B Movies Blog

Hello, Movie Mavens! Welcome back to the B Movies Blog. Today, we’re popping my Letterboxd top 4 into the ol’ VCR. 

So, I famously don’t have a Letterboxd. 

It’s not because I think I’m above it or anything like that. 

I just feel like y’all constantly hear my cinematic opinions, so you don’t need to hear them again. 

Also, as we all know, I tend to be long-winded when it comes to talking about pop culture.

However, I’ve had a lot of people ask me to start a Letterboxd over the years. 

That’s why I’ve decided to compromise and give you my hypothetical Letterboxd top four. 

Believe me when I say that this was one of the HARDEST things I’ve ever had to do. 

I know I’ve said that before, but whittling this list down to four movies sincerely took me all day. 

But, I’ve finally done it. 

As with most of the Letterboxd interviews, I thought I would also give you a little explanation as to why I chose each movie. 

Now, I feel like two of these might be obvious, but I think the other two might be a little surprising. Emphasis on a little. 

Alrighty, that should do us for introductions. 

Without further ado, I present to you, my hypothetical Letterboxd top 4: 

Scream (1996)

Scream (1996) brought meta to the mainstream. Sure, movies like Student Bodies and Wacko, to some extent, existed, but none of them did it like Wes, baby. Scream has some comedy, but it’s not a slapstick routine like some of its predecessors. Scream is sexy, smart, and scary. It’s also queer-coded, thanks to Billy and Stu’s relationship. 

Without Scream, we wouldn’t have the same level of commentary within the horror community space. Hell, I would even argue that Sidney Prescott created a new version of the final girl. Scream is one of the most influential horror movies of all time, so it’s rightfully earned its spot in my top four. 

Halloween (1978) 

The reason Halloween (1978) is in my top four is because John Carpenter revolutionized the slow burn. He and Debra Hill crafted one of the most iconic horror villains of all-time on a shoe-string budget, as well as one of the best original scores. Laurie Strode harkened in a new era of final girl, just like Sidney Prescott would almost 20 years later. 

We also wouldn’t have the likes of The Strangers without Halloween. Michael Myers was never supposed to be Laurie’s brother—she was just an obsession, aka he did what he did because she was home. Additionally, we wouldn’t have gotten Jason Vorhees without Michael Myers. Finally, Halloween is just one of my favorite movies of all time. 

House on Haunted Hill (1959) 

The original House on Haunted Hill is incredible. First and foremost, it’s led by Vincent Price, so how can you NOT love it? Secondly, there’s a level of camp that I really appreciate for a 1950s horror movie. The riffing between Frederick (Vincent Price) and Annabelle (Carol Ohmart)? Come on. 

HOHH is also a William Castle joint, so there were all sorts of gimmicks in the theater, and we all know I love a good gimmick. Finally, this movie is ahead of its time. They break the fourth wall, give us a good ol’ fashioned twist, and keep it at a tidy 75 minutes. 

Promising Young Woman 

I feel like this movie might be the most surprising, but I promise it doesn’t have anything to do with Bo Burnham. In my opinion, Promising Young Woman is a damn near perfect movie. The cast is flawless, the ending is *chef’s kiss*, and the soundtrack is next level. Every single time I watch this movie, I love it more. Saltburn was also one of my favorite movies of last year, so I’ll watch anything Emerald Fennell directs (within reason).