Rob Zombie Movies Ranked
7. Halloween II (2009)
The events that unfold within Halloween II follow directly from the aftermath of its predecessor.
Much of the dismay towards Rob Zombie’s first take on the slasher classic is approved by the director himself, with the monotonous quality being blamed on the studio’s interference with his visions. Halloween II was a fresh start for Zombie to rebirth Myers as being a ruthless, cold-blooded killer with a morbidly human touch, just as his intentions were in the first place.
This time round Halloween II compliments the incredibly violent showcases with an intricately woven story, making use of the superb actors enlisted (including A Clockwork Orange actor Malcolm McDowell as Dr. Sam Loomis). The film additionally bounces around an air of psychedelic infusion not commonly seen within the Halloween spectrum, exploring the inner depths of Myers’ psyche unlike any other film in the franchise.
6. The Munsters (2022)
Rob Zombie has always been open regarding his love for cinema and television, which began as a young child in the late 1960s. From this admiration grew a love for ‘The Munsters’ (1964-1966), a sitcom following a family of monsters. With a dense background in monstrous cinema and an apparent devotion to the source material, Zombie was destined to direct the adaption of this beloved American classic.
The Munsters is a colourful, kaleidoscopic take on monstrous antics and haunted house effects that offers a rather fun-filled adventure into the everyday lives of horror’s favourite family. The film is a throwback to wholesome, Saturday morning spooky shows that boast the same nostalgia-driven sensibilities seen in Goosebumps (2015) and ‘Wednesday’ (2022).
The Munsters thrives in its neon aesthetics and immense costume design, with a quirky soundtrack and vibrant performances from Richard Brake, Sheri Moon Zombie, Jeff Daniel Phillips, and Daniel Roebuck. However, Zombie’s delivery only offers a whimsical watch. There is no conflict and resolution to create the necessary engagement that takes the viewer on a journey.
The film’s almost lackadaisical substance removes its rewatching powers and deflates the chances of The Munsters becoming the classic it should have been.
5. The Haunted World of El Superbeasto (2009)
It may seem strange that Rob Zombie made an animated superhero film, but he is a master of the uncanny, and certainly the king of the unexpected.
The Haunted World of El Superbeasto remains his most hidden piece of cinema, with the satirically comedic story of a wrestler (Tom Papa) having to rescue Monsterland from the maniacal Dr. Satan (Paul Giamatti).
The ludicrous plot could only be pulled off by Zombie’s eccentricity and like-minded obscure comedic taste that makes even the riskiest of jokes hilarious. Alongside the reckless comedy that is as deliberately distasteful as possible is the film’s easy-to-watch demeanour which is definitely a rarity when compared to the rest of Zombie’s films.
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