The late ‘90s were a golden era for horror. VHS shelves in 1998 were lined with everything from glossy studio slashers to gritty indie creepers that would only grow in reputation years later. While mainstream audiences were still buzzing from Scream’s impact, true horror fans knew the gems were tucked away in late-night rentals and cult releases. Let’s rewind the tape and look at ten of the most memorable cult horror films of 1998—titles that still spark chills and nostalgic thrills today.
1. The Faculty
Robert Rodriguez’s teen sci-fi horror mash-up gave us alien parasites in high school and a cast packed with ‘90s icons. The mix of body-snatcher paranoia and slasher energy made it a rental favorite that feels like Breakfast Club meets Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
2. Bride of Chucky
By 1998, the Child’s Play franchise leaned into self-aware dark comedy. Bride of Chucky turned Chucky and Tiffany into a twisted killer couple, making it one of the most outrageous and stylish entries of the series—and a cult sensation on VHS.
3. Urban Legend
Capitalizing on the post-Scream slasher craze, this film transformed campfire myths into bloody reality. While critics were divided, horror fans adored its inventive kills and meta approach, cementing it as a late-night VHS rental staple.
4. Ringu
Japan’s Ringu introduced Sadako and the cursed videotape to the world. While it wouldn’t get its U.S. remake until a few years later, horror buffs in 1998 were already whispering about the terrifying power of this low-fi VHS nightmare.
5. Phantoms
Based on Dean Koontz’s novel, Phantoms mixed cosmic horror with small-town paranoia. While it didn’t win over mainstream audiences, horror collectors still love its Lovecraftian atmosphere—plus it gave us the iconic line immortalized by Ben Affleck fans: “Affleck was the bomb in Phantoms, yo!”
6. Deep Rising
Before CGI became standard, this monster-at-sea flick delivered slimy creature effects and claustrophobic tension aboard a luxury cruise ship. It didn’t make waves in theaters but became a VHS guilty pleasure for fans of practical gore and one-liners.
7. I Still Know What You Did Last Summer
The sequel to the 1997 teen slasher hit may not have been a critic’s darling, but horror audiences couldn’t resist the return of the Fisherman killer. Set in a stormy Caribbean resort, it became a blockbuster rental that solidified the slasher sequel trend.
8. Vampires
John Carpenter’s Vampires delivered western grit and gothic gore in equal measure. James Woods as a tough-talking vampire hunter gave the movie an edge that fans still celebrate, making it a cult favorite among Carpenter completists.
9. Disturbing Behavior
Marketed as a sci-fi teen thriller, this film explored conformity, mind control, and high school rebellion. While heavily edited before release, its moody tone and subversive ideas turned it into a VHS cult hit with fans who saw deeper layers beneath the glossy teen packaging.
10. Fallen
Not strictly horror but steeped in supernatural dread, this Denzel Washington thriller about a body-hopping demon showcased chilling atmosphere and unforgettable twists. Its dark, lingering ending earned it a devoted following and plenty of late-night replays.
Why 1998 Still Matters in Horror
What makes these films special isn’t just the scares—it’s their place in horror history. 1998 represented a transition: slashers were still hot, international horror was breaking through, and directors were experimenting with blending genres. On VHS, these titles gained new life, passing from friend to friend and sparking conversations that live on in horror circles today.
If you’re building a cult collection, these ten films are essential snapshots of a year when horror was evolving, daring, and unforgettable. Dust off your VCR, dim the lights, and relive the terror of 1998—one tape at a time.
📼 Looking to expand your VHS horror collection? Keep checking VHSVaults.com for rare finds, cult classics, and hidden gems from the golden era of home video.