Milestone Years
- 10th Anniversary: March 15, 2028
- 15th Anniversary: March 15, 2033
- 20th Anniversary: March 15, 2038
Inspiration Behind the Movie
Director Damien Leone created Art the Clown in his 2011 short film Terrifier, which expanded from his earlier anthology film All Hallows’ Eve (2013). Inspired by classic slashers like Halloween and Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Leone wanted to bring an old-school, practical effects-driven horror villain to life—one who is terrifying without ever uttering a word.
You Might Not Know
- Art the Clown Is Almost Entirely Silent – Unlike most horror villains, Art never speaks, making him even more unnerving.
- David Howard Thornton Created Art’s Movements – As a trained mime, Thornton gave Art his eerie, expressive mannerisms.
- The Film Was Made on a Small Budget – Terrifier was produced for around $100,000 but gained a massive cult following.
- The Gore Was Mostly Practical Effects – Director Damien Leone, a self-taught makeup artist, did all the effects himself.
- A Sequel Expanded Art’s Legacy – Terrifier 2 (2022) took the violence even further and shocked audiences with its extreme gore.
Food Ideas
- Bloody Popcorn – Popcorn drizzled with red caramel or strawberry sauce.
- Clown Face Cupcakes – Cupcakes decorated with creepy clown faces.
- Slasher Nachos – Chips covered in “bloody” salsa and cheese.
- Black and White Cookies – Inspired by Art the Clown’s signature look.
Release Date: March 15, 2018
Summary:
Terrifier is a brutal slasher horror film that follows Art the Clown, a sadistic and silent killer who stalks and tortures his victims on Halloween night. As two unsuspecting women encounter Art, their night turns into a gruesome game of survival. With its relentless gore, nightmarish atmosphere, and terrifying villain, Terrifier has become a cult favorite among horror fans.
Genre(s): Horror, Slasher
Key Cast Members:
- David Howard Thornton as Art the Clown
- Jenna Kanell as Tara Heyes
- Samantha Scaffidi as Victoria Heyes
- Catherine Corcoran as Dawn
- Pooya Mohseni as The Cat Lady
Ways to Celebrate
- Horror Movie Marathon – Watch Terrifier alongside All Hallows’ Eve and other cult slashers.
- Clown Makeup Challenge – Try recreating Art’s terrifying face paint.
- Jump Scare Counter – Keep track of the film’s most shocking moments.
Filming Locations
- New York City, New York – The film was shot in various abandoned buildings and locations in NYC.
- Staten Island, New York – Used for several of the grittier, nightmarish scenes.


