Hack or Slash

Universal Slash Episodes

Step up your horror movie game with these elite movies that have been scored as a Universal Slash in their episode. This collection of expertly curated Slashes will have you on the edge of your seat – or running for cover. So sit back, relax, and enjoy some of the best horror has to offer – with a healthy dose of wit and humor thrown in for good measure.
Nov. 22, 2024

364: Young Frankenstein (1974)

This week we’re honoring a horror comedy classic as we review Young Frankenstein (1974). We dive into its brilliant blend of satire and homage, marvel at the stellar performances, and laugh about its unforgettable dance scene. This episode contains...

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Nov. 1, 2024

361: Salem's Lot (2024)

This week we’re diving into the latest adaptation of a Stephen King classic with Salem's Lot (2024). We analyze the film's pacing and climactic scenes, critique its character development and vampire lore, and weigh it against previous adaptations....

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Oct. 25, 2024

359: Re-Animator (1985)

This week we're resurrecting the horror-comedy cult classic Re-Animator (1985). We dive into its campy take on the Frankenstein trope, analyze the film's gruesome practical effects, and reflect on its legacy in 80s horror cinema. In this episode's...

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Oct. 22, 2024

358: Smile 2 (2024)

This week we’re back in theaters to check out Smile 2 (2024). We examine the evolution of its entity, critique the effectiveness of its jump scares, and analyze the performances of its central characters. In this episode's b-side, we think back to...

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Oct. 4, 2024

352: When Evil Lurks (2023)

This week we’re venturing into the intense world of When Evil Lurks (2023). We examine the visceral intensity of its narrative, confront the film's shocking brutality, and explore the complexities of its protagonist's choices. In this episode's...

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Sept. 6, 2024

347: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)

This week we’re resurrecting chaos with Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024). We explore its clever nods to the original, analyze the updated set designs, and debate the effectiveness of new characters. In this episode's b-side, we ponder the concept of...

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Aug. 16, 2024

344: Alien: Romulus (2024)

This week we’re exploring the tense corridors of Alien: Romulus (2024). We delve into its practical effects, explore the dynamics of its sibling relationships, and evaluate the tension it creates through its creature designs. This episode contains...

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Aug. 9, 2024

343: A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)

This week we’re exploring the silent streets of A Quiet Place: Day One (2024). We examine its haunting sound design, analyze the layered character dynamics, and explore its portrayal of survival. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 31:53. ...

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July 19, 2024

340: The First Omen (2024)

This week we’re traveling back to the 70’s with The First Omen (2024). We explore its unsettling atmosphere, dissect its narrative commentary on bodily autonomy, and break down the strength of its character arcs. This episode contains spoilers,...

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July 12, 2024

339: Longlegs (2024)

This week we’re back in theaters to check out Longlegs (2024). We dissect its depiction of serial killers, unpack the nuance of its cinematography, and assess the quality of its leading actors. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 28:21. ...

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Sept. 1, 2023

287: Beetlejuice (1988)

This week we’re diving into the afterlife with Beetlejuice (1988). We lay out the plans for our 2023 Spooky Season festivities, explore the movie's monumental impact on pop culture, and unpack its unique blend of chills and chuckles. In this...

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March 10, 2023

262: Scream VI (2023)

This week we head to the theater to check out Scream VI (2023). We unpack the franchise’s relocation to New York, examine its parallels with its predecessors, and assess the quality of its tension. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 32:40....

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Feb. 10, 2023

258: Knock at the Cabin (2023)

This week we head to the theater to check out Knock at the Cabin (2023). We discuss the emotional differences between the movie and the novel, unpack the difficulty of sacrificial choices, and assess the quality of performances. This episode contains...

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Jan. 20, 2023

255: M3GAN (2023)

This week we’re checking out the latest Blumhouse film M3GAN (2023). We explore the intersection of technology and parenting, unpack the film’s approach to processing grief, and assess M3GAN’s place among killer dolls. This episode contains...

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Dec. 9, 2022

248: Terrifier 2 (2022)

This week we welcome a new team member as we check out Terrifier 2 (2022). We break down Art’s brutality, debate the quality of parenting in the film, and consider the future of the franchise. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 36:36. ...

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Nov. 18, 2022

245: The Witch (2015)

This week we’re living deliciously by checking out The Witch (2015). We break down the layers of its storytelling, unpack the trauma of its characters, and reflect on the horrors of witch hunts. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 21:51. ...

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Nov. 4, 2022

243: Hellraiser (2022)

This week we unpack the newest take on a Clive Barker classic: Hellraiser (2022). We compare the presence of the cenobites, unpack the differences in narratives, and assess the quality of its gore. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 29:45. ...

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Oct. 25, 2022

241: The Lost Boys (1987)

This week we check out the second contender of our 2022 Cohost Clash: The Lost Boys (1987). We discuss the impact of teenage vampires, debate the quality of their prosthetics, and announce a giveaway for our listeners. In this episode’s b-side, Kris...

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Oct. 18, 2022

239: The Return of the Living Dead (1985)

This week we welcome Vero to the the team by checking out her comfort horror film: The Return of the Living Dead (1985). We unpack the movie’s origins, delineate the Dead vs Living Dead series, and assess the quality of its effects. In this...

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Oct. 14, 2022

238: Halloween Ends (2022)

This week we celebrate our 5th anniversary by watching Halloween Ends (2022). We break down the treatment of its characters, reflect on the Laurie Strode and Michael Myers saga, and consider the impacts of nature versus nurture. In this episode's...

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Oct. 12, 2022

236: Secret Window (2004)

This week we check out the first contender of our 2022 Cohost Clash: Secret Window (2004). We assess the film’s horror elements, dissect the core relationships, and discuss its parallels with The Shining. In this episode's b-side, we romanticize...

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Sept. 30, 2022

233: The Loved Ones (2009)

This week the Hack or Slash patrons have voted for us to review The Loved Ones (2009). We break down the intensity of its gore, unpack the power of its emotional parallels, and discuss the narrative subtext. This episode contains spoilers, beginning...

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Sept. 16, 2022

231: Hellraiser (1987)

This week we open the box to check out Hellraiser (1987). We explore Clive Barker’s motivation to direct, unpack the iconic cenobite makeup, and assess the intensity of its gore. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 27:15. Mentioned in the...

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July 29, 2022

224: The Skeleton Key (2005)

This week the Hack or Slash patrons have voted for us to review The Skeleton Key (2005). We break down the plot misdirects, assess the likability of its characters, and ponder the coldness of hospice. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at...

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