8 Chaotic Horror Films Starring Justin Long
Justin Long has made a name for himself as one of the chaos kings of horror, known for weird movies, unlikable characters, and WTF moments. So of course we were stoked when he was announced as one of the filmmakers attached to V/H/S/Beyond. While this isn’t the first time Long has picked up a writing credit (A Case of You and Lady of the Manor), this is his first time in the director’s chair.
To celebrate the wildest entry in this installment of Shudder’s beloved anthology, we’re looking back at Justin Long’s career. I present to the Midnight Society, a streaming guide highlighting one of the genre’s most chaotic soldiers and eight of his most outrageous films that are streaming now.
After.Life (dir. Agnieszka Wojtowicz-Vosloo)
Character: Paul Coleman
Where You Can Watch: Starz
After a car crash, a teacher awakes on a mortuary slab, where the funeral director convinces her she is transitioning into the spirit world. I expected Justin Long to be the funeral director because I always assume he is guilty of something. However, he plays the boyfriend, Paul, of the possibly dead girl instead. Speaking of which, Christina Ricci plays Anna Taylor, the teacher who doesn’t know if she is dead or alive. When you see the names Long and Ricci on a cast list, you know you are about to see something chaotic. I highly recommend watching this with friends because you’ll have plenty to discuss as the final scene fades to black.
Barbarian (dir. Zach Cregger)
Character: AJ
Where You Can Watch: Hulu and Prime Video
When a woman discovers her rental home has been double booked, she decides to stay with the handsome stranger. However, she soon discovers the house has a dark secret. AJ is easily one of the most hated characters Long has ever played. Not only did he appear right when things were getting deadly, but he is such a bro you want to throw hands immediately. Every time AJ was on screen, I felt my blood pressure rise. I’m happy he got a mouthful of Mother’s milk, and I hope it was extra hairy that day. This was a great reminder that Justin has range and is willing to be the true villain of any movie.
Dear David (dir. John McPhail)
Character: Bryce
Where You Can Watch: Starz
A man is haunted by a dead child after battling online trolls. The movie is based on BuzzFeed comic artist Adam Ellis’ viral Twitter thread. Justin Long heard “a supernatural horror movie based on a Twitter thread” and immediately signed on for a supporting role. I told you he’s chaotic! While Long is not the main focus of this movie, his character is the one who encourages the main character to make things worse by going global. Because if Justin can’t be the problem, he will assist the problem. Whether or not you like the movie, you have to respect Long’s dedication to finding the most unique projects humanly possible.
Drag Me To Hell (dir. Sam Raimi)
Character: Clay Dalton
Where You Can Watch: Peacock and Prime Video
A woman pisses off the wrong old lady and gets cursed. Many of us showed up because this is a Sam Raimi film, and that title is a banger. But seeing Justin Long’s name on the roster further confirmed it was the correct call. This time, Long plays the perfect boyfriend, Clay Dalton, of the woman whose soul is having a busy week. He’s there because it’s impossible to put anything this weird to film without him. Again, if Justin can’t be the problem, he wants to be as close to the problem as possible. This is big Gemini energy, and also why I was not surprised to see his birthday is June 2. It would not be me if I did not shout out that Bonnie Aarons also stars in the film, if you need another reason to check it out.
Ghost Team (dir. Oliver Irving)
Character: Ross
Where You Can Watch: Fandango At Home, Hulu, Plex, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel
Amateur ghost hunters investigate paranormal activity on a creepy farm. This ensemble includes Jon Heder, David Krumholtz, and Amy Sedaris. So, you already know something funny is going on before you see Justin Long. The people haven’t been kind to this movie, and I cannot say it is a great time. However, if you’re looking for something off the beaten path with heart and a little chaos, you might want to check it out. I mean, how often do we assemble these funny personalities for the same movie? It is worth a watch just to see them all play together.
Goosebumps (2023)
Character: Mr. Bratt
Where You Can Watch: Disney
Five high schoolers uncover secrets when they investigate a tragic death that happened 30 years ago. I didn’t expect to like this newest incarnation or to have the soundtrack on repeat so often, but here we are. Justin plays the boring teacher turned host for a spirit with a score to settle. One of the reasons I love this role for him is that he gets to have his comedy and his horror while also getting moments to be at 120%. His performance is one of the many things working in this show’s favor. If you are a fan, you should check it out. I promise you this is the darkest Goosebumps adaptation we have (so far).
It’s A Wonderful Knife (dir. Tyler MacIntyre)
Character: Henry Waters
Where You Can Watch: AMC+, Hulu, and Shudder
A teen saves her community from a serial killer but discovers that it does not improve the quality of life in her small town. So, she wishes she had never been born and is transported to a parallel universe that is somehow worse. Justin Long has never had so much fun on screen in his life. His unhinged villainous CEO gives big Fox News Host energy. He is also wildly unpredictable and ridiculously entertaining. I love a lot about this Christmastime slasher, but Long’s performance is the standout and worth the price of admission alone.
The Wave (dir. Gille Klabin)
Character: Frank
Where You Can Watch: Fandango At Home, Peacock, Plex, Pluto TV, Prime Video, The Roku Channel, and Tubi
Frank’s celebration of his new promotion takes a turn when he is dosed with a drug that changes his life forever. This sci-fi thriller (which was released by Epic Pictures, owner of Dread Central) sees Justin Long in the lead role as a man about to go on a very wild journey. While this trippy film isn’t for everyone, i’s hard to envision anyone but Long piloting this strange flight. This is one of those times where you have to marvel at how he can ground his characters even in the most chaotic situations. The cast also includes Sheila Vand and Donald Faison to further prove the energy is truly all over the place in this movie.
Bonus
Tusk (dir. Kevin Smith)
Character: Wallace Bryton
Where You Can Watch: VOD
A podcaster goes to the Canadian wilderness to interview an old man and discovers an unsettling secret. This is supposed to be a horror comedy, but I feel wrong when I watch it. I’m not usually squeamish, but this is body horror from hell. I want to erase what I’ve seen so I might know peace again. This is one of the first movies I thought of when I heard he would be helming a segment in V/H/S/Beyond, and I almost started crying. Long plays another guy you want to fight on sight who is about to have the worst night ever. Double feature this with Barbarian, you cowards.
You can catch the short Justin Long co-wrote and co-directed in V/H/S/Beyond now streaming on Shudder.
Have you seen all 8 of these Justin Long movies? Then let me know which is your favorite at @misssharai.
Categorized:Editorials Streaming Guides
