memories…if you survive! Happy horrifying birthday!
Want to recommend more birthday horrors? Join us in the Nightmare on Film Street Discord!