Must-watch Horror Movies: Queer Creepy Classics

We’re fast approaching Halloween, AKA Gay Christmas. So, we’ve come up with a list of must-watch LGBTQ+ horror movies that will cater for all tastes to keep you entertained. With a fast-growing repertoire of queer Halloween films over the last few years, there are so many terrorific movies to choose from. So, we’ve selected a few of our spooky LGBTQ+ favourites to suit practically every mood this upcoming freakend.

So whether you’re looking for gory horror, a creepy classic, or a dark and mysterious thriller, our lists – which we are publishing every day this week in the lead up to Halloween 2021 – have got it covered. We’ve even thrown in a few supernatural treats for our vampire-loving queer community, as well as a few fun comedies for those spending time with family and children. Today we are covering queer creepy classics.

So, if you’re in the mood for a creepy classic this Halloween, then it’s worth checking out:

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)

This classical psychological thriller features gay icons and famed rivals Joan Crawford and Bette Davis. Jane (played by Davis), is an ageing child star left to care for her wheelchair-bound sister Blanche (played by Crawford), who is also a former child actress. Stuck living together in a mansion in old Hollywood, Blanche plots to get even with Jane for the car crash that left her crippled years earlier. A must-watch melodrama of hate, revenge and murder which launched an entire genre of queer horror films.

Cat People (1942)

Another classical movie which tells the story of a Serbian immigrant named Irena who believes she has descended from a race of people that shapeshift into panthers when sexually aroused or angered. Irena meets and hastily marries an American man, but must abstain from intimacy, unless she wants to awaken a curse of her descendants. Her fears of giving in to him and resistance to consummating her marriage were interpreted by the movie-going queer community as repressed lesbian desire.

Dracula’s Daughter (1936)

Like Cat People, this melodramatic sequel to 1931's Dracula also revels in repressed desire and passion. Gloria Holden who plays the sultry Countess Marya Zaleska, in this slow, yet moving classical horror drama, believes that by destroying Dracula’s body, she will be free of her father’s blood-thirsty ways and be able to live normally. But will she succeed and be freed from the urge of feasting on human blood? Watch it to find out.

Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

This is the sequel to the 1931 classic Frankenstein. The plot follows a chastened Henry Frankenstein as he attempts to abandon his plans to create life, only to be tempted by his old mentor Dr Pretorius, and coerced by threats from the Monster, into constructing a mate for the Monster. The film, starring gay/bisexual actors Colin Clive (as the good doctor) and Ernest Thesiger (playing Dr Pretorius), revels in high-camp humor. A must-watch classic for Frankenstein fans.

Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge (1985)

The second part of Nightmare on Elm Street has become a cult classic since it came out in 1985. The film follows Jesse, a teenager who begins having recurring nightmares about Freddy Krueger after moving into the former home of Nancy Thompson from the first film. Described by many as “the gayest slasher film ever made”, Freddy’s Revenge is a must-watch for anyone with an interest in queer themes in film. Although it doesn’t have any outright queer characters, the script was "intentionally queer", claimed director David Chaskin. You can’t help but notice the sexual tension between lead character Jesse – starring openly gay actor Mark Patton – and fellow student Ron (played by Robert Rusler).

If you missed out on yesterday’s gory gay slasher horror list, check them out here. And don’t forget to tune in tomorrow for our list of dark and mysterious nail-biting LGBTQ+ must-watch Halloween thrillers.