Slasher Summer: 5 Summer-Themed Horror Films

By

Juliana Adams  jea74@uakron.edu 

Although considered one of the most relaxing times of year, summer is the setting for some of the most thrilling and terrifying films. With summer break rapidly approaching, I’ve compiled a list of my 5 favorite summer-themed horror films.

• I Know What You Did Last Summer (Rated R) - Following their graduation, a group of four teenagers accidentally hit a man with their car on July 4th, dump his body, and mutually agree to never discuss it again. During the anniversary of their crime, they rekindle their friendship through the mutual realization that their secret is no longer bound to the limits of their small circle, and a masked assailant wielding a fishing hook is determined to make them pay for their wrongdoing. This film is a classic that I’ve loved. I find the small-town atmosphere adds a certain charm to the movie that makes it even more enjoyable to watch. The ‘whodunnit’ aspect of the film adds a certain intensity to this watch, and leaves you questioning the most miniscule details and characters. I love this movie and recommend it to anyone looking for a thrill. 

• Friday the 13th (Rated R) - This cult-classic set at Camp Crystal Lake in 1980 exhibits an eerie summer camp atmosphere in which violence lingers. The Camp Crystal Lake counselors are being stalked and brutally murdered by a chilling and senseless masked assailant bearing a hockey mask and machete. This film is a must-watch classic for the summer season. I find that this film is most thrilling to watch with friends. Although it is not prestigiously perceived by audiences, it is an extremely suspenseful watch and a chilling film to add to your watch list this summer. 

• Fear Street Part Two: 1978 (Rated R) - This second addition to a three part trilogy loosely based off of R.L. Stine’s Fear Street book franchise is undoubtedly considered a fan favorite among viewers. This film is the second installment within the Netflix exclusive “Fear Street” trilogy, and takes audiences through a summer camp referred to as “Camp Nightwing.” We are exposed to the origins of a possessed machete-bearing murderer who lurks the woods, slaughtering anyone in his path. The summer camp setting with a masked perpetrator sends a nod to other traditional slasher films on this list, but has a riveting twist that left me wanting to rewatch continuously. I love this film, and find it incredibly captivating and heartfelt- given a prevalent sibling dynamic that persists throughout its duration. I would recommend watching this film as it’s intended- after the first installment of the trilogy- but it is still enjoyable to watch on its own. 

• Sleepaway Camp (Rated R) - This film follows a young survivor named Angela; a shy, and unassuming girl whose family was killed in a tragic boating accident. She is sent with her cousin Ricky to a sleepaway camp where they are both met with poor treatment from their peers. As time progresses, both the campers and counselors are murdered in the most brutal and obscene ways. I was unable to make this list without adding this movie as it is considered one of the most influential summer-themed horror movies of its time, although this film was quite offbeat and bizarre. Laced with 80s nuances and nostalgia, this film is a cult favorite. Its awkward and unconventional attributes separated it from any other horror films at the time, and its brutal yet uncanny traits make it entirely its own. I would recommend this film if you’re looking for something slightly unconventional. 

• Jeepers Creepers (Rated R) - This film follows two siblings named Trish and Darry who are on a road trip home from college for summer break. After witnessing a demonic entity dumping bodies curbside the street, they decide to investigate and quickly discover these bodies feed a monster who feeds every 23 years for 23 days. This film is set in a rural and eerie atmosphere which adds to both the intensity and ominousness of the plot. This film is not incredibly thought-provoking or revolutionary by any means; but is still an incredibly eerie and entertaining film with a fresh twist on recycled traditional horror concepts. I found this film both fun yet chilling and recommend it to anyone that’s chasing that type of experience.