Christmas Horror movies are a must during the holiday season but what's its origin story? The truth is, the two are more alike than you'd think and the essence of Christmas horror has been around us all along!

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Zach Cregger's "Weapons" was one of the biggest movies of 2025 and is currently making an award season run. But what was it about this movie that got to audiences? JLB breaks it all down!

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JLB concludes his deep dive of "The Life of Chuck," by exploring how the themes of disconnection, simulation theory, 'main character energy' and the human condition make this film the cosmic horror it is. JLB also shares a brief discussion he had with Mike Flanagan himself on whether the movie qualifies as horror.

And make sure to listen til the very end! This weeks epilogue is one of the best yet!

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Enjoy this encore presentation of our episode. Join Jon Lee Brody as he takes a deep dive into the 'Happy Death Day' movies with special guests director Christopher Landon and star Jessica Rothe. In this exciting episode of 'That Was Pretty Scary,' they revisit both 'Happy Death Day' and 'Happy Death Day 2U,' sharing behind-the-scenes stories, exploring the emotional layers of the films, and discussing the potential for a third installment. Rothe and Landon open up about their creative processes, the film's deeper themes, and their genuine friendship. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation that combines horror, heartfelt moments, and a lot of laughs!

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In the first of a two part deep dive of 'The Life of Chuck", JLB explores how director Mike Flanagan adapted Stephen King's novella into a cinematic journey that makes you think, gets you all up in the feels and blazes a new trail for horror.

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Wheelers and electroshock therapy and a headless princess. Oh my! "Return to Oz" is the origin of many peoples' childhood trauma. But is it a horror movie? Today's episode explores this very question!

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Join Jon Lee Brody in a captivating conversation with Rachel Belofsky, the visionary founder of ScreamFest, as they delve into the evolution of horror films and the unsung heroes behind the scenes. Discover how ScreamFest has become a pivotal platform for emerging filmmakers, celebrating its 25th anniversary with a legacy of innovation and passion. From the challenges of the early days to the triumphs of today, Rachel shares her journey and insights into the horror genre's ever-evolving landscape. Tune in for an inspiring discussion that highlights the power of creativity and the importance of providing opportunities for new voices in film.

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35 years ago 'The Simpsons' aired their first Halloween special. Horror & television were never(more) the same thereafter. Jon revisits the brilliance of the anthology formatted special with its nods to classic horror and EC comics DNA pulsing through it. Jon also unwraps how this TV special was such a game changer and how it made horror accessible for primetime television; and also how it has acted like a horror archive that preserves the legacies of the all the classics. The Simpsons is revolutionary in television but doesn't really get it's major kudos for its impact on horror...until now! Happy Halloween and stay scary!

00:00 Game Changers in Horror History

00:32 The Simpsons' Halloween Special: A Revolutionary Moment

01:46 Welcome to the Special Halloween Episode

02:28 The Simpsons' Impact on Horror

03:32 The First Halloween Special: Treehouse of Horror

06:03 The Segments of the First Halloween Special

07:46 The Simpsons' Viewership and Cultural Impact

10:19 The 1990s Television Landscape

20:10 The Simpsons as a Cultural Phenomenon

25:22 Animation as a Trojan Horse for Horror

33:06 The State of Horror in 1990

34:20 The Simpsons' First Halloween Special

34:51 Bad Dream House: A Clever Twist on Haunted House Tropes

39:44 Hungry Are The Damned: A Parody of 'To Serve Man'

44:02 The Raven: A Literary Gamble That Paid Off

52:19 The Simpsons' Influence on Horror and Pop Culture

58:42 The Legacy of The Simpsons' Halloween Specials

01:03:39 Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections

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