The tagline for Smile reads "Once you see it, it's too late," which explains the curse present in this popular fall 2022 horror movie. The protagonist Dr. Rose Cotter knows that once she begins spotting people grinning at her in a chilling manner, it feels impossible to stop it. Taglines are crucial for the horror genre and they either explain the villain or make a smart joke. Whether serious or funny, there are many memorable taglines that audiences find as engaging as the stories themselves.
From The Blair Witch Project to Alien, Redditors are sharing the horror movie taglines that they love the most. These serve as clever ways to sum up the premise of each film along with the terrifying and intense experiences that the characters will have.
"Someone’s Taken Their Love Of Scary Movies One Step Too Far!”
Scream (1996), Stream on DirecTV and Starz
Redditor MAJHUUL loves the tagline in Scream which reads that the killers have "taken their love of scary movies one step too far." This tagline is just as memorable as some of Ghostface's most famous Scream quotes. The tagline explains that Billy Loomis and Stu Macher are trying to bring a horror movie to life through their actions.
Many Scream characters enjoy being scared. Casey Becker is ready to watch a film in the opening scene and Randy Meeks works at a video store and enjoys chatting about the genre. The tagline allows audiences to anticipate that the killers are horror fans who are on an evil path.
"It's Always Someone You Know."
Scream (2022), Stream on Fubo and DirecTV
Redditor Ghostface125 loves the tagline for Scream (2022) that alludes to the killers being "someone you know." This phrase explains how the movie fits in with the rest of the franchise.
Sidney Prescott knows many of the Ghostface killers. She dates Billy in the first film, Stu is part of her friend group, and she's related to Jill Roberts. In the fifth movie, Sam Carpenter is in a relationship with Richie Kirsch, who ends up being the new Ghostface along with Amber Freeman. The tagline is funny and reassuring. Fans want to feel like they're watching the same kind of fun slasher that they know and love.
“In October Of 1994 Three Student Filmmakers Disappeared In The Woods..."
The Blair Witch Project (1999), Stream on Tubi
The Blair Witch Project not only had a compelling marketing campaign but it also has a smart tagline. Redditor SynthwaveSax likes that the movie mentions the three main characters going missing "near Burkittsville, Maryland while shooting a documentary… A year later their footage was found.” The fan wrote that the tagline does a "perfect job of setting the mood" because it's "like reading a newspaper report."
This tagline is unique since it's much longer and more serious than others. The somber tone works as it suggests that this is a true story, which is how the movie was positioned. It's hard not to think that this really did take place.
"She's Evil... And Not Just High School Evil."
Jennifer's Body (2009), Rent on AppleTV
Redditor jk-alot mentioned the tagline for Jennifer's Body that jokes about Jennifer Check being worse than "high school evil." One of the scariest demonic possession movies, the film shows the way that Jennifer changes after being attacked. She stops being a good, loyal friend to Needy Lesnicki and goes after the male students at her school.
The tagline explains the contrast between Jennifer before and after her possession. Before, she's a "mean girl" type who makes fun of everyone around her and can't wait to leave her small town. After, she's deadly and sinister. Needy can't believe her eyes and hates what has become of her best friend.
"The Next Scream You Hear Could Be Your Own."
The Birds (1963), Rent on AppleTV
The classic Hitchcock-directed horror movie The Birds has a particularly dark tagline. Redditor Blastspark01 mentioned "The next scream you hear could be your own” as a favorite description of a movie.
The tagline drives home how any of the main characters can be victims of the creepy, evil birds who descend upon Bodega Bay, California. The Birds has one of the most eerie premises and after watching the film, it's hard for audiences not to expect birds to come for them, too.
"If Nancy Doesn't Wake Up Screaming, She Won't Wake Up At All!"
A Nightmare On Elm Street (1984), Stream on HBO Max
Sometimes horror movie taglines have a sense of humor and the tagline for A Nightmare On Elm Street is a goofy and playful take on the premise of the film. Redditor harleygirl2648 likes the statement about how Nancy Thompson will "wake up screaming."
This tagline is also smart because it alludes to how the final girl never wants to fall asleep. Nancy realizes that staying awake is the way to fight Freddy and she's nervous about drifting off accidentally. This motivates her throughout the whole film and she can never relax, which is chilling.
"In Space No One Can Hear You Scream."
Alien (1979), Stream on DirecTV and Starz
Alien is a classic horror movie that still holds up and Redditor Bexirt loves the tagline "In space no one can hear you scream." This is definitely one of the most famous taglines and explains how isolated and alone the main characters are.
While Ellen Ripley is one of the most riveting and toughest horror/science-fiction protagonists, she does feel the logical fear that anyone would here. Fighting these creatures feels even more horrifying thanks to the fact that the story takes place in space.
"Sometimes Dead Is Better."
Pet Sematary (1989), Rent on AppleTV
Redditor jk-alot likes the Pet Sematary tagline about "dead" being "better." This couldn't be more perfect and explains that when children and pets die and come back to life in this area of Maine, they are more sinister than they used to be.
The cemetery behind the Creed's property allows Louis and Rachel Creed's young son Gage to return to them. Gage ends up becoming evil in the process, which drives home how dark this place is. The tagline is powerful and it doesn't feel like any other word could sum up the movie more succinctly.
"Who Will Survive And What Will Be Left Of Them?"
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974), Stream on AMC+
One Redditor mentioned the tagline from The Texas Chain Saw Massacre that asks "what will be left" of the survivors of Leatherface's reign. While there are many intense deaths in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise, it's definitely traumatic to make it to the end of each film and live with what has happened.
Sally Hardesty is one example of a character who survives, at least until the 2022 Netflix film. The final girl is haunted by Leatherface and can never escape the tragedy that begins in the first movie. While Sally fights, she is always terrified.
"The Night He Came Home."
Halloween (1978), Stream on AMC+ and Shudder
For Redditor PutridPestilence1, the tagline from the 1978 Halloween movie "The Night He Came Home" is a favorite. This sums it all up: Michael Myers grew up on Laurie Strode's street in Haddonfield, Illinois, killed his family, and is now back to kill more people.
If Michael had stayed at Smith's Grove, then this scary story would never happen, and Laurie would have a peaceful life free of tragedy. Instead, Laurie and Michael's fates seem to be tied together. Laurie never rests and Michael is never off her mind.