976-EVIL
A bullied unpopular high school student named Hoax finds an ad for 976-EVIL, a number that provides daily 'horrorscopes'. But when he calls the number he gains demonic powers, which he uses to seek vengeance against those who bullied him.
Why it matters
A cult late-80s blend of teen angst and demonic possession that captures the era’s neon-drenched VHS horror zeitgeist.
- A quintessential example of ’80s low-budget horror leaning into practical effects and synth-heavy score by Pino Donaggio, setting a moody, unsettling tone.
- Director Robert Englund — yes, Freddy Krueger himself — brings a unique slasher-adjacent sensibility to this darkly comic cautionary tale.
- Perfect for fans of body horror and supernatural revenge flicks rooted in high school cruelty and toxic masculinity.
- While the story can feel uneven and dated, the film’s campy charm and inventive effects make it a must-see for retro horror aficionados who appreciate genre blending at its quirkiest.
Director
2 horror films in catalog
Cast
Horror DNA
Gore
14
Slow Burn
17
Psychological
71
Supernatural
100
Creature
0
Disturbing
0
Fun Factor
67
Cerebral
14
Survival
50
