2015 (Part 1)

In this first part of the 2015 Year in Horror episode, host Paul Waller dives into the horror landscape of 2015, a year marked by a surprising scarcity of horror films in the global box office top 50—only two made the cut. Waller opens with a personal reflection on his deep dive into horror through Letterboxd and his renewed passion for horror literature, sharing his recent reads including Stephen King’s *Cycle of the Werewolf* and the controversial *The Plague* by Graham Masterson. He then launches into a scathing critique of the worst horror films of 2015, ranking them from 10th to 1st worst, with *Amityville Theatre* (aka *Amityville Playhouse*) taking the infamous top spot. Waller and guest Benjamin Bowles dissect the film’s amateurish execution, bizarre casting, and logistical chaos, yet ultimately express admiration for the director’s DIY spirit and sheer effort to get the film made and onto Netflix. The episode transitions into Sci-Fi Corner, where Waller praises *Mad Max: Fury Road* and *Star Wars: The Force Awakens* as joint number one picks, lauding *Fury Road* for its originality and visual mastery, while acknowledging *The Force Awakens* as a nostalgic triumph despite its lack of narrative risk. A deep-dive interview with astronomer Mark Canale explores the emotional weight of the Star Wars reboot, the fan backlash to the prequels, and the cultural phenomenon of Star Wars fandom. The episode ends with a mix of humor, critique, and affection for the films that defined 2015’s cinematic year.