In a world that often celebrates the conventional and the mainstream, there’s something to be said for those who don’t quite fit in. Those of us who feel like outsiders can find solace in the weirder corners of pop culture, where the misfits and rejects are given a chance to shine. And when it comes to horror movies, there’s a whole slew of films where the weirdo reigns supremed. Here are 10 horror movies for outcasts and rebels – for all the weirdos who want something a little different from their scares.
1. The Craft (1996)
This teen horror classic is all about the power of outsiders. When new girl Sarah (Robin Tunney) joins a Catholic high school in Los Angeles, she falls in with a trio of misfit girls who practice witchcraft. As they explore their newfound abilities, they begin to attract attention from other students, and soon things spiral out of control. The Craft is a perfect example of the kind of horror movie that speaks to the alienated, the disenfranchised, and the misunderstood. It’s a celebration of the weirdos, the freaks, and the witches among us.
2. Carrie (1976)
Few horror movies capture the feeling of being an outcast quite like Carrie. Based on the novel by Stephen King, the movie tells the story of a high school girl (Sissy Spacek) who is relentlessly bullied by her classmates and abused by her mother. But when she discovers she has telekinetic powers, she decides it’s time to take revenge. Carrie is a film about the dangers of isolation and the horrors that can come from being pushed too far. It’s a movie for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t belong.
3. Ginger Snaps (2000)
If you’re looking for an outcast horror movie that’s equal parts bloody and smart, Ginger Snaps (2000) is your best bet. The film tells the story of two teenage sisters, one of whom is bitten by a werewolf and begins to transform into one herself. But what sets Ginger Snaps apart is its exploration of female sexuality and empowerment, as well as its clever use of the werewolf mythology to represent the struggle of adolescence.
HOT AT THE SHOP:
4. A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987)
The Nightmare on Elm Street franchise is all about the power of dreams, and nowhere is that more apparent than in Dream Warriors. The third entry in the series is a wild ride that sees a group of teenagers with special abilities banding together to take on Freddy Krueger. It’s a movie that celebrates the power of imagination, the importance of friendship, and the idea that even the most unlikely heroes can save the day. It’s a perfect movie for anyone who’s ever felt like their dreams …or nightmares.. were the only place they truly belonged.
5. Sleepaway Camp (1983)
Sleepaway Camp is a cult classic that’s known for its shocking twist ending, but it’s also a movie that speaks to the feeling of being an outsider. When shy, introverted Angela (Felissa Rose) is sent to a summer camp, she becomes the target of bullies and tormentors. But as the body count starts to rise, it becomes clear that Angela is not quite what she seems. Sleepaway Camp is a movie about the dangers of bullying and the repercussions of pushing someone to their limit.
6. Toxic Avenger (1984)
The Toxic Avenger is a movie that defies description. Is it a horror movie? A superhero movie? A raunchy comedy? All of the above? Whatever it is, it’s a movie that celebrates the freaks, the weirdos, and the outcasts. When a scrawny janitor is exposed to toxic waste, he transforms into a muscle-bound hero who takes on corrupt politicians and sleazy criminals. The movie is a parody of the superhero genre, but it’s also a celebration of the underdog. It’s a movie for anyone who’s ever felt like they were too weak to fight back.
7. Christine (1983)
Christine is a horror movie that’s all about obsession. When high school outcast Arnie (Keith Gordon) buys a beat-up old car, he becomes obsessed with restoring it to its former glory. But as the car becomes more and more important to him, Arnie begins to change. Soon, he’s not the same person he once was. Christine is a movie about the dangers of obsession and the lengths we’ll go to fit in. It’s a movie for anyone who’s ever felt like they needed something to define them.
8. Terror Train (1980)
Terror Train is a slasher movie set on a train, which is already pretty weird. But what makes the movie stand out is its focus on the outcasts. When a group of college students board the train for a New Year’s Eve party, they discover that a killer is on board. As the body count rises, it becomes clear that the killer is targeting the members of a fraternity that once humiliated him. Terror Train is a movie about the dangers of hazing and the consequences of cruelty. It’s a movie for anyone who’s ever been on the receiving end of a prank.
9. It (2017)
The recent adaptation of Stephen King’s It is a movie that’s all about the power of friendship. When a group of kids in Derry, Maine are stalked by a shape-shifting monster, they band together to defeat it. But it’s not just the monster they’re fighting – it’s also the bullies, the neglectful parents, and the general atmosphere of fear. It is a movie about the importance of standing up for yourself and those around you. It’s a movie for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t have anyone to turn to.
10. The Rage: Carrie 2 (1999)
The Rage: Carrie 2 is a sequel to Carrie that focuses on a new outcast. When Rachel (Emily Bergl) discovers that she has telekinetic powers, she decides to take revenge on the jocks who humiliated her friend. But as the body count rises, Rachel realizes that she might be becoming just like the people she’s trying to punish. The Rage: Carrie 2 is a movie about the danger of revenge and the consequences of lashing out. It’s a movie for anyone who’s ever felt like they were pushed too far.
In a world that can be cruel and unforgiving, it’s important to find movies that speak to our inner weirdo. These 10 horror movies are all about celebrating the outsiders, the freaks, and the rebels. So if you’ve ever felt like you didn’t quite fit in, grab one of these frights to keep you company. Who knows – you might just find a movie that speaks to your soul.
Let us know your favorite horror movie outcasts and weirdos over on Twitter, or in the Nightmare on Film Street Discord!
