It Takes A Real Horror Buff To Ace This Quiz Based On One Screenshot
- by Danielle Lasher
- – on
- in Movies and TV
Because of the important psychological and social themes that this genre explores, it has been a film subject since the very beginning. The popularity of this genre in movies has waxed and waned over the years but has enjoyed a meteoric rise in popularity in the last two decades, especially at the box offices. Industry watchers and sociologists argue that the themes in this area and related slasher and thriller films speak to viewers on a visceral level, while changing with the times to reflect a culture's hopes and taboos.
Other evolution's in the genre's process have explored deep-seated psychological elements, a continued fascination with the supernatural and the tantalizing temptation of unexplained harm. Because of the proliferation of these films replete with nuance and often paired with startling humor or thought-provoking twists, fans of the genre and slasher films have a steady supply of well-crafted work pouring in from around the world. In fact, fans might think they know all there is to know about the genre, but it takes a real buff to ace this quiz based on one screenshot.
What movie adapted from a book follows a group of children who encounter an ancient being in their small town?
A wide variety of actors—including Hugo Weaving and Tilda Swinton—were considered for the title role of this movie. After languishing in production for years, the movie got a new director and a few script changes. Even though the book the movie is based on details events that occurred in the late 1950s, this newest movie adaptation begins the harrowing journey with the bad main character in the late 1980s. What movie adapted from a book follows a group of children who encounter an ancient being in their small town?
What movie pits bad monsters that emerge from a fog to wreak havoc against the psyches of the people trapped in a store?
A color version of this movie hit the box offices in 2007, but the director preferred the black and white version released in 2008 on Blu-Ray. It offers alarming and disturbing monsters, but it really explores how people react to their situation under extreme duress. The end of the movie may be the most startling part: the monsters might be contained, but only after beyond belief atrocities have been committed. What movie pits bad monsters that emerge from a fog to wreak havoc against the psyches of the people trapped in a store?
Which movie promised that those who saw it only had seven days left?
The version of this movie that was screened in the US upset hardcore fans of the original, which was released three years prior in Japan. While today's children might watch it with bemusement at the quaint technology featured in it, the suspense-filled movie managed to scare without drenching viewers in gore. The end of this remake gives viewers little hope and is left open-ended. Two later sequels didn't succeed to recapture the prolonged dread that characterized the first. Which movie promised that those who saw it only had seven days left?
What directorial debut of Bill Paxton revealed to viewers the bad finality of serving an avenging deity?
The twists and turns of this psychological thriller led to critical acclaim, even though it performed modestly at the box office. Two children are subjected to the visions of a father who feels he has been charged with dealing out bad punishment to those who have escaped justice. One of the grown children describes to a law enforcement agent the way they were all drawn into the avenging visions of the father. What directorial debut of Bill Paxton revealed to viewers the bad finality of serving an avenging deity?
What movie follows the strange but beautiful love that springs up between an ancient vampire and a bitter outsider?
The Swedish version of this film was released in 2008 to rave reviews and went on to win dozens of awards internationally. The movie is a visually stunning work of art that somehow blends a coming-of-age story and a love story with pure, unflinching gore. Oskar is a bullied 12-year-old boy who meets the androgynous Eli, who appears young but has in fact lived for centuries. What acclaimed romantic movie follows the strange but beautiful love that springs up between an ancient vampire and a bitter outsider?
What film starred Kelly Reilly and Michael Fassbender and Jack O'Connell as the dangerous leader of the gang?
This particular film out of Britain sparked a lot of debate, with some critics praising its original direction and others angrily denouncing what they saw as class bias. A gang of thuggish teens are led by a truly psychopathic teen named Brett, and what begins as intense pestering quickly descends into something much more serious as a character named Jenny attempts to free her boyfriend and escape with their lives. What 2008 release from Britain starred Kelly Reilly and Michael Fassbender and Jack O'Connell as the dangerous leader of the gang?
What five-part film anthology begins with The Way Out and ends with The Way In?
The most uncomfortable thing about this five-part anthology is that none of the short films feel complete, despite the fact that they all link together. Each short film contributes to the whole, but even with clues sprinkled throughout the collection, viewers never really find out exactly who the floating creatures are or whether most of the characters ever escape both their in pain and the pain they cause others. Only one seems to be allowed to leave the strange place. What five-part film anthology begins with The Way Out and ends with The Way In?
Which movie featured the attackers wearing animal masks to disguise themselves as they took out the Davison family one by one?
One by one, the cast of this movie go down in the most bad of ways, with only one left standing at the end. Although garrotes, screwdrivers and traps ensure a gory end for nearly everyone, the movie has gained a steadfast following for its hilarious dialogue. Some critics panned the slasher comedy as copy-cat, but fans appreciated the determination and ruthlessness of the survivalist-trained female lead. Which movie featured the attackers wearing animal masks to disguise themselves as they took out the Davison family one by one?
What film follows a child-like creature in orange footie pajamas with a burlap sack over his head?
Although this four-part anthology came out in 2007 and a sequel was talked about in 2009, no follow-up film has yet been finished. A mysterious costumed creature appears to be watching some of the people in a town on Halloween night, and when he observes them breaking the rules, punishment swiftly follows. An animated short titled Season's Greetings was included on the DVD. What film follows a child-like creature in orange footie pajamas with a burlap sack over his head as he watches the Halloween proceedings and punishes holiday transgressions?
What Korean take on the vampire film was loosely based on a story by Émile Zola?
While the arc of the vampire story of this movie might be somewhat predictable as the characters tussle with the morality of their actions and desires, the addition of a tense love triangle adds another layer to the intensity of the characters. When the male character finds he can no longer live with his actions, he concocts a plan to end everything not just for him, but also for the woman he has loved so deeply. What Korea-based take on the vampire film was loosely based on a story by Émile Zola?
Which movie features a bad entity transmitted between couples?
A great limited release of this film led to a warm reception in wide release. Ample amounts of adult situations intertwine with the pervasive anxiety that no matter what they do, the characters can't escape their eventual fates. Some critics argued that the film highlights personal agency, especially in the main character, Jay. The film ends with Jay and her new boyfriend unaware they are still being pursued. Which movie was written and directed by David Robert Mitchell and features an bad entity transmitted between couples?
What film featured a surfer and her friend Steven Seagull in their attempt to outwit a dangerous predator?
A day at the beach becomes a struggle to outlive and outsmart not just a powerful, angry creature but also a young woman's own personal and unresolved issues. A less-is-more approach was taken as far as gore goes, and the film far outdid the expectations of the film studio. Unlike many other horror and thriller films, this one ended well both for the main character and for the intrepid seagull she befriended. What film featured a surfer and her friend Steven Seagull in their attempt to outwit a dangerous predator?
Which film directed by Anne Biller was filmed on 35mm?
Strong feminist tones and rich colors add a level of depth to this film that explores the concern that women can inspire in men who don't understand women. A woman with supernatural powers looks for love in all the wrong places and people. When she realizes a man isn't going to work out, she casts him aside and eventually is caught. Feminist director Anna Biller intended for the film to have a 1960s Technicolor look with a heavily stylized set. Which film directed by Anne Biller was filmed on 35mm?
What film shows a virus being transmitted through commonly used words in a specific language?
Zombie films certainly aren't a unique genre at this point, but a much different take on the transmission of illness occurs in a film set in Ontario and based on a book by Tony Burgess. A small town is placed under quarantine when it's discovered that townspeople are quickly becoming infected; many are attacking each other or even themselves. The director of this film claims that the infected people aren't zombies but conversationalists. What film shows a virus being transmitted through commonly used words in a specific language?
Which film follows a group of people traveling by train fleeing the infectious zombies?
A father and daughter take the most nerve-wracking and anxiety-riddled train trip of their lives, yet somehow in the midst of the chaos and tragedy find the connection they've been missing between them in this film. Although never released in theaters in the US, this zombie flick enjoyed incredible success in many countries in Asia. Selfishness, anxiety, love and sacrifice in the characters make this film a moving and deeply affecting entry in the genre. Which film follows a group of people traveling by train fleeing the infectious zombies?
What film by award-winning Alejandro Amenábar was partially based on The Turn of the Screw?
After this movie has introduced viewers to the weary house that a woman and her two children have moved into, it slowly fleshes out the story of who the woman and children are and then turns it all on its head at the end. Who's alive and who's a ghost isn't clear as memory shifts and odd occurrences make it apparent that something is terribly wrong that hasn't been allowed to come to light. What film by award-winning Alejandro Amenábar was partially based on The Turn of the Screw?
Which movie features a couple who are looking into the Enfield council house poltergeist?
Even before the first movie in the series was released in theaters, a second movie was already going into production. Critics noted that it didn't pack the same punch that the first installment did but were happy with the results nonetheless; they felt that the movie still delivered plenty of alarming paranormal activity and spooky possessions. The sequel was certainly a commercial success, raking in hundreds of millions of dollars worldwide. Which movie features a couple who are paranormal investigators looking into the Enfield council house poltergeist?
What movie follows the attempt of a reporter to escape the infected residents of an apartment complex?
A TV-style approach and the found-footage style greatly heighten the anxiety and concern that builds throughout this film, rather than detracting from it. What begins as a TV reporter's standard installment in a documentary series turns into a nightmarish attempt to escape from an apartment complex that is rapidly being taken over by the ravenous infected. What movie our of Spain became the first in a series and follows the attempt of a reporter to escape the infected residents of an apartment complex?
What film follows a babysitter on the night of an eclipse who becomes the focus of witchcraft?
In a blatant homage to the 1980s slasher style, this movie was actually released in 2009. Combining witchcraft and even some slasher themes, the film manages to fondly remember the style common in this genre of movies of previous decades without falling back on camp. A babysitting job goes very badly for a college student played by Jocelin Donahue as she finds herself caught inextricably in the plans of others. What movie shot on 16mm film follows a babysitter on the night of an eclipse who becomes the focus of witchcraft?
Which film was less about the aliens' reasons for attacking and more about how a gang of roughs figures out how to defend themselves?
Part alien invasion, part thriller and part social commentary, this low-budget film from Britain explores how an all-encompassing invasion can prompt regular people who don't normally make great decisions to figure out what's actually important. John Boyega stars in this film before his much more famous role that came later, and Jodie Whittaker's character joins the gang that initially mugged her. Which directorial debut from Britain was less about the aliens' reasons for attacking and more about how a gang of roughs figures out how to defend themselves and their families?
What zombie film follows Melanie, who is subjected to experimentation as scientists search for a cure?
Although buffs of this genre might complain about yet another zombie movie, this offering out of Britain was embraced by critics and did very well upon its release in the UK. The screenplay and book were written at the same time and explore the lives and future of the children who are born to those initially infected with a fungus that causes zombie-like hunger for flesh. The children of the infected have the same hunger but retain their ability to think and reason. What zombie film from Britain follows the character Melanie, who is subjected to experimentation as scientists search for a cure?
What film about alien slug-like parasites both earned praise from some and turned off others with its gory body count and cheesy camp humor?
Audiences initially disliked this movie, although since its release it has gained quite a fandom who initially fought with fans of a 1986 movie that it bore a resemblance to called Night of the Creeps. An alien parasite lands near a small southern town and infects a man who is being unfaithful to his wife in the woods near town. After he's infected, he infects as many others as he can before a few townspeople can rally to try to stop him. What film about alien slug-like parasites both earned praise from some and turned off others with its gory body count and cheesy camp humor?
Which film featured six women who struggle to survive the hungry creatures who hunt them during their spelunking trip?
Sporting a rare all-female cast, this movie chronicles what happens to a group of women who go spelunking in the Appalachians and encounter both dangerous predators and the fallout from one character's deception. Despite the story line being set in South Carolina, this was a release out of Britain filmed entirely in the UK. The production of this film was moved ahead to beat another film with some similarities to the box office. Which film featured six women who struggle to survive the hungry creatures who hunt them during their spelunking trip?
Which movie follows a group of people who all show up to a dinner party but find themselves fighting to escape?
What at first appears to be a social dinner party full of the well-adjusted slowly descends into madness and mayhem fueled by unresolved grief and blind trust in the civilized behavior of others. The movie's slow buildup of tension as layers are revealed pleased critics. It never appeared in wide release—despite its distinctly LA feel—but screened at several festivals, including South by Southwest. Which movie directed by Karyn Kusama follows a group of people who all show up to a dinner party but find themselves fighting to escape?
What psychological thriller excited audiences by alternating between hope and despair?
In part based on the Moorhouse crimes that took place in Perth in the 1980s, this Aussie movie went into limited release despite praise from critics. A teenager is conned into getting into a car with a nice-looking couple who hold her at their home and torment her until she is nearly down psychologically. She tries to appeal to the wife, but she is too deeply in love with her husband to help. What psychological thriller from Australia was released in 2017 and titillated audiences by alternating between hope and despair?
Which film chronicles the love story of the vampire Abby and the outcast Owen?
Filmmakers wanting to make an English-language remake of a film from Sweden kept nearly all of the plot intact, although they changed the location and the names of the characters. An outcast boy meets a strange and enigmatic girl who encourages him and protects him when he is bullied, but the truth of what she is and how she must feed to survive means she eventually must leave. Which film was adapted from the version from Sweden and chronicles the love story of the vampire Abby and the outcast Owen?
Which film reveals the sinister truth about what happened to the orphans she grew up with and her own son?
This movie out of Spain is both incredibly alarming and beyond belief sad. A woman returns to a home for children with her husband and adopted son with the intention of renovating the building, until her son begins to talk about his new mysterious friend. Tragedy strikes when her son goes missing and a social worker seems to be involved. When the woman discovers the truth about what happened both to the children and to her son, she is taken over. Which film from Spain reveals the sinister truth about what happened to the orphans she grew up with and her own son?
Which movie is based on the Warren's investigation into the spirit of a witch from the 1860s?
This first-in-a-series movie based on the investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren was wildly successful. An bad spirit inhabits a home and bothers a couple and their five daughters in the early 1970s. A couple who have built a reputation for themselves for being able to exorcise restless and bad spirits is called in to attempt to help the family before it's too late. Which movie based on the Warren's investigation into the spirit of a witch from the 1860s far exceeded box office expectations?
What movie sent three students armed with a handheld camera into the woods to look for a witch?
For many in the US, this movie put “found footage” on their map. Three students set out into the woods with a camera and supplies to look for evidence of a legendary witch. The longer they are in the woods, the creepier it gets and the more lost and scared they become. Much of the dialogue in this film was improvised, adding to the realistic feel the filmmakers were going for, as they felt that real documentaries could be far scarier than tightly constructed films. What movie sent three students armed with a handheld camera into the woods to look for a witch?
What movie by Guillermo del Toro was a collaboration between Mexico and Spain?
A child named Carlos approaches an orphanage one day towards the end of a battle in his nation and he begs to be taken in. He becomes friends with another child but soon begins to see mysterious things and hears stories about a child who has disappeared. The movie is especially sad as it’s viewed through the eyes of Carlos, who doesn't always understand what is happening. What movie by Guillermo del Toro was a collaboration between Mexico and Spain?
What surprising 2016 hit followed three thieves attempting to escape the clutches of a blind man?
Three people who make a living breaking into houses hear about a blind man who is said to have a small fortune socked away in his home, so they make plans to break in to steal it. Unfortunately for them, his hearing is sharp enough to make up for his lack of sight, and the three would-be thieves struggle to get out with their lives. The film was written, produced and directed by Fede Álvarez. What surprising 2016 hit followed three thieves attempting to escape the clutches of a blind man?
What found-footage film follows the interplay between a man who is unstable and a man who is too trusting?
People who watch this film will likely think twice about the next time they answer an online ad for a service. In the film, a videographer agrees to follow and film a man for the day, despite seeing plenty of signs that something is deeply wrong. Finally, he's had enough warnings and he backs out of the project, but it's too late—they've already shared too much with each other. What found-footage film follows the interplay between a man who is unstable and a man who is too trusting?
What movie chronicles the attempts of two families to coexist in a post-apocalyptic world by hiding in a cabin in the woods?
A family has hidden themselves deep in the woods in a labyrinthine cabin when the outside world is falling apart due to an infectious disease. The woman's father is sickened and passes, and soon after, a man appears at the door begging for help. The family decides to take his family in, but distrust and dishonesty cause deep divisions between the survivalists and lead to their downfall. What movie chronicles the attempts of two families to coexist in a post-apocalyptic world by hiding in a cabin in the woods?
Which slasher film followed four friends trying to fend off a threat who knows about the car accident they swore they'd never talk about?
Credited with bringing back the slasher film in a big way, this iconic movie was a huge success. Four friends leaving a party hit a pedestrian in a fatal accident but decide to just get rid of the body and never talk about it again. A year later, they find out that someone knows and isn't going to let them move on without paying. Which slasher film released in 1997 followed four friends trying to fend off a threat who knows about the car accident they swore they'd never talk about?
What movie chronicles the journey of four survivors attempting to find a zombie-free zone called Pacific Playland?
From the beginning of the movie where a date goes hilariously wrong for college student Columbus to his traveling companion's obsession with finding Twinkies and the two con-artist sisters they join up with, this gory zombie movie straddles the line between comedic gold and slasher gore. An extended cameo by Bill Murray works perfectly in the midst of the story, and somehow—in spite of the violence—the protagonists find they've become family. What movie chronicles the journey of four survivors attempting to find a zombie-free zone called Pacific Playland?
What film featured Drew Barrymore answering the phone to hear that well-known creepy question?
Featuring a cast of the Who's Who of the late 1990s, this film broke the rules of the traditional genre and slasher movie by freely poking fun at itself and the genres it fit while still bringing plenty of goriness to the screen. The film begins with a creepy phone call that results in the untimely demise of one after another of the movie's characters. What 1996 movie featured Drew Barrymore in the opening scene as Casey Becker, who answers the phone to hear that well-known creepy question?
What monster film out of South Korea did some of the filming in real sewers near the Han river?
After hundreds of bottles of formaldehyde are dumped into a river by an unscrupulous US pathologist, a large creature begins to menace the people who live near the river. A man's daughter is swallowed but later regurgitated alive in the sewers, where she hides. Other people are taken in the same way as the creature seeks to harm everyone. The father won't stop looking for his daughter to rescue her, despite interference from the government. What monster film our of South Korea did some of the filming in real sewers near the Han river?
What film horrified even diehard fans when it followed what happened to two sisters who discovered a craving for raw flesh?
Not just a visually surprising and graphic film, this movie is filled with disturbing symbolism and was so gory it was controversial. Justine follows her sister to veterinary school, where she tries meat for the first time. It sets off a rattling chain of events and uncontrollable urges that result in an irrevocable act and the revelation of a truth that goes back to her own parents. What film out of France spooked even diehard fans when it followed what happened to two sisters who discovered a craving for raw flesh?
What is the colorful name of the film that follows the Ain't Rights as they try to report the fatal crime they've seen?
A punk band called the Ain't Rights ends up at the wrong pub and witness a crime they come to wish they'd never seen in this film that follows their attempt to find a way out. The pub owner sends his employees and followers to try to silence the band members, who fight back with whatever devices they can find at hand. What is the colorful name of the film that follows the Ain't Rights as they try to report the fatal crime they've seen?
What film shows a girl who enjoys collecting and hurting her victims with the help of Daddy?
A teen boy can hardly live with his guilt after he's driving in an accident that fatally claims his father. Nevertheless, he's got a girlfriend who he takes to a dance after turning down another girl. The rejected girl exacts her revenge and—with the help of her father—attempts to trap and subdue the teen boy as she has done several times before to others. What film from Australia shows a girl who enjoys collecting and hurting her victims with the help of Daddy?
What 2008 film features Dollface, Pin-Up Girl and Man In Mask on the attack?
The young couple in a secluded home far from civilization is an often-used spooky film trope, but what sets this particular movie apart is the seeming randomness of the violence that ensues. No one appears to have done anything to deserve it and the perpetrators offer no reason for what they do. Once they've done the bad acts they came to do, they take off, presumably to seek out the next target. What 2008 film features Dollface, Pin-Up Girl and Man In Mask on the attack?
What film gave the Internet Nicholas Cage getting stung by bees in a neo-pagan rite?
Most of the time, when a film has a humorous vein, it's intentional—not so with this remake of a classic. An out-of-control budget, a bad yet hilarious performance from Nicolas Cage and a less-than-stellar rewrite have made this film a definite cult classic and Internet meme mine. A man is drawn back to his ex to search for his daughter but ends up in a trap he incredibly never saw coming. What film gave the Internet Nicholas Cage getting stung by bees in a neo-pagan rite?
What film is named after the girlfriend of Cage's character, Red?
In September of 2018, this wild and fantastical trip of a film was released. There isn't much the movie doesn't have: people-eating biker gangs, dark cult members, mind-altering illicit substances and plenty of revenge. A cult leader takes a liking to the title character and takes her against her will, but after she mocks him he ends her life in front of her boyfriend, played by Nicolas Cage. What film is named after the girlfriend of Cage's character, Red, and was positively received by critics and Cage fans alike?
What movie decides in the end that humankind is not worth performing the ritual at this house in the forest?
Five college students head to a very strange looking house in a forest and find themselves acting strangely while they are simultaneously beset with monsters. They find out that they are being controlled by technicians who beg the students to allow events to progress a certain way or there will be grave consequences, as every other ritual similar to theirs has not worked. What movie decides in the end that humankind is not worth performing the ritual at this house in the forest?
Which movie featured John Goodman as a would-be savior who plans to outlast the threat in an underground bunker?
Much of this movie plays on the suspense that makes viewers wonder—along with a few of the characters—whether the threat is from outside or right there with them all along. This film wasn't released as a sequel but bore a tangential relationship to an earlier Sci-Fi thriller. By the end of the movie, we've discovered the threat isn't what we thought, but neither is it safe to stay inside. Which movie featured John Goodman as a would-be savior who plans to outlast the threat in an underground bunker?
In which movie is only one left standing, as she follows Black Phillip to join those who accept her into their coven?
The lack of jump scares and quick cuts in this movie may have initially disappointed many moviegoers, but critics appreciated the spot-on period costumes and the natural lighting showing the menace in the movie in the way an isolated family would have seen it centuries ago. Critics appreciated the exploration of religious fervor, familial lies and the inevitable destruction that occurs when family members turn on each other. In which movie is only one left standing, as she follows Black Phillip to join those who accept her into their coven?
What movie—panned by audiences—featured Toni Collette as the character Annie?
A standout performance by one actress in particular so impressed critics that many felt it was her best role yet, though audiences didn't seem to appreciate the film in the same way. A family implodes as secrets come to light that break down the main character in body and spirit. What appears to be a simple rift between a mother and her daughter evolves into a supernatural nightmare that only ends when madness has taken the main character. What movie—panned by audiences—featured Toni Collette as the character Annie?
Which film was based on the short film Monster, and features the birthing of an iconic supernatural villain?
Although it's likely that most people never saw the film in theaters due to its limited release both in its country of origin and in the US, critics loved this movie that somehow interwove this genre with a human and loving relationship. A mother and son are plagued by her gut-wrenching memories and his preoccupation with an obsessive monster who grows stronger the more fervently he's denied. Which film from Australia was based on the short film Monster and features an excellent performance by Essie Davis, eventually birthing an iconic supernatural villain?
Which movie featured blind but nearly-indestructible creatures drawn to their victims by sound?
Some movies focus the viewers' dread and foreboding through the manipulation of sound or the absence of it. While the post-apocalyptic aspect wasn't new, the way in which the family featured in this movie must live their day-to-day life adds a tortuous suspense that drew people in and made this an incredibly popular release in 2018. Setting the movie in the near-future gave it a realism that added to the suspense. Which movie featured blind but nearly-indestructible creatures drawn to their victims by sound?
The main character escapes with his life only after neutralizing a family of brain-swapping wealthy people?
Social commentary and incredibly alarming themes intertwine in a movie that was enthusiastically embraced by both critics and moviegoers. The comedic background of the director is evident even as he precisely times the reveal of clue after clue as to the true roles of the key characters. Even the soundtrack is arranged to communicate to the audience what the main character discovers almost too late. The main character escapes with his life only after neutralizing a family of brain-swapping wealthy people in which award-winning 2017 movie?