The Essentials

Antonia Bird’s ‘Ravenous’ is an essential genre mash-up, bouncing between comedy and horror and educational period film. Don’t miss it.

Mark Peploe’s ‘Afraid of the Dark’ is a bizarre film rarely mentioned in the hallowed halls of the genre, but it’s time to reveal its essential qualities.

‘The Legend of Hell House’ is a spooky, intelligent tale of the supernatural, too often dismissed by horror hounds. Time to correct their error.

Carroll Ballard’s ‘The Black Stallion’ is a pure adventure film featuring genuine emotional moments that champion humanity without the need for spectacle.

‘Brotherhood of the Wolf’ overflows with bloody deaths and bone-crunching martial arts as justice is served at the end of fists, blades, and wolves’ teeth.

In ‘Real Genius,’ Val Kilmer controls the jokes, every character, and the tangibly vibrant joy that rises from every frame.

Kim Ki-duk’s ‘3-Iron’ is uninterested in explaining the events and interactions and instead lets them speak for themselves.

‘Assault on Precinct 13’ is a tight, entertaining thriller that also delights with humor and effortlessly memorable characters.

‘Porky’s’ is crass and sophomoric, but it’s also very funny, filled with heart, and home to a surprising message of tolerance.