Movie: “Gothika”
As you unwind this weekend, why not relax—or scare yourself silly—with a good movie. Since it’s Friday the 13th, we figured there’s no better time than today to look back at 13 of our favorite horror flicks starring Black actors. Boo!
Halle Berry stars as Dr. Miranda Grey, a criminal psychologist married to Charles Dutton’s character in this thriller. After a gruesome crime she doesn’t remember, Dr. Grey is committed to the very same hospital where she’s employed. This 2004 film is definitely a supernatural roller-coaster, with serious twists we didn’t see coming—and Halle is captivating to the very end.
Movie: “Candy Man”
We all had a fear of some ghost coming after us if you called in a mirror, and Tony Todd as Candy Man proved why in 1992. Watching the soul of a tortured slave terrorize a Chicago project is still scary, even if the special effects are kind of lame. Vanessa Williams also kicked off her career in this horror flick.
Movie: “Unborn”
Idris Elba trades sexy for scary in this 2009 supernatural flick. He plays Father Arthur Wyndham, who helps the young protagonist with an exorcism after discovering she had a twin who died. Megan Good costars in the film. Yes, it’s a cheesy movie, but both stars’ performances elevate the film.
Movie: “Scream 2”
The 1997 sequel to the suspenseful and highly successful “Scream” opens with two of our favorite actors, Jada Pinkett Smith and Omar Epps. Unfortunately (but not surprisingly) the two are one of the firsts to get the ax. Jada and Omar may not have lasted past the opening credits, but their gory deaths stayed with us throughout the film.
Movie: “Fallen”
It’s tough enough fighting crime without the spirit of a dead serial killer jumping from body to body. Leave it to Denzel Washington to play the cop who has to catch him, and he keeps our attention in this spell-bounding 1999 action flick.
Movie: “Predator”
Bill Duke is a die-hard fighter as Sergeant “Mac” Eliot in this 1987 classic. Proving he’s a true friend, he goes after the man-killing beast when his best friend is slaughtered. Too bad Mac doesn’t know three red dots equal death when the Predator’s laser lights find you.
Movie: “Constantine”
Djimon Hounsou’s coolness is just right as Papa Midnight in this film’s exploration of heaven, hell and what lies between. The 2005 action-packed thriller gives the actor a chance to spread his wings, and he definitely soars.
Movie: “Bones”
Snoop Dogg surprised us with his turn as a smooth killer back from the dead in this 2001 blaxploitation horror flick. The best treat of this predictable film is Pam Grier, who continues to defy time and age.
Movie: “Skeleton Key”
Joy Bryant is the smart friend who sees danger and runs in this 2005 scary movie. As Kate Hudson’s character digs deeper into the voodoo culture of New Orleans, Bryant enjoys the bayou culture that makes us all love Bourbon Street. However, an unexpected twist at the film’s end brings her to the center of the edge-of-your-seat drama.
Movie: “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer”
The producers of 1997’s irresistible slasher “I Know What You Did Last Summer” brought Brandy and Mekhi Phifer along for the crazy ride the following year. Brandy stars as Karla, who wins a trip to the Bahamas for her and her friends. The dream vacation soon becomes a nightmare as a hurricane washes ashore, bringing with it a past of one friend that haunts them all.
Movie: “Angel’s Heart”
Lisa Bonet shed her good-girl “Cosby Show” image in a bold way in this 1987 mystery. As Epiphany Proudfoot, she’s a 17-year-old girl who finds herself pregnant by an evil soul. Robert De Niro costars as the devilish Louis Cyphre in the film.
Movie: “The Cave”
Heartthrob Morris Chestnut takes a break from romantic comedy for a little sci-fi action in this creepy thriller. Seeing his character hang from a string when a team of explorers finds themselves stuck in a cave makes us want to quickly pull him to safety.
Movie: “Halloween: H20”
The 20th anniversary of Michael Myers’s first killing spree packs plenty of punches and a monumental debut: LL Cool J without a hat. He plays security guard Ronald ‘Ronny’ Jones, who’s trying not to become a notch on the belt of one of the most frightening serial killers of all time. Dying to know if he makes it out alive? We’ll never tell.
