The dark humor of the funny clown turned bad has been a good source for horror movies in the last three decades. Clown Horror is possibly the biggest factor in the development of a rather new phobia, a “fear of clowns”, one that did not get any attention from psychiatrist until the 80s.

So all those of you who have coulrophobia, a known disorder caused by Clown Horror movies watched when you were young *honk honk* – here’s the right Top 10 for you:

10. The Clown at Midnight (1999)

Seven teenagers are stalked by a murderous clown while refurbishing an old opera house.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gkXgrnjQ3M

IMDb

9. Killjoy (2000)

Don’t expect this one to scare you and don’t take it as anything other than pure horror fun or you might get disappointed. The interesting thing about it is the “badass mo-fo from the hood” thing, combined with a classic clown horror theme. This movie is talking about not clowning around, but actually, that’s exactly what it does.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWWDQssajJs

IMDb

8. Out of the Dark (1989)

Beautiful young women who work at the offices of a phone-sex company are being stalked by a psychotic killer dressed in an eerily comical mask.

IMDb

7. 100 Tears (2007)

Two journalists are on the trail of a demented serial killer who may be much closer than they think.

A cheap slasher by all means, this top 10 had to feature at least one of these.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bC5byZpgjwM

IMDb

6. Drive Thru (2007)

Horny The Clown, the demonic mascot of “Hella-Burger” is slashing Orange County teenagers with his meat cleaver from Hell.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc694Vp3zpw

IMDb

5. Terror On Tour (1980)

A rock band called “The Clowns” comes under suspicion of murder when several prostitutes are killed by individuals made up like members of the band.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAD4dK2dp7k

IMDb

4. We All Scream For Ice-Cream (2007)

An episode from the Masters of Horror TV Series, featuring William Forsythe. Although it’s not a full length movie, since it’s almost 60 minutes long it fits in very well with the rest of the list.

Wikipedia

3. Clownhouse (1989)

Just before Halloween, three young brothers alone in a big house are menaced by three escaped mental patients who have murdered some traveling circus clowns and taken their identities.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6-c6eoZ0Wc

IMDb

2. Killer Clowns From Outer Space (1988)

When a small town is invaded by aliens from outer space who are capturing and killing the townspeople, no one takes them seriously. Why? The aliens all look like circus clowns, use weapons that look clown like, and all have painted on smiles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J890Tx1z_AA

IMDb

1. Stephen King’s It (1990)

It looks like the late 80s were really the Clown Horror years, because the top 3 is completed with another flick from that time. A child that grows up without knowing who Pennywise the Clown is, well he might be less afraid of clowns, but he sure won’t have as much fun as the others.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBe1v-qtOnQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuLkQMQBZA4

IMDb

Featured photo from clownpictures