Midnite Movie Mamacita Shares Her Top 5 Horror Films of All Time

As part of our celebration of all things horror in the month of October, we’re having some of our favorite filmmakers, writers, bloggers, and so on write guest blogs for us all month talking about their favorite things in the world of horror and/or Halloween.



Today’s entry comes from Andrea Beesley, better known to those of us in the Valley as the Midnite Movie Mamacita. For years now Andrea has been bringing Phoenix the best in genre films so we figure there’s no one better to share their top five horror films of all time than her. Check out her fantastic list below!


Black Christmas (1974)

A sorority house, an alcoholic House Mom, obscene prank calls and lots of snow…it’s Black Christmas.  With a stellar cast lead by the divine Olivia Hussey it’s a 70s slasher loaded with plenty of creepy POV shots and atmosphere.  Directed by Bob Clark (Porky’s, A Christmas Story) it is one of my favorite Horror films because the hair on my back still stands up every time I watch it.  A really underrated and chilling film, it will give you goose bumps!

Pieces (1982)

Set on a college campus where a chainsaw wielding maniac is hacking up beautiful co-eds.  It was a Spanish attempt at cashing in on the TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE craze and stars the awesome B-Movie couple of Christopher George & Lynda Day George.  It features a random kung-fu attack and plenty of boobs and blood (Including a pretty epic water bed death).

The Hills Have Eyes Part II (1984)

It follows a bunch of motor-cross kids as they head out to a rally only to take a wrong turn in the desert.  Shenanigans and desert hackings a-plenty arise amongst a cast of really likeable characters including a blind heroin/final female.  Outrageously complicated death traps (reminiscent of MacGyver) make it a really fun treat!

The Beyond (1981)

Filmed on location in New Orleans so it has some amazing locations and stunning cinematography, it's a true classic directed by Horror Film icon Lucio Fulci.  Featuring a haunting score by Fabio Frizzi and some of the most iconic images of modern horror films, Jill the zombie girl (who is shot in the face) and the conclusion of the film where the characters reach THE BEYOND is like a haunting painting that is forever immortalized in your memory.

April Fool’s Day (1986)

Another great 80s ensemble cast is featured in this fun romp in the mysterious and remote home of Buffy, who invites an eclectic group of college friends to visit her.  They are each killed off in unique ways while becoming more suspicious of each other.  Awesome 80s fashion and nostalgia make this a favorite for viewing anytime of the year (not just on April 1st).

-Andrea Beesley