Top 8 Blaxploitation Horror Films

October is here so you know what that means: horror movies on Netflix and chill. But, before we dive into the subject at hand, let’s define the term “Blaxploitation” for the millennial readers. Blaxploitation makes a point of exaggerating African American stereotypes; hence the two words “black” and “exploitation” combined to create “Blaxploitation. It was a movie genre that made a point to enforce those stereotypes that the so-called white media afflicted on black people. The genre evolved and branched off into the world of horror – taking with it an urban spin on the scary movie. Here are 10 of the most notable Blaxploitation horror films in history:

1 | Blacula (1972) – An African prince is bitten by Dracula and causes terrifying events to take place in Los Angeles. Directed by William Crain. Watch it this season for the sheer nostalgia!

2 | Tales From the Hood (1995) – Now, we all may not have seen this, but we sure have heard about it. This film features three stories about ghost activities and an abusive step-father. Directed by Rusty Cundieff who also went on to write and direct on Chappelle’s Show.

3 | Sugar Hill (1994) – We got to have zombies thrown in the Blaxploitation mix. In Sugar Hill, a zombie is summoned to seek revenge on the men that murdered Miss Sugar’s boo thang. Directed by Leon Ichaso who is Cuban American.

4 | Black and Mr. White (1976) –Dr. Black creates a cream that changes his skin tone and his personality. Directed by William Crain. Who needs Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde when you have this to keep up all night?

5 | J.D.’s Revenge (1976) – A gangster who raised from the dead takes over the body of a law student in order to find out who murdered him. Directed by Arthur Marks.

6 | Abby (1974) – This is a parody of The Exorcist where a minister’s wife is possessed by a sex demon. Directed by William Girdler. If you’re in need of a scare and a laugh or two, this one sounds like it may do the job.

7 | Black Devil doll From Hell (1984) – The title gives it all away. Directed by Chester Novell Turner. Believe it or not, Turner’s work has developed a cult following over the years and his movies are very sought after. A copy of Black Devil is currently archived by the Yale University Library.

8 | Ganja and Hess (1973) – Another telling title. Directed by Bill Gunn and tells the story of an archeologist who is stabbed with a cursed dagger and morphs into a vampire. Ganja was chosen as one of the ten best American films of the decade at the Cannes Film Festival in 1973.