Reflecting back on a year of extremes and hardships, it’s only right we kick off the New Year with our list of the best top 5 indie horror films from 2020. While theatres, films, and productions all took a major hit in the pocket due to the virus, online streaming was at an all-time high. Aside from the immense tragedy and heartbreak, we’ve been dealt, our beloved genre not only emerged in support of its community, but it refused to go silently into the night.
As we searched for solace and entertainment to satiate our needs during the pandemic, horror fans had the extreme privilege of viewing some truly terrifying and ridiculously hilarious films. From killer animals and slashers, to cryptids, monsters, and the supernatural, we had it all. So, without further ado, here are the Monster’s top 5 indie horror picks of the year.
Special Mention – Psycho Ape!
Psycho Ape! is an insane comedy horror film, written by Stephen Albers, Greg Delisso, and Addison Binek, and directed by Addison Binek. It stars Kansas Bowling, Bill Weeden, and Stephen Albers. Nothing is safe when an escaped ape goes bananas and begins murdering people while looking for love.
This is one of those rare films that knows exactly what it is and doesn’t hold back. I laughed so hard I almost shat my pants. Wait, shitted? It’s a pop culture handbook and one of the best independent comedies in years. Pure cult classic gold. A psychotically good time.
5. Spirit Animal
Spirit Animal is a killer comedy slasher film, written by Joseph Russio and Madeline Deerin, and directed by Madeline Deering. It stars Jennifer Louise, Keith Monahan, Tim Gross, Adam Klein, Brandon Kaczor-Spawn, Svetlana Kotov, Brandon Lachmayer, Andy Stuchell, Jerry Pietrala, Joseph Russio, and Madeline Deering. A killer who can embody the persona of every spirit animal, dispatches a group of campers one by one on New Years.
This film is hilarious, original, and one gory good time. A true slasher classic. Pure independent horror. The definition of indie filmmaking. One of the year’s best. It’s bloody, inventive and Grossly entertaining. The perfect New Years party film.
4. Bloodsucker’s Planet
Bloodsucker’s Planet is a ‘60s retro sci-fi horror prequel, written and directed by Mark Beal. It stars Cory W. Ahre, Jessica Bell, Adrienne Dobson, Joe Grisaffi, Jeremy Herrera, Israel Koite, Allen Menefee, Leni Mex, and Charles Pitman. The crew of the space ship Argosy get more than they bargained for when they respond to a distress call from the Planet Mara.
This film is a hilarious and hip throwback to the madcap sci-fi pictures of the ‘50s and ‘60s. It’s bizarre, witty, and one hell of a wacky ride. An instant genre classic. It’s fun, unique, and eccentric. There’s vampire bats, a space cockroach, and a gynoid. What more could you ask for?
3. The Mothman Legacy
The Mothman Legacy is a chilling smash hit docuhorror by Seth Breedlove and Small Town Monsters. It’s written and directed by Seth Breedlove and narrated by Lyle Blackburn. Just when you thought you knew everything there was to know about the infamous Mothman of Point Pleasant, think again.
Small Town Monsters has once again raised the bar, producing the single most comprehensive documentary on the Point Pleasant beast to date. It’s absorbing, captivating, and compelling, and should be considered as the blueprint for all things Mothman related in the future. John Keel would be proud. Another must-have masterpiece.
2. The Special
The Special is a ghastly and gruesome supernatural horror thriller, written by James Newman and Mark Steensland, and directed by B. Harrison Smith. It stars Davy Raphaely, Dave Sheridan, Sarah French, Doug Henderson, Susan Moses, and Paul Cottman. A man’s life begins to spiral out of control when he suspects his wife of cheating.
This film is sick, twisted, and immoral. It’s vile, repulsive, and absolutely revolting. This is what horror is all about. Trust me, you do not want to see what’s in that box. You’ll be hard pressed to sleep afterwards. It’s like feeding gas to nightmare fuel. One of the most f**ked up films I’ve ever seen.
1. Nightmare Symphony: A Peacock’s Tale
Nightmare Symphony is a fantastic Italian horror reboot written by Antonio Tentori, and directed by Domiziano Cristopharo and Daniele Trani. It stars Frank LaLoggia, Antonella Salvucci, Poison Rouge, Halil Budakova, and Irene Baruffetti. Life imitates art, especially when bodies begin piling up in connection with a director’s current feature thriller, A Peacock’s Tale.
This is a fantastic psychological slasher/giallo film. It’s elegant, stylish and sadistic. Like a kiss in the dark. A must-see masterpiece. A fitting and worthy tribute to the legendary godfather of gore. On par with the likes of Argento, Fulci, and Bava.
Donovan Smith, aka Monster Dugan is a writer, author, producer and mixed martial artist, who currently resides in Chandler, Arizona. A born and raised child of horror, Donovan is a cinephile and bibliophile, with knowledge of all things John Carpenter. Donovan is a reviewer and interviewer known for his extensive coverage of independent media.
