These sports horror movies range from homerun classics to hilariously fun outings, offering something for all genre fans.
It’s that most wonderful time of the year again; Halloween is upon us. In addition to all the trick-or-treating and horrible goings on, many people will be settling down to watch some horror movies to really get them in the mood.
Many fans of the genre will go with genre classics tailor-made for the holiday, such as Trick ‘r Treat, Candyman, and, of course, Halloween. While these are classics for a reason, you may be craving something different. And while we recognize you have a bounty of horror-filled options for your seasonal and year-round viewing enjoyment, we find it easier and far more fun to build movie nights around a common theme.
This also allows you to bridge the gap between your horror-loving friends and those who enjoy other genres or forms of entertainment.
For example, maybe you or a loved one is also a huge sports fan. There are some outstanding genre films that pay tribute to a variety of sports, including those that aren’t often represented in mainstream cinema.
Read our guide to five fun movies that blur the lines between sports and horror. Not all these films are anything close to high art, and we’re not talking about the kind of professional teams that would be featured at betting sites like MyBookie. But you should have a ball watching these hidden genre gems and score big at your next themed movie night — whether that be for Halloween or any time of year!
1. Gutterballs (2008)
This horror/sports mash-up from the late Canadian special effects makeup artist and filmmaker Ryan Nicholson is not without its controversy. The story follows a group of teenagers who enter a ten-pin bowling contest. Unfortunately, the first night’s proceedings end with a brutal gang rape by some members of one of the teams.
The rest of this underground cult classic is a gore-filled rape-revenge movie that follows the assailants being brutally and graphically killed. Even some of the friends that were not involved meet their maker as the mysterious killer bludgeons just about everyone in the bowling alley.
There is trashy horror at its finest. Don’t expect great acting or thought-provoking content. It’s a film that caters to those who really enjoy lots of gore and great practical effects.
2. The Fan (1996)
If low-budget, balls-to-the-wall, old-school-inspired slasher films like Gutterballs aren’t your thing, The Fan may be more up your alley. It’s more of a chiller and is well-crafted, featuring two of the biggest names in Hollywood at the tie of its release. Wesley Snipes plays the star baseball player, and the legendary Robert De Niro plays the obsessive fan that feels let down by the modern game. Snipes eventually ends up having to perform for his very life as the whole movie builds up to a very bloody climax.
The interesting thing about this movie is that it tells the story from both sides, focusing on De Niro’s escalating rage and Snipes as the target of his ire. Though not well-received at the time of its release, many fans and critics have come to appreciate the film much more in the decades that followed. Directed by Tony Scott (True Romance, Crimson Tide), it’s now considered one of the better psycho-thriller movies from the 90s.
The storyline may be a bit too familiar, but the performances are exceptional. And this makes a great film to watch with friends who can’t handle more intense horror.
3. Monster Brawl (2011)
Back to the bargain basement, we go for our next pick. If you’ve ever wondered who would win in a fight between a werewolf and Frankenstein’s monster, then this is the film for you. This Canadian low-budget movie follows eight classic monsters as they come together for an action-packed wrestling tournament. As with many sports horrors, it is billed as a comedy as well. And that is all part of the fun as we see the monsters fight to the death.
If It’s basically a fictionalized pro wrestling show, but with monsters. You do get to discover the backstories of all the competitors, which is entertaining. But the main attraction here is the battle royale. The bloody fight scenes are a blast as the monsters really go at each other. Be forewarned, this film does not take itself seriously and doesn’t want you to either. It’s goofy, over-the-top, and far-fetched.
This one is perfect for fans of so-bad-it’s-good campiness.
4. Rollerball (1975)
Because we believe there should be something for everything, we’re taking another hard left and bringing you a great film that won’t just appear to genre fans but to cinephiles everywhere. Rollerball was directed by Academy Award-nominated Norman Jewison. The late, great James Caan stars as a veteran rollerball player who discovers the sport is turning into a violent game, with those in charge intent on making it a gory spectacle where competitors compete for their lives.
Caan is forced out of the sport when he refuses to comply with the league officials. But he returns for one last appearance. He is expected to join in with the ever-increasing violence but refuses to kill his opponent. He, instead, opts for scoring the only point of the game to the applause of the crowd, who have also evidently decided that enough is enough.
The rollerball sequences are fast-paced and entertaining to watch, and the performances are excellent. The film also includes some thought-provoking social commentary that will give you plenty to discuss with whoever you choose to share this cinematic classic with.
5. The Catcher (1998)
Finally, we conclude with another ultra-low-budget, schlocky slasher that is far from a classic. We aren’t even going to argue that it’s anywhere close to a great film. So why is it on this list? Because sometimes you want a gourmet meal, and sometimes you crave fast food trash — or the cinematic equivalent. If you’re planning a movie night with some libations and fun-loving friends, you may not want to be forced to think, and you may not need to appreciate the artistry of great cinema. You may just want to laugh at the onscreen absurdity, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that!
The Catcher follows the killings of a mysterious baseball player dressed as a catcher who comes up with ever-more ingenious ways to kill players and officials. This is one of those films you watch for the creative and sometimes hilarious kills. It’s not at all scary, but it is quite gory. Joe Estevez (younger brother to Martin Sheen) plays a very bad dad, and he’s pretty damn fun to watch; the real MVP of the film.
As we mentioned — and it bears repeating, so you can’t say we didn’t warn you — this is not a good film. Don’t watch this one alone. It’s made for sharing with friends and settling in for a bumpy but entertaining ride with the right audience.
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