To be a director, one must possess a unique artistic vision. With a deep understanding of storytelling, cinematography, editing, and other aspects of filmmaking to orchestrate compelling narratives, the best directors excel at flexibility, creativity, and the ability to problem-solve under pressure. An example of one of the greatest directors, especially when it comes to directing for horror, was, of course, Wes Craven.
The Best Wes Craven Films Besides Scream
Wes Craven was a pioneering filmmaker known for his influential contributions to the horror genre. Craven blended suspense, psychological terror, and unexpected twists to create enduring classics that have left an indelible mark on popular culture.
His innovative storytelling, memorable characters, and ability to tap into primal fears solidify his legacy as a true maestro of horror cinema. Putting Scream to the side, here are five other films from the master of the macabre’s cinema career. Image via The Los Angeles Times.
A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987)
Of course, we should have included the first (and best) movie in the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise as a landmark in both Wes Craven’s career and the horror genre, but Freddy Krueger’s debut doesn’t need an introduction.
Instead, we’ll use this as an opportunity to pay homage to the third (and next-best) movie of the canon—A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors. Taking a turn for the comedic, Dream Warriors was a lot of silly fun and featured a catalog of glorious 1980s-era special effects. Even Freddy Krueger, Robert Englund, went on record to say it was his favorite of the sequels.
Must Watch If: You thought the original was as good as it got.
The Serpent and the Rainbow (1988)
A twist of fate would see Craven attempting to escape the teenage slasher genre he’d practically invented. Following the success of his work on the first and third Elm Street movies (he declined to get involved in an official capacity with the second flick and initially didn’t want it to become a franchise), Craven lamented: “It got to the point where every script I received began with the point of view of a crazed killer stalking a teenage girl. I’m not giving up on horror films altogether. I just want to try something different.”
And The Serpent and the Rainbow was certainly different. It’s no less horrific than you’d expect from a Craven movie but a lot more cerebral than the slashers for which he’d come to be known. He is a really underappreciated treasure in his filmography.
Must Watch If: You want to see Craven’s horror at its most serious.
Paris, Je T’aime (2006)
If you’re looking for something really out of the ordinary for the horror maestro, look no further than his contribution to this multi-director anthology and love letter to the French capital.
With each director covering a short based in each arrondissement of the city (two ended up being cut from the final release), Craven’s segment was set in the famous Pére-Lachaise cemetery in which a betrothed trouble have a quarrel.
We don’t want to ruin the ending—you can watch the full short above—but let’s just say it involves a supernatural intervention.
The two-hour movie is also notable for being the first feature to be fully mastered in 4K resolution and also features a short from the previous subject in our Director Essentials series, The Coen Brothers.
Must Watch If: You’re after an ambitious and well-executed movie project featuring something you’d never guess was from Wes Craven.
Red Eye (2005)
Lead with on-point performances by Rachel McAdams and Cillian Murphy, a tight screenplay and an opportunity for Wes Craven to flex his psychological horror muscles. What more could anyone ask for?
Must Watch If: You’re building a case for Oppenheimer star Cillian Murphy’s ability to play surprisingly creepy villains.
Music of the Heart (1999)
Aside from the aforementioned Paris, Je T’aime, 1999’s Music of the Heart was Wes Craven’s first and only dabbling outside of horror and the various subgenres he pioneered.
Based on a true story, it tells the tale of Roberta Guaspari—the violinist who established the Opus 118 Harlem School of Music—as played wonderfully by Meryl Streep. An unlikely pairing between the highly acclaimed actress and master of terror, but one which works and more than proves that Craven had talent far beyond the genre he became famous for.
Must Watch If: You mistakenly assumed Wes Craven was a one-trick pony.
Explore NYFA’s Film School
Inspired by Wes Craven? Film school provides aspiring directors with the foundational knowledge and practical experience needed to master the art and craft of storytelling through film. Through hands-on training, mentorship from experienced directors, and exploration of various techniques, students learn how to effectively translate their creative vision onto the screen while developing their unique directorial style. Learn more about our filmmaking programs here!