#1 - In the Mouth of Madness (1994)
(dir. John Carpenter)
Sutter Cane is the world's best-selling author, a cross between H.P. Lovecraft and Stephen King whose novels of cosmic horror sometimes have a strange effect on his readers. When he disappears along with his latest unfinished novel, insurance investigator John Trent (Sam Neill) is brought in to find him and retrieve the manuscript. Trent tracks Cane to a small New England town called Hobb's End that may or may not actually exist, and there begins experiencing strange phenomena that leave him questioning his sanity.
John Carpenter's films from the '90s are generally considered weaker than the fantastic run he had from 1976's Assault on Precinct 13 to They Live in 1988, but this film ranks right up there with his best work. His usual strengths are all here - creepy atmosphere, fantastic music, tons of really awesome practical special effects, and some genuinely scary moments. Despite not being based on any particular stories by Lovecraft or King, the film contains lots of little nods and references that fans of each will appreciate.
I think this is one of the best horror films of the '90s, and I definitely recommend it. Fans of Carpenter, King, and/or Lovecraft especially should check it out. At the very least, give the awesome main theme a listen:
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