With a long history in the horror genre, including notable figures such as the late Bob Clark and veteran David Cronenberg, Canada’s vast film collection contains many hidden gems.
When it comes to creature features, there’s no disputing that Canada has a rich history of some of the most underappreciated horror films that are well worth seeking out. In this video, we’ll go through 12 of the most underappreciated Canadian monster movies that you may have never seen but should.
The Void (2016)
Deputy Sheriff Daniel comes discovers a man bathed in blood who is dragging himself along the roadside. He transports him to Marsh County Memorial Hospital, a nearby local hospital where his estranged wife works as a nurse with a skeleton crew and inadequate resources.
oon after, a horde of strange, hooded cultists begin to amass outside the hospital, steadily encircling it and driving the patients and personnel inside insane.
Steven Kostanski and Jeremy Gillespie’s The Void is a magnificent take on Lovecraftian horror.It would not be entirely wrong to say that this 2016 supernatural horror film is truly one of the best adaptations of the cosmic horrorthat we have had on display.
With a running time of 90 minutes, the pacing of the movie is kept deliberately slow compared to other horror flicks but then again, it’s intriguing enough to cement you. And, you know the best part?
Hardly anything in the film has CGI! All of the monsters along with the gore featured are physicalproducts that wereformed by a team that not only respects the genre but also desires to bring it back to its roots.
The creature on display here, mind you, looksabsolutely petrifying. Imagine a four-footed zombie-like beast, covered in disease, necrotic flesh and tentacles.
The gore in this film is not for the faint of heart. But, having said that, it is not a film that will make you leap out of your seat; rather, it will transport you to a horrific nightmare that refuses to end.
This tiny tribute to old school horror will undoubtedly keep you frightened for days. Even if the ending does not resolve all of your questions, you owe it to yourself to see this masterpiece.
The Gate (1987)
Two little boys unintentionally released a slew of infamous, pint-sized demons from a mysterious hole in their suburban backyard. The youngsters must then fight an epic battle between good and evil in order to not only preserve their lives but also close the entrance to Hell.
TiborTakacs supernatural horror film happens to be an 80s staple to this very day and simply needs no introduction!After all, it did not take much time to acquire a massive cult following since its release back in 1987.
Credits to the special effects that the flick boasted, they were simply terrific! Remember the scene where the construction worker’s corpse breaks into dozens of tiny demons?The film is quite a graphical treat, especially with images that are bound to stick with you.
Here’s some interesting facts that we believe many of you are unaware of. Actors in rubber suits represented the small devils, who were shot utilising the ‘forced perspective’ technique.
The picture, without a doubt, delivers some solid scares, a fantastic atmosphere, and even better direction. So, if you like goofy creature flicks and hasn’t seen The Gate yet, please does us a favour and watches it.
Ginger Snaps (2000)
Brigitte and Ginger Fitzgerald Fitzgerald Fitzgerald Fitzgerald. The two even made a deal when they were kids to die together when they were 16. The night Ginger begins menstruating for the first time and is bitten by a werewolf, though, things take a very different turn. It goes without saying that the sisters end up with a lot more than they bargained for.
Directed by John Fawcett and produced by Steve Hoban, this horror flick became the fifth highest earning Canadian movie back in 2001. With a run time of 108 minutes, the audience gets plunged into the melancholic world of the Fitzgerald sisters right from the opening scene.
It is the convincing psychology of the flick that makes it openly terrifying alongside solid visuals. Katharine Isabelle literally had to spend at least seven hours in the makeup chair to create Ginger’s transformation and an extra two hours just to get rid of all the makeup.
As for the were wolf on display, Fawcett had a stunt man don a werewolf suit whenever a scene called for it and credits to Paul Jones, who led the film’s special effects team for doing a spectacular job here, especially with the design of the wolf.
Ginger Snaps is not for the faint of heart, but it is unquestionably one of the best werewolf movies ever filmed. If you get a chance, don’t skip out on this opportunity.
The Monster (2016)
On a rainy night, while transporting her daughter to her ex’s residence, she encounters a wolf. This not only causes her car to break down, but it also leaves them stuck in the middle of the highway.
After inspecting the wolf’s injuries, the team discovers a huge tooth embedded within the carcass, indicating that the wolf was the victim of an animal attack. They eventually come into a horrible beast concealed behind the darkness of the woods that refuses to let them go.
Bryan Bertino’s The Monsteris an atmospheric, tense, low budget horror flick that delivers first class acting by Zoe Kazan and Ella. Bertino’s script does an amazing job of creating a very nice dark setting along with Julie Kirkwood’s cinematography. Speaking of the monster on display, it does full justice to the title of the movie.
You get a dreadful looking behemoth here, one that appears like a large reptile with black scaly skin, needle-sharpteeth,deadly claws,and a creepy pair of blank white eyes. This vicious, destructive creature simply loves to kill – be it humans or animals, it just loves to dig its teeth in all things fleshy.
For those who don’t know, the monster was played by Chris Webb, a well-known stuntman and actor, and we have to say, he did a fantastic job! Take 91 minutes out of your hectic schedule to check out this 2016 American-Canadian collaboration. It is deserving of more love and attention than it received during its brief run.
Wolfcop (2014)
Lou Garou is an alcoholic cop in the little town of Woodhaven in Lowell Dean’s superhero horror comedy. Garou is knocked unconscious during one of his investigations and wakes up the next morning with no recall of what happened the night before.
When he discovers a pentagram etched into his stomach, he quickly realises that he has been cursed and is in the process of converting into a werewolf. Garou, on the other hand, continues to work as a police officer in his wolf form because he retains his human brain.
This 2014 flick here is hilarious, gory and downright clever thanks to Dean’s script. It is witty, particularly campy, and you are going to love the protagonist here.Leo Fafard as the Wolfcop literally breathes life to his character.
Boasting a running time of 79 minutes, we are glad that this movie does not push the narrative further than it needs to. One of the selling points of Wolfcop happens to be the fact that it knows it’s cheesy and happily embraces it.
It also has one of the most unforgettablewerewolf transformations on display.Unlike other regular movies, the transformation scene here is quite unique, with skin shedding off.
Brownie praises Shooting Guns’ dynamic musical score as well as the enhanced sound effects, both of which worked in the film’s favour. If you have the chance, do not pass up this opportunity.
The Shrine (2010)
A crew of journalists travels all the way to the distant Polish village of Alvainia with the hopes of uncovering a fascinating story about the disappearance of visitors. They do, however, uncover the mysteries of the enigmatic village and come across something far more frightening than they could have expected.
They are pursued not only by the intimidating and unfriendly townspeople, but they also become the victims of a ceremonial human sacrifice.
Jon Knautz’s The Shrine provides a convincing plotline that sets up the mood and builds up the suspense. To all the viewers getting confused in between, don’t worry, everything will make sense to you eventually.
Credits to Knautz along with Brendan Moore and Trevor Matthews for coming up with a story that is in every way innovative and engaging.They have also avoided depending on CGI, instead utilizing elements of psychology and suspense to do the trick.
There’s also some fantastic cinematography by James Griffith, as well as Ryan Shore’s musical score, which was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Soundtrack in 2012.
With a lot of gore, we recommend that you view this film with an open mind.
The Pit (1981)
12-year-old Jamie Benjamin is an outcast who is tormented by his peers, mocked by his neighbours, and frequently overlooked by his parents. He only finds comfort in talking to his stuffed teddy bear, with whom he converses on a regular basis.
Jamie begins feeding the monsters individuals he believes have mistreated him after discovering a pit in the centre of the forest filled with predatory beasts.
Lew Lehman’s The Pit also known as Teddy is the true definition of a cult classic. The character of Jamie is exceedingly creepy and brilliantly essayed by Sammy Snyders.
Lehman was smart enough to have on display the child’s abuse and how he was always treated like an outcast.We also have unsettling scenes like him talking to his teddy and his teddy talking back.
The film does a fantastic job of being terrifying, thanks to an intriguing concept, good performances, and a gang of four gigantic, hairy, pre-historic monsters who seem to be always hungry.
Horror fans will like the spooky ambiance as well as the sleazy nightmare mood. Even the special effects on display have that nostalgic 80s feel to it; it is highly satisfactory and so well made. Definitely check this out for the twisted ending;it is bound to blow your mind.
Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer (2007)
Jack Brooks witnessed his entire family being slaughtered by a demonic beast when he was a child. Years later, he works as a plumber and is still grieving. He also has rage issues, blaming himself for not being able to do anything at the time.
He goes to therapy sessions that haven’t worked for him, and he’s enrolled in night classes to keep himself focused and occupied. When his science professor unintentionally releases an ancient army of terrible creatures, though, things take a turn for the worst.
With evil spreading like wildfire, Jack unleashes his suppressed emotions to confront old and new monsters, eventually avenging his family.
Produced by Brookstreet Pictures and directed by Jon Knautz, this 2007 horror comedy is a pretty slick, old-school gore fest, one that is extremely well-executed. We have the veteran Robert Englund here playing the character of Professor Gordon Crowley.
While the movie isKnautz’s first feature, it was not easy to get Englund on board. It was only after watching Still Life, one of the short films of Brookstreet Pictures that Englund was convinced enough to take the part of the professor.
Monster Slayer has a lot of imaginative prosthetics, despite the fact that no CGI was used for any of the effects. Remember the Professorial Monster that made an appearance near the end? To operate at one time, at least six to eight persons were required.
Give Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer serious consideration. You’ll have a good time if you don’t take things too seriously.
Splice (2009)
Clive Nicoli and Elsa are genetic engineers hoping to make a name for themselves by splicing animal DNA and creating hybrids. Dren is the name they give to a viable prepubescent female monster they produce.
Dren matures quickly and demonstrates a high level of intellect. However, when Dren enters puberty, he begins to exhibit dangerous characteristics, and the couple quickly recognises that they are dealing with a major and potentially fatal problem.
Vincenzo Natali’s Splice is one of the most exceptional horror flicks that Canada is pretty proud of and also the highest earning English Canadian movie of 2010. To those of you who are wondering how Natali got the idea for this film, well, credits to an image of a mouse with a human ear on its back that inspired Vincenzo to go ahead with this project.
Would you believe us if we told you that special effects designers Howard Berger and Greg Nicotero actually created 11 varied versions of Dren?
The creature on display is unavoidably the highlight of Splice. The highlighted effects are extremely astounding, and it goes without saying that they, as well as the makeup worn by actress Chanéac, were created with great care and attention to detail.
In addition to the frightening visual, the film is supported with a bold tale, due to Vincenzo and Antoinette Terry Bryant. There is nothing not to love about the understated yet well-played references to bitter childhoodexperiences, psychosis and the changing roles of parents.It is not just another sci-fi horror film, it’s way beyondthat.
The Incubus (1982)
A masked assailant has been terrorising a small Wisconsin village, rapping young women and murdering men. Dr. Sam Cordell, the town physician, decides to take matters into his own hands after a series of weird and unexplainable assaults leaves everyone baffled.
Based on the 1976 novel of the same name by Ray Russell, this 1982 supernatural slasher flick directed by John Hough and written by George Franklin, was initially supposed to be directed by David Cronenberg.
But we are happy anyway with the outcome. Not only do you get to witness an unconventional, spooky climatic twist here, you are also bound to question yourself. The movie is filled with scenes that are not only intense but also quite gory.
Mind you, it is definitely not for the woozyand the queasy; we are highly stressing on the library assault scene. Hough’s direction along with Albert J. Dunk’s cinematography perfectly create this foreboding atmosphere of dread, one that is prevalent throughout the running time of 93 minutes.
Even by today’s standards, the monster makeup is very frightening; he appears to be ruthless. The demon is, however, receives barely 10 seconds of screen time, despite the title’s implication.
The Incubus, we believe, is a forgotten horror classic that deserves to be remembered and experienced again. Please don’t be hesitant to see this.
End of the Line (2007)
Karen is a young mental nurse who boards the last subway train of the night. The train, however, comes to a halt in the middle of the tunnel, trapping her and a few other late-night passengers.
Soon after, she realises she is fighting for her life against the violent zealots of a Christian Doomsday cult. Karen and the remaining survivors must make it through the night as the people around her begin to die one by one.
This 2007 horror flick written, directed and produced by Maurice Devereaux not only boasts an original narrative butis also quite imaginative. It is a real low budget treat, entirely financed by Devereaux.
The whole idea of a ride from home turning into a fight for survival works in favour of the story here. Religious fanatics wielding razor-sharp crucifixes are seen in the film attempting to ‘save the non-believers’ by delivering them to the Almighty.
It’s especially difficult to ignore the Armageddon cults’ terrifying visions and the creatures they adore. Goes without saying End of the Line is extremely gory, chockful of graphic violence.
Special mention to Martin Gauthier’s background score that is bound to strike a chord with you. Also, credits to the location – the dimly lit, abandoned tunnels will give you that sense of claustrophobia, upping the element of terror to a whole new level.
Manborg (2011)
Steven Kostanki directed, produced, and co-wrote this sci-fi action film about a soldier who dies while fighting Nazi vampires, only to be revived years later as Manborg, a dangerous mix of flesh and metal. He joins forces with a group of misfit fighters to put a stop to the bloodsuckers’ cruel government.
One has every reason to be shocked when they learn that the movie was actually shot in a garage. Despite its shoestring budget, it’s hard to find a single dull moment; in fact, Manborgwill literally drive you to the edge of your seat with its action.
It is a sure shot ode to the 80s brilliance; we are stressing on the amazing stop animation technique used here. Everything from the design of the demons to the variety of the creatures on display, it is absolutely phenomenal.
There might be times when you think that you are inside a video game; after all, the visual design of the movie is simply marvellous. Full credits to Kostanki for styling this whole flick to perfection.
Manborg is actually humorous, unlike other pathetic cult films that try to be funny. You’ll be laughing out loud at the dialogue. Manborg might be said to pay homage to a number of films, including Hellboy, Star Wars, Spaceballs, Robocop, and Blade, to name a few.
However, a word of warning: this is not meant to be taken seriously. You will enjoy this if you watch it without any expectations.