With streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, now more common than DVD players, we are always getting movie recommendations from our friends, families and favorite magazines. Everyone wants us to watch their favorite Sundance film, five-star indie thriller or Oscar picks. But with so much emphasis on watching only quality motion pictures, many masterpieces get buried in bad IMDb reviews and Rotten Tomatoes ratings. But how can the average movie watcher find these hidden gems and make sure they aren't missing out on their next favorite movie? I have taken it upon myself to watch and compile a list of five horror movies with less than two stars that no horror fan's viewing record is complete without.
"Ghost Shark" (2013)
Directed by Griff Furst, "Ghost Shark" earned about 1.5 stars out of five. Don't let the numbers fool you—part "Jaws," part ghost story, "Ghost Shark" is a thrilling and memorable watch that will leave you wanting more. The movie features a great white shark who is unable to rest in peace, wreaking havoc upon the town of Smallport, traveling through any water source to get to its victims. What follows is a gripping story of fear and desperation as the town's residents try to defeat the evil shark. If you've watched the film and crave more, have no fear. "Ghost Shark II: Urban Jaws" was released in 2015.
"Birdemic: Shock and Terror" (2010)
Although it was only made in 2010, "Birdemic: Shock and Terror" is already a timeless classic. An extraordinarily low-budget independent horror-romance movie, "Birdemic" tackles issues of global warming and environmental crisis as birds attack, and the two main characters must try to survive as their romance develops. Along with hyper-unrealistic CGI birds, the movie has some great elevator music, epically long driving scenes and poor sound quality that tries its best to tear you away from the gripping story line. From the very beginning of the movie, with a highly coincidental meeting of two high school acquaintances years later, until the end of their adventure, this movie will keep you entertained and get you thinking about the implications climate change might have for not-so-future generations.
" Sorority Horror House" (2012)
In this haunted sorority house movie, directed by Darin Scott, Bloody Rosemary takes hazing to a whole new level in the middle of rush week. As one terrified pledge says, "It's like Rosemary's own personal sorority—except to join you have to die!" Secrets about the house's bloody history are revealed as the pledges are picked off one by one. A fresh and fun watch earning one star, this movie will have you coming for the creative storyline and staying for the bad CGI and special effects.
"Sleepaway Camp II: Unhappy Campers" (1988)
With 1.5 stars and a vintage summer camp aesthetic, this is the perfect movie to watch for a scare with friends on a warm night. Deranged camp counselor Angela, introduced in "Sleepaway Camp," is back for more killing in this sequel directed by Michael A. Simpson. What the movie loses with its '80s special effects, it makes up for with the sheer creativity of Angela's kills and motives. Great for lovers of gore and campfire songs, this movie is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
"Arachnoquake" (2012)
What do you think of when you think of New Orleans and natural disasters? Giant fire breathing spiders, of course. When an earthquake caused by oil company fracking hits Louisiana and disturbs the spiders' habitat, they go on a rampage and begin to attack tourists and residents who must fight to survive down in the bayou under the leadership of a slacker tour bus driver. With the same director as "Ghost Shark," the movie deserves every bit of its single star and more.
