September has arrived and the promise of pumpkin spice lattes and sugar cookies hangs in the air. If you’re anything like me, you’re already looking forward to all of the pleasures of spooky season. If you’re craving some extra creep in your life, I have just the list for you! Keep reading to find some perfect horror movies to target your biggest fears — if you dare.
- Autophobia: the fear of being alone
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If you’re not a fan of being alone, Hush is the perfect movie to send shivers down your spine. Hush (2016) is a Netflix original that follows the tale of a deaf and mute woman who suddenly finds herself not alone. If you weren’t already afraid of being by yourself, this movie will certainly change that. Besides, who doesn’t love a horror movie featuring a cabin in the woods?
- Coulrophobia: the fear of clowns
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While It is a great horror movie, I’m sure many of you have already seen it, or at least read one of the dozens of articles published about the iconic Pennywise. Instead, I want to bring your attention to a ridiculous and comedic horror movie with some pretty impressive practical effects: Killer Klowns from Outer Space. Instead of aliens from outer space we get…clowns? Bingo! With seemingly sentient popcorn and cotton candy cocoons, how can you not be intrigued? Plus, it was released in 1988 — any horror movie buff knows that the ’80s gave us many of our greatest horror classics.
- Nyctophobia: the fear of darkness
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Most everyone can relate to being scared of the dark. Whether it’s spurred on by a fear of the unknown or some ancient survival mechanism, your fear of the dark is sure to be tested by Lights Out. While it could be debated whether this evil in question is a ghost or a demon, one thing is uncontested: you do not want to be in the dark when they’re around. This movie has some solid jump scares and a plot that keeps your mind reeling the whole time. If you’re scared of the dark, beware. This movie just might leave you sleeping with the lights on.
Bonus option: Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark (2010).
- Oneirophobia: the fear of dreams
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Dreams can certainly get twisted, and it’s no shocker that as kids, nightmares scare the living hell out of us. This movie just might make you afraid of your own dreams again. Directed by horror legend Wes Craven, Nightmare on Elm Street is considered yet another ‘80s horror classic, with Freddy Krueger being one of the most recognizable horror movie villains and cultural icons. In this movie, the protagonist, Nancy, learns to be afraid of her dreams and the monster that resides within them. If anything, this movie is worth watching just to see the iconic bathtub scene. Forewarning: The last few minutes of the movie were against the intentions of Wes Craven, but the producers wanted to leave the option for a sequel.
- Claustrophobia: the fear of small spaces
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Being trapped in a small space is intimidating enough without having a corresponding phobia. The Descent (2005) will make you feel the desperation of a terrible situation as a group of female spelunkers get trapped in a cave system. To top it off, this movie comes with a twist — they may not be alone down there. This movie has some gory shots and intriguing effects, and it’s certainly worth the watch. Just remember to breathe when the walls close in.
- Amaxophobia: fear of riding in a car
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If you’re afraid of cars, watch this movie with care. Christine is a 1983 horror movie based on a Stephen King novel. This bright red 1958 Plymouth Fury is actually demonic, leaving behind a trail of death in its wake. The interesting part of Christine, however, is how it shows that people can turn into monsters, too.
- Catoptrophobia: the fear of mirrors
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I couldn’t leave this article without plugging Oculus, a movie that stars the legendary Karen Gillan. This movie will really play with your mind and hit you with some killer jump scares (pun intended). If you weren’t scared of mirrors before, you just might be after watching this movie. In this 2013 film, the main character, Kaylie, sets to prove that her brother and father are innocent of murder by proving that the family’s old mirror is evil. It’s up to you to find out if she succeeds or not.
These horror movies are a great way to confront your fears or to just have a fun night with friends. Either way, don’t forget to grab the popcorn!