On This Day in Horror History: ‘Cujo’ and ‘Piranha’ Set Loose!

Historically speaking, August 3^rd hasn’t been the most giving of dates. Most of the horror films that hit theaters were definitely of the forgettable sort. But, there were just a couple that still remain fan favorites today, viewed annually and loved eternally: Cujo and Piranha!

Piranha hit theaters a few years before Cujo arrived. It was 1978 and exploitation was a goldmine. Little did anyone know, director Joe Dante (who was filming just his second feature) wasn’t just a schlock filmmaker, rather, he would eventually turn out some serious classics and earn himself a solid spot on many a fan’s favorite list. Piranha also eventually inspired a really fun, exceedingly gory remake… which also got a sequel.

And then there’s Cujo… This is a picture that many will still cite as inspirational and profoundly important to the genre. I’m not about to argue. Cujo turned critical and consumer heads when it hit the big screen, earning $21 million on the domestic market. Did we mention it has the amazing Dee Wallace in it?