Horror films from Australia may look familiar on the surface, bearing the influence of Hollywood, but they always create uniquely terrifying experiences for moviegoers. Case in point: Greg McLean's Wolf Creek 2, now on home video. It's a sequel to McLean's own Australian classic, made with verve and a new set of scares. To pique your interest further, we've gathered 11 other samples of wild, daring, and sometimes bizarre Aussie horrors. 

by Peter Martin

Patrick (1978)

In Richard Franklin's groundbreaking original, a comatose patient uses his hidden powers of telekinesis. His new nurse -- and object of affection -- slowly catches on to what is happening, but what can she do to stop him?

Long Weekend (1978)

Heedless of their beautiful, unspoiled surroundings, a couple tries to save their marriage on a weekend in the country, but their casual littering and utter disregard for other living things raises the ire of Nature. Soon the couple are in a battle for their lives. 

Thirst (1979)

How can vampires survive in the modern age? Well, what if they got together, got organized, and got their blood from blood cows? A gothic tale comes to life in an industrial environment, as a new ruling presence emerges and all kinds of craziness ensues. 

Nightmares aka Stage Fright (1980)

A woman still feels remorse for inadvertently causing the death of her mother, and her guilt is causing her mind to fracture, even as she begins a romance with a fellow stage actor. Then there's a series of brutal killings, all set within a highly-dramatic setting. 

Road Games (1981)

Director Richard Franklin (Patrick) goes on the road with truck driver Stacy Keach. He develops a theory about a serial killer who's on the loose, and explains it to hitchhiker Jamie Lee Curtis. She decides to investigate, leading to a furious cat-and-mouse chase involving an 18-wheeler, a van, and a whole lot of breathless moments. 

Turkey Shoot aka Escape 2000 (1982)

Imagine a horrifying future in which all "deviants" (i.e., anyone who isn't "normal") are imprisoned in brutal concentration camps. Ostensibly, the inmates are to be re-educated, but they're just as likely to be assaulted and/or killed, making escape the top priority. Director Brian Trenchard-Smith ups the ante with every action scene, filling the screen with carnage and craziness. 

Razorback

A big pig. Other memorable Australian horror movies would revolve around giant reptiles, but this creature feature centers on the terrors inspired by a giant pig in the lonely outback. The razorback stole the grandson of our hero, and years later he's still itching for a little payback. 

Undead (2003)

Meteorites strike the inhabitants of a fishing community, transforming them into ravenous zombies. Neighbor must kill neighbor in order to survive. But it's not all (very explicit) blood and guts; this is also a raucous comedy for those with a taste for the macabre, and belly laughs compete with belly-ripping for an impudent good time. 

Wolf Creek (2005)

A traveler's worst nightmare comes true. It's bad enough to be stuck in the middle of nowhere, with a broken-down car and no way to fix it. But it's even worse when a seemingly helpful stranger turns out to be a serial killer. Based on true events, this is a horror movie that is often excruciating to watch. 

Bait (2012)

Shark in a supermarket! From the sublime to the silly, this enthusiastic thriller follows what happens when a tsunami traps unlucky shoppers in a flooded supermarket -- along with a Great White Shark. 

Patrick: Evil Awakens (2014)

Mark Hartley's sequel to the Australian classic stakes out similar territory as the original, but updates it with a fresh sense of style and an even more frightening atmosphere. It's part of a new wave of Australian horrors that promises more thrills to come from down under.