As a horror fan, The Horror Show was the main reason for my visit to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, and the exhibition gave me plenty to explore. Rather than presenting horror as one broad genre, the exhibit divides it into six themed galleries: Gothic, Psychological, Science, Slasher, Religion and Ghosts. Each room has its own identity, giving visitors a chance to explore the different approaches filmmakers use to frighten, unsettle and captivate audiences.
The way the galleries were arranged was one of my favorite aspects. Moving between the different rooms felt like stepping into distinct corners of horror cinema, each with its own atmosphere and visual language. The exhibit also incorporates behind the scenes footage, giving visitors insight into the filmmaking process and the creative work behind some of the genre’s most memorable films. For me, that added another layer of appreciation beyond simply recognizing familiar characters and movie artifacts.
Naturally, the Slasher gallery was a personal highlight. Seeing Art the Clown and a Candyman statue was a treat. I’m an UBER Art the Clown fan, and I genuinely wanted to take him home. Candyman, on the other hand, is an ORIGINAL horror icon. Seeing him represented brought a welcome dose of nostalgia. Moments like these are part of what makes an exhibition like this fun for longtime horror fans. There’s something special about seeing the characters that have entertained, terrified and stayed with you beyond the screen represented in a space dedicated to their cinematic legacy.
My only real disappointment was the zombie room. Given the genre’s rich history and the creativity involved in bringing the undead to life, I expected a little more. Instead, the space featured a movie playing and a single animatronic zombie attached to the wall that visitors could control. While the interactive element was a nice touch, the room felt underdeveloped compared with the other galleries. It left me wanting more from a genre that has given audiences so many unforgettable films and creatures.
That said, the zombie room didn’t overshadow the overall experience. I appreciated how The Horror Show made room for different branches of horror while offering a peek at the work that happens behind the camera. As someone who works as a crew member in the entertainment industry, I found myself looking beyond the scares and familiar faces to appreciate the filmmaking itself. The costumes, practical elements and creative decisions that help bring these stories to life are part of what makes horror so fascinating.
For horror enthusiasts, The Horror Show offers an opportunity to celebrate the genre beyond the theater screen. It’s an experience worth checking out, even if one room doesn’t quite deliver the same impact as the others. The exhibit currently runs until July 25th, 2027.
