Top 10 Clown Thrillers to Watch

Description: A group of teenagers get trapped in a carnival funhouse with a murderous, deformed clown. Tobe Hooper, the director of "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre," brings his signature horror style to this tale of terror at the carnival.

Fact: The film was originally titled "Carnival of Terror." It was one of the first horror films to use animatronics for the killer clown character.

Description: Three brothers are left alone at home when escaped mental patients, dressed as clowns, invade their house. This film explores the fear of clowns through a home invasion scenario, making it particularly unsettling.

Fact: The film was written and directed by Victor Salva, who later became known for "Jeepers Creepers." It was one of the first films to delve into the coulrophobia (fear of clowns) theme.

Description: In this cult classic, aliens disguised as clowns invade a small town, using cotton candy to encase and kill their victims. It's a mix of horror, sci-fi, and dark humor, making it a unique entry in the clown thriller genre.

Fact: The film was made by the Chiodo Brothers, who also created the special effects for "Critters." The movie has gained a cult following for its over-the-top special effects and campy tone.

Description: This anthology horror film includes a segment where a woman is terrorized by a clown doll that comes to life. While not entirely focused on clowns, this segment adds a chilling twist to the anthology format.

Fact: The film was directed by John Simpson, known for his work on "The Simpsons." It features Katheryn Winnick, who later starred in "Vikings."

Description: Based on Stephen King's iconic novel, "It" follows a group of kids known as The Losers' Club as they confront Pennywise, a shape-shifting clown with a taste for fear. This film captures the essence of childhood fears and the terror of facing the unknown.

Fact: The character of Pennywise was portrayed by Bill Skarsgård, who studied the movements of animals to create a more unsettling performance. The film was a massive box office success, grossing over $700 million worldwide.

Description: A father dons a clown costume for his son's birthday party, only to discover it's cursed, turning him into a child-eating monster. This film blends dark comedy with horror, exploring the transformation and the desperate attempts to reverse it.

Fact: The film was directed by Jon Watts, who would later direct "Spider-Man: Homecoming." It was initially conceived as a fake trailer for the movie "Grindhouse."

Description: A clown named Stitches returns from the grave to exact revenge on the kids who accidentally killed him at a birthday party. This Irish horror-comedy offers a fresh take on the vengeful clown trope with a mix of gore and dark humor.

Fact: The film features Ross Noble, a well-known British comedian, in the lead role. The movie was praised for its practical effects and its balance of horror and comedy.

Description: While not a traditional clown thriller, this film is based on the real-life story of John Wayne Gacy, a serial killer who performed as a clown at children's parties. It provides a chilling insight into the mind of a killer.

Fact: Mark Holton, who played Gacy, also appeared in "Pee-wee's Big Adventure." The film was criticized for its portrayal of Gacy's life but praised for its attempt to delve into his psyche.

Description: A high school girl, haunted by her mother's death, discovers that the school's janitor, who was once a clown, might be behind a series of murders. This film uses the setting of an abandoned theater to heighten the suspense and fear.

Fact: The film was shot in Canada and features Sarah Lassez, who also starred in "Lovelife." It's known for its atmospheric setting and the eerie use of clown imagery.

Description: A group of friends find themselves in a haunted house attraction that turns deadly when the clowns come to life. This film mixes traditional haunted house scares with the eerie presence of clowns.

Fact: The film was shot in Brazil and uses practical effects to bring the clowns to life, adding to the authenticity of the horror. It's lesser-known but has a dedicated following for its unique setting and scares.