I love star gazing, but it was always difficult back when I lived in the city. Those city lights really bleach the night sky, making my pastime difficult. (Light pollution is a thing, y’all!) I had to get my night sky fix when I was camping, or the rare times I would drive out of the city to watch a meteor shower. Now that I live in the country, I have more opportunity for studying the night sky. So when I heard about the green comet, I got excited. I may finally get a chance to see something cool without driving an hour to do so.
This, of course, made me think of all the comet-related horror I know. Are you are a lover of celestial bodies? If so, this list of movies may appeal to you.
Night of the Comet (1984)
My sister introduced this comet movie to me, and I had no idea what I was getting into. But if you like 80s kitch, then this story of two valley girls facing off against an army of carnivorous zombies, then this movie is for you. Bonus, it’s rated PG-13, so it’s not as gruesome as some of the others. It’s a funny movie, and perfectly encapsulates the 80s of my youth.
Maximum Overdrive (1986)
What happens when the earth passes through the tail of a comet? Apparently, all machines come to life. Yes, I know. This movie isn’t exactly cinema magic. (How can Stephen King write such engaging books, yet have so many book-to-movie flops?) I remember when this came out. King promised that it would be a horror movie made the way horror movies were meant to be made. Hmm. It wasn’t scary, but it was entertaining. And it does fit my theme today. One of the more interesting things about the movie is that Yeardley Smith (aka Lisa Simpson) was a part of the cast. I also have always liked Emilio Estevez who starred in this hilarious wreck of a movie.
Coherence (2013)
Of all the comet movies, this one is the most serious. This comet movie revolves around a dinner party that takes place on a night where the earth passes through a comet. This isn’t listed as a horror movie, but believe me—it is tense. Coherence is more of a character study of the guests at the party. If you like dark, slow-moving thrillers, then this is the movie for you.
I have another list of movies that involve meteors, but these three stick out in my mind as a few of my favorite comet movies. Can you add anything to this list? If so, drop a comet, erm comment, below.
Here in Dallas, I use my little telescope every now and then to look at stuff that’s easy to see such as the four Galilean moons, Saturn’s rings, the moon, but to see more interesting things you have to leave the city. Light pollution really ruin things like you say.
Agreed. I live in a tiny village now, and the night sky is so much more visible. It’s amazing to see something like the Milky Way when you haven’t seen it in years.