Most horror movies focus on the paranormal, masked killers, or dangerous creatures. Typically, when you picture a scary movie, something along those lines is probably what comes to mind. However, sometimes the focal point of all the terror comes from the kitchen.
Scary, killer food isn’t the most common horror movie element, but it certainly happens. From the pizza scene in A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master to the slice of Harvest Cake — complete with a blinking eyeball — in Drag Me To Hell, to the more comical, B-rated Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead, there is a range of killer food in horror movies. Some are a little gross and spooky, while others are more laughable than terrifying.
A creepy food scene pops up in horror movies here and there, but there are also entire films centered around killer food, like Attack of the Killer Tomatoes, for example. In a lot of cases, these killer food movies are more funny commentary than true horror, but they’re entertaining regardless.
Here are six of the best instances of killer food in horror movies.
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6 The Gingerdead Man (2005)
Full Moon Features
The Gingerdead Man is a low-budget slasher/comedy starring Gary Busey (Lethal Weapon) as the killer cookie. The Gingerdead Man is a mix of the typical gingerbread spices and ingredients with a dash of the ashes of a dead serial killer. When the gingerbread is baked, the killer is reincarnated and returns to wreak havoc on a small bakery. It’s very similar to the plot of Child’s Play; just substitute the doll with a gingerbread man, and it’s as ridiculous as it sounds.
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This is no blockbuster, but the movie still manages to be fun as it doesn’t take itself seriously at all. Busey as a wisecracking evil gingerbread man is a relatively funny concept, and it’s truly unlike any other movie. Surprisingly, after the movie was released in 2005, it was later followed up with three sequels and a slew of comic books.
5 Attack of the Killer Tomatoes (1978)
NAI Entertainment
This 1978 picture was made on a budget of less than $100,000 and is supposed to be a spoof on the B-movie niche. It’s about tomatoes that somehow become sentient and begin revolting against humanity. The concept of killer tomatoes — and the movie as a whole — is silly and ridiculous, but it’s that irony that makes it interesting to watch.
Since its original release, Attack of the Killer Tomatoes has become a cult classic. Over the years there have been three sequels and other various adaptations in the form of books, video games and spin-off media. In 2019, production for a fourth sequel began, but there have yet to be more details released on that.
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4 ThanksKilling
In Broad Daylight Films
ThanksKilling, another cult classic B-movie, is about a demonic, murderous turkey that terrorizes a group of college kids on holiday break. It’s another one of those movies that pokes fun at itself, and that’s a big part of its appeal. It’s a horror/comedy hybrid that puts an innovative twist on the creature feature, slasher movie genre.
A sequel, ThanksKilling 3, followed in 2012 with a budget of just over $100,000 that was raised entirely through Kickstarter. With such a massive cult following, it may be possible to say that ThanksKilling is one of those movies that are so bad that it’s somehow good. Either way, it’s definitely a good watch for fans of unique, low budget, B-movies.
3 The Stuff (1985)
Anchor Bay Entertainment/New World Pictures
The Stuff, which was released in 1985, is a sci-fi horror about a sweet, addictive alien substance that becomes an incredibly popular American dessert. But, The Stuff is lethal and parasitic, and anyone who eats it turns into a zombie as the stuff eats them from the inside out.
While The Stuff is a classic ’80s B-rated movie through and through, it offers a little more depth than others in that niche. While corny and painfully low budget, it’s also a satirical interpretation of American lifestyle, corporate greed and consumer society, and although it was made several years ago, still feels applicable today.
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2 Killer Klowns From Outer Space (1988)
Chiodo Bros
Killer Klowns From Outer Space is one of those horror movies that are more funny than scary. It’s about a group of evil aliens disguised as clowns that come to Earth to harvest humans for food. From the cotton candy cocoons to the popcorn guns and the campy plot and writing, it’s no wonder Killer Klowns From Outer Space is such a cult phenomenon. It even comes complete with its own theme song, “Killer Klowns,” by punk rock band The Dickies. And for being a silly flick from the ’80s, it’s worth noting that Killer Klowns From Outer Space has some outstanding special effects and costuming.
Killer Klowns From Outer Space sits at a 76% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is a must-watch every Halloween, often seeing a revival at movie theaters and drive-ins during the season. The movie was first released in 1988 and there have been talks of a sequel ever since, but with production obstacles it’s unclear when a Killer Klowns 2 will become a reality.
1 IT (1990/2019)
Warner Bros. Television Distribution
Stephen King’s It is a horror classic and beloved by fans of the genre far and wide. Most people who watched the two-part adaptation of the terrifying tale in 1990 probably remember the iconic fortune cookie scene. In the scene, The Losers club gather at a Chinese restaurant to talk about how they think Pennywise may have returned, and they might have to return to Derry. When they go to end their meal with a ceremonial fortune cookie, each one is filled with something horrific. There’s blood, eyeballs, roaches, and other creepy creatures, making it clear that — to their dismay — Pennywise is back.
The scene was also recreated in the second part of the remake, It: Chapter Two, in 2019. The reimagined scene is just as creepy as the original, if not worse, because of the enhanced special effects.
