#Alive
Netflix
In the footsteps of South Korea’s smash hit zombie action-thriller “Train to Busan,” comes another modern zombie thrill ride, “#Alive.” Jun-u (Ah-In Yoo of “Burning” fame) is a tech-savvy gamer who finds himself alone in his parents’ apartment when the zombie apocalypse hits. Determined to survive, he uses ingenuity and various modes of modern tech (like attaching his iPhone to a drone to serve as a means of surveillance) in order to outmaneuver the mindless throngs and stay, well, (hashtag) alive.
“#Alive” dropped on Netflix in the middle of a worldwide pandemic, making Jun-u’s underdog-versus-the-apocalypse story all the more compelling and, dare I say, meta? Trapped alone while facing the twin terrors of the infected hordes and a lack of wi-fi, this nightmare feels all too relatable. With fast-paced, frenetic thrills and a heavy dose of fun, “#Alive” offers an entertaining zombie tale for our current times.
1922
Netflix
“1922” is a slow-burn horror film about a man who is slowly but surely consumed by guilt over his own evil deed. Thomas Jane stars as Wilfred “Wilf” James, a Nebraska farmer who lives with his wife, Arlette (Molly Parker), and their teenage son, Henry (Dylan Schmid). Unhappy with Arlette’s plans to sell the farm and move to the city, Wilf asks his son to assist in murdering her. The deed committed, Wilf finds that his actions come back to haunt him, as he begins to experience a slow but steady psychological decline. Haunted by his wife’s ghost and visions of rats, he and Henry eventually suffer their own twisted fates.
Thomas Jane’s darkly compelling performance helps carry this unsettling psychological spooker, which was based on Stephen King’s novella of the same name — if you want to check out the source material, you can find it in King’s collection “Full Dark, No Stars.”
1BR
Dark Sky Films
First time writer-director David Marmor does a solid job building tension, suspense, and scares with a fairly simple premise in “1BR,” which explores the horrors of moving into a new apartment — especially in Los Angeles.
Sarah (Nicole Brydon Bloom) is an aspiring costume designer who moves to L.A. with her cat to escape her family and pursue her career. She finds a one-bedroom apartment with a community of neighbors who seem perhaps a little too friendly. It’s not long before Sarah discovers why they’re so overly nice — and it’s not because they’re planning a bake sale. As it turns out, they’re members of a cult. They want Sarah to become its newest member, and they’re willing to go to horrifying lengths to make sure that happens. It would be easy to dismiss “1BR” as just a standard horror film, but its disturbing premise gets under the skin in the way it highlights the horrors of cults and conformity (and landlords). It’s scary because it feels a little too real.
Atlantics
Netflix
“Atlantics” is more of a supernatural romance than a straight-up horror film, but if you like ghost stories with gorgeously moody cinematography, writer-director Mati Diop’s acclaimed Senegalese indie is worth watching.
Set in Dakar, “Atlantics” follows the love story between Ada (Mame Bineta Sane) and Souleiman (Ibrahima Traoré), which is interrupted when Souleman, a construction worker, travels by boat to Spain in search of better opportunities. Ada is betrothed to a wealthier man whom she doesn’t love, and when a mysterious fire breaks out in their bedroom on her wedding night, she becomes the main suspect. But this is a ghost story, and it soon becomes apparent there are supernatural forces at work. Shot by Claire Mathon, who also received acclaim for her work on “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” and “Spencer,” “Atlantics” touches on Senegal’s social and political issues while offering a mesmerizing and compellingly otherworldly ghost tale. It won the Grand Prix award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019.
Apostle
Netflix
Welsh writer-director Gareth Evans made a name for himself by directing the thrilling Indonesian action films “The Raid” and “The Raid 2.” Following those up with a trippy period folk horror piece was certainly an interesting, if unexpected, choice.
Set in 1905, “Apostle” stars Dan Stevens as Thomas Richardson, who travels to a remote Welsh island in search of his sister Jennifer (Elen Rhys), who is being held for ransom by a mysterious cult. He infiltrates their village by portraying himself as a convert, and soon gets to know the group’s leader, Prophet Malcolm (Michael Sheen). It’s not long before things get super weird and kind of gory, with one particular torture scene in particular that is not for the squeamish. “Apostle” is a bizarre movie that feels a little long at 129 minutes, but it does manage to generate a unique sense of dread. If you’re looking for something a little different that will eventually get under your skin, “Apostle” could do the trick.
Army of the Dead
Netflix
Zack Snyder’s “Army of the Dead” is a film for maximalists. I mean, you’ve got an army of zombies, a post-apocalyptic Las Vegas, and a $200 million casino heist that has to be completed before the president drops a nuclear bomb on the city. Now that’s what I call entertainment.
The heist crew is led by a former mercenary turned fry cook, Scott Ward (Dave Bautista), who gathers a hand-picked team to help him pull off the greatest robbery ever attempted while facing off against an ultra-organized group of zombies. Is “Army of the Dead” the best film on this list? No. But it’s a decently entertaining distraction, with a likable cast that also includes Tig Notaro. Oh, and did I mention the zombie tiger? Yeah, there’s a zombie tiger. ‘Nuff said.
The Babysitter
Netflix
Samara Weaving has become somewhat of a horror-comedy queen, having played roles such as the hunted bride in “Ready or Not” and the titular killer babysitter, Bee, in Netflix’s aptly titled “The Babysitter.”
A sort of ’80s throwback that mixes a satanic panic-style slasher with “Home Alone,” “The Babysitter” revolves around young Cole (Judah Lewis), who stays up past his bedtime one night only to learn that his hot babysitter, Bee (Weaving), is actually a member of a murderous cult. Once discovered, the cult members, including Sonya (Hana Mae Lee), Max (Robbie Ammell), and Allison (Bella Thorne) become hellbent on keeping Cole quiet. The enterprising Cole tries to take them all out first. With entertaining characters and silly, over-the-top action, “The Babysitter” is a fun genre distraction that was popular enough to get a sequel, “The Babysitter: Killer Queen,” that takes place two years later.
Before I Wake
Netflix
Mike Flanagan is one of the hottest horror directors working today, thanks largely to his hit Netflix series, “The Haunting of Hill House,” “The Haunting of Bly Manor,” and “Midnight Mass,” as well as a string of films that includes the likes of “Hush,” “Gerald’s Game,” and “Before I Wake,” all of which are currently available on Netflix.
In “Before I Wake,” Kate Bosworth and Thomas Jane star as Jessie and Mark, who adopt a boy named Cody (Jacob Tremblay) who had previously had trouble being placed in a home. They soon discover that Cody has a strange gift: His dreams manifest in real life. This can either be magical, like it is when Cody makes butterflies appear, or it can be nightmarish, such as when he conjures the terrifying “Canker Man.” When the Canker Man kills a student at Cody’s school, Jessie and Mark realize they have a big, scary problem on their hands. As with Flanagan’s other work, “Before I Wake” explores themes surrounding trauma and its lingering impact, so it’s not just scary. It has something to say, too.
Bird Box
Netflix
It’s hard to imagine that anyone reading this list hasn’t already seen the Sandra Bullock-starring, post-apocalyptic thriller “Bird Box,” considering it was Netflix’s most-watched title ever for a few years. Then again, “Red Notice” dethroned it in 2021, so there are a few people who have yet to experience its uniquely terrifying offerings.
The action-packed tale centers on Malorie Hayes (Bullock), as she and fellow survivor Tom (Trevante Rhodes) attempt to save themselves and two young children after the world is overtaken by mysterious entities that cause anyone who looks at them to commit suicide. As popular as “Bird Box” was, it’s no surprise that it spawned a wave of memes, many of which revolved around a sequence in which Bullock wears a blindfold as she navigates a rowboat down a river. Ah, those were simpler times, weren’t they?
Blair Witch
Lionsgate
2016’s “Blair Witch” is a direct sequel to 1999’s “The Blair Witch Project,” and while it may not be as memorable as the first film, it’s better than its Rotten Tomatoes score might suggest. Set 17 years after the events of the original, “Blair Witch” centers on James Donahue (James Allen McCune), the younger brother to Heather, one of the missing students from “The Blair Witch Project.” Spotting a video online that he believes to be of Heather, he travels to the woods near Burkitsville, Maryland to investigate her disappearance, enlisting the help of some friends and a couple of locals. Given the premise, it’s only a matter of time before the intrepid explorers become lost and encounter the terrifying power of the infamous “Blair Witch” for themselves.
Blood Red Sky
Netflix
So, you’ve heard of “Snakes on a Plane,” and you’ve heard of terrorists on planes, but how about vampires versus terrorists on a plane? Well, that happens to be precisely what the German action-horror-thriller “Blood Red Sky” delivers.
Nadja (Peri Baumeister) is a single mother on a transatlantic flight with her young son (Carl Koch). When a group of terrorists take over the plane, however, Nadja decides to stop taking her medicine, which unleashes the secret she’s been hiding: She’s a vampire. From then on, it’s Nadja against the terrorists, with gory and suspenseful results. Never underestimate a mother’s love!
The Boy
STX Entertainment
Haunted dolls and horror movies go hand in hand, but oftentimes the haunted doll in question is of the female persuasion. Not so in “The Boy,” a haunted house movie revolving around a suited-up spooky boy doll named Brahms.
“The Boy” centers around an American nanny, Greta (Lauren Cohan), who travels to the U.K. after being hired by an older couple, the Heelshires, to care for their “son,” Brahms. Soon, however, Greta learns that Brahms happens to be a porcelain doll. Greta is left alone to care for Brahms under a very strict set of rules, and it’s not long before strange things begin to happen, such as Brahms seemingly moving about on his own. With help from local delivery man Malcolm (Rupert Evans), Greta begins to piece together the haunted mystery, which includes learning that the real Brahms was killed in a fire 20 years prior. As haunted doll movies go, “The Boy” is solid fare, offering a clever and atmospheric spin on the genre. Theater audiences seemed to agree, which led to the production of a Katie Holmes-starring sequel, “Brahms: The Boy II.”
Calibre
Netflix
Sometimes life takes an unexpected turn for the much, much worse, as the two main characters in “Calibre” discover while on a hunting trip that goes horribly wrong. This dark, twisted, suspenseful Scottish thriller follows two friends, Marcus (Martin McCann) and Vaughan (Jack Lowdon), whose lives descend into a nightmare when one of them accidentally shoots a young boy while aiming for a deer. Things only escalate from there (or go downhill, depending on how you want to look at it), as their subsequent efforts to hide their deeds and escape the consequences of their actions only plunge them deeper and deeper into trouble.
Thanks to assured direction, steady performances, and a smart script, “Calibre” makes for a riveting, and most importantly, nerve-jangling watch.
The Call
Netflix
There are quite a few good genre films that come out of South Korea each year, some of which end up being remade with an English-speaking cast. In the case of 2020’s “The Call,” the film is actually a Korean remake of a British and Puerto Rican film, “The Caller,” from 2011.
“The Call” stars Park Shin-hye as Kim Seo-yeon, a woman who loses her cell phone prior to traveling to her former childhood home. Upon arrival at her old house, she finds an old cordless phone in a closet. Promptly, she he receives a call from a young girl, Yeongsuk (Jeon Jong-seo), who says she is being held captive and tortured by her mother. Eventually, Seo-yeon comes to realize that Yeongsuk is calling her from the past — 1999, to be specific — and, more importantly, that events of both the past and the present can be changed based on their communications with each other. It’s a fantastic premise bolstered by solid performances that makes for a suspenseful and compelling watch.
Cam
Netflix
The twisty psychological techno-thriller “Cam” explores themes of identity, voyeurism, sex work, and the horrors of our modern digital landscape, all in a stylish package with a great performance at its center.
Madeline Brewer stars as Alice, a camgirl operating under the handle Lola_Lola with aspirations of improving her rank on the FreeGirlsLive website. She has a certain set of standards she adheres to, but she goes so far as to pretend to slit her own throat one day, which instantly improves her popularity. After managing to crack the top 50 in the rankings, she suddenly finds she has been locked out of her account, with a mysterious new girl who looks and acts just like her having taken over her channel. Alice becomes increasingly frantic as she tries to find out the truth behind her virtual doppelganger. “Cam” is a suspenseful and provocative work that was partially inspired by screenwriter Isa Mazzei’s real life experiences as a camgirl.
Coming Home in the Dark
Netflix
Director James Ashcroft’s debut, “Coming Home in the Dark” is a harrowing thriller that follows a New Zealand family on a day trip turned into a nightmare. Teacher Alan aka “Hoaggie” (Erik Thomson) and his wife Jill (Miriama McDowell) are out on an idyllic, isolated drive with their two sons, when they are accosted by two men, Mandrake (Daniel Gillies) and Tubs (Matthias Luafutu). What follows is a descent into hell as the two strangers kidnap the parents and take them on a twisty turny drive into darkness that forces Hoaggie to confront the sins of his past.
The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, and explores themes around New Zealand’s state care system and the treatment of children within such institutional settings, while also exploring moral questions regarding our own behaviors in the face of evil.
The Conjuring 2
Warner Bros.
“The Conjuring” kicked off a whole franchise for Universal when it was released in 2013, bringing in huge box office returns with its tale of a demonic possession and exorcism inspired by the real-life case files of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. In 2016, “The Conjuring 2” proved the franchise had staying power.
Directed once again by James Wan, the second film revolves around a U.K.-based haunting known as “The Enfield Case,” in which a young girl named Janet Hodgson (Madison Wolfe) becomes possessed by the ghost of an old man while her family is tormented by apparent poltergeist activity. With Wan once again showing off his skills at directing atmospheric slow-burn horror punctuated by sporadic jump-out-of-your-skin scares, “The Conjuring 2” is well worth a watch. Plus, this one features more of the terrifying demonic nun (Bonnie Aarons) that we met in the first film.
Creep and Creep 2
Netflix
Sometimes the most innocuous things end up being the scariest. In situations like that, it’s best to trust your instincts, which is something writer-director-actor Patrick Brice and writer-co-star Mark Duplass demonstrate in their found-footage style 2014 comedy-horror film “Creep.”
Brice stars as Aaron, a freelance videographer who responds to a Craigslist ad by Josef (Duplass), who happens to live in a remote cabin. When Aaron arrives, Josef explains that he has cancer and wants Aaron to help him make a video diary for his soon-to-be-born child. Josef seems amicable enough at first, but he also has a creepy weird stranger-danger energy. Though Aaron has misgivings about the situation, Joseph keeps convincing him that it’s all in his head, even as the situation becomes increasingly uncomfortable. Duplass gives a memorably unnerving performance as the unpredictable Josef, and his bizarre antics end up creating a palpable sense of unease throughout. The creepily entertaining “Creep” spawned a sequel aptly named “Creep 2,” which is just as good as the first, although slightly less scary.
Crimson Peak
Universal Pictures
Director Guillermo del Toro is a master of atmospheric horror, and his gorgeously lavish Gothic romance “Crimson Peak” is a prime example as to how. The richly-realized ghost story takes place at a stunning Victorian mansion dubbed Allerdale Hall, which was built on a blood red clay mine that gives the property the nickname “Crimson Peak.” Here, the newly-wedded Edith Cushing (Mia Wachowski) will discover what dark secrets are hidden between her husband Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston) and his sister (Jessica Chastain), and learn the horrifying truth as to why she received an ominous warning from her deceased mother’s ghost to “Beware of Crimson Peak.”
Iconic creature character actors Doug Jones and Javier Botet both play a number of ghosts in this big-budgeted throwback to classic spooksters like “The Haunting,” and “The Shining.” With stunning production design and some disturbing scares along the way, “Crimson Peak” remains a gem in the haunted house movie canon.
Dark Shadows
Warner Bros.
No “best of” horror list would be complete without a Tim Burton movie in the mix, at least not as far as fans of Gothic chills and visually sumptuous production design are concerned. “Dark Shadows” may not be Burton’s best, but this adaptation of the Gothic TV series of the same name does have its dark delights.
Perennial Tim Burton favorite Johnny Depp stars as Barnabas Collins, who is turned into a vampire after rejecting the advances of a witch named Angelique (Eva Green). Returning to his family’s wealthy estate 200 years later in 1972, he finds the manor in ruins and inhabited by his dysfunctional descendants, including matriarch Elizabeth Collins Stoddard (Michelle Pfeiffer). He also finds that the governess, Victoria (Bella Heathcote), appears to be the reincarnation of his former love, Josette. After falling for Victoria, Barnabas seeks to become human, but Angelique has also survived the ages, and will stop at nothing to have him for herself. Sure, the darkly comedic “Dark Shadows” is overly complicated and a bit campy, but it has a stacked cast and it looks cool, and that’s got to count for something, right?
Day Shift
Netflix
If you prefer your horror mixed with a bit of comedy, then you might want to give the Jamie Foxx and Dave Franco-starring vampire-action-comedy-horror film “Day Shift” a try. Foxx stars as Bud Jablonski, a pool man by day, and a vampire hunter by night. He’s just trying to make a living in order to help pay for his daughter’s schooling. But vampire hunting isn’t everything it’s cracked up to be, and the union busts Bud’s chops by forcing him to ride along with union rep Seth (Franco), whose job is to watch for any infractions. “Day Shift” is a fun enough ride boosted by its likable leads and some fun supporting cast members, like Snoop Dogg.
Don’t Listen
Netflix
When you’re looking for a good horror movie to watch, an old-school-style haunted house movie can be just the ticket. While Spain’s “Don’t Listen,” aka “Voces,” doesn’t reinvent any wheels, it has enough atmosphere to make it worth your while.
When parents Daniel and Sarah move into a new home with their son, Eric, they have no idea that it’s known in the neighborhood as “the house of the voices.” Soon, however, they begin hearing voices themselves. When Eric dies a mysterious death, his voice seemingly calls to Daniel from beyond the grave, leading the father to enlist the help of a paranormal investigator.
Eyes Wide Shut
Warner Bros.
Stanley Kubrick had a knack for creating unsettling films, and his final work, “Eyes Wide Shut,” is no exception. This dark, erotic, psychological thriller of sorts stars Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman as a married couple, Bill and Alice Harford, whose lives are shaken up after a Christmas party, when Alice confesses to Bill that she’s thought about infidelity. Things get weirder when Bill, a doctor, ends up on a night call during which he encounters a mysterious secret society of masked individuals who participate in a massive orgy, an encounter that could put both Bill and Alice in danger.
Sadly, Kubrick passed away during the final stages of this provocative and eerily dream-like film’s post-production. It’s still a Kubrick film through and through, however: According to the Guinness Book of World Records, it was the longest continuous movie shoot ever, clocking in at 400 days in total.
Fear Street Trilogy
Netflix
The “Fear Street” trilogy is a series of teen-centric horror films loosely adapted from R.L. Stine’s book series of the same name. Capitalizing on the nostalgia that made a hit out of “Stranger Things” and birthed a new round of “Scream” movies, the “Fear Street” films are clear homages to horror films from previous decades.
“Fear Street Part 1: 1994” wears its “Scream” influence on its sleeve, revolving around a group of teens that includes Deena (Kiana Madeira ), Samantha (Olivia Welch), and Josh (Benjamin Flores Jr.), who live in the neighboring towns of Shadyside and Sunnyvale. They’re stalked by a slasher in a skull mask while trying to get to the bottom of Shadyside’s dark history. In an homage to “Friday the 13th,” “Fear Street Part 2: 1978” takes place at a summer camp, while “Fear Street Part 3: 1666” takes things back to days of witch trials, as the teens try to end the town’s evil for good. Together the three films, directed by Leigh Janiak, comprise a solidly entertaining set of horror flicks.
Gerald’s Game
Netflix
Mike Flanagan is the reigning king of Netflix horror, having created three frightening and dramatically compelling hit series under their banner: “The Haunting of Hill House,” “The Haunting of Bly Manor,” and “Midnight Mass.” He’s also directed multiple Netflix Original films, including the slasher-thriller “Hush” and the psychological horror “Gerald’s Game.”
One of two Stephen King adaptations Flanagan has thus far directed (the other being “Doctor Sleep”), “Gerald’s Game” stars Carla Gugino as Jessie Burlingame, who visits an isolated lake house with her husband, Gerald (Bruce Greenwood) in a last-ditch effort to rekindle their romance and save the relationship. Gerald handcuffs Jessie to the bed as part of a sexy game and then drops dead of a sudden heart-attack, leaving her alone to figure out how to escape if she wants to save her life. Flanagan’s frequent collaborator Jeff Howard wrote the screenplay, while actor Henry Thomas, another Flanagan regular, appears in flashbacks as Jessie’s father.
The Gift
STX Entertainment
If you’re into creepy creepers and disturbing psychological thrillers, “The Gift” is for you. It features a particularly unsettling antagonist named Gordo Moseley (Joel Edgerton), who shows up at the new home of married couple Simon (Jason Bateman) and Robyn (Rebecca Hall).
While Gordo is a former classmate of Simon’s, it soon becomes apparent that he’s dropped in for more than just tea and cookies. Gordo starts leaving gifts and gets all up in Robyn and Simon’s lives in a way that quickly becomes invasive and threatening; the reason is seemingly tied to a secret from Simon’s past. In typical horror movie fashion, things go from bad to worse, and it all ends up with a deeply upsetting finale. In addition to starring in “The Gift,” Edgerton also wrote and directed the film, proving him to be a multi-faceted talent. “The Gift” currently holds a 91% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, and is worth a view if you want to watch a great cast get caught up in some twisted mind games.
Girl on the Third Floor
Netflix
If you’re into haunted house movies where the house itself leaks, um, bodily fluids from its various holes, then “Girl on the Third Floor” is for you. Travis Stevens’ darkly comedic body horror cum haunted house film is equal parts gross and engrossing as it follows one not-so-innocent husband’s descent into madness as he tries to repress his wandering desires.
Wrestling sensation CM Punk stars as Don Koch, a husband and soon-to-be father who buys and attempts to refurbish a dilapidated house. Soon, strange events begin occurring, including marbles rolling around on their own and sludge oozing from the walls. When a mysterious, flirtatious neighbor (Sarah Brooks) puts the moves on him, Don gives in to temptation fairly easily. However, he soon comes to realize it’s not just the neighbor who is interested in a piece of him, but the actual house itself. “Girl on the Third Floor ” is a bit of a slow-burn that builds to some memorably disturbing moments of gonzo horror. Echoes of Sam Raimi and “The Evil Dead” come to mind, with CM Punk serving as a slightly broodier suburban stand-in for Bruce Campbell’s Ash.
The Haunting of Bly Manor
Netflix
While the reigning Netflix horror king, Mike Flanagan, has made this list several times for his chillingly effective horror movies, perhaps his pièce de résistance is “The Haunting” anthology, which consists of two limited series based on classic works of horror literature. The second, “The Haunting of Bly Manor,” is a loose adaptation of Henry James’ classic novella “The Turn of the Screw.”
Utilizing rich production design and a lushly spooky setting, the story follows Dani Clayton (Victoria Pedretti), an American au pair who arrives at the titular Bly Manor to look after two young children, only to discover that the stately home is haunted by a number of ghosts. Like Flanagan’s other works, “The Haunting of Bly Manor” is a scary and engrossing treat for fans of Gothic horror and good, old-fashioned ghost stories. While this and the other entry in the “Haunting” anthology, “The Haunting of Hill House,” aren’t technically “movies” per se, their limited storylines and cinematic feel are enough for us to bend the rules a bit, especially since they’re among the very best horror offerings Netflix has on the service.
The Haunting of Hill House
Netflix
One of the best and most terrifying works of horror in Netflix’ vast library is the first entry in Mike Flanagan’s “The Haunting” anthology, “The Haunting of Hill House,” which is based on Shirley Jackson’s acclaimed novel of the same name.
Unfolding across two different timelines, “The Haunting of Hill House” tells the story of the Crain family, which moves into the titular manor in 1992. After experiencing supernatural phenomena that leads to tragedy, the family flees. Years later, another calamity inspires the now-adult Crain children to return to the house in order to reconcile with the ghosts of the past. It’s an immensely spooky and dramatic affair with lavish production values and fantastic performances across the board, as well as at least 43 hidden ghosts to find. There’s a riveting emotional core to the proceedings as well, with themes of family and generational trauma adding a depth that makes the paranormal happenings all the more haunting.
His House
Netflix
Writer-director Remi Weekes’ debut feature, “His House,” is a harrowing horror film that merges social and political issues with a more traditional haunted house tale in a story that reflects some of the repressed horrors of the refugee experience.
“His House” follows the story of married couple Rial (Wunmi Mosaku) and Bol (Sope Dirisu), refugees from South Sudan who have been granted asylum in England after a tragic journey. Moving into a run down government-funded house, the pair do their best to assimilate in the face of racism and cultural differences. Soon, though, strange happenings begin to occur within the home, and eventually Rial attributes the eerie disturbances to an apeth, or a “night witch.” As of this writing, “His House” holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It was nominated for three BAFTAs, with Weekes winning for outstanding debut by a British writer, director, or producer.
Hubie Halloween
Netflix
Sometimes, you’re just in the mood to laugh at stupid stuff. Thankfully, Adam Sandler has given us the perfect movie with which to do so while also celebrating the spirit of Halloween. Appropriately set in Salem, Massachusetts, “Hubie Halloween” follows the spooky misadventures of a dimwitted but well-meaning deli employee, Hubie Dubois (Adam Sandler), who serves as the town’s self-proclaimed “Halloween Helper” every year while enduring endless bullying from the other locals.
Although his self-appointed responsibility to “protect” Salems’ citizens usually ends up just annoying everyone, a series of disappearances actually does strike the town, and it’s up to Hubie to save the day. Loaded with a cast made up of Sandler’s friends and regular collaborators, including Kevin James, Steve Buscemi, Ray Liotta, and several former “Saturday Night Live” cast members, “Hubie Halloween,” though not particularly scary, is a silly, low-stakes, Halloween-y good time for the kids and kids at heart.
Hush
Netflix
Before Mike Flanagan cranked out hit series like “The Haunting of Hill House” and “Midnight Mass” he directed “Hush,” a high-tension single-location thriller that is almost sure to make your pulse pound.
Kate Siegel stars as Maddie, a horror author who is unable to speak or hear due to complications from contracting meningitis as a child. Having moved to a remote cabin in the woods, she is visited one night by a masked crossbow-wielding assailant (John Gallagher Jr.), and the rest of the film becomes a suspenseful game of cat and mouse as Maddie attempts to outwit the would-be killer. Siegal, who is married to Flanagan and has starred in several of his other projects, co-wrote the script for “Hush” with her husband. The nail-biting film was well-received by critics and horror fans — Stephen King himself said that it’s “Up there with ‘Halloween.’” Talk about high praise!
Incident in a Ghostland
Vertical Entertainment
French director Pascal Laugier first made a name for himself as part of the New French Extremity movement with his 2008 film “Martyrs,” then later wrote and directed the similarly twisted “Incident in a Ghostland,” which debuted in 2018.
Two sisters (Crystal Reed and Anastasia Phillips) and their mother return to the home where they were attacked 16 years prior, but nothing is as it seems in this psychological thriller. As the story retells itself via flashbacks, we learn that both the house and the psyches of its inhabitants are both cracked in all sorts of ways. If situations like sexual abuse, trauma, and their psychological ramifications bother you, I’d avoid this film, but if you think you can handle it, creepiness and horror abound in the “Ghostland.” If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
Insidious Chapter 2
FilmDistrict
“The Conjuring” is just one of several horror franchises that James Wan helped birth. Another is “Insidious,” which saw him re-team with his “Saw” screenwriter and star Leigh Whannell for a supernatural horror film that spawned a few spinoffs and sequels, including 2013’s “Insidious Chapter 2.”
Picking up after the events of the first film, in which the Lambert family had to rescue their son from a ghostly dimension known as “the Further,” dad Josh (Patrick Wilson) discovers that an encounter with an evil spirit in his childhood holds the key to their current connection to the spirit world. Once again calling on paranormal investigators Specs and Tucker (Leigh Whannell and Angus Sampson) and communicating with the ghost of psychic Elise (Lin Shaye), the Lamberts attempt to free themselves from malevolent spirits forever. It’s a typically entertaining James Wan affair, with atmosphere, demons and jump scares aplenty. Leigh Whannell would later return to not only write but direct “Insidious Chapter 3.”
It
Warner Bros.
It’s hard to deny the terrifying power of a killer clown, which is why Stephen King’s novel “It” and its subsequent adaptations have been scaring kids for decades now. The most modern version of “It” stars Bill Skarsgard as Pennywise the Clown, who torments the kids of Derry, Maine. His reign of terror starts with young Georgie, who chases his brothers’ sailboat down a storm drain where Pennywise happens to be just hanging out. This sets off a chain of events that involve Georgie’s older brother Bill (Jaeden Martell) and his friends, known as The Losers’ Club, who must band together to stop the ancient evil that threatens to consume their town.
With its mix of coming-of-age drama, nostalgia, and sheer horror, 2017’s “It” proved that King’s stories never really lose their appeal to audiences. “It” also scared up huge box office numbers for Warner Bros. and left us all a little more frightened of red balloons.
It Follows
RADIUS-TWS
Writer-director David Robert Mitchell made a splash on the indie horror scene in 2014 with “It Follows,” a singularly frightening work about being followed by an inescapable entity. Maika Monroe stars as the teenaged Jay, who, after having sex with her new boyfriend, Hugh (Jake Weary), discovers that she’s the latest recipient of a mysterious curse. Passed on through intercourse, the curse causes “it” to literally follow you, taking the form of a person — possibly a stranger, or possibly someone you know — who continuously creeps towards you, at which point you die. The only way to stop the curse is to pass it on to someone else.
“It Follows” establishes a palpable sense of dread that lingers with the viewer even after the movie ends. Stylish and unnervingly scary, the critically heralded “It Follows” is a stand out genre film that Vice hailed as “the best horror film in years.”
John Carpenter’s Vampires
Sony Pictures Releasing
What if I told you there’s a movie on Netflix right now that was directed by horror master John Carpenter and that stars James Woods and Daniel Baldwin as vampire slayers backed by the Catholic church? You’d be all in, right? “Vampires” is exactly that, and while it’s not Carpenter’s best film, it has its own fang-tastic charms.
Woods plays the leather-jacket-clad lead slayer Jack Crow, who heads up a roving band of vampire-killers that includes Tony Montoya (Baldwin). The gang spends its time shoving stakes through the hearts (and foreheads) of blood-thirsty creatures of the night, with funding from the Vatican itself. But Crow meets his match when he comes face-to-face with a disgraced priest-turned-master-vampire, Valek (Thomas Ian Griffith), and he’ll have to step up his game if he wants to save the world. While elements of the film don’t hold up, “Vampires” is a western just as much as a horror movie, and maybe the poor critical reaction simply indicates a fundamental misunderstanding of what the filmmaker was aiming for. The critics’ consensus on Rotten Tomatoes calls it “Nothing but one showdown after another.” As if that’s a bad thing?! Still, “Vampires” drummed up enough box office returns to warrant two direct-to-video sequels.
Let Me In
Relativity Media
Long before he was directing R Patz in “The Batman,” Matt Reeves directed an English-language remake of the cult Swedish vampire horror film, “Let The Right One In.” Simply titled “Let Me In,” Reeves’ version stars Kody Smit-McPhee as young Owen, a shy, bullied boy who befriends a new neighbor, Abby (Choe Grace Moretz), who has moved in next door with an older man. As murders in the neighborhood suddenly spike, it dawns on Owen that Abby might actually be a blood-sucking vampire. Young love sure can be complicated!
Now, the original film, which was based on a novel by Swedish author John Ajvide Lindqvist, is generally considered to be a horror classic. As far as remakes go, though, “Let Me In” is actually pretty good. Stephen King went so far as to call it “The best American horror film in the last 20 years.”
May the Devil Take You
Netflix
Indonesian filmmaker Timo Tjahjanto is currently set to direct the American remake of “Train to Busan,” but prior to booking that gig he’d been steadily making a name for himself with thrilling action pics such as “The Night Comes for Us” and gorily entertaining horror films like “May the Devil Take You.”
In the seemingly Sam Raimi-inspired latter, a young woman pays a visit to her estranged father after he falls into a coma due to a mysterious illness. While visiting his old house, she learns the dark secret behind how he acquired his fortune. Let’s just say that it involves a demonic pact, and that things get bloody wild from there.
The Mist
Dimension Films
Fans of movies like “Bird Box” and “A Quiet Place” will appreciate “The Mist,” Frank Darabont’s adaptation of a Stephen King novella that finds a group of townsfolk trapped in a grocery store that’s surrounded by a giant, mysterious, monster-filled mist.
Thomas Jane stars as David Drayton, who travels to said store with his wife and young son to buy supplies after a heavy thunderstorm. But when the aforementioned mist envelopes the store, David ends up the de facto leader of a random group of shoppers who must fight for their lives against a myriad of terrifying creatures. Meanwhile, as is often the case in King’s work, the people themselves may actually be the scariest creatures of all, as a religious zealot (Marcia Gay Harden) assumes that the end times have arrived and heads up the group’s efforts to make a blood sacrifice out of one of their own. Darabont had previously received acclaim for adapting and directing other Stephen King works, including “The Shawshank Redemption” and “The Green Mile,” but “The Mist” took him back to his horror roots for what is ultimately a darned scary and well-done film with a bone-chilling ending.
Natural Born Killers
Warner Bros.
If you want to watch a stylishly intense, graphically-violent, psychedelic commentary on the glorification of mass murderers by the media and the sociological feedback loop it creates, Oliver Stone’s “Natural Born Killers” is for you.
The chaotic, in-your-face crime-thriller follows the exploits of a ’90s-style Bonnie and Clyde, Mickey and Mallory Knox (Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis), who embark on a torturous killing spree across the American Southwest, only to be lionized and turned into celebrities by the press, led by sleazy tabloid journalist Wayne Gale (Robert Downey Jr.). Fueled by strong performances from its all-star cast and Stone’s visionary direction, “Natural Born Killers” became one of the highest-grossing movies of 1994, and was especially resonant in the wake of the O.J. Simpson trial and the increasing prevalence of shock tv. As critic Roger Ebert pointed out in his four-star review, “Once we were shocked that the Romans threw Christians to the lions. Now we figure out a way to recycle the format into a TV show.”
Nocturnal Animals
Focus Features
Designer Tom Ford’s Hitchcockian neo-noir thriller “Nocturnal Animals” may not be the first film that comes to mind when one thinks of “horror,” but it’s certainly dark and disturbing. Amy Adams stars as Susan, a wealthy married art gallery owner whose emotionally unavailable husband (Armie Hammer) is always on the road. When her estranged ex-husband Edward (Jake Gyllenhaal) sends her a copy of his latest manuscript, she becomes drawn into the disturbing storyline in which the protagonist’s wife and daughter are violently murdered.
Michael Shannon, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Isla Fisher also star in this stylish, twisty, and well-acted mystery. “Nocturnal Animals” was nominated for nine BAFTAs, while Shannon was nominated for an Academy Award for his intense performance.
Ouija: Origin of Evil
Universal
Much has been said about Mike Flanagan’s talents as a horror director. Having previously freaked people out with his haunted mirror movie, “Oculus,” and having more recently given Netflix’ horror content a boost by directing the popular “The Haunting Hill House” and its follow-up series, he’s proven himself as a director that audiences can count on for solidly made, scary fare. “Ouija: Origin of Evil” is just one more example of his fine work.
A prequel to 2014’s “Ouija,” “Ouija: Origin of Evil” centers around a recently widowed mother, Alice (Elizabeth Reaser), who works as a spiritual medium to support her two daughters, Doris (Lulu Wilson) and Lina (Annalise Basso). But when Alice invites an evil spirit into their lives using a Ouija board, Doris ends up possessed, and before long the bodies begin piling up. Combining rich visuals, creepy scares, and high emotional stakes, “Ouija: Origin of Evil” received praise for being a rare prequel that’s better than the original.
The Perfection
Netflix
To say that “The Perfection” is a movie that received mixed reactions is to undersell the situation a bit. To be frank, it’s a film that one could either love or hate, but it is likely to generate some form of a reaction either way, just by the nature of its wild plot and head-spinning twists and turns.
The psychological horror-thriller follows Charlotte Willmore (Allison Williams), a talented cellist who is forced to leave a prestigious music academy, only to return later and find a new star pupil, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Wells (Logan Browning), has taken her place. The two are at first drawn to one another, and end up on a trip through rural China, where Lizzie ends up — oh, you know what? You should just watch it and find out the wackily sinister secrets of “The Perfection” for yourself.
Piranha 3D
The Weinstein Company
Hey, remember that super sweet killer alligator movie that came out a couple of years ago called “Crawl”? Well, it’s not on Netflix. However, its director, Alexandre Aja, made another creature feature that is on Netflix. That movie is “Piranha,” aka “Piranha 3D,” an intentionally campy revamp of Joe Dante’s classic ’80s B-movie of the same name.
This one features all kinds of fun cast members, including Elizabeth Shue, Christopher Lloyd, Jerry O’Connell, and Ving Rhames, in a plot in which an earthquake unleashes prehistoric killer fish upon a lake full of spring breakers. Sound fun? Then take a bite out of that remote control and tune into “Piranha” on Netflix tonight.
The Platform
Netflix
Fans of the hit Korean series “Squid Game” and Bong Joon Ho’s “Parasite” should appreciate the sinister stylings of Spanish director Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia’s harrowing dystopian thriller “The Platform.”
The film is set in an unspecified future in which prisoners are housed in a vertical structure known as “the Pit,” wherein food is delivered to them via a platform that drops from floor to floor. As people on the higher floors try to grab as much food as they can, the lower floors are left with little to nothing, pitting the prisoners against each other in a vicious fight for survival. Iván Massagué stars as Goreng, a new prisoner to the facility, who is paired up with different prisoners on different floors as time goes by. “The Platform” serves as a grim, violent, and timely commentary on wealth distribution. It won trophies at the Sitges and Toronto International Film Festivals, and was also nominated for three Goya Awards
Raw
Focus World
Before French director Julia Ducornau made waves by winning the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival for her much talked about “Titane,” she made another horror film that shocked festival audiences with its squirm-inducing scenes.
“Raw” can best be described as a coming-of-age cannibal film. Its main character, a vegetarian named Justine (Garance Marillier), experiences strange urges after being forced to eat rabbit kidneys while attending veterinary school. She begins to crave meat, including of the human variety; her fixation only intensifies over time. It’s been reported that when “Raw” screened for festival-goers at the Toronto International Film Fes, audience members actually passed out and required medical attention due to the graphic nature of some of the scenes — so, viewers beware. This one isn’t for the faint of heart.
The Rental
IFC Films
Some of the most effective horror films are the ones that feel so real that they convince you that what you’re seeing is something that could happen to you. Actor Dave Franco’s directorial debut, “The Rental,” is that kind of movie, a horror-thriller with a fairly simple yet relatable premise: Two couples rent an oceanside Airbnb-style vacation home, where they quickly begin to wonder if they are being spied upon by their host. Things only get darker as secrets and relationship issues between the already tense couples are exposed, and that’s just the beginning of their problems.
“The Rental” is boosted by a stellar cast that includes Dan Stevens and Alison Brie. It may not be groundbreaking, but it’s an effective thriller that just might scare you off vacation rentals — and relationships — forever.
Resident Evil
Sony Pictures Releasing
If you like your horror to be of the action-packed, early 2000s, guitar-riffing, Milla Jovovich-roundhousing-off-a-wall-to-kick-a-zombie-dog-in-the-face variety, then “Resident Evil” is for you. Based on the popular survival horror game, “Resident Evil” is the first film in what would become a billion-dollar movie franchise. Jovovich stars here as Alice, an amnesiac from Raccoon City who, along with Rain Ocampo (Michelle Rodriguez), leads a commando team into an underground facility known as “The Hive.” There, they must fight off zombies (and zombie dogs) infected by a genetically-engineered virus while trying to outsmart a supercomputer known as the Red Queen. If they fail to shut down the AI in three hours, the virus could escape, putting the whole world at risk. Despite a relatively low Rotten Tomatoes score, “Resident Evil” is a pulpy, pulse-pounding good time, and one of the better video game adaptations.
The Ritual
Netflix
Folk horror films are having something of a resurgence thanks to movies like “Midsommar” and “The Witch.” David Bruckner’s 2017 feature, “The Ritual,” follows in these footsteps with a tale about a guys’ trip to Sweden gone bad.
After the tragic death of one of their own, a group of college friends led by Luke (Rafe Spall) embark on a hiking trip in Sweden. However, when one of them gets hurt, they decide to take a detour through an ancient forest, where they begin to encounter creepy phenomena that become progressively more horrifying as they venture deeper. Eventually, they end up in a mysterious village where their already bad vacation turns into a fully ritualistic nightmare. Despite several similarities to 2019’s “Midsommar,” “The Ritual” was actually released in England two years prior, and was based on a 2011 novel. The two films also differ in the fact that “The Ritual” features a pretty gnarly creature that is worth tuning in for alone.
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
Lionsgate
Anyone who grew up reading “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” knows that the children’s book series by Alvin Schwartz is scary as heck — and that what really makes the stories terrifying are the creepy illustrations by Stephen Gammel, which director Andre Ovedal and producer Guillermo del Toro vividly brought to life in their 2019 film adaptation of Schwartz’s short story collections.
The plot of the film revolves around a group of teens who break into an abandoned mansion, where they stumble upon the mysterious writings of its former owner. They soon discover that the stories she wrote have a sort of mind of their own, as the characters within them, like a scarecrow named Harold, start coming to life. Other classic stories from Schwartz’s books that are featured in the film include “The Big Toe” and “The Red Spot.” “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” plays up the nostalgia factor while creating something uniquely modern and atmospheric for a newer generation. Rotten Tomatoes notes that the film “opens a creepy gateway into horror for younger genre enthusiasts.”
Sweetheart
Netflix
If Tom Hanks had one day realized there was a monster on his “Castaway” island, then we’d end up with something like J.D. Dillard’s “Sweetheart,” an efficiently lean and well-paced survival thriller with a compelling central performance and, yes, a monster.
Kiersey Clemmons stars as Jennifer, a young woman who ends up stranded alone on an island after her boat sinks. Or, at least she thinks she’s alone, until she buries her friend Brad and then discovers the next morning that his body has been dragged away. Soon, she learns she’s sharing the island with a sea monster — as if one woman versus nature isn’t enough to have to contend with. Eventually, her friends wash ashore as well, raising the stakes and offering potentially more food for the creature. “Sweetheart” proves yet again that all you really need for a good horror film is a simple premise executed well.
Synchronic
Netflix
Filmmaking duo Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead recently directed episodes of Marvel’s “Moon Knight” series, but for years prior to that the pair were cranking out mind-bending sci-fi and horror films on a low budget for a dedicated fan base. “Synchronic” was a step up for the duo in terms of budget, and their first step in a slightly more commercial direction.
Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan star as Steve and Dennis, two New Orleans-based paramedics who have been called to an increasing number of cases involving bizarre and gruesome accidents and deaths tied to a designer drug called Synchronic. After Dennis’ daughter goes missing, they learn that the drug can send people back in time, and that anything that happens to them in the past happens in the present as well. “Synchronic” is a trippy, otherworldly, genre-blending film that continues to highlight Benson and Moorehead’s scrappy, innovative abilities. Bloody Disgusting called it a “must watch.”
Under The Shadow
Netflix
If you’ve ever found yourself complaining that not enough horror movies are actually scary, look no further than Iranian writer-director Babak Anvari’s eerie “Under The Shadow” (2016). This slow-burn chiller effectively blends social and political themes with supernatural frights, and while it takes its time building up the story, the end result is spooky as heck.
Set in war-torn Tehran in the ’80s, the film follows Shideh (Narges Rashidi), a former medical student and mother who opts to stay in the city with her daughter Dorsa even though shelling in the area has intensified. A missile hits their building (though doesn’t detonate), which coincides with the arrival of a djinn, a supernatural demon of sorts that travels on the wind. Left alone in the empty building with her daughter, they must face this terrifying entity on their own. Critics have compared “Under The Shadow” to movies like “The Babadook” and “Repulsion.” It won a BAFTA for outstanding debut. and was nominated for outstanding British film of the year.
Unfriended
Universal Pictures
In a world where, for better and for worse, computer screens have become an integral part of daily life, it was only a matter of time before filmmaking would include feature-length films that take place entirely on a screen. It’s a format that has come to be known as screenlife, and one of the earliest and most mainstream examples of this style of filmmaking is “Unfriended,” a smart, harrowing spin on the teen slasher genre that explores the horrifying ramifications of our hyper-connected, social media-obsessed world.
A group of high school friends, including girlfriend and boyfriend Blair (Shelley Hennig) and Mitch (Moses Storm), hang out on a Skype video chat, but become disturbed when they are joined by a mysterious user with the handle “billie227.” Eventually, they learn that the username belonged to Blair’s former childhood best friend, Laura, who died by suicide a year prior after an embarrassing video of her went viral. Things get more terrifying as “billie227” makes them play a game of “Never Have I Ever,” which reveals their own dark secrets. It makes sense that the earliest examples of screenlife are horror films, as there’s an underlying discomfort and danger in our new reality, one that “Unfriended” hones in even as it creates a literal ghost in the machine. As if high school wasn’t scary enough on its own!
Vampires vs. the Bronx
Netflix
What’s scarier, vampires or gentrification? Director Oz Rodriguez’s socially conscious horror-comedy “Vampires vs. the Bronx” cleverly highlights the terrors of both. Three young friends from the Bronx, Miguel Martinez (Jaden Michael), Bobby Carter (Gerald W. Jones III), and Luis Acosta (Gregory Diaz IV), must face off against a group of murderous vampires who have been using a real estate company, Murnau Properties, as cover while taking over the neighborhood. Using their investigative hats and the skills they learned while watching the movie “Blade,” the boys give it their all to save their lives and the neighborhood they love while kicking some serious vampire butt. The end result is an adventure that’s equal parts charming, scary, and fun.
Veronica
Netflix
There are a number of horror movies on Netflix that deal with the subject of demons and possession, but “Veronica” manages to separate itself from the pack via competent direction from Paco Plaza, who is perhaps best known for having written and directed the Spanish horror hit “REC” alongside Jaume Balagueró.
“Veronica” stars Sandra Escacena as the titular teenager, who makes the mistake of conducting a seance with some of her friends in an effort to make contact with her deceased father. Soon, she starts experiencing frightening paranormal events. After speaking with a blind nun who just happens to be nicknamed “Sister Death,” Veronica learns that the seance attracted a demon that is now attached to her, threatening not only her own life but those of her siblings. What makes “Veronica” even more scary is that it is loosely based on actual events surrounding a real-life teenage girl who allegedly died mysteriously after using a ouija board.
Wendell and Wild
Netflix
Fans of spooky stop-motion animation films like “Coraline” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” should appreciate the newly released “Wendell & Wild,” which shares a director, Henry Selick, with those creepy classics.
Co-written by Selick and Jordan Peele, “Wendell & Wild” refers to the names of two scheming demon brothers, played by Peele and Keegan-Michael Key. The pair get more than they bargained for when they recruit a rebellious, punk rock loving 13-year-old orphan, Kat Elliott (Lyric Ross), to help summon them from the underworld to the Land of the Living. Also featuring the voices of veteran actors like Ving Rhames, Angela Bassett, and James Hong, “Wendell & Wild” is a highly creative and visually fantastical romp through the darkly delightful. There’s a welcome dose of humor and heart thrown in as well, making it an appealing horror comedy that the whole family can enjoy.
The Wretched
Netflix
If you like horror movies about creepy witches, then “The Wretched” might be up your alley. Really, the film could have just as easily been titled, “The Witch Next Door,” as it concerns a teen boy named Ben (John-Paul Howard) who becomes suspicious of the woman next door, Abbie (Zarah Mahler), after he moves in with his father while his parents are getting a divorce.
There’s just something about Abbie that seems a little off, like the fact that her own son is terrified of her, and that her body seems a little, uh … decayed? In any case, “The Wretched” is not a bad little horror film. As a fun aside, it was number one at the box office for a hot minute when it was released during the pandemic with little competition via a smartly conceived drive-in roll out by IFC Midnight.
The 60 Best Horror Movies On Netflix Right Now (December 2022)
STX Entertainment
When it comes to the state of horror movies on Netflix, there’s one thing that is certain: There sure are a lot of them. With competition heating up across the various content providers and their respective streaming platforms, it’s getting harder to hold on to good content. So, naturally, some of Netflix’s horror offerings are better than others, and while you could spend ages sorting through its entire catalog to find the most worthwhile gems, a more efficient option would be to let someone else do that work for you. That’s where we come in.
We’ve spent hours combing through Netflix’s vast digital catacombs, aka using the search bar, and have found enough horror content to keep you busily terrified for at least a solid month, if not longer. From slashers to ghost stories to horror comedies and everything in between, you will find the 60 best horror movies on Netflix right now on the list below.
We’ve spent hours combing through Netflix’s vast digital catacombs, aka using the search bar, and have found enough horror content to keep you busily terrified for at least a solid month, if not longer. From slashers to ghost stories to horror comedies and everything in between, you will find the 60 best horror movies on Netflix right now on the list below.
#Alive
Netflix
In the footsteps of South Korea’s smash hit zombie action-thriller “Train to Busan,” comes another modern zombie thrill ride, “#Alive.” Jun-u (Ah-In Yoo of “Burning” fame) is a tech-savvy gamer who finds himself alone in his parents’ apartment when the zombie apocalypse hits. Determined to survive, he uses ingenuity and various modes of modern tech (like attaching his iPhone to a drone to serve as a means of surveillance) in order to outmaneuver the mindless throngs and stay, well, (hashtag) alive.
“#Alive” dropped on Netflix in the middle of a worldwide pandemic, making Jun-u’s underdog-versus-the-apocalypse story all the more compelling and, dare I say, meta? Trapped alone while facing the twin terrors of the infected hordes and a lack of wi-fi, this nightmare feels all too relatable. With fast-paced, frenetic thrills and a heavy dose of fun, “#Alive” offers an entertaining zombie tale for our current times.
Jun-u (Ah-In Yoo of “Burning” fame) is a tech-savvy gamer who finds himself alone in his parents’ apartment when the zombie apocalypse hits. Determined to survive, he uses ingenuity and various modes of modern tech (like attaching his iPhone to a drone to serve as a means of surveillance) in order to outmaneuver the mindless throngs and stay, well, (hashtag) alive.
“#Alive” dropped on Netflix in the middle of a worldwide pandemic, making Jun-u’s underdog-versus-the-apocalypse story all the more compelling and, dare I say, meta? Trapped alone while facing the twin terrors of the infected hordes and a lack of wi-fi, this nightmare feels all too relatable. With fast-paced, frenetic thrills and a heavy dose of fun, “#Alive” offers an entertaining zombie tale for our current times.
1922
“1922” is a slow-burn horror film about a man who is slowly but surely consumed by guilt over his own evil deed. Thomas Jane stars as Wilfred “Wilf” James, a Nebraska farmer who lives with his wife, Arlette (Molly Parker), and their teenage son, Henry (Dylan Schmid). Unhappy with Arlette’s plans to sell the farm and move to the city, Wilf asks his son to assist in murdering her. The deed committed, Wilf finds that his actions come back to haunt him, as he begins to experience a slow but steady psychological decline. Haunted by his wife’s ghost and visions of rats, he and Henry eventually suffer their own twisted fates.
Thomas Jane’s darkly compelling performance helps carry this unsettling psychological spooker, which was based on Stephen King’s novella of the same name — if you want to check out the source material, you can find it in King’s collection “Full Dark, No Stars.”
Thomas Jane stars as Wilfred “Wilf” James, a Nebraska farmer who lives with his wife, Arlette (Molly Parker), and their teenage son, Henry (Dylan Schmid). Unhappy with Arlette’s plans to sell the farm and move to the city, Wilf asks his son to assist in murdering her. The deed committed, Wilf finds that his actions come back to haunt him, as he begins to experience a slow but steady psychological decline. Haunted by his wife’s ghost and visions of rats, he and Henry eventually suffer their own twisted fates.
Thomas Jane’s darkly compelling performance helps carry this unsettling psychological spooker, which was based on Stephen King’s novella of the same name — if you want to check out the source material, you can find it in King’s collection “Full Dark, No Stars.”
1BR
Dark Sky Films
First time writer-director David Marmor does a solid job building tension, suspense, and scares with a fairly simple premise in “1BR,” which explores the horrors of moving into a new apartment — especially in Los Angeles.
Sarah (Nicole Brydon Bloom) is an aspiring costume designer who moves to L.A. with her cat to escape her family and pursue her career. She finds a one-bedroom apartment with a community of neighbors who seem perhaps a little too friendly. It’s not long before Sarah discovers why they’re so overly nice — and it’s not because they’re planning a bake sale. As it turns out, they’re members of a cult. They want Sarah to become its newest member, and they’re willing to go to horrifying lengths to make sure that happens. It would be easy to dismiss “1BR” as just a standard horror film, but its disturbing premise gets under the skin in the way it highlights the horrors of cults and conformity (and landlords). It’s scary because it feels a little too real.
Sarah (Nicole Brydon Bloom) is an aspiring costume designer who moves to L.A. with her cat to escape her family and pursue her career. She finds a one-bedroom apartment with a community of neighbors who seem perhaps a little too friendly. It’s not long before Sarah discovers why they’re so overly nice — and it’s not because they’re planning a bake sale. As it turns out, they’re members of a cult. They want Sarah to become its newest member, and they’re willing to go to horrifying lengths to make sure that happens.
It would be easy to dismiss “1BR” as just a standard horror film, but its disturbing premise gets under the skin in the way it highlights the horrors of cults and conformity (and landlords). It’s scary because it feels a little too real.
Atlantics
“Atlantics” is more of a supernatural romance than a straight-up horror film, but if you like ghost stories with gorgeously moody cinematography, writer-director Mati Diop’s acclaimed Senegalese indie is worth watching.
Set in Dakar, “Atlantics” follows the love story between Ada (Mame Bineta Sane) and Souleiman (Ibrahima Traoré), which is interrupted when Souleman, a construction worker, travels by boat to Spain in search of better opportunities. Ada is betrothed to a wealthier man whom she doesn’t love, and when a mysterious fire breaks out in their bedroom on her wedding night, she becomes the main suspect. But this is a ghost story, and it soon becomes apparent there are supernatural forces at work. Shot by Claire Mathon, who also received acclaim for her work on “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” and “Spencer,” “Atlantics” touches on Senegal’s social and political issues while offering a mesmerizing and compellingly otherworldly ghost tale. It won the Grand Prix award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019.
Set in Dakar, “Atlantics” follows the love story between Ada (Mame Bineta Sane) and Souleiman (Ibrahima Traoré), which is interrupted when Souleman, a construction worker, travels by boat to Spain in search of better opportunities. Ada is betrothed to a wealthier man whom she doesn’t love, and when a mysterious fire breaks out in their bedroom on her wedding night, she becomes the main suspect. But this is a ghost story, and it soon becomes apparent there are supernatural forces at work.
Shot by Claire Mathon, who also received acclaim for her work on “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” and “Spencer,” “Atlantics” touches on Senegal’s social and political issues while offering a mesmerizing and compellingly otherworldly ghost tale. It won the Grand Prix award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019.
Apostle
Welsh writer-director Gareth Evans made a name for himself by directing the thrilling Indonesian action films “The Raid” and “The Raid 2.” Following those up with a trippy period folk horror piece was certainly an interesting, if unexpected, choice.
Set in 1905, “Apostle” stars Dan Stevens as Thomas Richardson, who travels to a remote Welsh island in search of his sister Jennifer (Elen Rhys), who is being held for ransom by a mysterious cult. He infiltrates their village by portraying himself as a convert, and soon gets to know the group’s leader, Prophet Malcolm (Michael Sheen). It’s not long before things get super weird and kind of gory, with one particular torture scene in particular that is not for the squeamish. “Apostle” is a bizarre movie that feels a little long at 129 minutes, but it does manage to generate a unique sense of dread. If you’re looking for something a little different that will eventually get under your skin, “Apostle” could do the trick.
Set in 1905, “Apostle” stars Dan Stevens as Thomas Richardson, who travels to a remote Welsh island in search of his sister Jennifer (Elen Rhys), who is being held for ransom by a mysterious cult. He infiltrates their village by portraying himself as a convert, and soon gets to know the group’s leader, Prophet Malcolm (Michael Sheen). It’s not long before things get super weird and kind of gory, with one particular torture scene in particular that is not for the squeamish.
“Apostle” is a bizarre movie that feels a little long at 129 minutes, but it does manage to generate a unique sense of dread. If you’re looking for something a little different that will eventually get under your skin, “Apostle” could do the trick.
Army of the Dead
Zack Snyder’s “Army of the Dead” is a film for maximalists. I mean, you’ve got an army of zombies, a post-apocalyptic Las Vegas, and a $200 million casino heist that has to be completed before the president drops a nuclear bomb on the city. Now that’s what I call entertainment.
The heist crew is led by a former mercenary turned fry cook, Scott Ward (Dave Bautista), who gathers a hand-picked team to help him pull off the greatest robbery ever attempted while facing off against an ultra-organized group of zombies. Is “Army of the Dead” the best film on this list? No. But it’s a decently entertaining distraction, with a likable cast that also includes Tig Notaro. Oh, and did I mention the zombie tiger? Yeah, there’s a zombie tiger. ‘Nuff said.
The heist crew is led by a former mercenary turned fry cook, Scott Ward (Dave Bautista), who gathers a hand-picked team to help him pull off the greatest robbery ever attempted while facing off against an ultra-organized group of zombies. Is “Army of the Dead” the best film on this list? No. But it’s a decently entertaining distraction, with a likable cast that also includes Tig Notaro. Oh, and did I mention the zombie tiger? Yeah, there’s a zombie tiger. ‘Nuff said.
The Babysitter
Samara Weaving has become somewhat of a horror-comedy queen, having played roles such as the hunted bride in “Ready or Not” and the titular killer babysitter, Bee, in Netflix’s aptly titled “The Babysitter.”
A sort of ’80s throwback that mixes a satanic panic-style slasher with “Home Alone,” “The Babysitter” revolves around young Cole (Judah Lewis), who stays up past his bedtime one night only to learn that his hot babysitter, Bee (Weaving), is actually a member of a murderous cult. Once discovered, the cult members, including Sonya (Hana Mae Lee), Max (Robbie Ammell), and Allison (Bella Thorne) become hellbent on keeping Cole quiet. The enterprising Cole tries to take them all out first. With entertaining characters and silly, over-the-top action, “The Babysitter” is a fun genre distraction that was popular enough to get a sequel, “The Babysitter: Killer Queen,” that takes place two years later.
A sort of ’80s throwback that mixes a satanic panic-style slasher with “Home Alone,” “The Babysitter” revolves around young Cole (Judah Lewis), who stays up past his bedtime one night only to learn that his hot babysitter, Bee (Weaving), is actually a member of a murderous cult. Once discovered, the cult members, including Sonya (Hana Mae Lee), Max (Robbie Ammell), and Allison (Bella Thorne) become hellbent on keeping Cole quiet. The enterprising Cole tries to take them all out first.
With entertaining characters and silly, over-the-top action, “The Babysitter” is a fun genre distraction that was popular enough to get a sequel, “The Babysitter: Killer Queen,” that takes place two years later.
Before I Wake
Mike Flanagan is one of the hottest horror directors working today, thanks largely to his hit Netflix series, “The Haunting of Hill House,” “The Haunting of Bly Manor,” and “Midnight Mass,” as well as a string of films that includes the likes of “Hush,” “Gerald’s Game,” and “Before I Wake,” all of which are currently available on Netflix.
In “Before I Wake,” Kate Bosworth and Thomas Jane star as Jessie and Mark, who adopt a boy named Cody (Jacob Tremblay) who had previously had trouble being placed in a home. They soon discover that Cody has a strange gift: His dreams manifest in real life. This can either be magical, like it is when Cody makes butterflies appear, or it can be nightmarish, such as when he conjures the terrifying “Canker Man.” When the Canker Man kills a student at Cody’s school, Jessie and Mark realize they have a big, scary problem on their hands. As with Flanagan’s other work, “Before I Wake” explores themes surrounding trauma and its lingering impact, so it’s not just scary. It has something to say, too.
In “Before I Wake,” Kate Bosworth and Thomas Jane star as Jessie and Mark, who adopt a boy named Cody (Jacob Tremblay) who had previously had trouble being placed in a home. They soon discover that Cody has a strange gift: His dreams manifest in real life. This can either be magical, like it is when Cody makes butterflies appear, or it can be nightmarish, such as when he conjures the terrifying “Canker Man.” When the Canker Man kills a student at Cody’s school, Jessie and Mark realize they have a big, scary problem on their hands.
As with Flanagan’s other work, “Before I Wake” explores themes surrounding trauma and its lingering impact, so it’s not just scary. It has something to say, too.
Bird Box
It’s hard to imagine that anyone reading this list hasn’t already seen the Sandra Bullock-starring, post-apocalyptic thriller “Bird Box,” considering it was Netflix’s most-watched title ever for a few years. Then again, “Red Notice” dethroned it in 2021, so there are a few people who have yet to experience its uniquely terrifying offerings.
The action-packed tale centers on Malorie Hayes (Bullock), as she and fellow survivor Tom (Trevante Rhodes) attempt to save themselves and two young children after the world is overtaken by mysterious entities that cause anyone who looks at them to commit suicide. As popular as “Bird Box” was, it’s no surprise that it spawned a wave of memes, many of which revolved around a sequence in which Bullock wears a blindfold as she navigates a rowboat down a river. Ah, those were simpler times, weren’t they?
The action-packed tale centers on Malorie Hayes (Bullock), as she and fellow survivor Tom (Trevante Rhodes) attempt to save themselves and two young children after the world is overtaken by mysterious entities that cause anyone who looks at them to commit suicide.
As popular as “Bird Box” was, it’s no surprise that it spawned a wave of memes, many of which revolved around a sequence in which Bullock wears a blindfold as she navigates a rowboat down a river. Ah, those were simpler times, weren’t they?
Blair Witch
Lionsgate
2016’s “Blair Witch” is a direct sequel to 1999’s “The Blair Witch Project,” and while it may not be as memorable as the first film, it’s better than its Rotten Tomatoes score might suggest. Set 17 years after the events of the original, “Blair Witch” centers on James Donahue (James Allen McCune), the younger brother to Heather, one of the missing students from “The Blair Witch Project.” Spotting a video online that he believes to be of Heather, he travels to the woods near Burkitsville, Maryland to investigate her disappearance, enlisting the help of some friends and a couple of locals. Given the premise, it’s only a matter of time before the intrepid explorers become lost and encounter the terrifying power of the infamous “Blair Witch” for themselves.
Set 17 years after the events of the original, “Blair Witch” centers on James Donahue (James Allen McCune), the younger brother to Heather, one of the missing students from “The Blair Witch Project.” Spotting a video online that he believes to be of Heather, he travels to the woods near Burkitsville, Maryland to investigate her disappearance, enlisting the help of some friends and a couple of locals. Given the premise, it’s only a matter of time before the intrepid explorers become lost and encounter the terrifying power of the infamous “Blair Witch” for themselves.
Blood Red Sky
So, you’ve heard of “Snakes on a Plane,” and you’ve heard of terrorists on planes, but how about vampires versus terrorists on a plane? Well, that happens to be precisely what the German action-horror-thriller “Blood Red Sky” delivers.
Nadja (Peri Baumeister) is a single mother on a transatlantic flight with her young son (Carl Koch). When a group of terrorists take over the plane, however, Nadja decides to stop taking her medicine, which unleashes the secret she’s been hiding: She’s a vampire. From then on, it’s Nadja against the terrorists, with gory and suspenseful results. Never underestimate a mother’s love!
Nadja (Peri Baumeister) is a single mother on a transatlantic flight with her young son (Carl Koch). When a group of terrorists take over the plane, however, Nadja decides to stop taking her medicine, which unleashes the secret she’s been hiding: She’s a vampire. From then on, it’s Nadja against the terrorists, with gory and suspenseful results. Never underestimate a mother’s love!
The Boy
Haunted dolls and horror movies go hand in hand, but oftentimes the haunted doll in question is of the female persuasion. Not so in “The Boy,” a haunted house movie revolving around a suited-up spooky boy doll named Brahms.
“The Boy” centers around an American nanny, Greta (Lauren Cohan), who travels to the U.K. after being hired by an older couple, the Heelshires, to care for their “son,” Brahms. Soon, however, Greta learns that Brahms happens to be a porcelain doll. Greta is left alone to care for Brahms under a very strict set of rules, and it’s not long before strange things begin to happen, such as Brahms seemingly moving about on his own. With help from local delivery man Malcolm (Rupert Evans), Greta begins to piece together the haunted mystery, which includes learning that the real Brahms was killed in a fire 20 years prior. As haunted doll movies go, “The Boy” is solid fare, offering a clever and atmospheric spin on the genre. Theater audiences seemed to agree, which led to the production of a Katie Holmes-starring sequel, “Brahms: The Boy II.”
“The Boy” centers around an American nanny, Greta (Lauren Cohan), who travels to the U.K. after being hired by an older couple, the Heelshires, to care for their “son,” Brahms. Soon, however, Greta learns that Brahms happens to be a porcelain doll. Greta is left alone to care for Brahms under a very strict set of rules, and it’s not long before strange things begin to happen, such as Brahms seemingly moving about on his own. With help from local delivery man Malcolm (Rupert Evans), Greta begins to piece together the haunted mystery, which includes learning that the real Brahms was killed in a fire 20 years prior.
As haunted doll movies go, “The Boy” is solid fare, offering a clever and atmospheric spin on the genre. Theater audiences seemed to agree, which led to the production of a Katie Holmes-starring sequel, “Brahms: The Boy II.”
Calibre
Sometimes life takes an unexpected turn for the much, much worse, as the two main characters in “Calibre” discover while on a hunting trip that goes horribly wrong. This dark, twisted, suspenseful Scottish thriller follows two friends, Marcus (Martin McCann) and Vaughan (Jack Lowdon), whose lives descend into a nightmare when one of them accidentally shoots a young boy while aiming for a deer. Things only escalate from there (or go downhill, depending on how you want to look at it), as their subsequent efforts to hide their deeds and escape the consequences of their actions only plunge them deeper and deeper into trouble.
Thanks to assured direction, steady performances, and a smart script, “Calibre” makes for a riveting, and most importantly, nerve-jangling watch.
This dark, twisted, suspenseful Scottish thriller follows two friends, Marcus (Martin McCann) and Vaughan (Jack Lowdon), whose lives descend into a nightmare when one of them accidentally shoots a young boy while aiming for a deer. Things only escalate from there (or go downhill, depending on how you want to look at it), as their subsequent efforts to hide their deeds and escape the consequences of their actions only plunge them deeper and deeper into trouble.
Thanks to assured direction, steady performances, and a smart script, “Calibre” makes for a riveting, and most importantly, nerve-jangling watch.
The Call
There are quite a few good genre films that come out of South Korea each year, some of which end up being remade with an English-speaking cast. In the case of 2020’s “The Call,” the film is actually a Korean remake of a British and Puerto Rican film, “The Caller,” from 2011.
“The Call” stars Park Shin-hye as Kim Seo-yeon, a woman who loses her cell phone prior to traveling to her former childhood home. Upon arrival at her old house, she finds an old cordless phone in a closet. Promptly, she he receives a call from a young girl, Yeongsuk (Jeon Jong-seo), who says she is being held captive and tortured by her mother. Eventually, Seo-yeon comes to realize that Yeongsuk is calling her from the past — 1999, to be specific — and, more importantly, that events of both the past and the present can be changed based on their communications with each other. It’s a fantastic premise bolstered by solid performances that makes for a suspenseful and compelling watch.
“The Call” stars Park Shin-hye as Kim Seo-yeon, a woman who loses her cell phone prior to traveling to her former childhood home. Upon arrival at her old house, she finds an old cordless phone in a closet. Promptly, she he receives a call from a young girl, Yeongsuk (Jeon Jong-seo), who says she is being held captive and tortured by her mother. Eventually, Seo-yeon comes to realize that Yeongsuk is calling her from the past — 1999, to be specific — and, more importantly, that events of both the past and the present can be changed based on their communications with each other. It’s a fantastic premise bolstered by solid performances that makes for a suspenseful and compelling watch.
Cam
The twisty psychological techno-thriller “Cam” explores themes of identity, voyeurism, sex work, and the horrors of our modern digital landscape, all in a stylish package with a great performance at its center.
Madeline Brewer stars as Alice, a camgirl operating under the handle Lola_Lola with aspirations of improving her rank on the FreeGirlsLive website. She has a certain set of standards she adheres to, but she goes so far as to pretend to slit her own throat one day, which instantly improves her popularity. After managing to crack the top 50 in the rankings, she suddenly finds she has been locked out of her account, with a mysterious new girl who looks and acts just like her having taken over her channel. Alice becomes increasingly frantic as she tries to find out the truth behind her virtual doppelganger. “Cam” is a suspenseful and provocative work that was partially inspired by screenwriter Isa Mazzei’s real life experiences as a camgirl.
Madeline Brewer stars as Alice, a camgirl operating under the handle Lola_Lola with aspirations of improving her rank on the FreeGirlsLive website. She has a certain set of standards she adheres to, but she goes so far as to pretend to slit her own throat one day, which instantly improves her popularity. After managing to crack the top 50 in the rankings, she suddenly finds she has been locked out of her account, with a mysterious new girl who looks and acts just like her having taken over her channel. Alice becomes increasingly frantic as she tries to find out the truth behind her virtual doppelganger.
“Cam” is a suspenseful and provocative work that was partially inspired by screenwriter Isa Mazzei’s real life experiences as a camgirl.
Coming Home in the Dark
Director James Ashcroft’s debut, “Coming Home in the Dark” is a harrowing thriller that follows a New Zealand family on a day trip turned into a nightmare. Teacher Alan aka “Hoaggie” (Erik Thomson) and his wife Jill (Miriama McDowell) are out on an idyllic, isolated drive with their two sons, when they are accosted by two men, Mandrake (Daniel Gillies) and Tubs (Matthias Luafutu). What follows is a descent into hell as the two strangers kidnap the parents and take them on a twisty turny drive into darkness that forces Hoaggie to confront the sins of his past.
The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, and explores themes around New Zealand’s state care system and the treatment of children within such institutional settings, while also exploring moral questions regarding our own behaviors in the face of evil.
Teacher Alan aka “Hoaggie” (Erik Thomson) and his wife Jill (Miriama McDowell) are out on an idyllic, isolated drive with their two sons, when they are accosted by two men, Mandrake (Daniel Gillies) and Tubs (Matthias Luafutu). What follows is a descent into hell as the two strangers kidnap the parents and take them on a twisty turny drive into darkness that forces Hoaggie to confront the sins of his past.
The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, and explores themes around New Zealand’s state care system and the treatment of children within such institutional settings, while also exploring moral questions regarding our own behaviors in the face of evil.
The Conjuring 2
Warner Bros.
“The Conjuring” kicked off a whole franchise for Universal when it was released in 2013, bringing in huge box office returns with its tale of a demonic possession and exorcism inspired by the real-life case files of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. In 2016, “The Conjuring 2” proved the franchise had staying power.
Directed once again by James Wan, the second film revolves around a U.K.-based haunting known as “The Enfield Case,” in which a young girl named Janet Hodgson (Madison Wolfe) becomes possessed by the ghost of an old man while her family is tormented by apparent poltergeist activity. With Wan once again showing off his skills at directing atmospheric slow-burn horror punctuated by sporadic jump-out-of-your-skin scares, “The Conjuring 2” is well worth a watch. Plus, this one features more of the terrifying demonic nun (Bonnie Aarons) that we met in the first film.
Directed once again by James Wan, the second film revolves around a U.K.-based haunting known as “The Enfield Case,” in which a young girl named Janet Hodgson (Madison Wolfe) becomes possessed by the ghost of an old man while her family is tormented by apparent poltergeist activity.
With Wan once again showing off his skills at directing atmospheric slow-burn horror punctuated by sporadic jump-out-of-your-skin scares, “The Conjuring 2” is well worth a watch. Plus, this one features more of the terrifying demonic nun (Bonnie Aarons) that we met in the first film.
Creep and Creep 2
Sometimes the most innocuous things end up being the scariest. In situations like that, it’s best to trust your instincts, which is something writer-director-actor Patrick Brice and writer-co-star Mark Duplass demonstrate in their found-footage style 2014 comedy-horror film “Creep.”
Brice stars as Aaron, a freelance videographer who responds to a Craigslist ad by Josef (Duplass), who happens to live in a remote cabin. When Aaron arrives, Josef explains that he has cancer and wants Aaron to help him make a video diary for his soon-to-be-born child. Josef seems amicable enough at first, but he also has a creepy weird stranger-danger energy. Though Aaron has misgivings about the situation, Joseph keeps convincing him that it’s all in his head, even as the situation becomes increasingly uncomfortable. Duplass gives a memorably unnerving performance as the unpredictable Josef, and his bizarre antics end up creating a palpable sense of unease throughout. The creepily entertaining “Creep” spawned a sequel aptly named “Creep 2,” which is just as good as the first, although slightly less scary.
Brice stars as Aaron, a freelance videographer who responds to a Craigslist ad by Josef (Duplass), who happens to live in a remote cabin. When Aaron arrives, Josef explains that he has cancer and wants Aaron to help him make a video diary for his soon-to-be-born child. Josef seems amicable enough at first, but he also has a creepy weird stranger-danger energy. Though Aaron has misgivings about the situation, Joseph keeps convincing him that it’s all in his head, even as the situation becomes increasingly uncomfortable.
Duplass gives a memorably unnerving performance as the unpredictable Josef, and his bizarre antics end up creating a palpable sense of unease throughout. The creepily entertaining “Creep” spawned a sequel aptly named “Creep 2,” which is just as good as the first, although slightly less scary.
Crimson Peak
Universal Pictures
Director Guillermo del Toro is a master of atmospheric horror, and his gorgeously lavish Gothic romance “Crimson Peak” is a prime example as to how. The richly-realized ghost story takes place at a stunning Victorian mansion dubbed Allerdale Hall, which was built on a blood red clay mine that gives the property the nickname “Crimson Peak.” Here, the newly-wedded Edith Cushing (Mia Wachowski) will discover what dark secrets are hidden between her husband Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston) and his sister (Jessica Chastain), and learn the horrifying truth as to why she received an ominous warning from her deceased mother’s ghost to “Beware of Crimson Peak.”
Iconic creature character actors Doug Jones and Javier Botet both play a number of ghosts in this big-budgeted throwback to classic spooksters like “The Haunting,” and “The Shining.” With stunning production design and some disturbing scares along the way, “Crimson Peak” remains a gem in the haunted house movie canon.
The richly-realized ghost story takes place at a stunning Victorian mansion dubbed Allerdale Hall, which was built on a blood red clay mine that gives the property the nickname “Crimson Peak.” Here, the newly-wedded Edith Cushing (Mia Wachowski) will discover what dark secrets are hidden between her husband Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston) and his sister (Jessica Chastain), and learn the horrifying truth as to why she received an ominous warning from her deceased mother’s ghost to “Beware of Crimson Peak.”
Iconic creature character actors Doug Jones and Javier Botet both play a number of ghosts in this big-budgeted throwback to classic spooksters like “The Haunting,” and “The Shining.” With stunning production design and some disturbing scares along the way, “Crimson Peak” remains a gem in the haunted house movie canon.
Dark Shadows
No “best of” horror list would be complete without a Tim Burton movie in the mix, at least not as far as fans of Gothic chills and visually sumptuous production design are concerned. “Dark Shadows” may not be Burton’s best, but this adaptation of the Gothic TV series of the same name does have its dark delights.
Perennial Tim Burton favorite Johnny Depp stars as Barnabas Collins, who is turned into a vampire after rejecting the advances of a witch named Angelique (Eva Green). Returning to his family’s wealthy estate 200 years later in 1972, he finds the manor in ruins and inhabited by his dysfunctional descendants, including matriarch Elizabeth Collins Stoddard (Michelle Pfeiffer). He also finds that the governess, Victoria (Bella Heathcote), appears to be the reincarnation of his former love, Josette. After falling for Victoria, Barnabas seeks to become human, but Angelique has also survived the ages, and will stop at nothing to have him for herself. Sure, the darkly comedic “Dark Shadows” is overly complicated and a bit campy, but it has a stacked cast and it looks cool, and that’s got to count for something, right?
Perennial Tim Burton favorite Johnny Depp stars as Barnabas Collins, who is turned into a vampire after rejecting the advances of a witch named Angelique (Eva Green). Returning to his family’s wealthy estate 200 years later in 1972, he finds the manor in ruins and inhabited by his dysfunctional descendants, including matriarch Elizabeth Collins Stoddard (Michelle Pfeiffer). He also finds that the governess, Victoria (Bella Heathcote), appears to be the reincarnation of his former love, Josette. After falling for Victoria, Barnabas seeks to become human, but Angelique has also survived the ages, and will stop at nothing to have him for herself.
Sure, the darkly comedic “Dark Shadows” is overly complicated and a bit campy, but it has a stacked cast and it looks cool, and that’s got to count for something, right?
Day Shift
If you prefer your horror mixed with a bit of comedy, then you might want to give the Jamie Foxx and Dave Franco-starring vampire-action-comedy-horror film “Day Shift” a try. Foxx stars as Bud Jablonski, a pool man by day, and a vampire hunter by night. He’s just trying to make a living in order to help pay for his daughter’s schooling. But vampire hunting isn’t everything it’s cracked up to be, and the union busts Bud’s chops by forcing him to ride along with union rep Seth (Franco), whose job is to watch for any infractions. “Day Shift” is a fun enough ride boosted by its likable leads and some fun supporting cast members, like Snoop Dogg.
Foxx stars as Bud Jablonski, a pool man by day, and a vampire hunter by night. He’s just trying to make a living in order to help pay for his daughter’s schooling. But vampire hunting isn’t everything it’s cracked up to be, and the union busts Bud’s chops by forcing him to ride along with union rep Seth (Franco), whose job is to watch for any infractions. “Day Shift” is a fun enough ride boosted by its likable leads and some fun supporting cast members, like Snoop Dogg.
Don’t Listen
When you’re looking for a good horror movie to watch, an old-school-style haunted house movie can be just the ticket. While Spain’s “Don’t Listen,” aka “Voces,” doesn’t reinvent any wheels, it has enough atmosphere to make it worth your while.
When parents Daniel and Sarah move into a new home with their son, Eric, they have no idea that it’s known in the neighborhood as “the house of the voices.” Soon, however, they begin hearing voices themselves. When Eric dies a mysterious death, his voice seemingly calls to Daniel from beyond the grave, leading the father to enlist the help of a paranormal investigator.
When parents Daniel and Sarah move into a new home with their son, Eric, they have no idea that it’s known in the neighborhood as “the house of the voices.” Soon, however, they begin hearing voices themselves. When Eric dies a mysterious death, his voice seemingly calls to Daniel from beyond the grave, leading the father to enlist the help of a paranormal investigator.
Eyes Wide Shut
Stanley Kubrick had a knack for creating unsettling films, and his final work, “Eyes Wide Shut,” is no exception. This dark, erotic, psychological thriller of sorts stars Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman as a married couple, Bill and Alice Harford, whose lives are shaken up after a Christmas party, when Alice confesses to Bill that she’s thought about infidelity. Things get weirder when Bill, a doctor, ends up on a night call during which he encounters a mysterious secret society of masked individuals who participate in a massive orgy, an encounter that could put both Bill and Alice in danger.
Sadly, Kubrick passed away during the final stages of this provocative and eerily dream-like film’s post-production. It’s still a Kubrick film through and through, however: According to the Guinness Book of World Records, it was the longest continuous movie shoot ever, clocking in at 400 days in total.
This dark, erotic, psychological thriller of sorts stars Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman as a married couple, Bill and Alice Harford, whose lives are shaken up after a Christmas party, when Alice confesses to Bill that she’s thought about infidelity. Things get weirder when Bill, a doctor, ends up on a night call during which he encounters a mysterious secret society of masked individuals who participate in a massive orgy, an encounter that could put both Bill and Alice in danger.
Sadly, Kubrick passed away during the final stages of this provocative and eerily dream-like film’s post-production. It’s still a Kubrick film through and through, however: According to the Guinness Book of World Records, it was the longest continuous movie shoot ever, clocking in at 400 days in total.
Fear Street Trilogy
The “Fear Street” trilogy is a series of teen-centric horror films loosely adapted from R.L. Stine’s book series of the same name. Capitalizing on the nostalgia that made a hit out of “Stranger Things” and birthed a new round of “Scream” movies, the “Fear Street” films are clear homages to horror films from previous decades.
“Fear Street Part 1: 1994” wears its “Scream” influence on its sleeve, revolving around a group of teens that includes Deena (Kiana Madeira ), Samantha (Olivia Welch), and Josh (Benjamin Flores Jr.), who live in the neighboring towns of Shadyside and Sunnyvale. They’re stalked by a slasher in a skull mask while trying to get to the bottom of Shadyside’s dark history. In an homage to “Friday the 13th,” “Fear Street Part 2: 1978” takes place at a summer camp, while “Fear Street Part 3: 1666” takes things back to days of witch trials, as the teens try to end the town’s evil for good. Together the three films, directed by Leigh Janiak, comprise a solidly entertaining set of horror flicks.
“Fear Street Part 1: 1994” wears its “Scream” influence on its sleeve, revolving around a group of teens that includes Deena (Kiana Madeira ), Samantha (Olivia Welch), and Josh (Benjamin Flores Jr.), who live in the neighboring towns of Shadyside and Sunnyvale. They’re stalked by a slasher in a skull mask while trying to get to the bottom of Shadyside’s dark history.
In an homage to “Friday the 13th,” “Fear Street Part 2: 1978” takes place at a summer camp, while “Fear Street Part 3: 1666” takes things back to days of witch trials, as the teens try to end the town’s evil for good. Together the three films, directed by Leigh Janiak, comprise a solidly entertaining set of horror flicks.
Gerald’s Game
Mike Flanagan is the reigning king of Netflix horror, having created three frightening and dramatically compelling hit series under their banner: “The Haunting of Hill House,” “The Haunting of Bly Manor,” and “Midnight Mass.” He’s also directed multiple Netflix Original films, including the slasher-thriller “Hush” and the psychological horror “Gerald’s Game.”
One of two Stephen King adaptations Flanagan has thus far directed (the other being “Doctor Sleep”), “Gerald’s Game” stars Carla Gugino as Jessie Burlingame, who visits an isolated lake house with her husband, Gerald (Bruce Greenwood) in a last-ditch effort to rekindle their romance and save the relationship. Gerald handcuffs Jessie to the bed as part of a sexy game and then drops dead of a sudden heart-attack, leaving her alone to figure out how to escape if she wants to save her life. Flanagan’s frequent collaborator Jeff Howard wrote the screenplay, while actor Henry Thomas, another Flanagan regular, appears in flashbacks as Jessie’s father.
One of two Stephen King adaptations Flanagan has thus far directed (the other being “Doctor Sleep”), “Gerald’s Game” stars Carla Gugino as Jessie Burlingame, who visits an isolated lake house with her husband, Gerald (Bruce Greenwood) in a last-ditch effort to rekindle their romance and save the relationship. Gerald handcuffs Jessie to the bed as part of a sexy game and then drops dead of a sudden heart-attack, leaving her alone to figure out how to escape if she wants to save her life.
Flanagan’s frequent collaborator Jeff Howard wrote the screenplay, while actor Henry Thomas, another Flanagan regular, appears in flashbacks as Jessie’s father.
The Gift
If you’re into creepy creepers and disturbing psychological thrillers, “The Gift” is for you. It features a particularly unsettling antagonist named Gordo Moseley (Joel Edgerton), who shows up at the new home of married couple Simon (Jason Bateman) and Robyn (Rebecca Hall).
While Gordo is a former classmate of Simon’s, it soon becomes apparent that he’s dropped in for more than just tea and cookies. Gordo starts leaving gifts and gets all up in Robyn and Simon’s lives in a way that quickly becomes invasive and threatening; the reason is seemingly tied to a secret from Simon’s past. In typical horror movie fashion, things go from bad to worse, and it all ends up with a deeply upsetting finale. In addition to starring in “The Gift,” Edgerton also wrote and directed the film, proving him to be a multi-faceted talent. “The Gift” currently holds a 91% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, and is worth a view if you want to watch a great cast get caught up in some twisted mind games.
While Gordo is a former classmate of Simon’s, it soon becomes apparent that he’s dropped in for more than just tea and cookies. Gordo starts leaving gifts and gets all up in Robyn and Simon’s lives in a way that quickly becomes invasive and threatening; the reason is seemingly tied to a secret from Simon’s past. In typical horror movie fashion, things go from bad to worse, and it all ends up with a deeply upsetting finale.
In addition to starring in “The Gift,” Edgerton also wrote and directed the film, proving him to be a multi-faceted talent. “The Gift” currently holds a 91% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, and is worth a view if you want to watch a great cast get caught up in some twisted mind games.
Girl on the Third Floor
If you’re into haunted house movies where the house itself leaks, um, bodily fluids from its various holes, then “Girl on the Third Floor” is for you. Travis Stevens’ darkly comedic body horror cum haunted house film is equal parts gross and engrossing as it follows one not-so-innocent husband’s descent into madness as he tries to repress his wandering desires.
Wrestling sensation CM Punk stars as Don Koch, a husband and soon-to-be father who buys and attempts to refurbish a dilapidated house. Soon, strange events begin occurring, including marbles rolling around on their own and sludge oozing from the walls. When a mysterious, flirtatious neighbor (Sarah Brooks) puts the moves on him, Don gives in to temptation fairly easily. However, he soon comes to realize it’s not just the neighbor who is interested in a piece of him, but the actual house itself. “Girl on the Third Floor ” is a bit of a slow-burn that builds to some memorably disturbing moments of gonzo horror. Echoes of Sam Raimi and “The Evil Dead” come to mind, with CM Punk serving as a slightly broodier suburban stand-in for Bruce Campbell’s Ash.
Wrestling sensation CM Punk stars as Don Koch, a husband and soon-to-be father who buys and attempts to refurbish a dilapidated house. Soon, strange events begin occurring, including marbles rolling around on their own and sludge oozing from the walls. When a mysterious, flirtatious neighbor (Sarah Brooks) puts the moves on him, Don gives in to temptation fairly easily. However, he soon comes to realize it’s not just the neighbor who is interested in a piece of him, but the actual house itself.
“Girl on the Third Floor ” is a bit of a slow-burn that builds to some memorably disturbing moments of gonzo horror. Echoes of Sam Raimi and “The Evil Dead” come to mind, with CM Punk serving as a slightly broodier suburban stand-in for Bruce Campbell’s Ash.
The Haunting of Bly Manor
While the reigning Netflix horror king, Mike Flanagan, has made this list several times for his chillingly effective horror movies, perhaps his pièce de résistance is “The Haunting” anthology, which consists of two limited series based on classic works of horror literature. The second, “The Haunting of Bly Manor,” is a loose adaptation of Henry James’ classic novella “The Turn of the Screw.”
Utilizing rich production design and a lushly spooky setting, the story follows Dani Clayton (Victoria Pedretti), an American au pair who arrives at the titular Bly Manor to look after two young children, only to discover that the stately home is haunted by a number of ghosts. Like Flanagan’s other works, “The Haunting of Bly Manor” is a scary and engrossing treat for fans of Gothic horror and good, old-fashioned ghost stories. While this and the other entry in the “Haunting” anthology, “The Haunting of Hill House,” aren’t technically “movies” per se, their limited storylines and cinematic feel are enough for us to bend the rules a bit, especially since they’re among the very best horror offerings Netflix has on the service.
Utilizing rich production design and a lushly spooky setting, the story follows Dani Clayton (Victoria Pedretti), an American au pair who arrives at the titular Bly Manor to look after two young children, only to discover that the stately home is haunted by a number of ghosts. Like Flanagan’s other works, “The Haunting of Bly Manor” is a scary and engrossing treat for fans of Gothic horror and good, old-fashioned ghost stories.
While this and the other entry in the “Haunting” anthology, “The Haunting of Hill House,” aren’t technically “movies” per se, their limited storylines and cinematic feel are enough for us to bend the rules a bit, especially since they’re among the very best horror offerings Netflix has on the service.
The Haunting of Hill House
One of the best and most terrifying works of horror in Netflix’ vast library is the first entry in Mike Flanagan’s “The Haunting” anthology, “The Haunting of Hill House,” which is based on Shirley Jackson’s acclaimed novel of the same name.
Unfolding across two different timelines, “The Haunting of Hill House” tells the story of the Crain family, which moves into the titular manor in 1992. After experiencing supernatural phenomena that leads to tragedy, the family flees. Years later, another calamity inspires the now-adult Crain children to return to the house in order to reconcile with the ghosts of the past. It’s an immensely spooky and dramatic affair with lavish production values and fantastic performances across the board, as well as at least 43 hidden ghosts to find. There’s a riveting emotional core to the proceedings as well, with themes of family and generational trauma adding a depth that makes the paranormal happenings all the more haunting.
Unfolding across two different timelines, “The Haunting of Hill House” tells the story of the Crain family, which moves into the titular manor in 1992. After experiencing supernatural phenomena that leads to tragedy, the family flees. Years later, another calamity inspires the now-adult Crain children to return to the house in order to reconcile with the ghosts of the past. It’s an immensely spooky and dramatic affair with lavish production values and fantastic performances across the board, as well as at least 43 hidden ghosts to find. There’s a riveting emotional core to the proceedings as well, with themes of family and generational trauma adding a depth that makes the paranormal happenings all the more haunting.
His House
Writer-director Remi Weekes’ debut feature, “His House,” is a harrowing horror film that merges social and political issues with a more traditional haunted house tale in a story that reflects some of the repressed horrors of the refugee experience.
“His House” follows the story of married couple Rial (Wunmi Mosaku) and Bol (Sope Dirisu), refugees from South Sudan who have been granted asylum in England after a tragic journey. Moving into a run down government-funded house, the pair do their best to assimilate in the face of racism and cultural differences. Soon, though, strange happenings begin to occur within the home, and eventually Rial attributes the eerie disturbances to an apeth, or a “night witch.” As of this writing, “His House” holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It was nominated for three BAFTAs, with Weekes winning for outstanding debut by a British writer, director, or producer.
“His House” follows the story of married couple Rial (Wunmi Mosaku) and Bol (Sope Dirisu), refugees from South Sudan who have been granted asylum in England after a tragic journey. Moving into a run down government-funded house, the pair do their best to assimilate in the face of racism and cultural differences. Soon, though, strange happenings begin to occur within the home, and eventually Rial attributes the eerie disturbances to an apeth, or a “night witch.”
As of this writing, “His House” holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It was nominated for three BAFTAs, with Weekes winning for outstanding debut by a British writer, director, or producer.
Hubie Halloween
Sometimes, you’re just in the mood to laugh at stupid stuff. Thankfully, Adam Sandler has given us the perfect movie with which to do so while also celebrating the spirit of Halloween. Appropriately set in Salem, Massachusetts, “Hubie Halloween” follows the spooky misadventures of a dimwitted but well-meaning deli employee, Hubie Dubois (Adam Sandler), who serves as the town’s self-proclaimed “Halloween Helper” every year while enduring endless bullying from the other locals.
Although his self-appointed responsibility to “protect” Salems’ citizens usually ends up just annoying everyone, a series of disappearances actually does strike the town, and it’s up to Hubie to save the day. Loaded with a cast made up of Sandler’s friends and regular collaborators, including Kevin James, Steve Buscemi, Ray Liotta, and several former “Saturday Night Live” cast members, “Hubie Halloween,” though not particularly scary, is a silly, low-stakes, Halloween-y good time for the kids and kids at heart.
Although his self-appointed responsibility to “protect” Salems’ citizens usually ends up just annoying everyone, a series of disappearances actually does strike the town, and it’s up to Hubie to save the day. Loaded with a cast made up of Sandler’s friends and regular collaborators, including Kevin James, Steve Buscemi, Ray Liotta, and several former “Saturday Night Live” cast members, “Hubie Halloween,” though not particularly scary, is a silly, low-stakes, Halloween-y good time for the kids and kids at heart.
Hush
Before Mike Flanagan cranked out hit series like “The Haunting of Hill House” and “Midnight Mass” he directed “Hush,” a high-tension single-location thriller that is almost sure to make your pulse pound.
Kate Siegel stars as Maddie, a horror author who is unable to speak or hear due to complications from contracting meningitis as a child. Having moved to a remote cabin in the woods, she is visited one night by a masked crossbow-wielding assailant (John Gallagher Jr.), and the rest of the film becomes a suspenseful game of cat and mouse as Maddie attempts to outwit the would-be killer. Siegal, who is married to Flanagan and has starred in several of his other projects, co-wrote the script for “Hush” with her husband. The nail-biting film was well-received by critics and horror fans — Stephen King himself said that it’s “Up there with ‘Halloween.’” Talk about high praise!
Kate Siegel stars as Maddie, a horror author who is unable to speak or hear due to complications from contracting meningitis as a child. Having moved to a remote cabin in the woods, she is visited one night by a masked crossbow-wielding assailant (John Gallagher Jr.), and the rest of the film becomes a suspenseful game of cat and mouse as Maddie attempts to outwit the would-be killer.
Siegal, who is married to Flanagan and has starred in several of his other projects, co-wrote the script for “Hush” with her husband. The nail-biting film was well-received by critics and horror fans — Stephen King himself said that it’s “Up there with ‘Halloween.’” Talk about high praise!
Incident in a Ghostland
Vertical Entertainment
French director Pascal Laugier first made a name for himself as part of the New French Extremity movement with his 2008 film “Martyrs,” then later wrote and directed the similarly twisted “Incident in a Ghostland,” which debuted in 2018.
Two sisters (Crystal Reed and Anastasia Phillips) and their mother return to the home where they were attacked 16 years prior, but nothing is as it seems in this psychological thriller. As the story retells itself via flashbacks, we learn that both the house and the psyches of its inhabitants are both cracked in all sorts of ways. If situations like sexual abuse, trauma, and their psychological ramifications bother you, I’d avoid this film, but if you think you can handle it, creepiness and horror abound in the “Ghostland.” If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
Two sisters (Crystal Reed and Anastasia Phillips) and their mother return to the home where they were attacked 16 years prior, but nothing is as it seems in this psychological thriller. As the story retells itself via flashbacks, we learn that both the house and the psyches of its inhabitants are both cracked in all sorts of ways. If situations like sexual abuse, trauma, and their psychological ramifications bother you, I’d avoid this film, but if you think you can handle it, creepiness and horror abound in the “Ghostland.”
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
Insidious Chapter 2
FilmDistrict
“The Conjuring” is just one of several horror franchises that James Wan helped birth. Another is “Insidious,” which saw him re-team with his “Saw” screenwriter and star Leigh Whannell for a supernatural horror film that spawned a few spinoffs and sequels, including 2013’s “Insidious Chapter 2.”
Picking up after the events of the first film, in which the Lambert family had to rescue their son from a ghostly dimension known as “the Further,” dad Josh (Patrick Wilson) discovers that an encounter with an evil spirit in his childhood holds the key to their current connection to the spirit world. Once again calling on paranormal investigators Specs and Tucker (Leigh Whannell and Angus Sampson) and communicating with the ghost of psychic Elise (Lin Shaye), the Lamberts attempt to free themselves from malevolent spirits forever. It’s a typically entertaining James Wan affair, with atmosphere, demons and jump scares aplenty. Leigh Whannell would later return to not only write but direct “Insidious Chapter 3.”
Picking up after the events of the first film, in which the Lambert family had to rescue their son from a ghostly dimension known as “the Further,” dad Josh (Patrick Wilson) discovers that an encounter with an evil spirit in his childhood holds the key to their current connection to the spirit world. Once again calling on paranormal investigators Specs and Tucker (Leigh Whannell and Angus Sampson) and communicating with the ghost of psychic Elise (Lin Shaye), the Lamberts attempt to free themselves from malevolent spirits forever.
It’s a typically entertaining James Wan affair, with atmosphere, demons and jump scares aplenty. Leigh Whannell would later return to not only write but direct “Insidious Chapter 3.”
It
It’s hard to deny the terrifying power of a killer clown, which is why Stephen King’s novel “It” and its subsequent adaptations have been scaring kids for decades now. The most modern version of “It” stars Bill Skarsgard as Pennywise the Clown, who torments the kids of Derry, Maine. His reign of terror starts with young Georgie, who chases his brothers’ sailboat down a storm drain where Pennywise happens to be just hanging out. This sets off a chain of events that involve Georgie’s older brother Bill (Jaeden Martell) and his friends, known as The Losers’ Club, who must band together to stop the ancient evil that threatens to consume their town.
With its mix of coming-of-age drama, nostalgia, and sheer horror, 2017’s “It” proved that King’s stories never really lose their appeal to audiences. “It” also scared up huge box office numbers for Warner Bros. and left us all a little more frightened of red balloons.
With its mix of coming-of-age drama, nostalgia, and sheer horror, 2017’s “It” proved that King’s stories never really lose their appeal to audiences. “It” also scared up huge box office numbers for Warner Bros. and left us all a little more frightened of red balloons.
It Follows
RADIUS-TWS
Writer-director David Robert Mitchell made a splash on the indie horror scene in 2014 with “It Follows,” a singularly frightening work about being followed by an inescapable entity. Maika Monroe stars as the teenaged Jay, who, after having sex with her new boyfriend, Hugh (Jake Weary), discovers that she’s the latest recipient of a mysterious curse. Passed on through intercourse, the curse causes “it” to literally follow you, taking the form of a person — possibly a stranger, or possibly someone you know — who continuously creeps towards you, at which point you die. The only way to stop the curse is to pass it on to someone else.
“It Follows” establishes a palpable sense of dread that lingers with the viewer even after the movie ends. Stylish and unnervingly scary, the critically heralded “It Follows” is a stand out genre film that Vice hailed as “the best horror film in years.”
Maika Monroe stars as the teenaged Jay, who, after having sex with her new boyfriend, Hugh (Jake Weary), discovers that she’s the latest recipient of a mysterious curse. Passed on through intercourse, the curse causes “it” to literally follow you, taking the form of a person — possibly a stranger, or possibly someone you know — who continuously creeps towards you, at which point you die. The only way to stop the curse is to pass it on to someone else.
“It Follows” establishes a palpable sense of dread that lingers with the viewer even after the movie ends. Stylish and unnervingly scary, the critically heralded “It Follows” is a stand out genre film that Vice hailed as “the best horror film in years.”
John Carpenter’s Vampires
Sony Pictures Releasing
What if I told you there’s a movie on Netflix right now that was directed by horror master John Carpenter and that stars James Woods and Daniel Baldwin as vampire slayers backed by the Catholic church? You’d be all in, right? “Vampires” is exactly that, and while it’s not Carpenter’s best film, it has its own fang-tastic charms.
Woods plays the leather-jacket-clad lead slayer Jack Crow, who heads up a roving band of vampire-killers that includes Tony Montoya (Baldwin). The gang spends its time shoving stakes through the hearts (and foreheads) of blood-thirsty creatures of the night, with funding from the Vatican itself. But Crow meets his match when he comes face-to-face with a disgraced priest-turned-master-vampire, Valek (Thomas Ian Griffith), and he’ll have to step up his game if he wants to save the world. While elements of the film don’t hold up, “Vampires” is a western just as much as a horror movie, and maybe the poor critical reaction simply indicates a fundamental misunderstanding of what the filmmaker was aiming for. The critics’ consensus on Rotten Tomatoes calls it “Nothing but one showdown after another.” As if that’s a bad thing?! Still, “Vampires” drummed up enough box office returns to warrant two direct-to-video sequels.
Woods plays the leather-jacket-clad lead slayer Jack Crow, who heads up a roving band of vampire-killers that includes Tony Montoya (Baldwin). The gang spends its time shoving stakes through the hearts (and foreheads) of blood-thirsty creatures of the night, with funding from the Vatican itself. But Crow meets his match when he comes face-to-face with a disgraced priest-turned-master-vampire, Valek (Thomas Ian Griffith), and he’ll have to step up his game if he wants to save the world.
While elements of the film don’t hold up, “Vampires” is a western just as much as a horror movie, and maybe the poor critical reaction simply indicates a fundamental misunderstanding of what the filmmaker was aiming for. The critics’ consensus on Rotten Tomatoes calls it “Nothing but one showdown after another.” As if that’s a bad thing?! Still, “Vampires” drummed up enough box office returns to warrant two direct-to-video sequels.
Let Me In
Relativity Media
Long before he was directing R Patz in “The Batman,” Matt Reeves directed an English-language remake of the cult Swedish vampire horror film, “Let The Right One In.” Simply titled “Let Me In,” Reeves’ version stars Kody Smit-McPhee as young Owen, a shy, bullied boy who befriends a new neighbor, Abby (Choe Grace Moretz), who has moved in next door with an older man. As murders in the neighborhood suddenly spike, it dawns on Owen that Abby might actually be a blood-sucking vampire. Young love sure can be complicated!
Now, the original film, which was based on a novel by Swedish author John Ajvide Lindqvist, is generally considered to be a horror classic. As far as remakes go, though, “Let Me In” is actually pretty good. Stephen King went so far as to call it “The best American horror film in the last 20 years.”
Simply titled “Let Me In,” Reeves’ version stars Kody Smit-McPhee as young Owen, a shy, bullied boy who befriends a new neighbor, Abby (Choe Grace Moretz), who has moved in next door with an older man. As murders in the neighborhood suddenly spike, it dawns on Owen that Abby might actually be a blood-sucking vampire. Young love sure can be complicated!
Now, the original film, which was based on a novel by Swedish author John Ajvide Lindqvist, is generally considered to be a horror classic. As far as remakes go, though, “Let Me In” is actually pretty good. Stephen King went so far as to call it “The best American horror film in the last 20 years.”
May the Devil Take You
Indonesian filmmaker Timo Tjahjanto is currently set to direct the American remake of “Train to Busan,” but prior to booking that gig he’d been steadily making a name for himself with thrilling action pics such as “The Night Comes for Us” and gorily entertaining horror films like “May the Devil Take You.”
In the seemingly Sam Raimi-inspired latter, a young woman pays a visit to her estranged father after he falls into a coma due to a mysterious illness. While visiting his old house, she learns the dark secret behind how he acquired his fortune. Let’s just say that it involves a demonic pact, and that things get bloody wild from there.
In the seemingly Sam Raimi-inspired latter, a young woman pays a visit to her estranged father after he falls into a coma due to a mysterious illness. While visiting his old house, she learns the dark secret behind how he acquired his fortune. Let’s just say that it involves a demonic pact, and that things get bloody wild from there.
The Mist
Dimension Films
Fans of movies like “Bird Box” and “A Quiet Place” will appreciate “The Mist,” Frank Darabont’s adaptation of a Stephen King novella that finds a group of townsfolk trapped in a grocery store that’s surrounded by a giant, mysterious, monster-filled mist.
Thomas Jane stars as David Drayton, who travels to said store with his wife and young son to buy supplies after a heavy thunderstorm. But when the aforementioned mist envelopes the store, David ends up the de facto leader of a random group of shoppers who must fight for their lives against a myriad of terrifying creatures. Meanwhile, as is often the case in King’s work, the people themselves may actually be the scariest creatures of all, as a religious zealot (Marcia Gay Harden) assumes that the end times have arrived and heads up the group’s efforts to make a blood sacrifice out of one of their own. Darabont had previously received acclaim for adapting and directing other Stephen King works, including “The Shawshank Redemption” and “The Green Mile,” but “The Mist” took him back to his horror roots for what is ultimately a darned scary and well-done film with a bone-chilling ending.
Thomas Jane stars as David Drayton, who travels to said store with his wife and young son to buy supplies after a heavy thunderstorm. But when the aforementioned mist envelopes the store, David ends up the de facto leader of a random group of shoppers who must fight for their lives against a myriad of terrifying creatures. Meanwhile, as is often the case in King’s work, the people themselves may actually be the scariest creatures of all, as a religious zealot (Marcia Gay Harden) assumes that the end times have arrived and heads up the group’s efforts to make a blood sacrifice out of one of their own.
Darabont had previously received acclaim for adapting and directing other Stephen King works, including “The Shawshank Redemption” and “The Green Mile,” but “The Mist” took him back to his horror roots for what is ultimately a darned scary and well-done film with a bone-chilling ending.
Natural Born Killers
If you want to watch a stylishly intense, graphically-violent, psychedelic commentary on the glorification of mass murderers by the media and the sociological feedback loop it creates, Oliver Stone’s “Natural Born Killers” is for you.
The chaotic, in-your-face crime-thriller follows the exploits of a ’90s-style Bonnie and Clyde, Mickey and Mallory Knox (Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis), who embark on a torturous killing spree across the American Southwest, only to be lionized and turned into celebrities by the press, led by sleazy tabloid journalist Wayne Gale (Robert Downey Jr.). Fueled by strong performances from its all-star cast and Stone’s visionary direction, “Natural Born Killers” became one of the highest-grossing movies of 1994, and was especially resonant in the wake of the O.J. Simpson trial and the increasing prevalence of shock tv. As critic Roger Ebert pointed out in his four-star review, “Once we were shocked that the Romans threw Christians to the lions. Now we figure out a way to recycle the format into a TV show.”
The chaotic, in-your-face crime-thriller follows the exploits of a ’90s-style Bonnie and Clyde, Mickey and Mallory Knox (Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis), who embark on a torturous killing spree across the American Southwest, only to be lionized and turned into celebrities by the press, led by sleazy tabloid journalist Wayne Gale (Robert Downey Jr.).
Fueled by strong performances from its all-star cast and Stone’s visionary direction, “Natural Born Killers” became one of the highest-grossing movies of 1994, and was especially resonant in the wake of the O.J. Simpson trial and the increasing prevalence of shock tv. As critic Roger Ebert pointed out in his four-star review, “Once we were shocked that the Romans threw Christians to the lions. Now we figure out a way to recycle the format into a TV show.”
Nocturnal Animals
Focus Features
Designer Tom Ford’s Hitchcockian neo-noir thriller “Nocturnal Animals” may not be the first film that comes to mind when one thinks of “horror,” but it’s certainly dark and disturbing. Amy Adams stars as Susan, a wealthy married art gallery owner whose emotionally unavailable husband (Armie Hammer) is always on the road. When her estranged ex-husband Edward (Jake Gyllenhaal) sends her a copy of his latest manuscript, she becomes drawn into the disturbing storyline in which the protagonist’s wife and daughter are violently murdered.
Michael Shannon, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Isla Fisher also star in this stylish, twisty, and well-acted mystery. “Nocturnal Animals” was nominated for nine BAFTAs, while Shannon was nominated for an Academy Award for his intense performance.
Amy Adams stars as Susan, a wealthy married art gallery owner whose emotionally unavailable husband (Armie Hammer) is always on the road. When her estranged ex-husband Edward (Jake Gyllenhaal) sends her a copy of his latest manuscript, she becomes drawn into the disturbing storyline in which the protagonist’s wife and daughter are violently murdered.
Michael Shannon, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Isla Fisher also star in this stylish, twisty, and well-acted mystery. “Nocturnal Animals” was nominated for nine BAFTAs, while Shannon was nominated for an Academy Award for his intense performance.
Ouija: Origin of Evil
Universal
Much has been said about Mike Flanagan’s talents as a horror director. Having previously freaked people out with his haunted mirror movie, “Oculus,” and having more recently given Netflix’ horror content a boost by directing the popular “The Haunting Hill House” and its follow-up series, he’s proven himself as a director that audiences can count on for solidly made, scary fare. “Ouija: Origin of Evil” is just one more example of his fine work.
A prequel to 2014’s “Ouija,” “Ouija: Origin of Evil” centers around a recently widowed mother, Alice (Elizabeth Reaser), who works as a spiritual medium to support her two daughters, Doris (Lulu Wilson) and Lina (Annalise Basso). But when Alice invites an evil spirit into their lives using a Ouija board, Doris ends up possessed, and before long the bodies begin piling up. Combining rich visuals, creepy scares, and high emotional stakes, “Ouija: Origin of Evil” received praise for being a rare prequel that’s better than the original.
A prequel to 2014’s “Ouija,” “Ouija: Origin of Evil” centers around a recently widowed mother, Alice (Elizabeth Reaser), who works as a spiritual medium to support her two daughters, Doris (Lulu Wilson) and Lina (Annalise Basso). But when Alice invites an evil spirit into their lives using a Ouija board, Doris ends up possessed, and before long the bodies begin piling up.
Combining rich visuals, creepy scares, and high emotional stakes, “Ouija: Origin of Evil” received praise for being a rare prequel that’s better than the original.
The Perfection
To say that “The Perfection” is a movie that received mixed reactions is to undersell the situation a bit. To be frank, it’s a film that one could either love or hate, but it is likely to generate some form of a reaction either way, just by the nature of its wild plot and head-spinning twists and turns.
The psychological horror-thriller follows Charlotte Willmore (Allison Williams), a talented cellist who is forced to leave a prestigious music academy, only to return later and find a new star pupil, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Wells (Logan Browning), has taken her place. The two are at first drawn to one another, and end up on a trip through rural China, where Lizzie ends up — oh, you know what? You should just watch it and find out the wackily sinister secrets of “The Perfection” for yourself.
The psychological horror-thriller follows Charlotte Willmore (Allison Williams), a talented cellist who is forced to leave a prestigious music academy, only to return later and find a new star pupil, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Wells (Logan Browning), has taken her place. The two are at first drawn to one another, and end up on a trip through rural China, where Lizzie ends up — oh, you know what? You should just watch it and find out the wackily sinister secrets of “The Perfection” for yourself.
Piranha 3D
The Weinstein Company
Hey, remember that super sweet killer alligator movie that came out a couple of years ago called “Crawl”? Well, it’s not on Netflix. However, its director, Alexandre Aja, made another creature feature that is on Netflix. That movie is “Piranha,” aka “Piranha 3D,” an intentionally campy revamp of Joe Dante’s classic ’80s B-movie of the same name.
This one features all kinds of fun cast members, including Elizabeth Shue, Christopher Lloyd, Jerry O’Connell, and Ving Rhames, in a plot in which an earthquake unleashes prehistoric killer fish upon a lake full of spring breakers. Sound fun? Then take a bite out of that remote control and tune into “Piranha” on Netflix tonight.
This one features all kinds of fun cast members, including Elizabeth Shue, Christopher Lloyd, Jerry O’Connell, and Ving Rhames, in a plot in which an earthquake unleashes prehistoric killer fish upon a lake full of spring breakers. Sound fun? Then take a bite out of that remote control and tune into “Piranha” on Netflix tonight.
The Platform
Fans of the hit Korean series “Squid Game” and Bong Joon Ho’s “Parasite” should appreciate the sinister stylings of Spanish director Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia’s harrowing dystopian thriller “The Platform.”
The film is set in an unspecified future in which prisoners are housed in a vertical structure known as “the Pit,” wherein food is delivered to them via a platform that drops from floor to floor. As people on the higher floors try to grab as much food as they can, the lower floors are left with little to nothing, pitting the prisoners against each other in a vicious fight for survival. Iván Massagué stars as Goreng, a new prisoner to the facility, who is paired up with different prisoners on different floors as time goes by. “The Platform” serves as a grim, violent, and timely commentary on wealth distribution. It won trophies at the Sitges and Toronto International Film Festivals, and was also nominated for three Goya Awards
The film is set in an unspecified future in which prisoners are housed in a vertical structure known as “the Pit,” wherein food is delivered to them via a platform that drops from floor to floor. As people on the higher floors try to grab as much food as they can, the lower floors are left with little to nothing, pitting the prisoners against each other in a vicious fight for survival. Iván Massagué stars as Goreng, a new prisoner to the facility, who is paired up with different prisoners on different floors as time goes by.
“The Platform” serves as a grim, violent, and timely commentary on wealth distribution. It won trophies at the Sitges and Toronto International Film Festivals, and was also nominated for three Goya Awards
Raw
Focus World
Before French director Julia Ducornau made waves by winning the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival for her much talked about “Titane,” she made another horror film that shocked festival audiences with its squirm-inducing scenes.
“Raw” can best be described as a coming-of-age cannibal film. Its main character, a vegetarian named Justine (Garance Marillier), experiences strange urges after being forced to eat rabbit kidneys while attending veterinary school. She begins to crave meat, including of the human variety; her fixation only intensifies over time. It’s been reported that when “Raw” screened for festival-goers at the Toronto International Film Fes, audience members actually passed out and required medical attention due to the graphic nature of some of the scenes — so, viewers beware. This one isn’t for the faint of heart.
“Raw” can best be described as a coming-of-age cannibal film. Its main character, a vegetarian named Justine (Garance Marillier), experiences strange urges after being forced to eat rabbit kidneys while attending veterinary school. She begins to crave meat, including of the human variety; her fixation only intensifies over time.
It’s been reported that when “Raw” screened for festival-goers at the Toronto International Film Fes, audience members actually passed out and required medical attention due to the graphic nature of some of the scenes — so, viewers beware. This one isn’t for the faint of heart.
The Rental
IFC Films
Some of the most effective horror films are the ones that feel so real that they convince you that what you’re seeing is something that could happen to you. Actor Dave Franco’s directorial debut, “The Rental,” is that kind of movie, a horror-thriller with a fairly simple yet relatable premise: Two couples rent an oceanside Airbnb-style vacation home, where they quickly begin to wonder if they are being spied upon by their host. Things only get darker as secrets and relationship issues between the already tense couples are exposed, and that’s just the beginning of their problems.
“The Rental” is boosted by a stellar cast that includes Dan Stevens and Alison Brie. It may not be groundbreaking, but it’s an effective thriller that just might scare you off vacation rentals — and relationships — forever.
“The Rental” is boosted by a stellar cast that includes Dan Stevens and Alison Brie. It may not be groundbreaking, but it’s an effective thriller that just might scare you off vacation rentals — and relationships — forever.
Resident Evil
If you like your horror to be of the action-packed, early 2000s, guitar-riffing, Milla Jovovich-roundhousing-off-a-wall-to-kick-a-zombie-dog-in-the-face variety, then “Resident Evil” is for you. Based on the popular survival horror game, “Resident Evil” is the first film in what would become a billion-dollar movie franchise. Jovovich stars here as Alice, an amnesiac from Raccoon City who, along with Rain Ocampo (Michelle Rodriguez), leads a commando team into an underground facility known as “The Hive.” There, they must fight off zombies (and zombie dogs) infected by a genetically-engineered virus while trying to outsmart a supercomputer known as the Red Queen. If they fail to shut down the AI in three hours, the virus could escape, putting the whole world at risk. Despite a relatively low Rotten Tomatoes score, “Resident Evil” is a pulpy, pulse-pounding good time, and one of the better video game adaptations.
Based on the popular survival horror game, “Resident Evil” is the first film in what would become a billion-dollar movie franchise. Jovovich stars here as Alice, an amnesiac from Raccoon City who, along with Rain Ocampo (Michelle Rodriguez), leads a commando team into an underground facility known as “The Hive.” There, they must fight off zombies (and zombie dogs) infected by a genetically-engineered virus while trying to outsmart a supercomputer known as the Red Queen. If they fail to shut down the AI in three hours, the virus could escape, putting the whole world at risk. Despite a relatively low Rotten Tomatoes score, “Resident Evil” is a pulpy, pulse-pounding good time, and one of the better video game adaptations.
The Ritual
Folk horror films are having something of a resurgence thanks to movies like “Midsommar” and “The Witch.” David Bruckner’s 2017 feature, “The Ritual,” follows in these footsteps with a tale about a guys’ trip to Sweden gone bad.
After the tragic death of one of their own, a group of college friends led by Luke (Rafe Spall) embark on a hiking trip in Sweden. However, when one of them gets hurt, they decide to take a detour through an ancient forest, where they begin to encounter creepy phenomena that become progressively more horrifying as they venture deeper. Eventually, they end up in a mysterious village where their already bad vacation turns into a fully ritualistic nightmare. Despite several similarities to 2019’s “Midsommar,” “The Ritual” was actually released in England two years prior, and was based on a 2011 novel. The two films also differ in the fact that “The Ritual” features a pretty gnarly creature that is worth tuning in for alone.
After the tragic death of one of their own, a group of college friends led by Luke (Rafe Spall) embark on a hiking trip in Sweden. However, when one of them gets hurt, they decide to take a detour through an ancient forest, where they begin to encounter creepy phenomena that become progressively more horrifying as they venture deeper. Eventually, they end up in a mysterious village where their already bad vacation turns into a fully ritualistic nightmare.
Despite several similarities to 2019’s “Midsommar,” “The Ritual” was actually released in England two years prior, and was based on a 2011 novel. The two films also differ in the fact that “The Ritual” features a pretty gnarly creature that is worth tuning in for alone.
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
Anyone who grew up reading “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” knows that the children’s book series by Alvin Schwartz is scary as heck — and that what really makes the stories terrifying are the creepy illustrations by Stephen Gammel, which director Andre Ovedal and producer Guillermo del Toro vividly brought to life in their 2019 film adaptation of Schwartz’s short story collections.
The plot of the film revolves around a group of teens who break into an abandoned mansion, where they stumble upon the mysterious writings of its former owner. They soon discover that the stories she wrote have a sort of mind of their own, as the characters within them, like a scarecrow named Harold, start coming to life. Other classic stories from Schwartz’s books that are featured in the film include “The Big Toe” and “The Red Spot.” “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” plays up the nostalgia factor while creating something uniquely modern and atmospheric for a newer generation. Rotten Tomatoes notes that the film “opens a creepy gateway into horror for younger genre enthusiasts.”
The plot of the film revolves around a group of teens who break into an abandoned mansion, where they stumble upon the mysterious writings of its former owner. They soon discover that the stories she wrote have a sort of mind of their own, as the characters within them, like a scarecrow named Harold, start coming to life.
Other classic stories from Schwartz’s books that are featured in the film include “The Big Toe” and “The Red Spot.” “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” plays up the nostalgia factor while creating something uniquely modern and atmospheric for a newer generation. Rotten Tomatoes notes that the film “opens a creepy gateway into horror for younger genre enthusiasts.”
Sweetheart
If Tom Hanks had one day realized there was a monster on his “Castaway” island, then we’d end up with something like J.D. Dillard’s “Sweetheart,” an efficiently lean and well-paced survival thriller with a compelling central performance and, yes, a monster.
Kiersey Clemmons stars as Jennifer, a young woman who ends up stranded alone on an island after her boat sinks. Or, at least she thinks she’s alone, until she buries her friend Brad and then discovers the next morning that his body has been dragged away. Soon, she learns she’s sharing the island with a sea monster — as if one woman versus nature isn’t enough to have to contend with. Eventually, her friends wash ashore as well, raising the stakes and offering potentially more food for the creature. “Sweetheart” proves yet again that all you really need for a good horror film is a simple premise executed well.
Kiersey Clemmons stars as Jennifer, a young woman who ends up stranded alone on an island after her boat sinks. Or, at least she thinks she’s alone, until she buries her friend Brad and then discovers the next morning that his body has been dragged away. Soon, she learns she’s sharing the island with a sea monster — as if one woman versus nature isn’t enough to have to contend with. Eventually, her friends wash ashore as well, raising the stakes and offering potentially more food for the creature.
“Sweetheart” proves yet again that all you really need for a good horror film is a simple premise executed well.
Synchronic
Filmmaking duo Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead recently directed episodes of Marvel’s “Moon Knight” series, but for years prior to that the pair were cranking out mind-bending sci-fi and horror films on a low budget for a dedicated fan base. “Synchronic” was a step up for the duo in terms of budget, and their first step in a slightly more commercial direction.
Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan star as Steve and Dennis, two New Orleans-based paramedics who have been called to an increasing number of cases involving bizarre and gruesome accidents and deaths tied to a designer drug called Synchronic. After Dennis’ daughter goes missing, they learn that the drug can send people back in time, and that anything that happens to them in the past happens in the present as well. “Synchronic” is a trippy, otherworldly, genre-blending film that continues to highlight Benson and Moorehead’s scrappy, innovative abilities. Bloody Disgusting called it a “must watch.”
Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan star as Steve and Dennis, two New Orleans-based paramedics who have been called to an increasing number of cases involving bizarre and gruesome accidents and deaths tied to a designer drug called Synchronic. After Dennis’ daughter goes missing, they learn that the drug can send people back in time, and that anything that happens to them in the past happens in the present as well.
“Synchronic” is a trippy, otherworldly, genre-blending film that continues to highlight Benson and Moorehead’s scrappy, innovative abilities. Bloody Disgusting called it a “must watch.”
Till Death
Under The Shadow
If you’ve ever found yourself complaining that not enough horror movies are actually scary, look no further than Iranian writer-director Babak Anvari’s eerie “Under The Shadow” (2016). This slow-burn chiller effectively blends social and political themes with supernatural frights, and while it takes its time building up the story, the end result is spooky as heck.
Set in war-torn Tehran in the ’80s, the film follows Shideh (Narges Rashidi), a former medical student and mother who opts to stay in the city with her daughter Dorsa even though shelling in the area has intensified. A missile hits their building (though doesn’t detonate), which coincides with the arrival of a djinn, a supernatural demon of sorts that travels on the wind. Left alone in the empty building with her daughter, they must face this terrifying entity on their own. Critics have compared “Under The Shadow” to movies like “The Babadook” and “Repulsion.” It won a BAFTA for outstanding debut. and was nominated for outstanding British film of the year.
Set in war-torn Tehran in the ’80s, the film follows Shideh (Narges Rashidi), a former medical student and mother who opts to stay in the city with her daughter Dorsa even though shelling in the area has intensified. A missile hits their building (though doesn’t detonate), which coincides with the arrival of a djinn, a supernatural demon of sorts that travels on the wind. Left alone in the empty building with her daughter, they must face this terrifying entity on their own.
Critics have compared “Under The Shadow” to movies like “The Babadook” and “Repulsion.” It won a BAFTA for outstanding debut. and was nominated for outstanding British film of the year.
Unfriended
In a world where, for better and for worse, computer screens have become an integral part of daily life, it was only a matter of time before filmmaking would include feature-length films that take place entirely on a screen. It’s a format that has come to be known as screenlife, and one of the earliest and most mainstream examples of this style of filmmaking is “Unfriended,” a smart, harrowing spin on the teen slasher genre that explores the horrifying ramifications of our hyper-connected, social media-obsessed world.
A group of high school friends, including girlfriend and boyfriend Blair (Shelley Hennig) and Mitch (Moses Storm), hang out on a Skype video chat, but become disturbed when they are joined by a mysterious user with the handle “billie227.” Eventually, they learn that the username belonged to Blair’s former childhood best friend, Laura, who died by suicide a year prior after an embarrassing video of her went viral. Things get more terrifying as “billie227” makes them play a game of “Never Have I Ever,” which reveals their own dark secrets. It makes sense that the earliest examples of screenlife are horror films, as there’s an underlying discomfort and danger in our new reality, one that “Unfriended” hones in even as it creates a literal ghost in the machine. As if high school wasn’t scary enough on its own!
A group of high school friends, including girlfriend and boyfriend Blair (Shelley Hennig) and Mitch (Moses Storm), hang out on a Skype video chat, but become disturbed when they are joined by a mysterious user with the handle “billie227.” Eventually, they learn that the username belonged to Blair’s former childhood best friend, Laura, who died by suicide a year prior after an embarrassing video of her went viral. Things get more terrifying as “billie227” makes them play a game of “Never Have I Ever,” which reveals their own dark secrets.
It makes sense that the earliest examples of screenlife are horror films, as there’s an underlying discomfort and danger in our new reality, one that “Unfriended” hones in even as it creates a literal ghost in the machine. As if high school wasn’t scary enough on its own!
Vampires vs. the Bronx
What’s scarier, vampires or gentrification? Director Oz Rodriguez’s socially conscious horror-comedy “Vampires vs. the Bronx” cleverly highlights the terrors of both. Three young friends from the Bronx, Miguel Martinez (Jaden Michael), Bobby Carter (Gerald W. Jones III), and Luis Acosta (Gregory Diaz IV), must face off against a group of murderous vampires who have been using a real estate company, Murnau Properties, as cover while taking over the neighborhood. Using their investigative hats and the skills they learned while watching the movie “Blade,” the boys give it their all to save their lives and the neighborhood they love while kicking some serious vampire butt. The end result is an adventure that’s equal parts charming, scary, and fun.
Three young friends from the Bronx, Miguel Martinez (Jaden Michael), Bobby Carter (Gerald W. Jones III), and Luis Acosta (Gregory Diaz IV), must face off against a group of murderous vampires who have been using a real estate company, Murnau Properties, as cover while taking over the neighborhood. Using their investigative hats and the skills they learned while watching the movie “Blade,” the boys give it their all to save their lives and the neighborhood they love while kicking some serious vampire butt. The end result is an adventure that’s equal parts charming, scary, and fun.
Veronica
There are a number of horror movies on Netflix that deal with the subject of demons and possession, but “Veronica” manages to separate itself from the pack via competent direction from Paco Plaza, who is perhaps best known for having written and directed the Spanish horror hit “REC” alongside Jaume Balagueró.
“Veronica” stars Sandra Escacena as the titular teenager, who makes the mistake of conducting a seance with some of her friends in an effort to make contact with her deceased father. Soon, she starts experiencing frightening paranormal events. After speaking with a blind nun who just happens to be nicknamed “Sister Death,” Veronica learns that the seance attracted a demon that is now attached to her, threatening not only her own life but those of her siblings. What makes “Veronica” even more scary is that it is loosely based on actual events surrounding a real-life teenage girl who allegedly died mysteriously after using a ouija board.
“Veronica” stars Sandra Escacena as the titular teenager, who makes the mistake of conducting a seance with some of her friends in an effort to make contact with her deceased father. Soon, she starts experiencing frightening paranormal events. After speaking with a blind nun who just happens to be nicknamed “Sister Death,” Veronica learns that the seance attracted a demon that is now attached to her, threatening not only her own life but those of her siblings.
What makes “Veronica” even more scary is that it is loosely based on actual events surrounding a real-life teenage girl who allegedly died mysteriously after using a ouija board.
Wendell and Wild
Fans of spooky stop-motion animation films like “Coraline” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” should appreciate the newly released “Wendell & Wild,” which shares a director, Henry Selick, with those creepy classics.
Co-written by Selick and Jordan Peele, “Wendell & Wild” refers to the names of two scheming demon brothers, played by Peele and Keegan-Michael Key. The pair get more than they bargained for when they recruit a rebellious, punk rock loving 13-year-old orphan, Kat Elliott (Lyric Ross), to help summon them from the underworld to the Land of the Living. Also featuring the voices of veteran actors like Ving Rhames, Angela Bassett, and James Hong, “Wendell & Wild” is a highly creative and visually fantastical romp through the darkly delightful. There’s a welcome dose of humor and heart thrown in as well, making it an appealing horror comedy that the whole family can enjoy.
Co-written by Selick and Jordan Peele, “Wendell & Wild” refers to the names of two scheming demon brothers, played by Peele and Keegan-Michael Key. The pair get more than they bargained for when they recruit a rebellious, punk rock loving 13-year-old orphan, Kat Elliott (Lyric Ross), to help summon them from the underworld to the Land of the Living.
Also featuring the voices of veteran actors like Ving Rhames, Angela Bassett, and James Hong, “Wendell & Wild” is a highly creative and visually fantastical romp through the darkly delightful. There’s a welcome dose of humor and heart thrown in as well, making it an appealing horror comedy that the whole family can enjoy.
The Wretched
If you like horror movies about creepy witches, then “The Wretched” might be up your alley. Really, the film could have just as easily been titled, “The Witch Next Door,” as it concerns a teen boy named Ben (John-Paul Howard) who becomes suspicious of the woman next door, Abbie (Zarah Mahler), after he moves in with his father while his parents are getting a divorce.
There’s just something about Abbie that seems a little off, like the fact that her own son is terrified of her, and that her body seems a little, uh … decayed? In any case, “The Wretched” is not a bad little horror film. As a fun aside, it was number one at the box office for a hot minute when it was released during the pandemic with little competition via a smartly conceived drive-in roll out by IFC Midnight.
There’s just something about Abbie that seems a little off, like the fact that her own son is terrified of her, and that her body seems a little, uh … decayed? In any case, “The Wretched” is not a bad little horror film. As a fun aside, it was number one at the box office for a hot minute when it was released during the pandemic with little competition via a smartly conceived drive-in roll out by IFC Midnight.
