We all know Golden Globe Award-winning actor Kevin Bacon for his extensive and diverse career. But he's often remembered for his iconic roles in dramas and comedies, even though his ventures into the horror genre are just as thrilling and unforgettable. Alright. I'm not going to lie and say all of his horror movies have been masterpieces. But there are definitely a few that stand out as must-watch gems in the genre.
In this article, we’ll dive into the top three Kevin Bacon horror films you absolutely need to watch or rewatch if you've seen them already. These movies truly showcase his range and prove that he isn’t just a master of drama and comedy. He's also a force to be reckoned with in the horror genre.
MaXXXine (2024)
- Director and writer: Ti West
- Cast: Bacon, Mia Goth, Elizabeth Debicki, Moses Sumney, Michelle Monaghan, Bobby Cannavale, Halsey, Lily Collins
- Where to watch: Max
MaXXXine is Bacon's most recent horror project in which he starred in. Now, let me be clear. You're probably not going to like his role in this movie. He plays a corrupt private investigator with a ridiculous exaggerated Southern accent who was better off minding his business if he knew what was good for him. However, it’s Bacon’s complete dedication to the role, embracing the sleaziness and unpredictability of his character, that makes his performance so memorable and entertaining.
The slasher, part of Ti West's X film series, follows aspiring actress Maxine Minx as she strives to make her mark in 1980s Hollywood, only to have her dreams threatened when she becomes the target of a mysterious killer.
Tremors (1990)
- Director: Ron Underwood
- Writers: S. S. Wilson and Brent Maddock
- Cast: Bacon, Fred Ward, Finn Carter, Michael Gross, Reba McEntire
- Where to watch: Available to rent or purchase on digital retailers
Tremors is one of the best monster horror movies of all time, and I'll die on that hill. Bacon and Fred Ward deliver unforgettable performances as Val and Earl, two small-town handymen who find themselves in the fight of their lives when deadly underground worm-like creatures terrorize their community. I promise you'll be entertained from start to finish watching this film. You'll even find yourself laughing out loud, thanks to the perfect comedic timing between Bacon and Ward. If you're looking for something that's equal parts thrilling and hilarious, you need to add Tremors to your watchlist right now.
Friday the 13th (1980)
- Director: Sean S. Cunningham
- Writer: Victor Miller
- Cast: Bacon, Betsy Palmer, Adrienne King, Harry Crosby, Laurie Bartram, Mark Nelson, Jeannine Taylor, Robbi Morgan
- Where to watch: Pluto TV for free, available to rent or purchase on digital platforms
Friday the 13th might be an oldie, but it remains a timeless classic that defined the slasher genre. Bacon had some memorable moments in this movie too, including his iconic death scene that continues to be talked about to this day. In this slasher, we're introduced to who would become one of the most iconic villains in horror history, Jason Voorhees. As a bunch of camp counselors prepare to reopen an abandoned summer camp, they soon find themselves being hunted by a mysterious killer. They are picked off in increasingly horrific ways one by one, and as the body count rises, the remaining counselors scramble to survive.