Just wrapped up Clown in a Cornfield (2025)? If you’re anything like me, your nerves are probably still buzzing from Frendo’s relentless chainsaw symphony, those unsettling masks and the sheer, unadulterated teen carnage. Eli Craig’s adaptation of Adam Cesare’s novel truly delivers a blood-soaked rampage, turning a seemingly quiet rural town into a battleground for a killer clown and a generational feud gone horribly wrong. If that delicious blend of dark humor, brutal kills, and quintessential small-town horror left you craving more, you’re definitely in the right place.
I’ve put together a list of 10 must-watch horror movies that capture that same electrifying energy—whether it’s the creep factor of a sinister clown, the suspense of a masked killer, or the dread of backwoods terror.
1. It (2017)
Why It Hits the Mark: Let’s be real, when you think clown horror, Stephen King’s It is the undisputed champion. Set in the perpetually cursed town of Derry, Maine, Pennywise the Dancing Clown isn’t just a monster; he’s a manifestation of childhood fears, weaving supernatural terror with a palpable sense of small-town dread. If Frendo gave you the willies, Pennywise will burrow deep into your nightmares and set up shop.
Where to Watch: Max
2. Scream (1996)
Why It Hits the Mark: Wes Craven didn’t just make a slasher with Scream; he redefined the genre. Its brilliant meta-humor and Ghostface’s iconic, brutal sprees feel incredibly fresh even today. Much like Clown in a Cornfield, it throws sharp-witted teens into a desperate fight against a masked killer in a town where safety is an illusion. Sidney Prescott’s relentless struggle for survival is a direct echo of Quinn’s own harrowing journey.
Where to Watch: Peacock
3. Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988)
Why It Hits the Mark: Oh, the sheer, glorious insanity of this cult classic! This is pure 80s gold – alien clowns descend on a small town, turning unsuspecting folks into cotton candy cocoons. It’s absurd, laugh-out-loud hilarious, and genuinely unsettling in its own unique way. If you appreciated Clown in a Cornfield’s knack for blending horror with a darker comedic edge, this one’s a perfect follow-up.
Where to Watch: Tubi
4. Tucker & Dale vs. Evil (2010)
Why It Hits the Mark: Another Eli Craig masterpiece, this horror-comedy is an absolute genius in how it flips slasher tropes on their head. Two incredibly lovable hillbillies are hilariously mistaken for killers, leading to some of the goriest and most comedic chaos you’ll ever see. The rural setting and satirical bite make it an ideal companion piece to Clown in a Cornfield.
Where to Watch: Prime Video
5. Haunt (2019)
Why It Hits the Mark: From the creative minds behind A Quiet Place, Haunt plunges a group of teens into an extreme haunted house where the “scares” quickly become horrifyingly real and deadly. With its menacing masked killers and a relentless, suffocating tension, it’s a non-stop thrill ride that slasher fans will devour.
Where to Watch: Shudder
6. The Funhouse Massacre (2015)
Why It Hits the Mark: Imagine Clown in a Cornfield getting together with a deranged carnival – that’s The Funhouse Massacre. When six psychopaths break out of an asylum, they turn a funhouse into their personal slaughterhouse. It’s gloriously over-the-top gore and truly twisted killer clowns make for a wild, bloody good time.
Where to Watch: Tubi or Roku Channel
7. Terrifier (2016)
Why It Hits the Mark: Okay, deep breath. Art the Clown makes Frendo look like a friendly face painter. This ultra-gory indie horror introduces a silent, sadistic clown who dispatches his victims in outrageously gruesome ways. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart, but for hardcore slasher devotees, it’s an absolute must-watch for its sheer audacity and unforgettable villain.
Where to Watch: Peacock or Screambox
8. Hell Fest (2018)
Why It Hits the Mark: Picture this: a masked killer stalking a group of teens through a horror-themed amusement park, seamlessly blending into the haunted attractions. Hell Fest delivers on its premise with a high-energy setting and a constant, nail-biting chase. It’s a perfect shot of adrenaline after Clown in a Cornfield.
Where to Watch: Hulu
9. Clown (2014)
Why It Hits the Mark: What starts as an innocent birthday party costume turns into a nightmare in this dark, genuinely gruesome horror flick. Directed by Jon Watts (yes, the Spider-Man: Homecoming director!), it offers a terrifying, flesh-crawling take on the “killer clown” mythos that will make you think twice about hiring entertainment.
Where to Watch: Tubi
10. The Town That Dreaded Sundown (1976)
Why It Hits the Mark: This gritty 70s slasher, chillingly based on real events, follows a masked killer as they terrorize a small Texas town. The palpable eerie rural atmosphere and raw, unsettling tension make it a perfect companion for fans of Clown in a Cornfield. (And if you dig it, the 2014 meta-sequel is also worth a look!)
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Why These Movies Will Keep That Clown in a Cornfield Vibe Going
- Small-town terror: Films like It and The Town That Dreaded Sundown master the art of isolated, paranoid communities where danger lurks just beneath the surface.
- Killer clowns & unsettling masks: Terrifier, Killer Klowns and Clown deliver nightmare fuel in deliciously different, unforgettable ways.
- Teens vs. slashers: Scream, Hell Fest, and Haunt perfectly capture that desperate “survival horror” vibe we all crave.
- Dark humor & plentiful gore: Tucker & Dale and The Funhouse Massacre know how to balance genuine scares with some unexpected, gut-busting laughs.
Clown in a Cornfield brought a fresh, brutal energy to slasher horror and these 10 films are guaranteed to keep that adrenaline pumping. Whether your craving is for more creepy clowns, unsettling rural terror or the chaotic thrill of a teen slasher, there’s absolutely something here to satisfy every horror fan.