Horror Dads

Another year creeps toward a close, and the Horror Dads use Episode 124 to reflect back on the best that 2024 had to offer.  Tune in as John and Jamie review the Top-10 Horror Films of 2024—a year that delivered everything from pulse-pounding slashers to indie thrillers. The Horror Dads use this time to discuss standout performances, direction, and moments that had us sleeping with the lights on. Whether you're a die-hard horror fan or just dipping your toes into the genre, this list will leave you with plenty of must-watch titles to round out the year. Not interested in the banter and want to get directly to the episode? Please find time stamps of our segments below:  What We’ve Been Watching: 2:20  What We’ve Been Buying: 6:05 What We’re Wearing:  8:25 Family Antic: 9:30 Plugs: 12:05 Best of 2024: 14:00

The Horror Dads, John and Jamie, are joined by indie filmmakers Marc Marashi and Andrew Weir, the creative minds behind the haunting new horror short film, The Lonely Portrait. Together, we dive into the eerie world of apartment-based horror, exploring how confined spaces, thin walls, and familiar settings create the perfect backdrop for fear and isolation. Marc and Andrew share the inspiration behind The Lonely Portrait, detailing its themes, production journey, and the unique challenges of crafting horror within the claustrophobic confines of apartment living. Along the way, we discuss some of the genre’s most memorable apartment-based horror films, from psychological thrillers to ghostly tales, unpacking why these settings resonate so deeply with audiences. For those who have not seen The Lonely Portrait, you can access this 17-minute short film here: https://vimeo.com/872717472/a07e3202c5 Not interested in the banter and want to jump directly to the interview? Please find time stamps of our segments below: What We’ve Been Watching: 3:10 What We’ve Been Buying: 8:48 What We’re Wearing: 11:00 Family Antics:13:02 Plugs: 15:45 Interview with The Lonely Portrait: 15:45

Fasten your seatbelts and prepare for turbulence as the Horror Dads, John and Jamie, take to the skies in covering 10 Airplane-Themed Horror Films. Episode 122 explores the terrifying subgenre of airplane horror films—where confined spaces, high altitudes, and unseen threats often create the perfect arrangement for an effective film. From supernatural frights and high-stakes hijackings to creatures lurking in the cargo hold, we cover the gamut in reviewing 10-films.   Looking to skip the intro and get directly to the episode?  Feel free to jump ahead, you can find time stamps for our segments below: What We’ve Been Watching: 3:35 What We’ve Been Buying: 10:55 What We’re Wearing: 12:45 Family Antic: 14:00 Plugs: 16:35 10 Airborne Horror Films: 18:10

The Horror Dads, John and Jamie are joined by their talented friend and favorite artist, Matty Tobin, for Part III of the "Hidden Horror Gems" series. Together, the group digs deep to find nine under-appreciated horror films that deserve more love and attention from fans of the genre. From eerie thrillers to chilling indie flicks, the trio explores what makes these hidden gems stand out, examining their unique atmospheres, standout performances, and masterful direction. Find about more about our talented friend, Matty Ryan Tobin, HERE.

In the newest episode of Horror Dads, John and Jamie are rejoined by their dear friend Justin Carolyne, as they continue the annual autumnal tradition with the fifth installment of the Love Letter to Fall series.  This time, the group explores 9 of the most haunting and enchanting fictional hometowns in horror cinema. From the fog-shrouded coastal streets of the West Coast to the quaint yet sinister suburbs of the Midwest, and the eerie, historic towns of the East, the group dives deep into the creepy locales that give these films their chilling atmospheres. As always, we celebrate the magic of the Halloween season, examining how these iconic settings evoke the nostalgia and fear that make fall the perfect backdrop for horror.  Listening to episodes 1 through 4 is not a requirement to enjoy this release! Happy fall to you all.

In Episode 119, the Horror Dads, John and Jamie sit down with Bobby Roe, the mastermind behind the cult-favorite horror film The Houses October Built. Dive into the eerie world of haunted house attractions and hear firsthand from Bobby how his love for the Halloween season inspired this terrifying film. From found-footage filmmaking to exploring America’s scariest haunts, Bobby shares behind-the-scenes stories, creative insights, and what it’s like to blur the lines between reality and nightmare. Whether you're a fan of the film or just looking for your next spooky watch, this episode is packed with horror-loving dad banter and all the creepy details you crave.  Want to skip the banter and get straight to the episode? Please find time stamps to our segments below: What We’ve Been Watching: 3:20 Family Antic: 5:30 What We’ve Been Buying:  6:40 What We’re Wearing: 8:20 Plugs: 9:42 Interview with Bobby Roe: 11:38

Step right up, horror fans, and enter the twisted world of carnival nightmares.  Tune in as the Horror Dads take you on a blood-curdling tour through ten of the most terrifying horror films set in the eerie, chaotic world of amusement parks, carnivals, and festivals. From cursed rides to sinister sideshows, these films are guaranteed to make you think twice before stepping foot into your next fairground.  We’ll explore how each film taps into the sinister side of what should be a place of fun and joy—turning it into a twisted playground of fear.  Not interested in the introductory banter and want to get right to the episode?  Please find time stamps of our segments below if you’d like to skip ahead: What We’re Watching: 3:20  What We’ve Been Buying: 8:35 What We’re Wearing: 10:45 Family Antic: 12:08 Plugs: 12:22 Carnival of Terrors - 10 Amusement Park and Festival Horror Films: 14:45

In this special episode of Horror Dads, John and Jamie sit down with the prolific Horror Composer, Alexander Taylor.  Alex has been the mastermind behind some of the more haunting scores in horror cinema. We take the episode to explore the origins and process around his compositions, and review the techniques used to build tension and dread through sound.  From eerie ambient sounds to heart-pounding orchestral pieces, we uncover how Alex brings horror to life through music.  Whether you're a fan of horror films, a music lover, or someone curious about the craft behind your favorite scares, this episode offers a rare and fascinating look into the world of horror composition.  As always, we round out our discussion by covering 3 inspiring scores, and the films behind those scores, in the horror genre. Not interested and the banter and want to get right to the episode? Time stamps on our segments can be found below: What We’ve Been Watching: 1:15 What We’re Buying: 9:08 What We’re Wearing: 11:00 Family Antic: 11:45 Plugs: 13:10 Interview With Alexander Taylor: 14:22

The Horror Dads return for a spine-chilling episode where they dive back into the shadows to unearth horror films that they once dismissed. Sometimes, a movie doesn't hit the mark on the first watch, but what if it deserves a second chance? Join John and Jamie as they explore the horror flicks that, for one reason or another, may not have worked for them the first time through.  The Horror Dads focus on 10 film for this episode - some, with a whole new perspective, and others…well, you’ll have to see!  Not interested in the banter and want to get straight to the episode?  Please find time stamps of our segments below:  What We’ve Been Watching: 4:45 What We’ve Been Buying: 7:45 What We’re Wearing: 11:20 Family Antic: 12:40 Plugs: 14:50 Second Chance Horror: 16:50

The Horror Dads are back with a new episode on deep sea terrors and cover 10 Shark Films that bite back.  Join John and Jamie as they dive into the dark abyss of the ocean’s depths and encounter some of the better shark-related Horror Films.  Just in time for vacation season…if you’re taking a trip anytime soon, you should listen to this first! Not interested in the banter, and would like to skip directly to the Top-10 List?  Please find time stamps below for our segments:  What We’re Watching: 3:25 What We’re Buying: 10:48 What We’re Wearing: 14:04 Family Antic: 14.45 Plugs: 17:24 10 Shark Films: 18:55 

The Horror Dads are honored to be joined by Andre Gower, actor and star of the 1987 Fred Dekker film, Monster Squad. Andre plays the lead role of 'Sean' in Monster Squad and went on to make a documentary about the film called Wolfman's Got Nards. Tune in for some captivating conversation and a behind the scenes look at one of our all time favorite 80's films, Monster Squad. Want to skip the banter and get straight to our interview with Andre? Please find time stamps of our segments below: What We're Watching: 4:00 What We're Buying: 7:15 What We're Wearing: 8:43 Family Antic: 9:45 Plugs: 14:45 Interview with Andre Gower: 16:00

The Horror Dads dedicate an episode to 10 Horror Films that take place in the woods.  John and Jamie avoid the obvious classics (like Friday the 13th and The Burning), and spend time on some lesser-known films that take place in the great outdoors.  Summer is here, and many are planning their camping adventures - this episode might make you think twice before you head into the woods… Not interested in the banter and want to get right to the episode?  Please find time stamps of our segments below: What We’re Watching: 2:00 What We’re Buying: 7:48 What We’re Wearing: 10:05  Family Antic: 10:57 Plugs: 13:32 10 Horror Forest Films: 20:00

The Horror Dads are joined by author and friend Z.C. Krol to discuss a few Horror Treasures that you can currently find streaming on Tubi. For this episode, we are Streaming Screams on only one platform, and that is Tubi. Tubi is an ad-supported VOD service with over 40,000 movies and TV shows...but what happens when you dig deep through the archives of these 40,000 films? You come up with some Hidden Horror Treasures. Please find time stamps of the segments below in case you'd like to skip around: What We've Been Watching: 2:20 What We've Been Buying: 8:25 What We're Wearing: 13:30 Family Antic: 15:35 Plugs: 20:25 Tubi or Not Tubi Game: 24:00 Interview with Z.C. Krol: 31:22 Horror Treasures On Tubi: 53:52

Having a roommate is something that most of us can relate to.  Luckily, most of the time having a roommate is a great experience, and allows you to build a life-long friend.  But sometimes…it can be much less than great, even terrifying.  Tune in as the Horror Dads talk about 10 different Horror Movie Roommates, some of whom are a dream come true, and others a nightmare in the flesh.  Not interested in the banter and want to get straight to the Top-10 list?  You can find timestamps outlining our segments below:  What We’re Wearing: 3:12 What We’ve Been Watching: 4:20 Family Antic: 13:15 What We’ve Been Buying: 16:40 Plugs: 18:55 10 Horror Roommates: 20:23

The Horror Dads are joined by their friends and mentors, Mikey and Matty from the Alone in the Dark Horror Podcast to discuss one of the most important franchises in horror history: Friday the 13th. The Jason Voorhees legacy lives through 12 different films, all of which are discussed in detail. Tune in while the crew banter through ranking all of the installments of the Friday the 13th franchise (including Freddy Vs. Jason and the 2009 Friday the 13th). Find out more about the Alone in the Dark Horror Podcast HERE.

The Horror Dads are thrilled to be joined by Writer and Director , Stephen Cognetti. Stephen has written and directed all four of the Hell House, LLC films. John and Jamie interview Stephen as a fellow Horror Dad, and talk through all things Hell House and get amazing insights around the franchise. Interested in skipping the banter and getting right to the interview? Time stamps that outline our segments may be found below: What We've Been Watching: 2:28 What We've Been Buying: 8:00 What We're Wearing: 12:50 Family Antic and Plugs: 14:22 Interview with Stephen Cognetti: 21:44

Tune in as the Horror Dads discuss some of the best cemeteries depicted in Horror Films.  A cemetery is an exceptional device used in story telling to represent loss, departure, and sometimes even resurrection. John and Jamie select 10 Films with great cemeteries and cemetery scenes in Episode 108. Looking to skip the intro and get straight to the content? Please find some time stamps below: What We’re Watching: 3:00 Family Antic: 7:00 What We’ve Been Buying: 10:00 What We’re Wearing: 14:12 Plugs: 16:15 Top 10 Horror Cemeteries: 17:55

Setting is one of the most key elements to define atmosphere in film - particularly in the Horror genre.  Tune in as the Horror Dads talk through 10 Terrifying Horror Hospitals.  Through discussion of these 10 films, John and Jamie touch on some never-before-seen movies along with a few classic entries.   Interested in getting right to the episode? Timestamps can be found below with key segments: What We’re Wearing: 2:17 What We’ve Been Buying: 3:38 What We’ve Been Watching: 5:23 Family Antics: 13:55 Plugs: 17:30 Top 10 Horror Hospitals: 19:05

Tune in as the Horror Dads do a deep dive on their Top-10 Best Horror Movie Theater Experiences. John and Jamie have a rousing discussion that spans decades of movie-going, and provide insight into not only the experiences, but the movies themselves.

It took over 100 episodes to get here, but the Horror Dads have taken on the mammoth task of talking through the work of who most know to be the most prolific horror author in history, Stephen King. The Horror Dads use this episode to focus on 10 film or miniseries adaptations of King's written work. These are not the 10 best films, and not even 10 of our favorite films, but represents a well-rounded list of all things Stephen King. Looking to skip the intro banter and get right to the bones of the episode? You may find some time stamps below that mark key segments: What We’ve Been Watching: 2:23  What We’ve Been Buying: 8:30  What We’re Wearing: 10:09 Family Antic: 10:47 Plugs: 13:35 10 Stephen King Adaptations: 14:38