Hack or Slash - A Horror Movie Review Podcast

Over four decades, Halloween has rewritten its own history more times than Michael Myers has cheated death. In this bonus episode, we break down every continuity, from Carpenter's 1978 classic to the Blumhouse trilogy, and share the best ways to marathon the franchise without losing your mind. We walk through each timeline, debate which ones actually work, and reveal how we each watch the series every spooky season. Whether you're Team Thorn, Team H20, or Team Grandma With a Shotgun, this guide will help you choose your own Haddonfield adventure. Evil doesn't die. It just gets rebooted. Mentioned in the Episode Previous Halloween Franchise Episodes Support the Show We've launched our Patreon to have a place for listener support to help keep our show going. We are accepting support in the form of small monthly donations from our audience. The proceeds we gain from Patreon are put towards ongoing website fees, funding for new content, and equipment upgrades. In return, our patrons enjoy bonus content, early access, live streams, and exclusive channels in our Discord server. Support the Show on Patreon We're building a community where our listeners and horror fans as a whole can connect and share the ideas, movies, games, experiences, and stories they are most passionate about. Our community is completely free and powered by Discord, which you can access from both a web browser and mobile app. We're looking forward to your arrival! Join our Discord Server Contact Us You can connect with us by creepin' on us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, @HackorSlash. You can also share your opinions with us by leaving us an audio message on our website, hackorslash.live. Special Thanks We want to give a special thanks to these patrons for continuing to make this show possible Music Credits "Hack or Slash" by Daniel Stapleton "The Dread" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/  

This week we're answering the call of Black Phone 2 (2025). We examine the emotional depth of its characters, analyze the effectiveness of its supernatural elements, and critique the film's cinematography and dream sequences. In this episode's b-side, we discuss the logistics of phone scams, share our own thoughts on phone-related horrors, and debate the plausibility of ghostly phone calls. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 34:18. Mentioned in the Episode Watch the Movie Black Phone 2 (2025) Main Episode 6 Sequels Set Up By Black Phone 2's Ending Scott Derrickson Reveals the One Thing He Won't Do for Black Phone 3 Support the Show We've launched our Patreon to have a place for listener support to help keep our show going. We are accepting support in the form of small monthly donations from our audience. The proceeds we gain from Patreon are put towards ongoing website fees, funding for new content, and equipment upgrades. In return, our patrons enjoy bonus content, early access, live streams, and exclusive channels in our Discord server. Support the Show on Patreon We're building a community where our listeners and horror fans as a whole can connect and share the ideas, movies, games, experiences, and stories they are most passionate about. Our community is completely free and powered by Discord, which you can access from both a web browser and mobile app. We're looking forward to your arrival! Join our Discord Server Contact Us You can connect with us by creepin' on us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, @HackorSlash. You can also share your opinions with us by leaving us an audio message on our website, hackorslash.live. Special Thanks We want to give a special thanks to these patrons for continuing to make this show possible Music Credits "Hack or Slash" by Daniel Stapleton  

We traded movie screens for fog machines to relive our night at Halloween Horror Nights 2025. From the haunted thrills of Terrifier and Legacy of Voorhees to the infamous fried pickles and cursed pizza fries, we break down the scares, snacks, and surprises that defined this year's event. Between merch hauls, drink quests, and house rankings, we unpack what made HHN 2025 feel like a full-blown return to form for spooky season. Support the Show We've launched our Patreon to have a place for listener support to help keep our show going. We are accepting support in the form of small monthly donations from our audience. The proceeds we gain from Patreon are put towards ongoing website fees, funding for new content, and equipment upgrades. In return, our patrons enjoy bonus content, early access, live streams, and exclusive channels in our Discord server. Support the Show on Patreon We're building a community where our listeners and horror fans as a whole can connect and share the ideas, movies, games, experiences, and stories they are most passionate about. Our community is completely free and powered by Discord, which you can access from both a web browser and mobile app. We're looking forward to your arrival! Join our Discord Server Contact Us You can connect with us by creepin' on us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, @HackorSlash. You can also share your opinions with us by leaving us an audio message on our website, hackorslash.live. Special Thanks We want to give a special thanks to these patrons for continuing to make this show possible Music Credits "Hack or Slash" by Daniel Stapleton "The Dread" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/  

This week we're diving into The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005). We analyze the film's balance between legal drama and horror, unpack Jennifer Carpenter's performance, and examine the lasting impact of its ambiguous ending. In this episode's b-side, we discuss into the true events that inspired the film, ponder the moral implications of exorcisms, and explore the legal ramifications of the real-life case. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 26:53. Mentioned in the Episode Watch the Movie The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005) Main Episode Anneliese Michel The Chilling Exorcism of Anneliese Michel Anneliese Michel Exorcism Captured on Audio Tape Support the Show We've launched our Patreon to have a place for listener support to help keep our show going. We are accepting support in the form of small monthly donations from our audience. The proceeds we gain from Patreon are put towards ongoing website fees, funding for new content, and equipment upgrades. In return, our patrons enjoy bonus content, early access, live streams, and exclusive channels in our Discord server. Support the Show on Patreon We're building a community where our listeners and horror fans as a whole can connect and share the ideas, movies, games, experiences, and stories they are most passionate about. Our community is completely free and powered by Discord, which you can access from both a web browser and mobile app. We're looking forward to your arrival! Join our Discord Server Contact Us You can connect with us by creepin' on us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, @HackorSlash. You can also share your opinions with us by leaving us an audio message on our website, hackorslash.live. Special Thanks We want to give a special thanks to these patrons for continuing to make this show possible Music Credits "Hack or Slash" by Daniel Stapleton  

This week we're checking out The Strangers: Chapter 2 (2025). We evaluate the film's attempt at expanding the lore, assess its overall pacing, and dissect the effectiveness of its horror elements. In this episode's b-side, we debate the merits of horror trilogies, discuss which horror franchises could make successful TV series, and envision our ideal cut of this film. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 25:12. Mentioned in the Episode Spooky Season Join the (New)Blood Drive Be True to Your Ghoul 101: Welcome to Hack or Slash University! 31 Days of Horror 31 Days Movie Tracker 31 Days Tracker Instructions 31 Days Discord Discussion Watch the Movie The Strangers: Chapter 2 (2025) Related Episodes 331: The Strangers: Chapter 1 (2024) Support the Show We've launched our Patreon to have a place for listener support to help keep our show going. We are accepting support in the form of small monthly donations from our audience. The proceeds we gain from Patreon are put towards ongoing website fees, funding for new content, and equipment upgrades. In return, our patrons enjoy bonus content, early access, live streams, and exclusive channels in our Discord server. Support the Show on Patreon We're building a community where our listeners and horror fans as a whole can connect and share the ideas, movies, games, experiences, and stories they are most passionate about. Our community is completely free and powered by Discord, which you can access from both a web browser and mobile app. We're looking forward to your arrival! Join our Discord Server Contact Us You can connect with us by creepin' on us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, @HackorSlash. You can also share your opinions with us by leaving us an audio message on our website, hackorslash.live. Special Thanks We want to give a special thanks to these patrons for continuing to make this show possible Music Credits "Hack or Slash" by Daniel Stapleton  

This week we're diving into the heart of spooky season with a special community-focused update from Slasher Digest FM. We explore upcoming activities within our community, October's lineup of horror film reviews, and special bonuses for patrons and newcomers alike. We also check in on our 31 Days of Horror community event, and discuss our updated 31 Days tracker. Mentioned in the Episode Spooky Season Join the (New)Blood Drive Be True to Your Ghoul 101: Welcome to Hack or Slash University! 31 Days of Horror 31 Days Movie Tracker 31 Days Tracker Instructions 31 Days Discord Discussion Support the Show We've launched our Patreon to have a place for listener support to help keep our show going. We are accepting support in the form of small monthly donations from our audience. The proceeds we gain from Patreon are put towards ongoing website fees, funding for new content, and equipment upgrades. In return, our patrons enjoy bonus content, early access, live streams, and exclusive channels in our Discord server. Support the Show on Patreon We're building a community where our listeners and horror fans as a whole can connect and share the ideas, movies, games, experiences, and stories they are most passionate about. Our community is completely free and powered by Discord, which you can access from both a web browser and mobile app. We're looking forward to your arrival! Join our Discord Server Contact Us You can connect with us by creepin' on us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, @HackorSlash. You can also share your opinions with us by leaving us an audio message on our website, hackorslash.live. Special Thanks We want to give a special thanks to these patrons for continuing to make this show possible Music Credits "Hack or Slash" by Daniel Stapleton

This week we're carving into Candy Corn (2019). We analyze its nostalgic atmosphere, critique the film's underwhelming story and pacing, and discuss the inconsistency of its performances. In this episode's b-side, we explore the best and worst Halloween pranks, debate the merits of practical effects in B-horror movies, and share our own Halloween decorating traditions. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 22:33. Mentioned in the Episode Spooky Season Join the (New)Blood Drive Be True to Your Ghoul 101: Welcome to Hack or Slash University! 31 Days of Horror 31 Days Movie Tracker 31 Days Tracker Instructions 31 Days Discord Discussion Watch the Movie Candy Corn (2019) Support the Show We've launched our Patreon to have a place for listener support to help keep our show going. We are accepting support in the form of small monthly donations from our audience. The proceeds we gain from Patreon are put towards ongoing website fees, funding for new content, and equipment upgrades. In return, our patrons enjoy bonus content, early access, live streams, and exclusive channels in our Discord server. Support the Show on Patreon We're building a community where our listeners and horror fans as a whole can connect and share the ideas, movies, games, experiences, and stories they are most passionate about. Our community is completely free and powered by Discord, which you can access from both a web browser and mobile app. We're looking forward to your arrival! Join our Discord Server Contact Us You can connect with us by creepin' on us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, @HackorSlash. You can also share your opinions with us by leaving us an audio message on our website, hackorslash.live. Special Thanks We want to give a special thanks to these patrons for continuing to make this show possible Music Credits "Hack or Slash" by Daniel Stapleton

This bonus episode kicks off spooky season with everything you need to dive into our 31 Days of Horror. We walk through the origins of the calendar, the new host-themed days, and the custom watchlist tracker we designed to help you build and reflect on your own lineup. We share strategies for pacing yourself, creative ways to interpret the themes, and reminders that the heart of the challenge is community and fun. Whether you're joining us for the first time or returning for another round, this is your starter guide for making the most of October. Mentioned in the Episode Spooky Season Join the (New)Blood Drive Be True to Your Ghoul 101: Welcome to Hack or Slash University! 31 Days of Horror 31 Days of Horror Tracker 31 Days Discussion - Discord Tips to build your 31 Days watchlist Video version of this episode Support the Show We've launched our Patreon to have a place for listener support to help keep our show going. We are accepting support in the form of small monthly donations from our audience. The proceeds we gain from Patreon are put towards ongoing website fees, funding for new content, and equipment upgrades. In return, our patrons enjoy bonus content, early access, live streams, and exclusive channels in our Discord server. Support the Show on Patreon We're building a community where our listeners and horror fans as a whole can connect and share the ideas, movies, games, experiences, and stories they are most passionate about. Our community is completely free and powered by Discord, which you can access from both a web browser and mobile app. We're looking forward to your arrival! Join our Discord Server Contact Us You can connect with us by creepin' on us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, @HackorSlash. You can also share your opinions with us by leaving us an audio message on our website, hackorslash.live. Special Thanks We want to give a special thanks to these patrons for continuing to make this show possible Music Credits "Hack or Slash" by Daniel Stapleton  

This week we're doing the time warp with The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975). We examine its impactful cult following, discuss the complexities of its characters, and reflect on its iconic soundtrack. In this episode's b-side, we recount live show experiences, ponder the definition of Rocky Horror virginity, and explore what makes it ageless. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 29:24. Mentioned in the Episode Watch the Movie The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) Main Episode The Rocky Horror Show (musical) The Rocky Horror Picture Show (film) The real (wild) story of the Rocky Horror Picture Show B-side The Virgin's Guide to Rocky Horror Callouts 50 years of 'Rocky Horror' and how to prepare for the immersive experience Support the Show We've launched our Patreon to have a place for listener support to help keep our show going. We are accepting support in the form of small monthly donations from our audience. The proceeds we gain from Patreon are put towards ongoing website fees, funding for new content, and equipment upgrades. In return, our patrons enjoy bonus content, early access, live streams, and exclusive channels in our Discord server. Support the Show on Patreon We're building a community where our listeners and horror fans as a whole can connect and share the ideas, movies, games, experiences, and stories they are most passionate about. Our community is completely free and powered by Discord, which you can access from both a web browser and mobile app. We're looking forward to your arrival! Join our Discord Server Contact Us You can connect with us by creepin' on us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, @HackorSlash. You can also share your opinions with us by leaving us an audio message on our website, hackorslash.live. Special Thanks We want to give a special thanks to these patrons for continuing to make this show possible Music Credits "Hack or Slash" by Daniel Stapleton  

This week we're unpacking the layers of Sinners (2025). We analyze the film's unique blend of historical context and horror, break down its dynamic character relationships, and discuss the impact of its musical elements. In this episode's b-side, we explore the cultural significance of the Mississippi Delta, unearth historical references from the film, and debate which other historical periods could house vampires on the big screen. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 40:28. Mentioned in the Episode Spooky Season Join the (New)Blood Drive Be True to Your Ghoul 101: Welcome to Hack or Slash University! Watch the Movie Sinners (2025) Main Episode I Lied To You Song - Movie Clip Sinners: All 6 Musical Eras & Styles In Sammie's Big Juke Joint Scene Explained Conjuring the Past and Future of Black Music in Sinners B-side 8 'Sinners' Fun Facts That'll Change How You See the Film Everything You Missed in Ryan Coogler's Sinners—COMPLETE Historical Reference Guide Support the Show We've launched our Patreon to have a place for listener support to help keep our show going. We are accepting support in the form of small monthly donations from our audience. The proceeds we gain from Patreon are put towards ongoing website fees, funding for new content, and equipment upgrades. In return, our patrons enjoy bonus content, early access, live streams, and exclusive channels in our Discord server. Support the Show on Patreon We're building a community where our listeners and horror fans as a whole can connect and share the ideas, movies, games, experiences, and stories they are most passionate about. Our community is completely free and powered by Discord, which you can access from both a web browser and mobile app. We're looking forward to your arrival! Join our Discord Server Contact Us You can connect with us by creepin' on us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, @HackorSlash. You can also share your opinions with us by leaving us an audio message on our website, hackorslash.live. Special Thanks We want to give a special thanks to these patrons for continuing to make this show possible Music Credits "Hack or Slash" by Daniel Stapleton  

Scaredy cats aren't a problem to fix. They're future horror fans waiting on the right guide. In this Hack or Slash University elective, Kris teams up with our Dean of the Damned Chel to lay out a practical, compassionate playbook for bringing non-horror friends into the fold without trauma-bonding them to a bad first watch. Mentioned in the Episode Spooky Season Join the (New)Blood Drive Be True to Your Ghoul 101: Welcome to Hack or Slash University! Mentioned in the Episode How to Train Your Scaredy Cat: Ways to help your non-horror friends fall in love with horror too Support the Show We've launched our Patreon to have a place for listener support to help keep our show going. We are accepting support in the form of small monthly donations from our audience. The proceeds we gain from Patreon are put towards ongoing website fees, funding for new content, and equipment upgrades. In return, our patrons enjoy bonus content, early access, live streams, and exclusive channels in our Discord server. Support the Show on Patreon We're building a community where our listeners and horror fans as a whole can connect and share the ideas, movies, games, experiences, and stories they are most passionate about. Our community is completely free and powered by Discord, which you can access from both a web browser and mobile app. We're looking forward to your arrival! Join our Discord Server Contact Us You can connect with us by creepin' on us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, @HackorSlash. You can also share your opinions with us by leaving us an audio message on our website, hackorslash.live. Special Thanks We want to give a special thanks to these patrons for continuing to make this show possible Music Credits "Hack or Slash" by Daniel Stapleton  

This week we're revisiting the haunted halls in Hell House LLC: Lineage (2025). We critique its storyline's convoluted lore, examine the mixed effectiveness of its scares, and discuss the impact of its shift away from found footage. In this episode's b-side, we evaluate the ongoing curse of final installments in horror franchises, debate horror's reliance on sequels, and explore other franchises that bounced back from the brink of death. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 41:59. Mentioned in the Episode Watch the Movie Hell House LLC: Lineage (2025) Main Episode 'Hell House LLC: Lineage' – Filming Underway on "Scariest" and Potentially Final Entry How to Deliver Natural Scares: Stephen Cognetti Talks 'Hell House LLC: Lineage' Support the Show We've launched our Patreon to have a place for listener support to help keep our show going. We are accepting support in the form of small monthly donations from our audience. The proceeds we gain from Patreon are put towards ongoing website fees, funding for new content, and equipment upgrades. In return, our patrons enjoy bonus content, early access, live streams, and exclusive channels in our Discord server. Support the Show on Patreon We're building a community where our listeners and horror fans as a whole can connect and share the ideas, movies, games, experiences, and stories they are most passionate about. Our community is completely free and powered by Discord, which you can access from both a web browser and mobile app. We're looking forward to your arrival! Join our Discord Server Contact Us You can connect with us by creepin' on us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, @HackorSlash. You can also share your opinions with us by leaving us an audio message on our website, hackorslash.live. Special Thanks We want to give a special thanks to these patrons for continuing to make this show possible Music Credits "Hack or Slash" by Daniel Stapleton  

This week we're sharing everything on our spooky season bucket lists. We talk about our shopping hauls at Spirit Halloween, Five Below, and HomeGoods, our excitement for Halloween Horror Nights, and the local haunts and ghost tours that keep the spirit alive. We carve out time for traditions like pumpkin carving, spooky playlists, and seasonal snacks, while also diving into our must-watch horror movies and the 31 Days of Horror challenge. This one's all about how we make the most of spooky season. and how you can join in too. Support the Show We've launched our Patreon to have a place for listener support to help keep our show going. We are accepting support in the form of small monthly donations from our audience. The proceeds we gain from Patreon are put towards ongoing website fees, funding for new content, and equipment upgrades. In return, our patrons enjoy bonus content, early access, live streams, and exclusive channels in our Discord server. Support the Show on Patreon We're building a community where our listeners and horror fans as a whole can connect and share the ideas, movies, games, experiences, and stories they are most passionate about. Our community is completely free and powered by Discord, which you can access from both a web browser and mobile app. We're looking forward to your arrival! Join our Discord Server Contact Us You can connect with us by creepin' on us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, @HackorSlash. You can also share your opinions with us by leaving us an audio message on our website, hackorslash.live. Special Thanks We want to give a special thanks to these patrons for continuing to make this show possible Music Credits "Hack or Slash" by Daniel Stapleton "The Dread" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/  

This week we're witnessing the end of an era with The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025). We unpack how the film handles the Warrens' swan song, reflect on its balance between family drama and supernatural dread, and dig into whether it truly sticks the landing as a franchise finale. In this episode's b-side, we break down the real Smurl family haunting, debate the credibility of the Warrens' involvement, and consider the absurdities of haunted duplex living.This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 40:57. Mentioned in the Episode Spooky Season Join the (New)Blood Drive Be True to Your Ghoul 101: Welcome to Hack or Slash University! Watch the Movie The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025) Mentioned in the Episode Cases / Paranormal Lore Smurl family haunting The Amityville Horror (case overview) "The Devil Made Me Do It" trial (Arne Cheyenne Johnson) Related Episodes The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021) The Conjuring 2 (2016) Rewind: The Conjuring (2013) The Conjuring (2013) The Nun (2018) The Nun 2 (2023) Support the Show We've launched our Patreon to have a place for listener support to help keep our show going. We are accepting support in the form of small monthly donations from our audience. The proceeds we gain from Patreon are put towards ongoing website fees, funding for new content, and equipment upgrades. In return, our patrons enjoy bonus content, early access, live streams, and exclusive channels in our Discord server. Support the Show on Patreon We're building a community where our listeners and horror fans as a whole can connect and share the ideas, movies, games, experiences, and stories they are most passionate about. Our community is completely free and powered by Discord, which you can access from both a web browser and mobile app. We're looking forward to your arrival! Join our Discord Server Contact Us You can connect with us by creepin' on us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, @HackorSlash. You can also share your opinions with us by leaving us an audio message on our website, hackorslash.live. Special Thanks We want to give a special thanks to these patrons for continuing to make this show possible Music Credits "Hack or Slash" by Daniel Stapleton

It's our favorite time of year, and we're bringing the whole campus together. In this expanded episode of Slasher Digest FM, Kris and Chel usher in the official start of spooky season with the Hack or Slash University spirit in full force. Whether you're a freshman just tuning in or a tenured patron, you'll get the inside scoop on everything happening in and around the podcast this month. We unveil this year's 31 Days of Horror calendar, share details about our new horror watch tracker, and preview the episodes and events coming your way this fall. In this episode's b-side, Kris recounts a cider-fueled Jason pilgrimage, Chel defends her spectral roommates, and we both agree that horror musicals deserve their own sing-along syllabus. Support the Show We've launched our Patreon to have a place for listener support to help keep our show going. We are accepting support in the form of small monthly donations from our audience. The proceeds we gain from Patreon are put towards ongoing website fees, funding for new content, and equipment upgrades. In return, our patrons enjoy bonus content, early access, live streams, and exclusive channels in our Discord server. Support the Show on Patreon We're building a community where our listeners and horror fans as a whole can connect and share the ideas, movies, games, experiences, and stories they are most passionate about. Our community is completely free and powered by Discord, which you can access from both a web browser and mobile app. We're looking forward to your arrival! Join our Discord Server Contact Us You can connect with us by creepin' on us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, @HackorSlash. You can also share your opinions with us by leaving us an audio message on our website, hackorslash.live. Special Thanks We want to give a special thanks to these patrons for continuing to make this show possible