10 Movies and Shows Similar to Too Scared to Scream (1984)

Description: 'Black Christmas' shares with 'Too Scared to Scream' the theme of a group of people being stalked by a killer in a confined space. Both films are early examples of the slasher genre, featuring suspenseful build-ups and shocking reveals. The use of point-of-view shots from the killer's perspective in 'Black Christmas' is a technique that enhances the fear factor, similar to the tension-building methods in 'Too Scared to Scream'.

Fact: 'Black Christmas' is considered one of the first slasher films, predating 'Halloween' by four years. The film was directed by Bob Clark, who later directed 'A Christmas Story'. It features one of the first uses of the 'killer calling from inside the house' trope.

Description: Similar to 'Too Scared to Scream' (1984), 'When a Stranger Calls' is a suspenseful thriller that plays on the fear of an unknown, menacing presence. Both films feature a protagonist who is terrorized by a mysterious figure, creating a tense and unsettling atmosphere. The theme of psychological terror and the use of a confined setting (a house in 'When a Stranger Calls' and a high-rise in 'Too Scared to Scream') heighten the sense of claustrophobia and dread.

Fact: The opening 20 minutes of 'When a Stranger Calls' are often cited as one of the most terrifying sequences in horror cinema. The film's famous line, 'Have you checked the children?', has become a cultural reference in horror. It was inspired by an urban legend about a babysitter receiving threatening phone calls.

Description: 'Terror Train' and 'Too Scared to Scream' both revolve around a killer targeting a group of people in a confined setting—a train in 'Terror Train' and a high-rise in 'Too Scared to Scream'. The films share a focus on mystery and suspense, with the identity of the killer being a central plot point. The use of masks and disguises in 'Terror Train' adds to the psychological terror, similar to the hidden threats in 'Too Scared to Scream'.

Fact: 'Terror Train' stars Jamie Lee Curtis, the 'scream queen' of horror. The film was shot on an actual moving train, adding to the realism. It features a magician as one of the key characters, adding a unique twist to the slasher formula.

Description: 'Graduation Day' and 'Too Scared to Scream' both revolve around a killer targeting a group of young people, with the tension building as the characters realize they are in danger. The films share a focus on suspense and the use of a celebratory event (graduation) as the backdrop for horror. The theme of revenge and the mystery surrounding the killer's identity are central to both films.

Fact: 'Graduation Day' features a cameo by future 'Baywatch' star Vanna White. The film was shot on a very low budget, with many of the actors being non-professionals. It is known for its catchy theme song and energetic pacing.

Description: 'Happy Birthday to Me' shares with 'Too Scared to Scream' the theme of a killer targeting a group of friends, with the protagonist's sanity being called into question. Both films feature twist endings that redefine the narrative, keeping the audience guessing until the final moments. The use of a celebratory event (a birthday party) as the backdrop for horror adds a layer of irony and tension.

Fact: 'Happy Birthday to Me' features one of the most shocking twist endings in slasher cinema. The film was marketed with the tagline 'Six of the most bizarre murders you will ever see.' It was one of the highest-grossing slasher films of its time.

Description: Both 'My Bloody Valentine' and 'Too Scared to Scream' are slasher films that play on the fear of a killer returning to a community. The small-town setting and the theme of past sins coming back to haunt the present are central to both films. The use of holiday-themed terror (Valentine's Day in 'My Bloody Valentine') adds a layer of irony and dread, similar to the suspenseful tone of 'Too Scared to Scream'.

Fact: 'My Bloody Valentine' was heavily edited for its original release to avoid an X rating. The film was inspired by a real-life mining disaster in Nova Scotia. It features one of the most gruesome kill scenes in early slasher cinema.

Description: 'The Prowler' and 'Too Scared to Scream' both feature a mysterious killer stalking a group of people, with the tension escalating as the body count rises. The films share a focus on suspense and the use of a confined setting (a small town in 'The Prowler' and a high-rise in 'Too Scared to Scream'). The theme of a killer returning after a long absence is central to both narratives.

Fact: 'The Prowler' features special effects by Tom Savini, a legend in horror cinema. The film was banned in several countries due to its graphic violence. It is known for its realistic and gruesome kill scenes.

Description: Like 'Too Scared to Scream', 'The Slumber Party Massacre' is a slasher film that focuses on a group of young people being terrorized by a killer. Both films employ a mix of suspense and sudden violence to keep the audience on edge. The theme of vulnerability and the invasion of personal space are central to both movies, with the killers targeting their victims in seemingly safe environments.

Fact: 'The Slumber Party Massacre' was written by feminist author Rita Mae Brown. It was originally intended as a parody of slasher films but was played straight. The film features one of the first female directors in the slasher genre, Amy Holden Jones.

Description: 'Curtains' and 'Too Scared to Scream' both focus on a killer targeting a group of performers, with the tension building as the characters realize they are being stalked. The films share a theatrical setting, which adds to the sense of drama and suspense. The use of masks and disguises in 'Curtains' mirrors the hidden threats in 'Too Scared to Scream'.

Fact: 'Curtains' was originally intended to be a much darker film but was toned down during production. The film features a memorable ice-skating sequence that is both beautiful and terrifying. It was one of the last slasher films to be released before the genre's decline in the mid-1980s.

Description: Like 'Too Scared to Scream', 'April Fool's Day' is a suspenseful thriller that plays with the audience's expectations. Both films feature a group of people being terrorized, with the line between reality and illusion blurred. The theme of deception and the use of a holiday (April Fool's Day) as the setting for horror add a unique twist to the narrative.

Fact: 'April Fool's Day' was directed by Fred Walton, who also directed 'When a Stranger Calls'. The film's ending was reshot after test audiences reacted negatively to the original conclusion. It is known for its clever use of misdirection and red herrings.