Neil Chase's Blog

The Best Stocking Stuffers for Horror Fans

I love horror. Watching it. Writing it. Acting in it.

So when it comes to finding the perfect spooky little gift? I know exactly what horror fans will love.

This guide is for the horror fan in your life—the one who lives for jump scares, quotes Hereditary at dinner, and thinks fake blood is a fashion statement.

Or maybe… that horror fan is you. (No judgment. Treat yourself!)

Here, you’ll find stocking stuffers that are:

FunFreakyAnd full of horror fan energy

From creepy socks to cult classic movies, these are the kind of small gifts that they will love. Let’s get you stocked up!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

What Are The Best Stocking Stuffers for Horror Fans? The Unemployed Philosophers Guild Todd Alcott's Horror Tarot Deck £21.95

You'll get 78 horror-themed tarot cards guaranteed to intrigue them!

See on Amazon We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 11/13/2025 09:08 pm GMT 6 Pieces Horror Straw Toppers for Stanley Cup

If they've got a Stanley, get them these cute horror movie character straw toppers for their stocking!

See on Amazon We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Horror Movie Themed Men's Crew Socks $13.92 $12.64

Three pairs of horror movie socks - featuring Pennywise from It, Jason from Friday the 13th, and Freddy from Nightmare on Elm Street.

See on Amazon We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 11/14/2025 09:06 am GMT Horror Trivia Card Game $11.99 $10.99

Test their knowledge of horror pop culture facts with these 300 fun trivia questions.

See on Amazon We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 11/14/2025 09:07 am GMT

They will love this personalized horror movie-themed Christmas tree ornament!

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Mens Black & White Scream Horror Movie Graphic Tee $19.99

Classic licensed Ghostface t-shirt

See on Amazon We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 11/14/2025 09:06 am GMT Novelty Horror Movie Socks

Fun horror-watching themed socks.

See on Amazon We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Best Stress Toy Squishy Horror Doll and Stress Toy $9.99

For the stressed-out horror lover, try this cute, scented, squishy stress toy! It fits right in their hand and feels great when you squish it.

See on Amazon We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 11/14/2025 09:07 am GMT Tiny Horror Movie Box Keychains

Check out these tiny, adorable horror-movie DVD case keychains - perfect for a stocking stuffer!

See on Etsy We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Horror Coffee Mugs Halloween Tumbler Horror Mug 20oz $19.99

If you're looking for a great gift for the horror movie fan in your life, consider these horror drink tumblers! This travel mug is double-walled to keep contents hot or cold and is made from high-quality materials.

See on Amazon We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 11/14/2025 09:07 am GMT Fake Blood Make Up Spray Body Pain $7.24 $4.99

Realistic looking fake blood makeup spray.

See on Amazon We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 11/14/2025 09:07 am GMT Horror Themed Garden Gnome £15.72

Hilarious horror movie-themed garden gnome.

See on Amazon We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 11/14/2025 09:07 am GMT Would You Rather Horror Edition- A Terrifyingly Fun Game £11.99

A collection of "would you rather" questions for horror movie fans.

See on Amazon We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 11/14/2025 09:07 am GMT Horror Necklace Gifts

This creepy necklace will appeal to many horror-lovers!

Check Out The Necklace! We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Best Water Bottle Horror Stickers 100 Pcs Horror Movie Stickers

These terrifying small Horror Stickers are the perfect gift for horror fanatics! The stickers are made of waterproof PVC material, so they are great for car windows, laptops, notebooks, or even Hydro Flasks!

The designs are super realistic and look amazing on any horror fan's collection! Plus, the stickers are 100% waterproof and can withstand any weather.

See on Amazon We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Zombie-filled Wordplay Fun Horror Mad Libs $9.50

Horror fanatics will love this gift of Night of the Living Mad Libs: World's Greatest Word Game.

Filled with spine-tingling fun, this mad libs book features 21 hysterical stories inspired by the classic horror film Night of the Living Dead. With plenty of zombies, grave-robbing, and brain-eating, horror lovers will be entertained for hours.

See on Amazon We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 11/13/2025 04:01 pm GMT Iconic Killer Keychain Horror Keychains $44.88

Looking for the perfect gift for the Friday the 13th fan in your life? Check out the Funko POP Keychain: Jason Voorhees Toy Figure.

This little keychain replicates everyone's favorite masked killer and will please any fan of the Friday the 13th franchise. The keychain is durable vinyl and features Jason in his signature hockey mask.

See on Amazon We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 11/14/2025 07:00 am GMT Spooky Character Stone Cork Coasters

Have fun with these spooky coffee table coasters!

See on Amazon We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Spooky Wine Stopper Black Skull Bottle Stopper $15.99 $13.99

If you know a horror movie fan who also enjoys a good glass of wine, then the Black Skull Bottle Stopper is a great gift for them. This bottle stopper is shaped like a black skull with a flat bottom that stands easily on the countertop or cabinet.

The sharp bottom helps to seal a wine bottle tightly, keeping the contents fresh for longer. Plus, the black skull design will add a bit of flair to any home bar! It's also a great budget-friendly gift.

See on Amazon We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 11/13/2025 09:06 pm GMT Best Horror-Western Book Iron Dogs $24.95 $21.83

For the fan of mash-up horror fiction, try gifting my award-winning horror-western novel, Iron Dogs (available from Amazon)!

Six outlaws, barely a day ahead of their pursuers, find shelter in a freshly deserted New Mexico town. With no water, and one of them gravely wounded, they realize too late they're trapped inside the lifeless town. 

As they soon discover the grisly truth behind the disappearance of the townsfolk, the outlaws find themselves hunted by something far worse than anything they've faced yet - an unspeakable evil that seemingly cannot be killed.

Spine-chilling, poignant, and action-packed, Iron Dogs is an instant classic for horror, thriller, and western fans everywhere.

Buy Now Read the Backstory of Iron Dogs We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 11/14/2025 12:01 pm GMT Iconic King Collector's Item Stephen King Funko Pop $62.13 $59.28

A fantastic gift for the horror movie lover who likes Stephen King is this Funko Pop Icons figure of the legendary author with an axe and book in hand. 

Standing just under four inches tall, this funko pop figure is highly detailed and captures King's iconic look.

See on Amazon We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 11/13/2025 10:01 pm GMT Black Roses Flower Building Set - 3Pack £26.38

Three buildable black roses.

See on Amazon We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 11/14/2025 09:07 am GMT Personalized Mens Skull Necklace $14.29

You can personalize this skull necklace with custom engraving!

Learn More We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 11/14/2025 09:08 am GMT

So, there you have it – tons of stocking stuffer ideas for the horror fan in your life!

Top 10 Times Jason Voorhees Proved He’s Horror’s Deadliest Icon

When it comes to creative carnage, nobody does it like Jason Voorhees.

With his hockey mask, machete, and zero chill, he’s turned the Friday the 13th franchise into a masterclass in over-the-top horror.

Let’s look at ten of his most brutal, bizarre, and downright unforgettable slayings.

How Many of These Jason Moments Do You Remember?1. The Liquid Nitrogen Face Smash (Jason X)

Sci-fi Jason went full science experiment when he dunked Adrienne’s face in liquid nitrogen… then shattered it like an ice cube on a counter. Cold. Blooded.

2. The Sleeping Bag Slam (The New Blood)

A fan favorite!

Jason zipped Judy up in her sleeping bag and used her like a human baseball bat against a tree. One swing. Done. Brutal efficiency.

3. The Folded Bed Kill (Freddy vs. Jason)

Poor Trey thought he was safe in bed.

Jason stabbed through the mattress and folded him in half like a taco. Still one of the biggest “WTF just happened” kills in crossover history.

4. Machete to the Face (Part II)

Counselor Mark, in his wheelchair, took a machete to the face—then rolled down an endless staircase. It’s shocking, cruel, and one of Jason’s most infamous kills.

5. The Harpoon in the Eye (Part III)

Jason doesn’t just swing blades—he’s got aim.

He nailed Vera right in the eye with a harpoon gun with chilling accuracy.

6. The Decapitating Uppercut (Jason Takes Manhattan)

Julius tried to box Jason on a rooftop.

Jason let him punch himself out—then casually knocked his head clean off with one uppercut. Straight into a dumpster. KO of the century.

7. The Face Crush (Part III)

Rick learned the hard way that Jason doesn’t need weapons.

One bare-handed head squeeze later, and an eyeball pops right out. Gross. Iconic.

8. The Sauna Rock (Jason Takes Manhattan)

Because stabbing wasn’t creative enough, Jason shoved a burning sauna rock into a boxer’s chest.

If nothing else, the guy went out hot.

9. The Axe to the Face (Part II)

Simple. Direct. Marcie meets an axe—straight to the face.

It’s quick, it’s shocking, and it’s classic Jason.

10. The Heart Rip (Jason Lives)

Resurrected by lightning, Jason proves he’s back in business by ripping Allen Hawes’s heart out with his bare hands. Talk about a comeback kill.

Jason is a one-man horror highlight reel.

From freezing faces to folding beds, his kills are as inventive as they are terrifying. That’s why the hockey mask has become one of horror’s most unstoppable symbols.

Share this with a friend who’d think about visiting Camp Crystal Lake…

10 Things You Didn’t Know About The Lost Boys (But Totally Should)

Foggy boardwalks, vampire bikers, and the greatest saxophone cameo of all time – Joel Schumacher’s The Lost Boys is pure 80s horror magic.

But behind the leather jackets and big hair are a ton of weird, wild, and fascinating details you might have missed. Let’s sink our teeth into them…

Why Is This Vampire Classic Still So Legendary?

Because The Lost Boys isn’t just a movie – it’s an entire vibe.

And these 10 behind-the-scenes facts prove just how much blood, sweat, and neon went into making it unforgettable.

1. Kiefer Sutherland Signed On Because of INXS

Sutherland wasn’t sure about playing David until he learned the soundtrack would feature INXS and Jimmy Barnes.

He was already a fan from time spent in Australia, so the music sealed the deal. Imagine if we’d lost that smirk over a playlist swap!

2. The Two Coreys Were Born Here

The Lost Boys launched the pairing of Corey Haim (Sam) and Corey Feldman (Edgar Frog), who became teen icons.

From License to Drive to a reality show, the “Two Coreys” became inseparable in pop culture – for better and, sadly, sometimes for worse.

3. The Title Comes from Peter Pan

No one in the film ever says “Lost Boys,” but the name comes from J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan.

Just like Peter’s boys never grow up, Schumacher’s vampires are stuck in eternal youth. Only here, the magic dust is traded for leather, bloodlust, and motorcycles.

4. It Almost Looked Like The Goonies

Originally, Richard Donner (director of The Goonies) wanted The Lost Boys to be a kid-friendly vampire adventure.

When he left, Schumacher swooped in and aged up the characters, giving us danger, sex appeal, and a darker edge.

5. There’s a Comic Book Sequel

Years later, Vertigo released a comic series continuing the story, with Michael, Sam, and the Frog Brothers still battling vampires in Santa Carla.

Even the oiled-up sax man got lore – he’s “The Believer” in the comics. Yes, the sax guy has a canon backstory.

6. Santa Carla = Santa Cruz

The film shot in Santa Cruz, which had a pretty grim crime rep in the 80s.

Locals allowed filming only if the name was changed, so Santa Carla was invented. Probably for the best – no one wants their tourist town rebranded as “murder capital of the world.”

7. Ben Stiller and Jim Carrey Almost Joined the Cast

Ben Stiller auditioned alongside Sutherland and the Coreys, possibly for Michael or David. Jim Carrey was also considered for Michael.

Imagine a world where Michael Emerson was played by Ace Ventura. That’s a different movie entirely.

8. A Sequel Called The Lost Girls Was Planned

Joel Schumacher pitched a follow-up about a biker gang of vampire women.

David (Sutherland) was even supposed to return. Instead, we got two straight-to-video sequels (The Tribe and The Thirst) that most fans… politely pretend don’t exist.

9. The Frog Brothers’ Names Are a Poe Reference

Edgar and Alan Frog = Edgar Allan Poe.

To nail the role, Feldman was told to study action heroes like Stallone and Chuck Norris. That’s why he delivers his lines like a tiny Rambo with a comic shop membership.

10. A Whole Character Was Cut from the Film

Actress Kelly Jo Minter (Elm Street 5) filmed scenes as Maria, an employee at Max’s video store – but she was completely cut from the final version.

Other deleted scenes included the vampire gang circling Lucy, which would’ve made their menace even scarier and Max’s “good guy” act more convincing.

The Lost Boys is the definition of cult horror – equal parts stylish, spooky, and strange.

And whether you love it for the music, the vampires, or the Frog Brothers’ over-the-top tough guy act, one thing’s clear: no vampire movie does 80s horror better.

Share this with a friend who’d definitely fall for David’s maggot trick!

5 Life Lessons Jason Voorhees Accidentally Taught Us

What can a hockey-mask-wearing, machete-wielding killer possibly teach us about life? Turns out… more than you’d think.

Jason Voorhees from Friday the 13th may not be giving TED Talks anytime soon, but his bloody legacy actually hides some weirdly useful reminders for the rest of us.

What life advice could a slasher villain really give?

Let’s break it down. Here are a few surprisingly practical lessons straight from Camp Crystal Lake.

1. Actions Have Consequences

Those counselors ignored Jason when he drowned, and it set off decades of revenge. Harsh? Absolutely.

But the lesson sticks: when we dismiss or mistreat others, the fallout can be bigger than we ever imagined.

2. Respect Your Surroundings

If you’re at summer camp, maybe don’t wander into the woods alone at night. Jason is practically Mother Nature’s bouncer – step out of line, and you pay.

Real life? Know your environment, whether that’s respecting local rules or just being mindful of where you tread.

3. Persistence Pays Off

Jason just… never stops. Shot, burned, chained, drowned – he keeps coming back.

Swap the murder spree for your own goals, and there’s a twisted kind of inspiration here. If Jason can get up after all that, maybe you can push through your Monday blues.

4. Family Matters

For Jason, his mother’s love was everything. Sure, it turned into murderous devotion, but it shows how strong those bonds are.

Cherish your loved ones – but, you know, maybe don’t avenge them with a machete.

5. Silence Speaks Volumes

Jason rarely talks, yet everyone knows when he’s around.

Sometimes you don’t need words to make an impression – actions (and in Jason’s case, terrifying footsteps) say plenty.

At the end of the day, Jason might be terrifying, but he’s also a brutal mirror for some very real truths. Horror reminds us – through screams and scares – that our choices, respect, and persistence shape our survival.

Share with a friend who’d definitely ignore the “Keep Out” sign at Crystal Lake!

Top 10 Reasons Halloween Is Better Than Any Other Holiday

Let’s be honest. Halloween is the best holiday.

Don’t believe me? That’s fine – I’ve got 10 rock-solid reasons to back it up.

And nope, it’s not just about the candy (but also, it definitely is about the candy!).

Top 10 Reasons Halloween Rocks

Let’s get right into the list!

1. The movies are peak perfection

Hocus Pocus. Scream. Beetlejuice. The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Halloween has the strongest movie lineup of any holiday, and that’s just facts.

2. Horror fans finally get their moment

If you love monsters, ghosts, witches, or Final Girls, October is your Super Bowl.

You don’t have to explain your creepy vibes – you are the vibe.

3. You get to be someone else for a night

Superhero? Vampire? Sexy pizza slice? Halloween says, “Yes, go crazy.”

4. No awkward family pressure

No forced hugs. No “When are you getting married?” questions.

Just candy, costumes, and chaos with people you actually want to be around.

5. It’s spooky and silly

You’ve got scary haunted houses and toddlers in pumpkin suits. It’s both terrifying and adorable. Elite combo.

6. Free candy. Zero judgment.

You don’t even need a kid to justify a 5-pound bag of Reese’s. Just say it’s “for the trick-or-treaters.”

7. The vibes? Untouchable.

Fog machines. Jack-o’-lanterns. Full moons. Fake blood.

Halloween looks better than any other holiday.

8. Everyone’s invited

No need to believe anything or follow any tradition. If you like dressing up and being a bit weird, you’re in.

9. It’s an introvert’s dream

Want to stay home in pajamas and watch scary movies alone? Totally normal. Actually encouraged.

10. You get to scare people and not get in trouble

Creepy costumes. Jump scares. Prank skeletons in the closet. All perfectly socially acceptable for one magical night.

Bonus Reason: You can be weird and nobody bats an eye

Wanna wear a cape to the grocery store? Go for it. Want to blast the Stranger Things theme in August? Halloween people get it.

This holiday is a judgment-free zone for all your delightfully weird behavior.

Other holidays are cute, but Halloween rules.

Team spooky forever.

The Night Jason Voorhees Crashed The Arsenio Hall Show

In the summer of 1989, Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan was slashing its way into theaters.

But instead of lurking in the woods of Crystal Lake, Jason Voorhees showed up somewhere even stranger – the set of The Arsenio Hall Show.

Yes, the hockey-masked killer sat down for a “chat” with Arsenio in what remains one of the weirdest and funniest late-night interviews of all time.

Arsenio introduced him as a “deranged sociopath” before leaning in with mock seriousness: “You’re angry, man. What happened? Did you get cut from the hockey team in high school?”

The audience howled while Jason just sat there in silence.

The jokes kept rolling. Arsenio pointed out that Jason killed 16 people in Jason Takes Manhattan – a lower body count than usual. “Are you getting soft?” he asked. “Are you losing a step?” Again, Jason didn’t budge. That blank, silent stare said it all.

Jason did bring a clip from the movie, though! Afterward, Arsenio pitched some fake sequels that had the audience in stitches: Jason and the Three Babies, Jason Rabbit, even When Jason Met Sally.

Did you catch Jason’s infamous Arsenio Hall Show appearance live back in ’89? Share this with your fellow horror fans and relive one of the strangest moments in slasher history!

The Secret Behind Leatherface’s Return: Jessica Biel Spills All

Before audiences got their first look at Leatherface in the 2003 remake of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, star Jessica Biel sat down to share why the horror icon was being kept such a big secret – and why that made him even scarier.

“I think he’s going to be incredibly terrifying to see for the first time,” Biel admitted. “I’m really excited that we’re doing it that way. We don’t want anyone to see him until the characters do.”

For Biel, a self-proclaimed horror fan, stepping into the franchise was a dream come true. She revisited classics like The Shining to study what makes a horror movie truly frightening.

She also dove into the real-life story of Ed Gein, the killer who inspired Leatherface, calling his life “incredibly sad, terrible, and horrifying.”

Biel threw herself into the physicality of the role, doing her own stunts and preparing for endless chase scenes. “I don’t have a stunt double – I do it all,” she said proudly. “This is kind of a dream come true… I always wanted to be like an action star.”

Her character, Erin, isn’t just running from Leatherface – she’s a leader when things spiral out of control. “She’s definitely the take-charge character,” Biel explained. “When things start to go wrong, she calms people down and keeps the group together.”

The production leaned heavily into realism to amp up the terror.

The cast shot in actual abandoned houses filled with decades-old belongings, from skeleton keys to wedding dresses. “It was really cool but creepy,” Biel confessed. “These locations are the real thing. There are no sets here. And that makes it especially scary.”

Between the secrecy surrounding Leatherface’s reveal, the raw authenticity of the filming locations, and Biel’s full-throttle commitment to the role, she promised audiences wouldn’t just be watching another slasher movie – they’d be “frightened to death.”

Did you see The Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake in theaters? Share this with other horror fans and compare notes on whether Leatherface lived up to the hype!

Stephen King Admits He HATED Part of The Shining Movie

When it comes to Stephen King, you can always count on one thing: honesty. And when the bestselling author sat down in a vintage TV interview to promote Firestarter, he didn’t hold back on his true feelings about Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of The Shining.

First, the good news: King admitted Jack Nicholson’s performance as Jack Torrance was nothing short of brilliant. “I thought he did a wonderful job,” King said with admiration.

Nicholson’s manic energy, his simmering rage, his terrifying unraveling – all of it landed exactly as horror fans hoped it would.

But when it came to the film as a whole, King’s praise turned bittersweet. He confessed that parts of Kubrick’s movie were “flawless, beautiful, and just marvelous.”

And yet, other moments left him frustrated, even wounded.

“I feel as though I’d given Stanley Kubrick a live grenade and he heroically threw his body on it,” King remarked — an image as vivid and unsettling as one of his own novels.

The implication? Kubrick’s vision may have been explosive, but it also smothered the story King had originally told.

For King, the struggle wasn’t about wanting creative control. He explained that when he sells a book to Hollywood, he treats it like sending a child off to school: you hope for the best, but you can’t control what happens.

Still, it was clear that The Shining had left him torn between admiration and disappointment.

That ambivalence has followed the movie for decades. To audiences, The Shining is a horror masterpiece — chilling, stylish, and endlessly quotable.

To King, it’s a film that partly captured his nightmare vision and partly twisted it into something else entirely.

It’s that blend of brilliance and betrayal that makes his opinion so fascinating. He’ll always respect Nicholson’s performance, and he’ll always acknowledge Kubrick’s artistry.

But deep down, King seems to believe the movie left something essential – something human – behind in the Overlook Hotel.

Love The Shining or side with King’s critique? Share this with your horror-loving friends and let the debate rage on!

The Lost Boys Cast Reunion: 35 Years Later and Still Raising Hell

If you’ve ever wanted to party with vampires, Manchester was the place to be.

Fans went absolutely feral when the cast of The Lost Boys – yes, THAT Lost Boys – took the stage for a reunion that felt like a mix of Comic Con, a rock concert, and a blood-soaked family reunion.

Billy Wirth, Alex Winter, Jason Patric, and the vampire king himself, Kiefer Sutherland, strolled out to thunderous applause.

And let me tell you, 35 years on… they still look suspiciously youthful. Coincidence? Or maybe they’ve been living by that Santa Carla motto: Sleep all day, party all night, never grow old…

“The Love Story” of Michael and David

Right off the bat, the cast joked about the real heart of the movie: the bromance-turned-blood feud between Jason Patric’s Michael and Kiefer’s David.

Kiefer admitted he was just 18 when filming, but Jason’s serious, grounded acting gave him confidence that this vampire flick was going to work. And boy, did it.

Even though you don’t see a vampire for the first 40 minutes, the gang energy builds until – bam – fangs come out, and cinema history is made.

Living Like Real Vampires

The guys revealed that making the movie wasn’t just acting.

They were basically living like their characters: blackout curtains, awake all night, asleep all day, roaming Santa Cruz like a biker gang with better hair.

Billy Wirth confessed he didn’t even know he wanted to be an actor until the adrenaline of riding those motorcycles on the boardwalk under massive spotlights.

Alex Winter laughed that locals thought they were just some weird nocturnal gang – pretty accurate, honestly.

Blood, Bites, and Bonding

Kiefer’s favorite memory? Oh, just biting the back of a guy’s head off during the bonfire scene.

He described it like a kid remembering his best summer vacation – except with gallons of fake blood. “Not a lot of opportunities to do that in life,” he shrugged. Fair point.

The makeup team, led by legends Greg Cannom and V. Neal, pushed prosthetics into the future.

The cast joked about going out to dinner still in full vampire makeup, casually terrifying locals. Imagine bumping into Kiefer Sutherland at Ralph’s with glowing red eyes and shredded cheeks.

Lost Boys Forever

The Q&A got wild. Someone asked who’d play them if The Lost Boys was rebooted with Muppets. Kiefer struggled to name a single Muppet (“Is Elmo one?”), before settling on Animal for David.

Fans also brought up Stranger Things, noting how much it “borrowed” from Lost Boys. Bikes? Check. Sibling dynamics? Check. Creepy neon-drenched nostalgia? Double check.

And the soundtrack? Absolute legend status. “Cry Little Sister” still hits like a heartbeat, and the cast admitted most of them didn’t hear the songs until the movie was done.

Joel Schumacher, forever the visionary, fought the studio tooth-and-nail to get that music, wardrobe, and vibe that made the film immortal.

Eternal Family

By the end, the guys were emotional. They talked about Corey Haim and Brooke McCarter – gone too soon but still part of the Lost Boys family. They praised the fans, who keep introducing the movie to new generations.

When asked to sum up the whole experience in one word, the answers hit hard:

Jason: “Gratitude.”Alex: “Innovative.”Billy: “Inspiring.”Kiefer: “Eternal.”

And then they all agreed: at its heart, The Lost Boys is about family.

Did you grow up with The Lost Boys too? Share this article with your vampire-loving friends and keep the nostalgia alive!

5 Types of Critics You’ll Face as a Writer (and How to Handle Them)

So – you just finished your script. Or your novel. Or maybe a short film, short story, or even your first full-length feature.

You’re feeling a mix of pride, nerves, and anticipation. And then… the critics show up.

Some give helpful feedback. Some leave you scratching your head.

And others? They seem like they just want to watch your story burn.

What Are The 5 Types of Critics?

In this article, we’re going to break down the five kinds of critics you’re going to run into as a writer or other creative- and how to deal with them without losing your mind or your confidence.

Stick around until the end – because only one of these five is the kind of critic you should actually go looking for.

So grab your popcorn, and let’s take a look!

1. The Troll

Let’s start with the worst.

This is the internet’s favorite villain.

The troll isn’t here to give notes. They don’t care about your story – and odds are, they haven’t even read your novel or screenplay.

They just want to cause damage, and today, that target happens to be you.

They go after your talent, your appearance, your intentions. This isn’t so much a critique as a character assassination.

And while trolls are usually strangers, sometimes – they’re people you know. A former colleague. A bitter acquaintance. Even someone you once considered a friend.

Personal Story: When my film Spin the Wheel first dropped on VOD, we got hit hard – fast. One hour after our IMDb page went live, we had a 1-star review full of bizarre rants and references to scenes that weren’t even in the movie. Clearly fake.

We got it removed… and then more followed. They even cloned my voice and posted the review as if I had written it about my own film. I eventually found out who it was – someone local. Someone I knew.

How to deal with a Troll:

Block. Mute. Ignore. Trolls feed on attention, so the best response is no response.

Their attacks are not about you – they’re projecting their own bitterness, insecurity, and unhappiness. Don’t feed the fire. Don’t take the bait. Let them sink into their own swamp.

2. The Indifferent Critic

Unlike trolls, these folks are neutral. They might be reviewers, festival judges, or even friends who just aren’t emotionally invested.

They know their stuff. They’ll tell you what worked and what didn’t. They won’t sugarcoat it, but they won’t attack you either.

The downside? They rarely offer solutions.

I’ve had lots of experience with this type. I’ve seen glowing reviews and harsh ones – sometimes for the same project.

These critics call it like they see it, but remember: storytelling is subjective. What one person loves, another may tear down.

How to deal with the Indifferent Critic:

Listen for patterns. If multiple indifferent voices say the same thing – like, “Your second act drags” or “The characters feel flat” – that’s worth looking into.

They may not tell you how to fix it, but they can help identify what needs fixing.

Use the good bits for marketing quotes. Let the rest guide your next rewrite.

3. The Inexperienced Helper

These are friends. Fellow creatives. Family members. Crew or cast members who care and want to be supportive.

They’re coming from a good place. But they don’t always have the tools to give effective feedback.

They might say, “It kinda dragged in the middle,” or, “Something felt off.” And that can be valid – but vague.

How to deal with the Inexperienced Helper:

Appreciate the effort. They may not know structure or theme or character arcs – but pay attention to how they felt.

Were they bored? Confused? Did they laugh where you wanted them to cry? That’s still useful feedback.

Ask questions to clarify. But don’t expect a road map. That’s your job.

4. You (Yes, YOU)

Yep. You might be your own harshest critic.

You know the voice:

This sucks.Why did I think I could pull this off?I should just give up.

Especially when someone else points out a flaw, you spiral. Imposter syndrome kicks in. You start questioning everything. Sound familiar?

Look, no one tries to make mistakes on purpose. If you knew how to fix the issue when you were writing it, you would have.

Being unable to fix it immediately doesn’t make you a fraud. It makes you human.

How to deal with Yourself as a Critic:

Step back. Get space. Remind yourself how far you’ve come.

Each project is a step forward. And if you do want to fix the story but feel stuck, bring in someone who can help (more on that next).

You don’t need to beat yourself up. You need support.

5. The Helpful Pro

This. This is the critic you actually want.

They’ve written. Directed. Revised. Failed. Succeeded.

They know what makes a story work – and more importantly, they know why something isn’t landing.

They don’t just say: “This scene is flat.”

They say: “This scene doesn’t work because your main character loses agency here. Let them make the choice instead of just reacting.”

That’s gold.

I’ve been part of writer’s groups, hired consultants, and swapped feedback with other writers or creatives.

The best pros don’t just identify problems – they offer clear, actionable solutions.

How to deal with the Helpful Pro:

Seek them out.

Join advanced workshops. Take real classes. Pay for expert notes. Connect with professionals in your genre.

The great ones are rare, not just because of their talent – but because they care enough to help. These voices will push you up, not knock you down.

Final Thoughts

Not all criticism is created equal. And when you’re putting your creative work out into the world, you need both thick skin and a smart filter.

Let’s recap:

Trolls – Block them. They’re noise, not feedback.Indifferent critics – Look for patterns. They’re honest, but not always helpful.Inexperienced helpers – Listen to their emotions. Don’t expect solutions.Your own inner critic – Keep it in check. Step back and breathe.The Helpful Pro – This is the voice you should seek out. Learn from them. Thank them. Work with them.

Your job is to protect your creativity without shutting yourself off to growth. That means knowing where feedback comes from – and how much weight to give it.

Because there’s a big difference between plain criticism and constructive criticism. One tears down. The other builds up.

You don’t need to listen to everyone. Just the right people.

Need help on your current project? Check out my coaching packages!