So, You Like Horror? Podcast

What’s the real cost of building a family empire? This week on So, You Like Horror?, I’m going solo to explore Mike Flanagan’s The Fall of the House of Usher, the 2023 Netflix horror series inspired by Edgar Allan Poe. I break down all eight episodes, dig into the Usher family’s downfall, and unpack the Poe references and Easter eggs behind the show’s most memorable moments. From Verna’s mysterious bargain to Lenore's tragedy, we’re talking greed, power, family loyalty, and the consequences passed down to the next generation. Full-series spoilers ahead! Which episode stayed with yo...

This week on So, You Like Horror?, Maryland Phil joins me to discuss The Silence of the Lambs, Jonathan Demme’s blend of psychological horror and crime thriller. We recall Clarice Starling’s hunt for Buffalo Bill and unpack her bizarre relationship with Hannibal Lecter, the meaning behind the lambs, and the film’s themes of trauma, control, and transformation. Along the way, we talk about Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins’s performances, Catherine Martin’s fight to survive, Lecter’s escape, and that basement confrontation.

What makes Clarice such a compelling hero, and why does she find herself...

In this episode of So, You Like Horror?, I’m joined by returning co-host Midwest Scott to discuss the 2005 supernatural horror film The Exorcism of Emily Rose. Blending possession horror with courtroom drama, religious themes, and medical mystery, the film asks one central question: what really happened to Emily Rose?

We break down the movie’s most memorable moments, Jennifer Carpenter’s intense performance, Father Moore’s role in Emily’s final days, the tension between faith and science, and whether the film truly gives both sides of the story a fair chance. We also discuss the...

This week on So, You Like Horror?, I welcome back Maryland Phil and Joe KW to celebrate the 40th anniversary of James Cameron’s 1986 science-fiction horror classic, Aliens. We discuss Ellen Ripley’s return, the Colonial Marines, Newt, Bishop, Carter Burke, the introduction of the Alien Queen, and the film’s unforgettable blend of action, suspense, and body horror. We also compare Aliens with Ridley Scott’s original Alien, examine the themes of trauma, motherhood, corporate greed, and military arrogance, and ask whether the sequel should be considered horror, action, or both. Forty years later, does Aliens still rank among th...

This week on So, You Like Horror?, I'll dive into the dark, strange, and disturbing world of Netflix’s Black Mirror. Rather than breaking down every season, this solo episode looks at some of the stories that best define the series and asks the big question: Is Black Mirror actually horror?

From the obsession of “The Entire History of You” and the grief of “Be Right Back” to the public cruelty of “White Bear,” the supernatural horror of “Demon 79,” the celebrity exploitation of “Mazey Day,” and the relentless machine terror of “Metalhead,” I explore how Black Mirror uses science fiction, tech...

In this episode of So, You Like Horror?, I’m joined by my wife, Sarah, as we head back to Bon Temps for a full retrospective on HBO’s True Blood. We look back at the series’ Southern Gothic atmosphere, the vampire boom of the late 2000s, and the characters who made the show unforgettable, including Sookie Stackhouse, Bill Compton, Eric Northman, Pam, Lafayette, Tara, Jason, and Jessica.

We also talk about the show’s strongest seasons, villains like Maryann and Russell Edgington, the arrival of witches, werewolves, faeries, and werepanthers, and whether True Blood eventually became too crow...

In this solo episode of So, You Like Horror?, Jake returns to Derry one more time to discuss It: Chapter Two, Andy Muschietti’s follow-up to IT (2017) and the conclusion to the Losers’ Club story.

Twenty-seven years after their first confrontation with Pennywise, Bill, Beverly, Ben, Richie, Eddie, Mike, and Stan are adults who have built new lives away from Derry. But when Pennywise returns, Mike calls the group home and forces them to confront memories, fears, and childhood trauma they thought they had left behind.

Jake breaks down the film through its major plot poin...

In this solo episode of So, You Like Horror?, Jake returns to Derry for a closer look at Andy Muschietti’s IT (2017). Following the recent discussion of IT: Welcome to Derry, this episode explores how the film expands the town’s cycle of fear, violence, and forgotten tragedy.

Jake gives a light breakdown of the movie while examining Bill Denbrough’s grief, the formation of the Losers’ Club, and the personal fears Pennywise uses against each child. The episode also compares Bill Skarsgård’s version of Pennywise with Tim Curry’s performance from the 1990 miniseries.

The discuss...

In this bonus episode of So, You Like Horror?, Jake is joined by Maryland Phil for a wide-ranging conversation about what is happening across the horror genre in 2026. They discuss the year’s strongest films, biggest disappointments, overhyped releases, and whether 2026 is shaping up to be another memorable year for horror fans.

The conversation also turns to Evil Dead Burn and the continued evolution of one of horror’s most durable franchises. Does Evil Dead work better as horror-comedy or relentless brutality? Can the series succeed without Ash Williams? And are standalone stories the best direction for its...

In this episode of So, You Like Horror?, Jake and Sarah discuss HBO’s IT: Welcome to Derry, the prequel series that expands the terrifying world of Stephen King’s It. Set in 1962, the series takes viewers back to Derry, Maine, decades before the Losers’ Club faced Pennywise, exploring the town’s dark history, the Black Spot, the Hanlon family, Dick Hallorann, and the cycles of fear that allow evil to survive.

Jake and Sarah break down each episode of Welcome to Derry, discussing the major story beats, standout horror moments, recurring themes, and connections to Stephen King’s l...

In this solo episode of So, You Like Horror?, Jake breaks down the 2026 supernatural horror film Obsession, written and directed by Curry Barker. The film follows Bear, a lonely young man who uses the mysterious One Wish Willow to make his longtime friend Nikki fall in love with him. What begins as a romantic fantasy quickly becomes a violent nightmare filled with possession, body horror, dark comedy, and devastating consequences.

This episode includes a full spoiler-filled recap of Obsession, along with a discussion of Bear’s responsibility, Nikki’s loss of autonomy, the film’s graphic violence, and th...

For this episode of So, You Like Horror?, Jake is joined by Sarah to discuss the 2023 horror-comedy The Blackening. Directed by Tim Story and written by Tracy Oliver and Dewayne Perkins, the film follows a group of college friends whose Juneteenth weekend reunion turns deadly when they discover a disturbing board game and become targets of a masked killer.

Jake and Sarah break down the movie’s central question: if the Black character is usually the first to die in a horror movie, what happens when the entire cast is Black? They discuss the film’s mix of s...

This week on So, You Like Horror?, I welcome returning co-host Scott from Up North to discuss one of the most beloved horror anthology series of all time: Tales from the Crypt.

From its roots in the legendary EC Comics to its groundbreaking run on HBO, Tales from the Crypt helped redefine what horror television could be. We explore the history of the series, the creation of the iconic Crypt Keeper, and how the show's blend of dark humor, graphic horror, and twist endings made it a cultural phenomenon.

We also discuss some of the...

In this episode of So, You Like Horror?, we will discuss the 1995 cult horror film Tales from the Crypt Presents: Demon Knight. Bringing the twisted humor of HBO’s Tales from the Crypt to the big screen, Demon Knight follows Brayker, a mysterious drifter protecting an ancient key from a smooth-talking demon known as The Collector.

We break down the film’s mix of religious horror, practical effects, dark comedy, monster-movie chaos, and mid-’90s horror energy. We also discuss Billy Zane’s unforgettable villain performance, Jada Pinkett Smith’s role as Jeryline, the film’s themes of temptatio...

In this episode of So, You Like Horror?, we take a family-friendly trip back to 1969 to revisit the classic animated series Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! Joined by my wife, Sarah Beth, and our daughter Sophie, we explore how Scooby-Doo became one of the most iconic gateway horror shows of all time.

Before many of us discovered slashers, haunted houses, possession films, and darker supernatural stories, Scooby-Doo introduced us to ghosts, monsters, creepy mansions, foggy docks, abandoned amusement parks, secret passages, and masked villains. The show mixed comedy, mystery, suspense, and spooky atmosphere in a way that made...

In this episode of So, You Like Horror?, Sarah Beth and I break down the 1995 psychological horror-thriller Se7en, a film that redefined what horror can look like without ever relying on the supernatural.

Directed by David Fincher, Se7en follows Detectives Somerset and Mills as they track a methodical serial killer whose crimes are inspired by the seven deadly sins. But this isn’t just a murder mystery; it’s a deep dive into morality, control, and the uncomfortable truths about human nature.

We go act by act through the film, unpacking each sin: Glut...

The Twilight Zone, from 1959, remains one of the most influential anthology series in horror history, blending psychological tension, science fiction, and social commentary into unforgettable standalone stories. In this episode of So, You Like Horror?, I'll break down how the series uses fear not through monsters, but through human behavior, perception, and moral consequence.

Through iconic episodes like The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street, The Shelter, Eye of the Beholder, and Nightmare at 20,000 Feet, this episode explores core themes including paranoia, identity, isolation, and the fragility of reality. From Cold War anxiety to timeless questions about...

In this episode of So, You Like Horror?, we break down The Conjuring (2013), the film that helped redefine modern supernatural horror. Joined by friend and returning guest Jennifer Brooke, we explore how James Wan crafted a slow-burning, tension-driven story rooted in the real-life case files of Ed and Lorraine Warren.

We go beyond the scares to examine what makes The Conjuring so effective, from its atmospheric setting and practical effects to its deeper themes of faith, fear, possession, and the corruption of the home. We also discuss the balance between “based on a true story” and cinematic stor...

On this episode of So, You Like Horror?, we break down Midnight Mass, the slow-burning Netflix series from Mike Flanagan that challenges what horror can be. Joined by returning co-host Upnorth Scott, we explore how the show moves beyond traditional scares to examine faith, guilt, addiction, and the fear of death.

We discuss the role of Crockett Island as an isolated community shaped by belief, Riley Flynn’s struggle with trauma and loss of faith, and the contrast between doubt and certainty through characters like Bev Keane. We also take a closer look at Father Paul and ho...

In this spoiler heavy episode of So, You Like Horror?, we take a deep dive into Scream 7, the latest installment in the iconic slasher franchise that began with Scream and continued through Scream VI. Directed by franchise co-creator Kevin Williamson, Scream 7 shifts the spotlight back to Sidney Prescott as a new Ghostface killer targets her teenage daughter, pulling Sidney back into a nightmare she thought she had escaped.

In this solo episode, we break down the film’s opening kill at Stu Macher’s house, the controversial return of Stu through deepfake manipulation, the brutal tavern sequence, and...

This week on So, You Like Horror?, we’re revisiting the 1990s Nickelodeon anthology classic Are You Afraid of the Dark? in a true family roundtable format. Joined by Sarah and our daughter Sophie, we break down why this series worked as gateway horror for an entire generation and why it still holds up today.

We explore the show’s unique campfire framing device, the cultural context of its 1990 premiere, and how The Midnight Society trusted kids with atmosphere instead of jump scares. From eerie standouts like “The Tale of the Phantom Cab” and “The Tale of the Twiste...

In this episode of So, You Like Horror?, we take a closer look at The Haunting, a big-budget gothic horror film released at a turning point for studio horror in the late 1990s. Directed by Jan de Bont, the film reflects an era defined by massive sets, early CGI, and a growing belief that scale and spectacle could replace restraint.

Loosely inspired by Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House, the 1999 adaptation makes a deliberate shift away from psychological ambiguity and internal dread, choosing instead to externalize horror through aggressive architecture, visible supernatural forces, and clearly de...

In Part 2 of our The Haunting of Hill House breakdown, we cover Episodes 6 through 10 of the 2018 Netflix series and track how the Crain family’s grief finally stops hiding behind coping mechanisms. We start with “Two Storms,” the episode built around extended long takes that trap the siblings in the funeral home while the past and present collide. Shirley’s anger, Theo’s suppression, Steven’s denial, and Luke’s bargaining all play out in real time as Nell lingers silently in the background. From there, “Eulogy” reframes Hugh Crain as the quiet protector whose secrecy was meant as love but turned in...

In this episode of So, You Like Horror?, we begin a two-part discussion of The Haunting of Hill House, focusing on Episodes 1 through 5. We start by tracing the series’ literary roots back to Shirley Jackson’s original novel, a foundational work of psychological horror that reframed haunted houses as emotional spaces shaped by grief rather than simple sites of terror. We also acknowledge earlier film adaptations, The Haunting (1963) and The Haunting (1999), before examining how Mike Flanagan reimagines the story for television, shifting the emphasis from a single haunted location to a fractured family haunted across decades.

From ther...

In 2026, So, You Like Horror? turns its focus to horror television and how fear unfolds over time. Across twelve episodes released throughout the year, the show will examine how episodic and serialized horror builds tension, develops character, and reflects cultural anxieties in ways that film often cannot.

Each month centers on a single series, exploring themes, narrative structure, historical context, and why the show continues to resonate. The lineup spans decades, formats, and audiences, from gateway horror and classic anthology television to modern prestige streaming series.

The 2026 series schedule includes The Haunting of Hill House...

In this episode, I take a solo look at Black Christmas from 1974, a film often cited as a precursor to the modern slasher but better understood as a study in atmosphere, ambiguity, and unease. Set during Christmas break at a sorority house, the film builds tension through obscene phone calls, off-screen violence, and the unsettling idea that the threat is already inside the home.

Rather than focusing on gore or body count, Black Christmas relies on restraint, long takes, silence, and point-of-view shots that deny the audience clarity or comfort. The killer remains unseen and unexplained, turning...

In this episode of So, You Like Horror?, Guest hosts Maryland Phil and Chuckie O return to discuss Predator: Badlands and where it fits within the larger Predator franchise. They break down the film’s strengths and weaknesses, covering what works, what falls flat, and what stands out for better or worse. The conversation looks closely at how the PG-13 rating shapes the film’s tone, action, and tension, especially in comparison to earlier entries in the series.

They also examine how Predator: Badlands expands or reinterprets existing Predator lore and whether those choices strengthen the franchise or d...

In this episode of So, You Like Horror?, I’m joined by Maryland Phil as we take a closer look at David Cronenberg’s The Fly (1986), a film that remains one of the most significant examples of body horror and one of the most meaningful horror remakes.

We talk about how the story evolved from a 1957 short story and a 1958 film into Cronenberg’s version, which shifts the focus toward illness, identity, and the fear of watching the body decline. We explore how the film reflects anxieties of the 1980s, from Cold War tension to the parallels many v...

In this episode of So, You Like Horror?, I’m taking a close look at Thanksgiving (2023), Eli Roth’s holiday slasher that grew out of the fake Grindhouse trailer from 2007. I walk through the film’s plot, from the Black Friday riot that kicks everything off to the reveal of Sheriff Eric Newlon behind the John Carver mask. I break down how the story uses themes of consumerism, guilt, responsibility, and authority, and how the film blends satire with straightforward slasher elements. I also discuss what works, what doesn’t, and why the tone may feel uneven for some viewers...

Before The Conjuring and Paranormal Activity, there was a VHS tape that terrified Japan, and later, the world. In this episode of So, You Like Horror?, the Remake vs. Original series continues with Ringu (1998) and its American counterpart, The Ring (2002). We examine how Hideo Nakata’s minimalist, folklore-infused story of Sadako and a cursed videotape reshaped Japanese horror through quiet dread and psychological tension. Then we look at how Gore Verbinski’s Western adaptation reframed those fears for early-2000s audiences, turning superstition into investigation and amplifying its visual atmosphere through cold, haunting imagery. The conversation explores each film’s appr...

In this 100th episode of the So, You Like Horror? Podcast, being released on Halloween, hosts Jake Dante, Sarah Beth, Maryland Phil, and Theresa examine two visions of Halloween: John Carpenter’s 1978 original and Rob Zombie’s 2007 remake.

The discussion looks at how each film interprets Michael Myers, from Carpenter’s silent embodiment of evil to Zombie’s psychologically driven killer shaped by violence and trauma. The hosts trace the evolution of the final girl through Laurie Strode, compare the suburban dread of late-1970s America with the gritty realism of the 2000s, and consider how atmosphere, tone, an...

In Episode 99 of So, You Like Horror?, host Jake Dante is joined by Mannuel C. as they dive into Sinister (2012)... one of the most terrifying supernatural horror films of the 2010s. Directed by Scott Derrickson and starring Ethan Hawke, Sinister follows true-crime writer Ellison Oswalt as he uncovers a series of horrifying Super 8 home movies tied to a pagan deity known as Bughuul. The discussion breaks down the film’s haunting imagery, disturbing sound design, and the psychological unraveling that makes it “scientifically the scariest movie ever made.”

We explore how Sinister compares to Insidious and The Conjur...

Welcome back, folks. This week on Episode 98 of So, You Like Horror?, Maryland Phil and Chucky O. return to break down Alien: Earth, the newest chapter in the iconic Alien franchise. This sci-fi horror podcast episode explores how Alien: Earth compares to previous entries like Alien, Aliens, and Alien: Romulus. They rank it among the franchise’s other entries, discussing standout moments, questionable story choices, and the series’s impact on the larger Alien universe.

Expect honest show criticism, and deep analysis of the story’s plot holes, character arcs, and horror elements.

Whether you’re a lif...

Happy Spooky Season, gang! In this week's episode of So, You Like Horror?, we ride into Tim Burton’s gothic masterpiece, Sleepy Hollow. Starring Johnny Depp as Ichabod Crane and Christina Ricci as Katrina Van Tassel, this supernatural horror classic reimagines Washington Irving’s legend with blood-soaked decapitations, fog-drenched forests, and Burton’s signature gothic flair.

We break down the film’s eerie plot, explore its blend of science and superstition, and discuss themes of corruption, trauma, gothic romance, and karmic justice. Was the true evil in Sleepy Hollow the Headless Horseman—or the human greed that summoned h...

Happy Halloween Eve, folks! This week on the podcast, we continue our remake vs original theme by discussing one of Stephen King’s most iconic stories—Carrie. First adapted by Brian De Palma in 1976, the film became a cultural touchstone, cementing its place in horror history with unforgettable performances and one of cinema’s most haunting finales.

Nearly four decades later, Kimberly Peirce’s 2013 remake attempted to bring the story into the modern age, complete with cyberbullying, viral humiliation, and CGI-driven destruction. We break down both versions, examining how Sissy Spacek’s painfully vulnerable Carrie compares to Chloë Grac...

What's happening, folks? Welcome back to the podcast. This week, we dive into one of the most legendary—and controversial—films in horror history: The Blair Witch Project.

I'm joined by Rikki Tikki Timber, as we explore how this micro-budget indie shocked audiences, pioneered the found-footage style, and redefined horror marketing with viral websites, fake missing posters, and whispered rumors that it was all real.

We’ll break down the terrifying plot, from Heather, Mike, and Josh’s descent into paranoia in the Black Hills Forest to THAT chilling final shot. We’ll also discuss the film’s...

🚨 Bonus Episode Alert! 🚨
This week on the podcast, Maryland Phil and Chucky O. take over to discuss two franchises linked in so many ways, but separated in this instance.

First up: Predator: Killer of Killers — They share initial impressions, what worked, what didn’t, and why the Yautja lore still keeps us hooked. They talk about how humans clash with the hunters, the concern of skipping canon just to ramp up action, and their hopes for the upcoming Predator: Badlands. And they give a Good, Bad, and Ugly rundown. 🩸🔥

Then, they shift to Alien: Earth Episodes 1...

Two Dawns. Two Malls. One Zombie Showdown. 🧟‍♂️

🧟‍♂️ Slow & shambling… or fast & feral?
It’s Dawn of the Dead (1978) vs. Dawn of the Dead (2004) — two malls, two zombie apocalypses, and one big question: Which one would you survive? 🩸

From Romero’s consumerism satire and iconic blue-skinned undead to Snyder’s sprinting chaos and relentless gore, we’re breaking down every bite, brawl, and blood-splatter in this ultimate zombie showdown.

🎧 Be sure to comment and let us know: Team Romero or Team Snyder?

#SoYouLikeHorror #DawnOfTheDead #HorrorRemake #ZombieCinema #HorrorCommunity #ZombieFans #HorrorMovieNight #HorrorTalk #Horror...

What's happening, friends? This week on the podcast, Sarah Beth and I wanted to talk about Ryan Coogler’s vampire tale, Sinners, set in 1932 Clarksdale, Mississippi.

Blending supernatural horror with rich historical and cultural themes, Sinners tells the story of twin brothers Smoke and Stack, who return to the Deep South to open a juke joint with stolen mob money, only to find themselves battling not just racism and family tensions, but a growing vampiric threat led by an Irish bloodsucker named Remmick. What unfolds is a confrontation between tradition and temptation, freedom and survival.

We...

Greetings, folks, and welcome back. This week on the podcast, we examine the shadowy legacy of one of horror’s most iconic tales, Nosferatu.

Joined by guest hosts Amy and Jenn, we explore how this vampiric nightmare has evolved across generations by comparing Werner Herzog’s somber 1979 reimagining Nosferatu the Vampyre with Robert Eggers’ highly stylized and psychologically harrowing 2024 interpretation.

We begin by tracing the origin of Count Orlok back to the 1922 silent classic and examine how its unauthorized adaptation of Dracula helped shape the language of horror cinema. From there, we break down the distin...