If you loved the dark humor and twisted horror of Motel Hell (1980), this list is for you. Dive into 10 similarly bizarre and macabre films and shows that blend comedy, horror, and a dash of the grotesque. Whether you're a fan of cult classics or just crave something uniquely unsettling, these picks will satisfy your appetite for the weird and wicked.

Deranged (1974)
Description: A disturbing horror film based on the crimes of Ed Gein, featuring a necrophiliac killer who creates trophies from his victims' bodies.
Fact: The film was shot in a documentary style to heighten its realism. It was one of the first films to directly reference Gein's crimes.


The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Description: A gritty, low-budget horror film that explores rural terror and cannibalism, featuring a family of deranged killers.
Fact: The film was marketed as based on true events to heighten its terror, though its connections to real crimes are minimal. It was shot in sweltering Texas heat, adding to the actors' discomfort and the film's raw intensity.


Eaten Alive (1976)
Description: A grindhouse-style horror film about a deranged hotel owner who feeds his guests to a crocodile, featuring chaotic violence and a nightmarish setting.
Fact: The film was shot on a soundstage flooded with water to create its swampy atmosphere. It was inspired by real-life crimes, including those of Joe Ball, the 'Alligator Man.'


The Town That Dreaded Sundown (1976)
Description: A pseudo-documentary horror film about a real-life unsolved murder spree, blending crime drama with slasher elements.
Fact: The film was shot in the actual locations where the murders occurred. It was marketed as a 'true story' to capitalize on the real-life mystery.


The Hills Have Eyes (1977)
Description: A survival horror film that pits a suburban family against a clan of savage, cannibalistic mutants in a desolate desert.
Fact: The film's antagonists were inspired by the legend of Sawney Bean, a Scottish cannibal. It was shot in the Mojave Desert, where the cast and crew endured extreme conditions.


The Toolbox Murders (1978)
Description: A brutal slasher film where a masked killer uses tools from a toolbox to murder his victims, blending grindhouse violence with psychological terror.
Fact: The film was banned in several countries due to its graphic violence. Its title was inspired by the killer's choice of weapons.


Tourist Trap (1979)
Description: A surreal horror film about a group of travelers who stumble upon a remote roadside attraction run by a psychotic man with telekinetic powers.
Fact: The film's eerie mannequins were inspired by real-life roadside oddities. It was initially rated PG despite its disturbing content.


The Funhouse (1981)
Description: A slasher film set in a carnival, where a group of teens faces a masked killer, blending horror with the eerie atmosphere of a traveling show.
Fact: The film's killer wears a Frankenstein mask, adding to its grotesque visuals. It was one of the first horror films to be released on VHS.


House of 1000 Corpses (2003)
Description: A psychedelic horror film that follows a group of young people who encounter a bizarre and murderous family, blending dark humor with grotesque violence.
Fact: The film was initially shelved by Universal Studios due to its extreme content, only to be released later by Lionsgate. It pays homage to 1970s exploitation films.


The Devil's Rejects (2005)
Description: A brutal and unflinching sequel that follows a family of outlaws on the run, blending horror with a road movie aesthetic.
Fact: The film's soundtrack features classic rock songs, contrasting its violent content with nostalgic music. It was inspired by real-life serial killers like Charles Manson.
