Spooky Season Begins: A Guide to Chilling Films
The onset of the eerie season varies significantly among fans. For some, it kicks off in late August when stores like Target unveil their haunted decorations. For others, it’s that sense of dread that emerges post-Labor Day. Then there are the die-hard fans who relish in horror year-round. Regardless of your timeline, the calendar indicates it’s the perfect time to indulge in spine-tingling entertainment—even on sunlit days.
Talk to Me (2022)
A group of teens stumbles upon an embalmed hand and learns they can summon spirits. What starts as exhilarating fun quickly takes a dark turn. The film presents “elevated” horror by highlighting how grief and trauma can open doors to hell. Yet, there’s plenty of old-school thrills to relish. You can watch Talk to Me here.
Psycho (1960)
What could be terrifying about the innocent-seeming Norman Bates, who has an unsettling attachment to his mother? Alfred Hitchcock’s classic shocked audiences upon its release and remains a defining moment in slasher history. Its clever narrative twists and perspective shifts maintain suspense, even amidst countless imitators. Anthony Perkins makes Norman a character you oddly root for, even when aware of his horrific nature. You can stream Psycho here.
I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)
Among the numerous Scream knockoffs, I Know What You Did Last Summer stands out thanks to Kevin Williamson’s writing. While the original sequels faltered, excitement brews for an upcoming installment. The film features a stellar ’90s cast: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, and Freddie Prinze Jr. The simple yet clever premise revolves around a group of friends who accidentally hit a person while driving and grapple with the guilt and consequences. You can watch Last Summer here.
Scream VI (2023)
With a somewhat tumultuous future ahead, the Scream franchise was revitalized in 2022 with a successful sequel/reboot from Radio Silence. This time, the action shifts from small-town Woodsboro, California, to the bustling streets of New York City, sans long-time lead Neve Campbell. Yet, Ghostface remains as brutal and humorous as ever, accompanied by well-crafted plot twists and exciting scenes. The grand finale is arguably the most extravagant in the franchise history. You can stream Scream VI here.
Train to Busan (2016)
Before the global sensation of Parasite, Train to Busan was a massive step for South Korean cinema in America. The film follows Seok-woo, a work-focused father who aims to bond with his daughter Su-an through a train trip. However, their excursion becomes a fight for survival after an infected passenger boards the train. This thrilling horror-action flick not only captivates with its fast-paced action but also explores poignant themes about family and societal critique. You can watch Train to Busan here.
Compliance (2012)
This unsettling film eschews supernatural horror in favor of human cruelty, based on true events. Set in a fast-food chain, Becky (Dreama Walker) finds herself targeted by a prank caller posing as a cop, leading to horrific repercussions orchestrated by her manager, Sandra (Ann Dowd). The film dives deep into the psychology of authority and obedience, showcasing a chilling reality of complicity and the darker sides of human nature. You can stream Compliance here.
The Deliverance (2024)
With renowned talents on board, including director Lee Daniels and stars such as Andra Day and Glenn Close, The Deliverance navigates the perplexities of existence and understanding. Following a single mother raising her children while facing dire conditions, the film explores themes of sacrifice, despair, and the supernatural. The layered narrative and bizarre twists will leave viewers questioning the boundary between horror and reality. You can watch The Deliverance here.
Under Paris (2024)
Before finalizing those plans to visit Paris, consider this gripping tale of a mako shark unleashed in the city, first in the Seine River and later within its famous catacombs. As preparations for an Olympic event unfold, the local authorities dismiss the mounting dangers, leading to a hilariously chaotic and thrilling experience. This film serves as a reminder of humanity’s impact on nature while dishing out plenty of entertaining scares. You can stream Under Paris here.
Thanksgiving (2023)
Marking his return to the horror genre, Eli Roth presents a darkly comedic yet chilling narrative featuring a man seeking vengeance after a mob incites violence during Black Friday sales. Patrick Dempsey stars in this thrilling satire that satirizes holiday chaos while exploring the darker aspects of humanity. You can stream Thanksgiving here.
Blood Red Sky (2021)
Nadja, a German mother, boards a flight to New York accompanied by her child. Initially appearing gravely ill, she soon reveals a much darker truth when terrorists board the aircraft, creating horror-filled chaos. This vampire-horror flick expertly combines high-stakes tension with gruesome action, resulting in a truly thrilling watch. You can stream Blood Red Sky here.
Nightbooks (2021)
Designed with younger audiences in mind, Nightbooks nevertheless harbors some genuine scares that may surprise older viewers. This score features a young boy kidnapped by a witch intrigued by his horror stories, leading him to narrate chilling tales to avoid doom. The atmospheric imagery will unsettle viewers of all ages. You can watch Nightbooks here.
Bone Tomahawk (2015)
In this unique blend of western and horror genres, Kurt Russell stars as a determined sheriff on a mission to rescue a woman from a group of cannibals. Exploring the “Weird West” tradition, this film captivates viewers with its intense narrative, character development, and horrifying elements. You can stream Bone Tomahawk here.
Apostle (2018)
This gripping film interweaves folk horror with thrilling action, featuring Dan Stevens as a man searching for his kidnapped sister on a mysterious Welsh island. What begins as a slow-paced drama transforms into an intense and visceral experience packed with gore and social commentary. You can watch Apostle here.
His House (2020)
A structured narrative that dives deep into the emotional arena, His House follows a couple fleeing conflict in Sudan, ultimately confronting a darker terror in their refuge. This film weaves trauma, guilt, and supernatural horror, embedding societal issues within an engaging narrative. You can stream His House here.
Gerald’s Game (2017)
Adapted from Stephen King’s novel, Gerald’s Game explores a woman’s survival after a disastrous getaway with her husband traps her in a secluded cabin. As she confronts her past fears, the film captures a palpable sense of dread and psychological horror. You can stream Gerald’s Game here.
Creep (2014)
A noteworthy entry in the found-footage genre, Creep focuses on an unusually friendly man hired to document his final days. The eeriness escalates as the viewer realizes not everything is as it appears, resulting in building tension and an unsettling atmosphere. You can stream Creep here.
The Platform (2019)
This intense Spanish-language thriller critiques capitalism through its dystopian premise, where prisoners’ fates are determined by the floor they inhabit. The harrowing journey through violence and survival elevates the film beyond mere horror, crafting a compelling narrative with sharp social insight. You can stream The Platform here.
Under the Shadow (2016)
Set against the backdrop of the Iran-Iraq War, Under the Shadow merges personal and political horror, exploring the obstacles faced by a mother protecting her child from supernatural forces. This thought-provoking film addresses deep societal issues interwoven with existential dread. You can stream Under the Shadow here.
The Call (2020)
This time-travel horror film features Seo-yeon connecting with a young woman in the past through a functioning cordless phone. As they share experiences, unintended consequences lead to catastrophic events, provoking questions about fate and intervention. You can stream The Call here.
Cam (2018)
This unsettling tale of an online sex worker discovers a doppelgänger hijacking her identity. Its eerily reflective narrative untangles the dehumanization within the online world, supported by a powerful performance from Madeline Brewer. You can stream Cam here.
I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House (2016)
This atmospheric gothic horror centers on a nurse who suspects her employer’s house is haunted. Director Osgood Perkins elicits a creeping dread that effectively builds tension without relying heavily on jump scares. You can stream I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House here.
The Block Island Sound (2020)
Something is amiss on Block Island, where a fisherman experiences unsettling episodes while fish die en masse. As his daughter investigates, eerie occurrences escalate, creating a gripping blend of family drama and horror. You can stream The Block Island Sound here.
Cargo (2017)
Set in the midst of a zombie apocalypse, this film pivots the genre by allowing the infected 48 hours of lucidity before they succumb to the undead state. This emotional and contemplative narrative emphasizes the humanity of the characters, creating an impactful viewing experience. You can watch Cargo here.
Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016)
This prequel surpasses its predecessor by diving deeper into horror dynamics, set in 1960s Los Angeles. When a con artist incorporates a Ouija board into her fraudulent séance business, things spiral tragically out of control. Directed by Mike Flanagan, it proves to be far more intriguing and well-crafted than expected. You can stream Origin of Evil here.
