"Empty Town" type of horror ->recommendations

[masterj]

Hello horror movie lovers :)

Do you know/can recommend any horror movies (not asian) which are similar to Silent Hill (2006) or Phantoms (1998) or Virus (1999), where small group of people come to empty town/space station/underwater station/some big object and there are no other people and they try to uncover where all the residents have gone (hope you know what I mean). Like in older survival horror games, main point at the end of movie is to escape dead city/station/etc or something similar. And please no "Saw"/"Texas Massacre" type of movies. Those are not scary just plain gore... I want something sci-fi/mystery from 1985-present

Thanks in advance :)

Sorry for my poor english (which isn't my first language).

http://cdn-7.nflximg.com/us/boxshots/large/8178227.jpg http://cdn-4.nflximg.com/us/boxshots/large/1179574.jpg http://cdn-8.nflximg.com/us/boxshots/large/60001468.jpg

[illdojo]

John Carpenter's The Thing (1982)

[_____V_____]

Event Horizon.

See it.

[hacelikewhoa]

House of Wax

[Despare]

Hmmmm, Funhouse maybe...

[Dude Guadalupe]

Sphere

I think that fits this category.

[MisterSadistro]

'The Devil's Rain'.

[masterj]

Thank you for all your replies :)

I've already seen:
John Carpenter's The Thing, <- great movie, crazy fx :)
Event Horizon, <- very good sci-fi in this "empty town" category
Sphere, <- also good movie
House of Wax. <- this one is kinda different, but still was fun to watch

UPDATE:
Now gonna search for Funhause dvd to rent (I hope you were talking about 1981 version though)
The Devil's Rain is a lil bit too old movie for me, it's from 70s...

Thanks :) If there are any more recommendations - I'm listening :)

[Ferox13]

The Devil's Rain is a lil bit too old movie for me, it's from 70s...

TUT TUT....

One of the best decades for horror films..

[masterj]

TUT TUT....

One of the best decades for horror films..

I know, but I just don't like movies older than from 1980... I think that best sci-fi horror movies were created between 1990 and 2000

[neverending]

Nope... not even going to bother....

[bloodrayne]

Stephen King's 'Desperation'

[La Chat Noire]

Stephen King's 'Desperation'


Is the movie pretty good? I tried reading the book and just couldn't get into it, which is weird since I usually love his books.

[_____V_____]

I know, but I just don't like movies older than from 1980... I think that best sci-fi horror movies were created between 1990 and 2000

Excuse me, but, have you been to the shrink's lately?

[Painfulldeath]

I know, but I just don't like movies older than from 1980... I think that best sci-fi horror movies were created between 1990 and 2000

That's the equivalent of saying that you prefer expired potato chips to fresh ones.

[masterj]

Stephen King's 'Desperation'

Desperation looks really promising :) thank you

[masterj]

That's the equivalent of saying that you prefer expired potato chips to fresh ones.

why would you compare something like that? Everyone has his or hers likes and dislikes. I really liked almost all the sci-fi movies from 90s that i watched. For me it is kinda hard to watch movie and 'feel' the horror when you see cars/atmosphere/people clothes from 70s. You see all those people and think: "cool clothes, disco age, dude, look at his hair" and it is good thing for adventure movie or even comedy, but when you're watching horror you kinda want to image what would you do when something like this happened

[Despare]

Masterj, is the reason you like more recent sci-fi flicks because they're more current with the technology they use or AT LEAST more plausable? Just kind of trying to get a hold on why you like the current crop better.

[masterj]

Because of technology they use in movies. You watch movie and see all those cars likely to be driving on the street, all those people who really look like if they could be living somewhere the same moment you're watching movie... It looks like EVERYTHING is happening TODAY.
Of course most of movies nowadays are total crap. Everyone can take camcorder and record "movie" and even print dvd cover and sell it like some blockbuster. Even Hollywood is trying to create movies where 100 people would like to watch them one time instead of the movie where one person would like to watch it 100 times...
Anyway, I watch horror/sci-fi movies from 90s mainly. It is so called "golden middle" for me, where special effects, filmed era and movie story looks really watchable.

Again, sorry for my english, it isn't easy to express myself

[Despare]

Because of technology they use in movies. You watch movie and see all those cars likely to be driving on the street, all those people who really look like if they could be living somewhere the same moment you're watching movie... It looks like EVERYTHING is happening TODAY.
Of course most of movies nowadays are total crap. Everyone can take camcorder and record "movie" and even print dvd cover and sell it like some blockbuster. Even Hollywood is trying to create movies where 100 people would like to watch them one time instead of the movie where one person would like to watch it 100 times...
Anyway, I watch horror/sci-fi movies from 90s mainly. It is so called "golden middle" for me, where special effects, filmed era and movie story looks really watchable.

Again, sorry for my english, it isn't easy to express myself

A lot of sci-films happen in the future, why would you want it to look like today?

[masterj]

A lot of sci-films happen in the future, why would you want it to look like today?

maybe It didn't came out right... That's what I wanted to say:
What we think about future is realised in those movies that are not very old... Because during years our thoughts about whole future era is changing, we are evolving, our whole culture is changing. Somethings that were impossible years back now are reality. And movies are part of our culture.
Some older movies even shows our future (for example, year 2000 :)) as controled by robots. But year 2000 has already happened and it wasn't like everyone predicted it to be.

[Painfulldeath]

why would you compare something like that? Everyone has his or hers likes and dislikes. I really liked almost all the sci-fi movies from 90s that i watched. For me it is kinda hard to watch movie and 'feel' the horror when you see cars/atmosphere/people clothes from 70s. You see all those people and think: "cool clothes, disco age, dude, look at his hair" and it is good thing for adventure movie or even comedy, but when you're watching horror you kinda want to image what would you do when something like this happened

Most of the great horror movies are pre-1980. I just think that you're limiting yourself when you refuse to watch them. Sure, I was born in the 80s, but I have come to realize that just because a movie is older, that definitely does not mean that it's inferior. By watching older flicks, you get a better idea of the evolution of film and where we are headed. Plus, I kind of find that the poorer picture quality in itself adds some ambiance to a horror movie and makes it somehow scarier. Excuse the comparison, I'm an oddball and difficult to understand at times :D .

[masterj]

Most of the great horror movies are pre-1980. I just think that you're limiting yourself when you refuse to watch them. Sure, I was born in the 80s, but I have come to realize that just because a movie is older, that definitely does not mean that it's inferior. By watching older flicks, you get a better idea of the evolution of film and where we are headed. Plus, I kind of find that the poorer picture quality in itself adds some ambiance to a horror movie and makes it somehow scarier. Excuse the comparison, I'm an oddball and difficult to understand at times :D .

I was born in 80s too :) By the way, I saw Night of the living dead from 60s (black and white version), Zombi, Day of the dead :D but I think I just don't like older movies. There I said it :) Of course looking 10 years back I'd be happy to see again first Alien or another zombie movie, but now I just want some 90s (Armageddon - THE BEST movie for me) :) maybe after 10 years I'll be watching only '00s (God, that would be a really short list of movies if compared to 90s...)

[Painfulldeath]

I was born in 80s too :) By the way, I saw Night of the living dead from 60s (black and white version) :D but I think I just don't like older movies. There I said it :) Of course looking 10 years back I'd be happy to see again first Alien or another zombie movie, but now I just want some 90s (Armageddon - THE BEST movie for me) :) maybe after 10 years I'll be watching only '00s (God, that would be a really short list of movies if compared to 90s...)

That's cool. At least you're honest about it. I used to be the same way. Just watch out, there's a lot of vintage movie fans on this site that'll want to hang you for those comments.:D

[masterj]

That's cool. At least you're honest about it. I used to be the same way. Just watch out, there's a lot of vintage movie fans on this site that'll want to hang you for those comments.:D

Okey... Gonna hide now :D

[Despare]

Okey... Gonna hide now :D

Nah, you're entitled to your opinion. Some may offer movie suggestions that you could find entertaining that are a bit older though so don't be incredibly closed minded. There are films out there that were way ahead of their time.

[MisterSadistro]

Why ask for recommendations to watch and then tell people you don't want to see them ? You know everything about every movie apparently because you watched a few from the 80s so don't ask :rolleyes:

[masterj]

Why ask for recommendations to watch and then tell people you don't want to see them ? You know everything about every movie apparently because you watched a few from the 80s so don't ask :rolleyes:

actually I said in first post: "I want something sci-fi/mystery from 1985-present"
:)

And I really hope that there are at least few good movies that I haven't saw from asked timeline. That's why I asked you guys for your help :)

There were few good recommendations that I haven't saw:
Funhause 1981 <- isn't really from 1985 but at least from 80s
Stephen King's Desperation 2006 <- trailer looks really promising and film is from 2006!

[masterj]

Nah, you're entitled to your opinion. Some may offer movie suggestions that you could find entertaining that are a bit older though so don't be incredibly closed minded. There are films out there that were way ahead of their time.

I'm not really that close minded :) I always review all the suggestions and watch all the trailers of these films... If trailer looks interesting to me, then I'm ready to watch the movie :o

[bloodrayne]

Is the movie pretty good? I tried reading the book and just couldn't get into it, which is weird since I usually love his books.

I REALLY liked it...It can't live up to the book, of course...But, the book starts out kinda slow, building the atmosphere, characters and storyline (typical of King), the movie just jumps right in there...I definitely recommend it (for what that's worth :p)...There were several times when it reminded me of Koontz's Phantoms, especially in a couple of police station scenes...It also made me think of King's Storm Of The Century in a few spots

[La Chat Noire]

Maybe I'll try giving it another read...should actually be easier now that I'm out of school and won't have to juggle reading 6 books at once.

[masterj]

Just remembered about "The Langoliers (1995)" :rolleyes: Really really fits the category "Empty Town" :)
BTW: Anyone knows anything about "Sometimes They Come Back... For More (1999)"? Look like another film that fits category...

[The_Return]

BTW: Anyone knows anything about "Sometimes They Come Back... For More (1999)"? Look like another film that fits category...

Haven't seen that one, but the other two are just barely passable. Both are a decent watch, but not good enough for me to bother checking out "...For More".

Has anyone suggested Dagon yet? Town isn't exactly empty, but it still essentially fits your criteria.

[Elvis_Christ]

The Quiet Earth

[Ferox13]

The Quiet Earth

More people need to see that film.

[masterj]

Good evening everyone :)
Stopped to report progress on movies... Just watched "Sometimes they come back... for more"... Well... beginning was good, until they showed me all the "bad guys"... I thought this film is going to be about something supernatural/alien like, like "the thing", but it was just some crazy devil worshippers... :/ Anyway, first half was mysterious and interesting... I'd give 5/10 just because in the first part director did not show me anything and left me trying to guess what evil wiped out almost all workers on the base

[masterj]

Haven't seen that one, but the other two are just barely passable. Both are a decent watch, but not good enough for me to bother checking out "...For More".

Has anyone suggested Dagon yet? Town isn't exactly empty, but it still essentially fits your criteria.

Ok, thanks for ur suggestion about "Dagon". Gonna investigate this film

[masterj]

The Quiet Earth

Very interesting suggestion... never heard about this one :)

[masterj]

hey everyone :)

Just came back to report some progress... Today I've watched "The Devils Tomb" film... even though it is from 2009 it's still was a very enjoyable film preview (hehe, DVD will be released on 26th of may I think)... Not gonna spoil anything, but who really likes "empty town" type of movies should see this low budget (or is it mid budget?) film ;)

http://cdn-0.nflximg.com/us/boxshots/large/70115820.jpg

Sean Connery's son Jason Connery directs this taut action thriller about an elite group of soldiers (including Cuba Gooding Jr., Taryn Manning and Jason London) sent to rescue a missing scientist (Ron Perlman) from an underground lab, only to learn from a priest (Henry Rollins) that an ancient evil has been released inside the facility. Ray Winstone co-stars as the soldiers' seasoned former leader, who helps them figure out their next move.
Starring: Cuba Gooding Jr., Taryn Manning
Director: Jason Connery
Genre: Action & Adventure
Format: Widescreen ...
Language: English
Subtitles: English ...
Rated http://cdn-0.nflximg.com/us/pages/parental_ratings/rating_R.gifRestricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

[Angra]

Silent Hill.... of course.

[masterj]

Silent Hill.... of course.

wll i saw silent hill like 3 times already :) the best game to movie adaptation in my opinion :)

[crabapple]

Go with the first and best...the "Where Is Everybody?" episode of The Twilight Zone--the very first TZ!

[ChronoGrl]

The Hills Have Eyes
2,000 Maniacs
Dead Birds*
House of Wax
Dead End*
Reeker
Rest Stop*
Children of the Corn
Village of the Damned
Texas Chainsaw Massacre - the sequels especially play with this concept
From Dusk Til Dawn*
Frontière(s)
Bosque de sombras*
Eden Lake
House of 1,000 Corpses*



* = particularly recommended by moi


...

Edit: I just read all of your initial post, you asking for non-gory films... On that front, I would have to emphasize:

Dead Birds*
Dead End*
Reeker
Rest Stop*
Bosque de sombras*

[neverending]

You've got too many tens on your mind. :rolleyes:

[VampiricClown]

The Hills Have Eyes
10,000 Maniacs
Dead Birds*
Dead End*
From Dusk Til Dawn*
House of 10,000 Corpses*

Agreed. If you haven't seen these, you really need to. Not just for the fact that they are "empty town" type movies, or escalating your fears on the verge that you are really alone. But these are also, just good movies.

[Ferox13]

DAmn I was really short changed on HG Lewis maniac film :(

[Elvis_Christ]

When did RZ remake his first film? Is it better now that it boasts a higher body count?

[neverending]

Chrono is obviously too filled with embarressment to post in this thread again.

[Elvis_Christ]

http://www.shortsshortsshorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/super-retard.jpg

[Ferox13]

When did RZ remake his first film? Is it better now that it boasts a higher body count?

I don't blame him considering the lack of success of his prequal:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51WV37A4HZL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

[ChronoGrl]

You've got too many tens on your mind. :rolleyes:

So I read that and completely missed that you were correcting me, though I shouldn't be surprised, it being YOU and all. :rolleyes:

I thought that you were saying that House and Corpses were bad films. :o

[ChronoGrl]

DAmn I was really short changed on HG Lewis maniac film :(

Exactly. 10,000 maniacs are WAY better than 2.



http://www.shortsshortsshorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/super-retard.jpg

FINE. I updated my POST.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v623/Chronogrl/fire20die20in20one.jpg

[neverending]

w, you know we're laughing WITH you!

times 10......

[masterj]

why the hell is everyone putting these signature images, which takes more space than actual post??

[Despare]

why the hell is everyone putting these signature images, which takes more space than actual post??

Turn em' off if you don't like em' jackhole.

[masterj]

Turn em' off if you don't like em' jackhole.

I was just asking. Didn't knew about option to turn them off.

P.S> still waiting for more suggestions:)

At the moment I've created two lists:
Already seen: http://www.imdb.com/mymovies/list?l=34556990
To be seen: http://www.imdb.com/mymovies/list?l=34556987

[masterj]

Just finished watching Desperation... Really enjoyed watching this one :eek:

Definitely worth watching and I recommend it to anyone who wants to see really suspenseful film (a.k.a. by scene "Boy and gun" vs insane dog) :)

[Ferox13]

LOL - I'm laughing at my own old jokes on this thread.

[Fearonsarms]

What did you think of Dagon? You might like City Of The Living Dead (1980)

[masterj]

What did you think of Dagon? You might like City Of The Living Dead (1980)

Actually, I liked it. It wasn't scary for most part of it, but I was intrigued to see what will happen to the main character... and squid-girl :)

I'll check out City of the Living Dead :)

[Fearonsarms]

Glad you enjoyed Dagon :) City Of The Living Dead is very atmospheric and if you avoid the cut versions pretty gory-it's one of my faves.

[Elvis_Christ]

City of the Dead rules

l2uPJQVncHE

[masterj]

Want to bring this topic back from the dead :D any of the new films that fits "empty town" (abandoned town, ship, spaceship, space station, etc massive space) type of horror films?

Recently started rewatching stuff and so far did these:
Aliens
Event Horizon
Ghost Ship
Phantoms
Virus
Silent Hill