February 15, 2025

Director James Cullen Bressack’s Top 10 Horror Movies

ScareTissue is proud to present a special guest contributor today, James Cullen Bressack  (James Cullen Bressack IMDB).

James Cullen Bressack

James directed his first film (My Pure Joy) at the ripe old age of 18, and released 3 movies in October 2013 alone (To Jennifer, Hate Crime, and 13/13/13).  James’ father is a 3 time Emmy award winner (Animaniacs), and his mother is a voice actress appearing in many films and cartoons of the 80s and 90s.  James has already made quite a name for himself as an indie director and he is only 21 years old.  He’s fresh off filming his upcoming film  Pernicious which will be in theaters February 2014.  You can follow James on twitter (@JamesCullenB) or on Facebook (JamesCullenB).

James graciously accepted our invitation to write a Top 10 List of his favorite horror movies.

Director James Cullen Bressack’s Top 10 Horror Movies

10. The Orphan Killer

The Orphan Killer

This film has a special place in my heart. Not only do I constantly wear Tshirts from the film but also absolutely love it. It’s really the perfect slasher film, and if you haven’t seen it please hunt it down and grab a copy. Matt Farnsworth is a good guy and a talented one and really deserves more credit. This is the quintessential indie slasher to end all indie slashers. amazing gore.

9. Nightbreed

Nightbreed

The creature design in this was fantastic, really something out of this world.

8. Hellraiser

Hellraiser

Growing up I was obsessed with the VHS cover. I continuously asked my dad if I could watch it until he finally caved. I was 5 years old.

7. A Nightmare on Elm Street Series

A Nightmare On Elm Street (1984)

Robert Englund, need I say more? The campy nature of the films and the dream worlds make for an amazing viewing experience.

6. Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer

Henry Portrait Of A Serial Killer

This was a MAJOR influence on me as a filmmaker. Rooker was beyond amazing in this film. The way the film presents itself as a character study and establishes this horrible person that you begin to like and get to know, chilled me. I always thought, what does this tell me as an audience member when I know someone is bad but I still begin to like them. It was a major influence on MY PURE JOY.

5. Hostel

Hostel (2005)

This film changed horror in my opinion. I wear an elite hunting tattoo on my chest proudly. This film is a different kind of horror, Roth managed to make the audience feel what the victims in the movie felt just by forcing people to watch KNB’s amazing FX

4. The Exorcist

The Exorcist (1973)

This is one of the best films of all time in my personal opinion. Plus my childhood crush was Linda Blair, if she can spin her head in a circle and masturbate with a crucifix, imagine what else she could do hahaha.

3. The Shining

The Shining (1980)

Truly a perfect film in every way. The shining grips you from beginning to end. It’s one of the few movies that not only can I watch over and over again, but also whenever I see it on TV, no matter at what point it is in the movie, I have to finish it. Jack Nicholson is amazing in this, and really brings out what I think horror truly is, it’s a character study of insanity. I love films that have a main character that is crazy and a driving force.

2. Audition

Audition

Jesus! What more is there to say about this movie other then SEE IT! A brilliant blend of genres where you think you are watching one movie but you are really watching another. A major inspiration for my film TO JENNIFER.

1. Brain Damage

Brain Damage

Henenlotter is a genius. Frank is not only a great guy but an amazing talent. Brain Damage is the quintessential 80s ultra gore extravaganza. It shows that horror can be fun and freaky. I remember the first time I saw this film I was enchanted. I’ve seen it 50+ times by now haha.

James Cullen Bressack

James Cullen Bressack is a writer / director / producer and all around film geek. Films include: MY PURE JOY, HATE CRIME, TO JENNIFER, 13/13/13, and PERNICIOUS. Follow me on twitter at @JamesCullenB

View all posts by James Cullen Bressack →
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Mike S.
Mike S.
11 years ago

Love, love, love that you picked Henry! I wrote a thesis on it for my Psychology of Evil class in college. I also admire the rest of your list.

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