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Certified Forgotten is a weekly podcast with a focus on underseen horror films. Hosts Matthew Monagle (@mattmonagle) and Matt Donato (@DoNatoBomb) speak with creators, filmmakers, and critics about their lifelong relationships to the horror genre. Each episode also highlights another unique genre title with ten or fewer reviews on the aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes.
Previous guests include April Wolfe (screenwriter, Black Christmas); Tyler MacIntyre (writer-director, Tragedy Girls); Brad Henderson (Acquisitions, Vinegar Syndrome); and David Dastmalchian (actor-creator). Special episodes of Certified Forgotten have been included as part of the programming of the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival, 2021 Reel Love Film Festival and the 2021 North Bend Film Festival.
Episodes
20 minutes ago
20 minutes ago
1hr 6 min
Hey, two guest episodes in the same month! Certified Forgotten is back on track, and with that, we're pandering to the mall-culture millennials out there. This week, the Matts are joined by writer and podcaster Louis Peitzman, who brings a Phantom of the Opera riff born from the Sherman Oaks Galleria. Phantom of the Mall: Eric's Revenge pulls Morgan Fairchild and Pauly Shore into a shopping mall haunted by a gym-bro phantom who wants to burn it all down. Does this adaptation stand the test of time, or will it be lost, like the empty storefronts where FYE and Sam Goody customers once visited?
About Phantom of the Mall: Eric's Revenge
About Phantom of the Mall: Eric's Revenge
A man loses his home and suffers life-threatening burns from a fire deliberately set by commercial real estate developers vying for his property. One year later, a shopping mall opens on the land, and a series of murders begins.
You can follow Certified Forgotten on Bluesky and Instagram at:
You can follow Certified Forgotten on Bluesky and Instagram at:
About Certified Forgotten
Certified Forgotten is a writer-owned horror publication focused on the little movies that leave a big impression. We publish essays on the underseen and underappreciated horror films of the 21st Century. To learn more, visit www.certifiedforgotten.com.
Jul 17, 2026
Jul 17, 2026
35 min
Welp, there's a new Evil Dead movie, and horror fans have their opinions. Sébastien Vanicek's Evil Dead Burn is turning out to be one of the more divisive Evil Dead titles, which makes it a layup for an Uncertified episode. Join the Matts as they chat about where Evil Dead Burn ranks in their franchise takes, the film's volcanic rage, and most of all, if the kills deliver. At the end of the day, is there such a thing as a bad Evil Dead movie?
About Evil Dead Burn
About Evil Dead Burn
After the loss of her husband, Alice (Souheila Yacoub) seeks solace with her in-laws. As one by one they transform into deadites, she comes to discover that the vows she took in life survive even in death.
You can follow Certified Forgotten on Bluesky and Instagram at:
You can follow Certified Forgotten on Bluesky and Instagram at:
About Certified Forgotten
Certified Forgotten is a writer-owned horror publication focused on the little movies that leave a big impression. We publish essays on the underseen and underappreciated horror films of the 21st Century. To learn more, visit www.certifiedforgotten.com.
Jul 10, 2026
Jul 10, 2026
1hr 11 min
Have you really lived until you've seen a Damon Packard film? That's the question this week's guest asks us, Certified Forgotten, and you, our devoted listeners. Filmmaker Mike Mendez brings Reflections of Evil to the table, a two-plus-hour endurance test described as a full-blown mental breakdown put to screen. It's nothing you've ever seen, which is either a blessing or a curse. But that's why we love discovering these oddball gems at Certified Forgotten. You might just find your new favorite cult classic!
About Reflections of Evil:
About Reflections of Evil:
Julie (Nicole Vanderhoff), who died of a PCP overdose as a teen in the early '70s, searches from beyond the ethers for her little brother, Bob (Damon Packard), an obese watch-seller, who is dying of sucrose intolerance, in the early '90s.
You can follow Certified Forgotten on Bluesky and Instagram at:
You can follow Certified Forgotten on Bluesky and Instagram at:
About Certified Forgotten
Certified Forgotten is a writer-owned horror publication focused on the little movies that leave a big impression. We publish essays on the underseen and underappreciated horror films of the 21st Century. To learn more, visit www.certifiedforgotten.com.
Jun 29, 2026
Jun 29, 2026
34 min
Just recently, Certified Forgotten celebrated its 7th anniversary as a podcast. In thinking of ways to celebrate, I convinced my co-host Matthew Monagle to record an episode where we look back on everything we've accomplished, and talk about our favorite movies that we've covered over 100+ guest episodes. Not to say we're playing favorites or anything—we love our guests equally! But we're two film critics with widely different taste profiles who have very different lists of favorite guest selections from the show. Listen in to see if yours gets mentioned?
You can follow Certified Forgotten on Bluesky and Instagram at:
You can follow Certified Forgotten on Bluesky and Instagram at:
About Certified Forgotten
Certified Forgotten is a writer-owned horror publication focused on the little movies that leave a big impression. We publish essays on the underseen and underappreciated horror films of the 21st Century. To learn more, visit www.certifiedforgotten.com.
Jun 22, 2026
Jun 22, 2026
39 min
It's that mid-point time of year, so we decided to take stock of 2026's horror crop (so far). The Matts discuss their favorite first-half flicks and highlight a few titles still to come that have them most hyped. We've got guest episodes on the horizon, but for at least one more consecutive week, you're stuck with us. Don't worry, we'll make it up to y'all soon enough!
You can follow Certified Forgotten on Bluesky and Instagram at:
You can follow Certified Forgotten on Bluesky and Instagram at:
About Certified Forgotten
Certified Forgotten is a writer-owned horror publication focused on the little movies that leave a big impression. We publish essays on the underseen and underappreciated horror films of the 21st Century. To learn more, visit www.certifiedforgotten.com.
Jun 12, 2026
Jun 12, 2026
34 min
Horror has been killing it at the box office these last few weeks, with A24's Backrooms being the second punch after Obsession. Kane Parsons, who rose to fame for his viral "Backrooms" YouTube videos, brings his uncanny creation to life on the big screen. But does this liminal psychological thriller live up to the hype that comes with being the first feature-length Backrooms adaptation? It's a ponderous flick, and maybe too much so. Listen in to our discussion.
About Backrooms
After a therapist's patient (Clark, Chiwetel Ejiofor) disappears into a dimension beyond reality, she (Mary, Renate Reinsve) must venture into the unknown to save him.
You can follow Certified Forgotten on Bluesky and Instagram at:
About Backrooms
After a therapist's patient (Clark, Chiwetel Ejiofor) disappears into a dimension beyond reality, she (Mary, Renate Reinsve) must venture into the unknown to save him.
You can follow Certified Forgotten on Bluesky and Instagram at:
About Certified Forgotten
Certified Forgotten is a writer-owned horror publication focused on the little movies that leave a big impression. We publish essays on the underseen and underappreciated horror films of the 21st Century. To learn more, visit www.certifiedforgotten.com.
May 23, 2026
May 23, 2026
35 min
Obsession fever is sweeping the nation. Look at what you've done, Curry Barker! On the podcast this week, we had to dive into what's the talk of Horrortown these days—and with good reason. Inde Navarrette is a powerhouse in Obsession, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Hit the episode to hear our thoughts on why Navarrette should be in awards conversations come the end of the year, and more observations.
About Obsession
After breaking the mysterious "One Wish Willow" to win his crush's heart (Nikki, played by Inde Navarrette), a hopeless romantic (Bear, played by Michael Johnston) finds himself getting exactly what he asked for but soon discovers that some desires come at a dark, sinister price.
You can follow Certified Forgotten on Bluesky and Instagram at:
About Obsession
After breaking the mysterious "One Wish Willow" to win his crush's heart (Nikki, played by Inde Navarrette), a hopeless romantic (Bear, played by Michael Johnston) finds himself getting exactly what he asked for but soon discovers that some desires come at a dark, sinister price.
You can follow Certified Forgotten on Bluesky and Instagram at:
About Certified Forgotten
Certified Forgotten is a writer-owned horror publication focused on the little movies that leave a big impression. We publish essays on the underseen and underappreciated horror films of the 21st Century. To learn more, visit www.certifiedforgotten.com.
May 19, 2026
May 19, 2026
35 min
Last weekend, Curry Barker's Obsession was the talk of Horrorwood. But, it wasn't the only twisted relationship tale (nearly) new to audiences. BT Meza's Affection sticks Jessica Rothe in a horrible scenario of either amnesia or entrapment. It's horror by way of interpretation and perception: either a wife and mother has truly forgotten her family, or a woman is being gaslit into believing a life she never lived. The Matts have a heavy one on their hands to talk about this episode—but does the film earn its domestic thrills?
About Affection
Ellie Carter (Jessica Rothe) has never met the man who calls himself her husband, doesn't recognize the girl who calls her mother, and can't remember the life she is told is her own. Afflicted by violent seizures that reset her memory without warning, she is trapped in a cyclical nightmare, struggling to uncover the horrifying truth of her existence--before she forgets it all over again.
You can follow Certified Forgotten on Bluesky and Instagram at:
About Affection
Ellie Carter (Jessica Rothe) has never met the man who calls himself her husband, doesn't recognize the girl who calls her mother, and can't remember the life she is told is her own. Afflicted by violent seizures that reset her memory without warning, she is trapped in a cyclical nightmare, struggling to uncover the horrifying truth of her existence--before she forgets it all over again.
You can follow Certified Forgotten on Bluesky and Instagram at:
About Certified Forgotten
Certified Forgotten is a writer-owned horror publication focused on the little movies that leave a big impression. We publish essays on the underseen and underappreciated horror films of the 21st Century. To learn more, visit www.certifiedforgotten.com.
May 8, 2026
May 8, 2026
1hr 4 min
Looks like we have a This Ends At Prom takeover! On a rare special episode, Matt Donato is joined by both BJ and Harmony Colangelo, with BJ serving as co-host and Harmony serving as guest. The film? Resident Evil: Damnation. Why? For SEO purposes, of course ... no, jk. Harmony makes bold statements, claiming that the second animated Resident Evil movie features some of the best franchise footage ever put on screen. That's what a true champion looks like.
About Resident Evil: Damnation
United States Special Agent Leon S. Kennedy (voiced by Matthew Mercer) sneaks into a small Eastern European country to verify rumors that Bio Organic Weapons (B.O.W.s) are being used in war. Immediately after his infiltration, the U.S. government orders him to leave. Determined to uncover the truth, Leon ignores the order and enters the battlefield to end the chain of tragedies caused by the B.O.W.s.
You can follow Certified Forgotten on Bluesky and Instagram at:
About Resident Evil: Damnation
United States Special Agent Leon S. Kennedy (voiced by Matthew Mercer) sneaks into a small Eastern European country to verify rumors that Bio Organic Weapons (B.O.W.s) are being used in war. Immediately after his infiltration, the U.S. government orders him to leave. Determined to uncover the truth, Leon ignores the order and enters the battlefield to end the chain of tragedies caused by the B.O.W.s.
You can follow Certified Forgotten on Bluesky and Instagram at:
About Certified Forgotten
Certified Forgotten is a writer-owned horror publication focused on the little movies that leave a big impression. We publish essays on the underseen and underappreciated horror films of the 21st Century. To learn more, visit www.certifiedforgotten.com.
May 2, 2026
May 2, 2026
37 min
In the Certified Forgotten podcast lore, there are constants. Donato is the horror-comedy gore guy. Mongle is the Irish folklore obsessive. Enter Lee Cronin's The Mummy. A stealth Evil Dead movie under the guise of mummified terrors, from the filmmaker behind The Hole in the Ground. You'd think, given the information above, you know which Matt is here to defend Cronin's latest, and who had a frustrating time. Welp, listen in to find out how wrong (or right) you are.
About Lee Cronin's The Mummy
The young daughter of a journalist (Jack Reynor as Charlie Cannon) disappears into the desert without a trace. Eight years later, the broken family is shocked when she is returned to them, as what should be a joyful reunion turns into a living nightmare. Written and directed by Lee Cronin, also starring Laia Costa, May Calamawy, Natalie Grace, Veronica Falcón, and more.
You can follow Certified Forgotten on Bluesky and Instagram at:
About Lee Cronin's The Mummy
The young daughter of a journalist (Jack Reynor as Charlie Cannon) disappears into the desert without a trace. Eight years later, the broken family is shocked when she is returned to them, as what should be a joyful reunion turns into a living nightmare. Written and directed by Lee Cronin, also starring Laia Costa, May Calamawy, Natalie Grace, Veronica Falcón, and more.
You can follow Certified Forgotten on Bluesky and Instagram at:
About Certified Forgotten
Certified Forgotten is a writer-owned horror publication focused on the little movies that leave a big impression. We publish essays on the underseen and underappreciated horror films of the 21st Century. To learn more, visit www.certifiedforgotten.com.