Say it with me now, people. “America, HELL YEAH!” Here we are with another week in Horror History, and just like Team America, we are here to save the day. So while your significant other is slaving over a batch of deviled egg potato salad, you can educate yourself on some moments in Horror History and wow all your friends at the BBQ with your heavy flow of horror knowledge. Let’s do this.

July 4

Keenen Ivory Wayans was quick to cash in on the success of the first Scary Movie, and went straight for the holiday movie jugular. With the addition of David Cross, Tim Curry, and Chris Elliott to the cast, the second outing for the Wayan family was a successful one.

Scary Movie 2
released theatrically in 2001

July 5

In 1962, this story of the Baldwin family took a turn for the worst when a nuke wiped out their city while they were on vacation. Things get pretty dicey as the typical, “post apocalyptic lawlessness” sets in, and the dad has to do everything he can to protect his family.

Panic In Year Zero!
released theatrically in 1962

July 6

In 2005, Neil Marshall scared the shit out of people with this claustrophobic, instant horror classic. If you watched this movie in theaters, you probably left with parts of the armrest under your nails.

The Descent
released theatrically in 2005

July 7

It’s the horror parody that started it all. Keenen Ivory Wayans struck gold with this release, and spawned lots of work for his entire family again. This time, on the big screen. The In Living Color alum, and their Scary Movie franchise continues to tickle stoners everywhere, whenever it airs on late night cable.

Scary Movie
released theatrically in 2000

July 8

Horror legends, Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi team up in Poe inspired story. Lugosi is a Edgar Allan Poe obsessed mad surgeon with his own personal torture chamber in his basement, while Karloff is a fugitive murdered on the run from the police. In an interesting use of promotion, Karloff was given top billing, even though Lugosi was the lead. Add this 1935 release to your queue of classic must watch movies.

The Raven
released theatrically in 1935

July 9

On this day, in 1945, Dean Koontz was brought into this world. Little did his parents know, but their child would spawn some of the most thrilling novels to incorporate horror, fantasy, sci-fi, and mystery, to date. They also gave children on the playground blacktops something to giggle over. Koontz.

Dean Koontz

born in 1945

July 10

One of my all time favorite character actors, and most recognizable voices in the art of acting. Fred Gwynne will always be Herman Munster to me. From his roles in Pet Sematary, My Cousin Vinny, to Fatal Attraction, and the Secret to My Success, Fred Gwynne’s cadence and delivery was one of a kind.

Fred Gwynne
(actor in The Munsters and Pet Sematary) in 1926

July 11

Back in 2013, all bets were on this one failing. Little did everyone know this b-movie esque flick was a phenom in disguise. Sparking multiple sequels, and a lot of bandwagon copies, Sharknado is that movie you love to hate.