That Was Pretty Scary

A look back at all the horror goodness of 2025. Happy New Year, scaries! See you in 2026! Follow That Was Pretty Scary on Instagram and TikTokFollow Jon Lee Brody on Instagram  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Writer/Director Steven C. Miller (Silent Night, Werewolves, Under Fire) joins TWPS this week to talk Christmas horror! Follow That Was Pretty Scary on Instagram and TikTokFollow Jon Lee Brody on Instagram  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Christmas Horror movies are a must during the holiday season but what's its origin story? The truth is, the two are more alike than you'd think and the essence of Christmas horror has been around us all along! Follow That Was Pretty Scary on Instagram and TikTokFollow Jon Lee Brody on Instagram  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Zach Cregger's "Weapons" was one of the biggest movies of 2025 and is currently making an award season run. But what was it about this movie that got to audiences? JLB breaks it all down!  Follow That Was Pretty Scary on Instagram and TikTokFollow Jon Lee Brody on Instagram  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

JLB concludes his deep dive of "The Life of Chuck,"  by exploring how the themes of disconnection, simulation theory, 'main character energy' and the human condition make this film the cosmic horror it is. JLB also shares a brief discussion he had with Mike Flanagan himself on whether the movie qualifies as horror. And make sure to listen til the very end! This weeks epilogue is one of the best yet! Follow That Was Pretty Scary on Instagram and TikTokFollow Jon Lee Brody on Instagram  Hos...

Enjoy this encore presentation of our episode.  Join Jon Lee Brody as he takes a deep dive into the 'Happy Death Day' movies with special guests director Christopher Landon and star Jessica Rothe. In this exciting episode of 'That Was Pretty Scary,' they revisit both 'Happy Death Day' and 'Happy Death Day 2U,' sharing behind-the-scenes stories, exploring the emotional layers of the films, and discussing the potential for a third installment. Rothe and Landon open up about their creative processes, the film's deeper themes, and their genuine friendship. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation that combines h...

In the first of a two part deep dive of 'The Life of Chuck", JLB explores how director Mike Flanagan adapted Stephen King's novella into a cinematic journey that makes you think, gets you all up in the feels and blazes a new trail for horror. Follow That Was Pretty Scary on Instagram and TikTokFollow Jon Lee Brody on Instagram  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Wheelers and electroshock therapy and a headless princess. Oh my! "Return to Oz" is the origin of many peoples' childhood trauma. But is it a horror movie? Today's episode explores this very question! Follow That Was Pretty Scary on Instagram and TikTokFollow Jon Lee Brody on Instagram  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join Jon Lee Brody in a captivating conversation with Rachel Belofsky, the visionary founder of ScreamFest, as they delve into the evolution of horror films and the unsung heroes behind the scenes. Discover how ScreamFest has become a pivotal platform for emerging filmmakers, celebrating its 25th anniversary with a legacy of innovation and passion. From the challenges of the early days to the triumphs of today, Rachel shares her journey and insights into the horror genre's ever-evolving landscape. Tune in for an inspiring discussion that highlights the power of creativity and the importance of providing opportunities for new voices...

35 years ago 'The Simpsons' aired their first Halloween special. Horror & television were never(more) the same thereafter. Jon revisits the brilliance of the anthology formatted special with its nods to classic horror and EC comics DNA pulsing through it. Jon also unwraps how this TV special was such a game changer and how it made horror accessible for primetime television; and also how it has acted like a horror archive that preserves the legacies of the all the classics. The Simpsons is revolutionary in television but doesn't really get it's major kudos for its impact on horror...until now...

Join Jon and Alex in a thrilling bonus episode of 'That Was Pretty Scary' as they dive into listener calls and questions. They explore horror origin stories, delve into horror movie suggestions, and reflect on underrepresented themes in the genre. Listeners like Kim, Camo, Jenna, Shari, and more share their horror experiences and queries, leading to engaging discussions about the scariest films that shaped their fears, the potential of horror miniseries, and the importance of identity in horror storytelling. Jon and Alex also tease future plans for the podcast, including exploring horror TV shows and miniseries. Don’t miss th...

In this episode of 'That Was Pretty Scary,' Jon dives deep into the unsettling brilliance of 'Hell House LLC.' Released in 2015, this found footage horror has made waves with its hyperrealistic approach, reflecting the enterprise culture and media obsession of its time. Jon dissects the film's craft, likening its relatable scare tactics to real life experiences. With shoutouts to his listeners and fellow horror movie enthusiasts, Jon also shares personal insights on vulnerability, grief, and the psychology of fear. Tune in for a detailed breakdown of this low budget yet highly effective horror gem, and don't miss...

October Listener Picks continue on TWPS with the 1993 hidden gem 'The Halloween Tree'. This 1993 made for TV animated film explores friendship, sacrifice, and the true meaning of Halloween. With voice work from Leonard Nimoy and a story penned by Ray Bradbury, this episode offers a nostalgic trip back to the '90s while uncovering deeper themes of mortality and cultural traditions. 00:00 Introduction to a Forgotten Gem01:23 Listener Picks and Personal Memories04:29 The Halloween Tree: Basic Info and Background11:50 Ray Bradbury: The Myth Maker15:24 The Genesis of The Halloween Tree</p...

The 'That Was Pretty Scary' October Listener Picks continue with the 2006 animated film 'Monster House'. Explore the unique blend of Pixar-level heart and DreamWorks-level sarcasm that 'Monster House' brought to the screen. Jon discusses how this film dared to be different with its chilling story, innovative performance capture CGI, and surprisingly deep emotional themes of trauma, grief, and letting go. Jon delves into the influence of Spielberg and Zemeckis in the film's production, the movie's place in the horror animation lineage, and its lasting impact. Monster House crawled so the likes of Paranorman and Coraline would truly run!  <p...

TWPS October Listener Picks are underway and being kicked off with the bold and misunderstood 'Halloween III: Season of the Witch.' Jon takes you back to 1982 when audiences were left scratching their heads at the absence of Michael Myers, and explores the cult following that this daring film has since garnered. Dive into the film’s unique take on Halloween lore, its commentary on consumerism, media brainwashing and the fascinating behind-the-scenes stories. Join the discussion on how experimental horror can earn a timeless, albeit delayed, appreciation.  Follow That Was Pretty Scary on Instagram and TikTok<...

In this special bonus episode of 'Scary Talk,' Jon Lee Brody sits down with indie horror sensation Sarah Nicklin. With over 100 film credits to her name, Sarah delves into her journey through the horror genre, including her latest role in 'VHS Halloween' now streaming on Shudder. They discuss the evolution of her career, her strict criteria for selecting projects, and the importance of staying true to one's artistic instincts. Sarah also shares the behind-the-scenes scoop on 'Popeye the Slayer Man' and the collaborative spirit of indie filmmaking. Don't miss this deep dive into the life and work of...

Jon Lee Brody takes us through a semi spoiler-free review of the independent supernatural horror film 'Good Boy.' Directed by Ben Leonberg and co-written by Leonberg and Alex Cannon, the film stands out by telling a haunted house story from the perspective of a dog named Indy. Hear about the unique production challenges, emotional depth, and the innovative narrative style. Plus, Jon gives a heartfelt shoutout to the film's canine star. Follow That Was Pretty Scary on Instagram and TikTokFollow Jon Lee Brody on Instagram  Hosted b...

In this captivating episode of That Was Pretty Scary, host Jon Lee Brody dives into a WHAT IF scenario of Halloween 4.  Ten years after Michael Myers, evil remains, but in a new, chillingly abstract form. Jon breaks down Carpenter's original plan, examines how it could have altered horror history, and offers a deep analysis of the potential ripple effects on pop culture and the film industry. If you're a fan of Halloween, this episode is a must-listen for discovering what might have been! Follow That Was Pretty Scary on Instagram and TikTokFollow Jon L...

Join Jon Lee Brody as he revisits the 2007 horror film, 'Dead Silence,' directed by James Wan and written by Leigh Whannell. This episode delves into why the film was initially panned by critics and how it has grown to become a cult favorite over the years. Jon breaks down the movie's plot, explores the horror landscape of 2007, and discusses how our perceptions of art can change over time. Plus, stay tuned for an in-depth discussion about anchoring bias and the successor problem. Don't miss the epilogue where Alex and Jon discuss ventriloquist dummies and the possibility of a...

Jon Lee Brody presents a spoiler-free review of 'The Long Walk,' a new thriller directed by Francis Lawrence and based on a novel by Stephen King. Highlighting notable performances from Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Judy Greer, and more, Jon dives into the movie's setup, differences between the book and film, and the intense themes of human endurance and totalitarianism. He praises the diverse cast and unique character portrayals, particularly Ben Wang's role as Hank Olson. Jon concludes with his rating, emphasizing the movie's lasting impact and its thought-provoking nature. Tune in for an engaging take on this haunting...