Michael Jackson's Thriller
DREADPICK / MOVIE

Michael Jackson's Thriller

1983 John Landis 14 MIN

A night at the movies turns terrifying when Michael and his date are attacked by zombies. Released at the height of Thriller’s success, the short film redefined the music video, broke racial barriers, and became the first inducted into the U.S. National Film Registry.

HORROR CENTRALITY
45 /100

Thriller is primarily a music video/short film centered on Michael Jackson's performance and choreography. The horror imagery (zombies, suspense, disturbing visuals) is iconic and central to the mood, but the work's core identity remains a music-video experience rather than a standalone horror film. Removing horror would not redefine the entire work, though it would significantly alter a key aspect of its appeal.

ZOMBIE COMEDY HORROR ACTION HORROR
DREADPICK SUMMARY

Best for viewers looking for a atmosphere-heavy and low-gore horror movie.

DREADPICK
SCARINESS 40
TENSION 60
DREAD 30
GORE 10
ATMOSPHERE 80
PSYCHOLOGICAL 30
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DIRECTOR John Landis
STUDIO Optimum Productions
RELEASE 1983
RUNTIME 14 min

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