This Iconic Horror’s Streaming Success Makes One Star’s Comeback Even Better

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Although Thirteen Ghosts isn’t a standout horror film from the early 2000s, its popularity on streaming platforms highlights Matthew Lillard’s status as a horror icon. The thirteen ghosts featured in the 2001 remake are arguably the most memorable aspect of the movie, and the film offers more than just their distinctive designs.

Thir13en Ghosts is a modern update of the 1960 film of the same name, featuring Tony Shalhoub, Matthew Lillard, Shannon Elizabeth, and Embeth Davidtz. The story follows a family who believes they’re about to inherit a fortune from a deceased relative. However, they soon discover his estate is also home to a collection of thirteen ghosts.

Thir13en Ghosts Proves Matthew Lillard Is A Horror Legend

Despite having some genuinely creepy ghosts, the movie Thir13en Ghosts is let down by its annoying soundtrack and overly frantic editing style, which ultimately reduce its ability to scare. The characters are fun and over-the-top, and there are a couple of memorable deaths, but the remake can’t decide if it wants to be a knowingly silly horror film or a darker, more serious one.

However, one performance truly shines: Matthew Lillard as Dennis, the psychic medium. Lillard, already known as a horror icon, brings his signature charm and quirky energy to the role, making Dennis surprisingly likable.

Matthew Lillard brings a captivating energy to Thir13en Ghosts, drawing on his experience playing both maniacal characters like Stu Macher in Scream and more lighthearted roles like Shaggy Rogers in Scooby-Doo. His passion for the horror genre began early in his career, with appearances in films like the 1991 horror comedy Ghoulies III: Ghoulies Go to College and John Waters’ 1994 film Serial Mom.

Matthew Lillard’s Horror Comeback Has Proven His Icon Status

Though Matthew Lillard became well-known for his role in Scream, he continued to gravitate towards darker, more unconventional projects, as seen in the 1998 film The Curve. Beyond the popular Scooby-Doo movies, Lillard also starred in the 2009 slasher film Messages Deleted and the 2014 horror comedy Bloodsucking Bastards.

Although he’d been in horror films before, 2023’s hugely successful Five Nights at Freddy’s movie, where he played the main villain, really kicked off his return to the genre. Since then, he’s returned to the villain role in Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 and will also appear in Scream 7.

Damian Lillard’s already known for his work in horror, but many fans may not realize he also had a part in the 2017 revival of David Lynch’s classic series, Twin Peaks. Now, viewers are discovering his memorable performance in the 2001 film Thir13en Ghosts.

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2026-01-28 23:58