Behind the Monsters

Watch Behind the Monsters

  • Not Rated
  • 2021
  • 1 Season
  • 7.6  (197)

Behind the Monsters is a documentary series from Shudder that explores the behind-the-scenes process of creating some of the most iconic horror movie monsters in history. The show features horror experts Tracie Thoms, Rebekah McKendry, and Ryan Turek, who delve deep into the histories of these terrifying creatures and reveal the creative minds responsible for bringing them to life. Over the course of six episodes, Behind the Monsters explores the stories behind some of horror's most memorable monsters, including Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street, Michael Myers from Halloween, Leatherface from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and many more. Each episode begins with a brief history of the film franchise and its impact on the horror genre before diving into the making of the monster. The show's hosts take audiences behind the scenes to meet the artists, actors, and directors who played a role in creating these iconic characters. Their interviews provide deeper insights into the creative process and the challenges faced when making these horror movies. This includes conversations with makeup artists who fashioned the monsters' iconic looks, actors who brought them to life on screen, and filmmakers who imagined their origins. Throughout the series, the hosts share their own perspectives on these monsters and the impact they have had on the horror genre. They talk about the cultural shifts that may have contributed to their popularity, as well as the way in which these characters have evolved over time. What sets Behind the Monsters apart from other documentaries on horror movies is its attention to detail. The show features interviews with everyone from special effects artists and sound engineers to stunt coordinators and actors. The interviews are paired with never-before-seen archival footage and photos, which create a more immersive experience for the viewer. Each episode is themed around a specific monster or franchise, which allows the hosts to explore specific aspects of each character's creation. For example, the episode on Freddy Krueger focuses on his design, involving the makeup process and the evolution of his claws. Meanwhile, the Leatherface episode delves into the character's backstory and the actor's transformation into the psychopathic killer. Despite the darker subject matter, the tone of Behind the Monsters is light-hearted and entertaining. The hosts inject humor into each episode, which makes it enjoyable for both horror fans and those new to the genre. Their banter with each other is both engaging and informative, as they provide a fresh perspective on some of horror's most iconic moments. Overall, Behind the Monsters is a must-watch for horror fans. The series provides a unique and engaging look at some of the genre's most terrifying and memorable characters. The combination of archival footage, interviews, and expert analysis creates a comprehensive and engrossing experience that horror fans will appreciate. It's the perfect way to prepare for Halloween, or to simply indulge in a guilty pleasure.

Behind the Monsters
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Seasons
Pinhead
6. Pinhead
December 1, 2021
Emerging from a low budget independent film, this character who was simply called "Lead Cenobite" would become the undeniable symbol of pleasure and pain and the icon of the Hellraiser franchise.
Jason Voorhees
5. Jason Voorhees
November 24, 2021
The producers just wanted to rip off HALLOWEEN. What happened instead was the accidental creation of a machete-wielding avatar of conservative 1980s morality.
Freddy Krueger
4. Freddy Krueger
November 17, 2021
In 1984 Wes Craven saw the slasher boom filling screens and took it to the next level by leaving reality behind. Other slashers carved through teen bodies; Freddy invaded their minds.
Chucky
3. Chucky
November 10, 2021
What started as a nasty spin on 80s consumerism flourished over three decades into an unlikely progressive horror property that refuses to get back on the shelf.
Candyman
2. Candyman
November 3, 2021
The genre's first black slasher showed up in 1992, rich with subtext about racial tensions in American history. In 2021, he's coming back - and is perhaps the most relevant horror icon imaginable.  
Episode 1
1. Episode 1
October 26, 2021
A docu-series exploring how Chucky, Michael Myers, Pinhead and more came to be icons of the horror genre.
Description

Behind the Monsters is a documentary series from Shudder that explores the behind-the-scenes process of creating some of the most iconic horror movie monsters in history. The show features horror experts Tracie Thoms, Rebekah McKendry, and Ryan Turek, who delve deep into the histories of these terrifying creatures and reveal the creative minds responsible for bringing them to life.

Over the course of six episodes, Behind the Monsters explores the stories behind some of horror's most memorable monsters, including Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street, Michael Myers from Halloween, Leatherface from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and many more. Each episode begins with a brief history of the film franchise and its impact on the horror genre before diving into the making of the monster.

The show's hosts take audiences behind the scenes to meet the artists, actors, and directors who played a role in creating these iconic characters. Their interviews provide deeper insights into the creative process and the challenges faced when making these horror movies. This includes conversations with makeup artists who fashioned the monsters' iconic looks, actors who brought them to life on screen, and filmmakers who imagined their origins.

Throughout the series, the hosts share their own perspectives on these monsters and the impact they have had on the horror genre. They talk about the cultural shifts that may have contributed to their popularity, as well as the way in which these characters have evolved over time.

What sets Behind the Monsters apart from other documentaries on horror movies is its attention to detail. The show features interviews with everyone from special effects artists and sound engineers to stunt coordinators and actors. The interviews are paired with never-before-seen archival footage and photos, which create a more immersive experience for the viewer.

Each episode is themed around a specific monster or franchise, which allows the hosts to explore specific aspects of each character's creation. For example, the episode on Freddy Krueger focuses on his design, involving the makeup process and the evolution of his claws. Meanwhile, the Leatherface episode delves into the character's backstory and the actor's transformation into the psychopathic killer.

Despite the darker subject matter, the tone of Behind the Monsters is light-hearted and entertaining. The hosts inject humor into each episode, which makes it enjoyable for both horror fans and those new to the genre. Their banter with each other is both engaging and informative, as they provide a fresh perspective on some of horror's most iconic moments.

Overall, Behind the Monsters is a must-watch for horror fans. The series provides a unique and engaging look at some of the genre's most terrifying and memorable characters. The combination of archival footage, interviews, and expert analysis creates a comprehensive and engrossing experience that horror fans will appreciate. It's the perfect way to prepare for Halloween, or to simply indulge in a guilty pleasure.

Behind the Monsters is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (6 episodes). The series first aired on October 26, 2021.

Where to Watch Behind the Monsters

Behind the Monsters is available for streaming on the Shudder website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Behind the Monsters on demand at Apple TV.

  • Premiere Date
    October 26, 2021
  • IMDB Rating
    7.6  (197)