10 “Cabin in the Woods” Movies You Should See
Campy Horror movies were a mainstay in the 1980’s and haven’t had many attempts to recreate that magic since then. That was until Finn Wolfhard and Billy Byrd’s new entry brought the same type of energy as something that could reignite the genre. Here is a list of 10 movies you should check out if you love the genre:
10. Hell of a Summer (2025)
I watched Hell of a summer last night and it motivated me to make this list. Comedic horror movies tend to be tricky considering the opposing natures of the two genres but this one has a lot of charm and comfortability to it despite the bloody nature. There isn’t an overload on gore or sex that we have come to known within these movies which makes for a chill, character-focused time. I believe the movie will be around for decades as a sleeper hit because of that. It doesn't try to push any agenda and just wants a classic time with a masked killer at a camp and likable cast.
9. Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985)
Friday the 13th has popped out about as many movies as Halloween at this point making it hard to pick just one. The original is a classic, so I thought it would be a good time to spotlight the overhshadowed 1985 version. the movie move fasts, givesus great kills, and movies at a fast pace so it doesn’t overstay its welcome. It’s just what you want from a Jason movie including a great twist.
8. Hush (2016)
The premise of Hush is really simple. There is a deaf girl living in the woods alone with a killer outside trying to off her. While nothing special, they find clever ways to provide scares through her condition that Hush stand out. I don’t see anyone trying to recreate someone like this, meaning its originality will stay fresh for a time to be.
7. Sleepaway Camp (1983)
Sleepaway Camp is timeless. What appeared to be a run of the mill “killer on the loose” at camp movie becomes a cult classic with its insane fucking ending. I’m not a monster so I won’t explain it but it’s so off the rails that the movie is hard to forget - in a good way. Its sequels don’t come close to matching it but that doesn’t take away from the wild moments throughout the film that reward you for rewatching.
6. Tucker and Dale vs Evil (2010)
Tucker and Dale vs Evil should have never worked out. Two hillbillies getting caught up in a murder as suspects with a small budget and almost unknown cast doesn’t exactly scream money. However, tucker and Dale’s buddy movie is surprisingly sweet, bizarre, and just hilarious. It also respects the genre while also making fun of it as most of these type of movies should given the absurdity.
5. Get Out (2017)
Get Out has been praised and analyzed to the point of death so I won't go into much detail here. On most lists this would be #1, but it’s not really fitting in the genre due to its psychological aspects and house that is not so cabin-like. I am still counting it, as it’s a horror with a house in the woods so sue me alright. It’s an Oscar-nominated masterpiece and if you are one of the people who haven’t seen Get Out then get on it.
4. Evil Dead (1987)
Of all of the movies on this ranking, none of them reach the level of camp quite like the Evil Dead franchise. It’s hard to pick just one of them as the whole trilogy is fantastic. going with the original felt like the safe play so you could really get the idea of what the franchise is. And well, it’s a bloody mess but a good one? the gore is extremely excessive but in a cheesy way that makes you geek thanks to the voice performances of the Deadites. A good franchise also needs a great lead, and Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell) is a charismatic badass to root for throughout.
3. Cabin Fever (2002)
CABIN FEVER BABY. My personal guilty pleasure from this list I recommend to everyone. the reason being is that this is the most well-rounded of all of them. The dialogue is hysterical yet unique. The characters are flawed, relatable, and entertaining. Its tone switches are bonkers and effective. then, there’s the actual horror aspect of flesh-eating bacteria giving us some of the best shots in the horror community. Just an absolutely underrated classic with a little of everything.
2. Fear Street (1978)
Speaking of underrated, the Fear street trilogy was critically acclaimed at its release and for good reason. They have some of the most inventive kills in slasher-horror (I’m looking at you bread slicer) and a mythology that is genuinely engaging. while the first one is superior, its technical prequel taking place at a camp should get some more attention. Sadie Sink gets to shine here as our lead going through an axe-murdering spree of the fellow counselors with some clever twists along the way. It’s similar to Hell of a Summer but with an emphasis on other elements that aren’t comedy which works out perfectly here.
Cabin in the Woods (2011)
Right on top is the of course, everyone’s favorite clever, twisty, and subtly funny 2011 classic. The titular named Cabin in the Woods movie satires everything that came before it, with the five high school students all being a stereoptypical Hollywood archetype. This is is done purposefully, of course, but manages to subvert expectations with its idea that the whole trip is set up as some sort of sacrifice to save the world. Yes, that idea is bonkers but hey it works and it’s so different than anything else. An awesome, charismatic cast takes the ball and rolls with it all the way to its bittersweet ending. It’s the quintessential cabin in the woods movie without a doubt. Let me know what you think!
