Stan the Mechanic is one of the best horror hosts in the business. However, the man behind Satan’s mechanic, John Hernandez, is somehow even cooler. I’ve been bothering John for a few years now, and he is one of the nicest, busiest, most generous, and most adorable people on any social media network. This also guaranteed that these lists would become his problem this year because I will use any excuse to talk to John at least a few times a month.
Because John is a host, writer, and horror fan, he’s seen plenty of films. He has seen the good, the bad, and everything in the middle. He’s also introduced me to many movies I didn’t even know existed until he mentioned them. So, I had no idea what to expect when I asked the editor-in-chief of Bear World Magazine for his five favorite movies. However, he understood the assignment, and our streak of amazing people recommending great films continues.
Halloween (1978)
Where You Can Watch: Crackle, Plex, Redbox, and Shudder
Micheal Myers returns home 15 years later to finish the bloody path he started carving out when he was 6 years old. The original Halloween is that girl! The franchise has been through a lot but has never been able to give us anything as iconic as the original. This film reset the slasher genre and made it a better place. I’m happy John knows what’s up because she’s not been on these lists nearly enough for my tastes.
Scream (1996)
Where You Can Watch: Paramount+
A teen is terrorized by a masked killer on the anniversary of her mom’s murder. If Scream isn’t one of your favorite horror movies, you’re probably lying to yourself. Doesn’t matter if you’re a diehard, or casual fan, of Wes Craven, you have to admit this movie was a moment. It’s also one of the few franchises to have six consecutive movies turn out well. Scream paired with Halloween makes me think John loves a cultural reset. It also confirms what I always knew, which is that he has taste.
Poltergeist (1982)
Where You Can Watch: Pluto TV
A Republican family’s home is haunted. A tale as old as time! This movie is almost a rite of passage for kids wading into the horror pool. We all saw it way too young and will make the kids of the people in our circles watch it way too early too. This Tobe Hooper and Steven Spielberg collaboration is another iconic horror moment. I would one hundred percent believe John Hernandez is a trendspotter and trendsetter. This list is very illuminating.
Terrifier (2016)
Where You Can Watch: Prime Video, Plex, The Roku Channel, Tubi, and Vudu
Art the Clown is causing bloody chaos on Halloween. This movie is many things in a blood-soaked trench coat. It is also one of the most popular recent films in most of my friends’ circles. So much so that I finally bullied myself into watching both movies last year. I cannot deny there is a level of carnage that is impressive and hard to look away from. Because a third film is on the horizon, this is officially in franchise territory. This is also the fourth movie on the list that birthed a series. I’m starting to think our favorite horror host would agree with Sidney Prescott’s motto, “Don’t fuck with the original.”
Hatchet (2006)
Where You Can Watch: Plex, Prime Video, Tubi, and Vudu
A haunted New Orleans swamp tour takes a turn for a group of tourists who find themselves lost in the wilderness. I haven’t seen this movie and needed this reminder to finally cross it off my list. This movie’s cast includes Robert Englund, Kane Hodder, and Mercedes McNab (aka Harmony from Buffy the Vampire Slayer). So, it already feels like various parts of my brain dancing at a blood rave. I’m here for it and am even more into it knowing it’s one of John’s favorites. This might be tonight’s reason to cancel on my friends again. In keeping with the sneaky theme of this list, this movie has three sequels and a comic book series now.
There you have it. John Hernandez is an original film king. Not all franchises are created equally, but these five movies struck a nerve with the horror fiends for some pretty scary reasons. We love to see it! If you’re not following John’s alter ego, Stan the Mechanic, head over to this website, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter account. I love him so much that I brought merch, and am pretty sure you’re going to love him almost as much as me. I am thee stan of Stan, but am willing to let you all fight it out for second place. You should also follow John’s Twitter to stay in the loop on all the amazing articles he’s writing and the cool stuff he’s involved in.
