Happy September, Horror Fiends! Itโs a time for cozy sweaters, pumpkin-spiced everything, andโฆ menacing cornfields? Thatโs right! As the amber hues of fall sweep in and we all debate the merits of pumpkin spice (is it delightful or overdone?), thereโs another seasonal staple thatโs been quietly setting the stage for some of cinemaโs creepiest tales: the seemingly innocent cornfield.
These golden labyrinths, with their whispering stalks and hide-and-seek vibes, have long been the go-to backdrop for filmmakers with a penchant for the spooky. And honestly, who can blame them? Thereโs something inherently thrilling about not knowing whatโs lurking just a few rows over. Maybe itโs a scarecrowโฆ or maybe itโs something far more sinister.
So, if youโre looking to add a dash of harvest-time horror to your movie nights, or if youโre just curious about why cornfields are Hollywoodโs favorite rural runway, this list is for you. Dive into the cinematic world of cornfield capers, where every rustle might just be a reason to run.
Without further ado, hereโs a curated list of ten films that will make you say, โIโll never look at corn the same way again!โ
10. Children of the Corn (1984)
Welcome to Gatlin, Nebraska, where the children arenโt just alright; theyโre downright homicidal. Based on Stephen Kingโs short story, this film introduces us to a child cult worshipping a not-so-friendly entity known as โHe Who Walks Behind the Rows.โ Itโs a chilling reminder that sometimes, kids know bestโฆ especially when it comes to creepy cornfield rituals.
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9. Signs (2002)
M. Night Shyamalanโs Signs is less about corn and more about the creepy circles appearing within them. When former priest Mel Gibson discovers these mysterious patterns, itโs clear Earthโs got some extraterrestrial visitors. Combining family drama with a side of alien anxiety, Signs is a corny (pun intended) yet suspenseful ride.
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8. Scary Stories to Tell In The Dark (2019)
Drawing from the spine-tingling childrenโs book series, this film brings to life several nightmarish tales, including the unsettling story of Harold the Scarecrow. If you thought scarecrows were just for keeping away crows, think again. This oneโs got a bone to pick, and itโs not with the birds.
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7. Pearl (2022)
Set in rural Texas in 1918, Pearl introduces us to a young farm girl with dreams bigger than her farm. With aspirations of dancing and stardom, Pearlโs reality is a far cry from her dreams, especially with her strict German mother and ailing father. But amidst the tension and turmoil, thereโs a delightful cornfield sequence where Pearl lets loose in a whimsical song and dance number. Itโs a surreal escape from her stifling reality, proving that even in the darkest tales, thereโs room for a little razzle-dazzle.
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6. Freddy vs. Jason (2003)
When two horror icons decide to duke it out, where better than a cornfield rave? Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees bring their unique brands of terror to the party in this epic showdown. Itโs a mashup of slashing and dream-haunting that proves cornfields are the ultimate horror battleground, where not even your glowsticks can save you.
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