With Halloween fast approaching, it feels like a new horror movie trailer comes out everyday. Being a broke college student, it can be difficult to drop $40 at the movie theatre for a ticket and a snack. But fear not, it’s totally possible to watch a great horror movie from the comfort of your living room. Here’s a list of the best horror movies to stream this October.
THE BABADOOK, Netflix
This movie goes much deeper than most modern horror films. The monster in this film lives in the house of a family coping with grief and eventually manifests into something much scarier and stronger. With its use of imagery and metaphors, this film has surprised critics and consumers alike, delivering a powerful message through a horrifying medium.
CABIN FEVER, Netflix
After one view of this movie, it’s apparent as to why this story is deemed a “cult favorite.” Cabin Fever is both a horror movie and a satire, poking fun of other movies of the same genre. But definitely don’t watch if you have a weak stomach. The plot focuses on a group of students seeking an adventure out in the woods before they part ways. Trust that even though this seems cliche-it’s completely opposite. The group is greeted by a hermit living in the wooded area surrounding their cabin and notice he is infected with a flesh eating virus and now they all must survive the sickness and make it to the morning. Plus, Ryder Strong is the film’s main character, so that’s obviously a bonus.
SICKHOUSE, Amazon Prime
Starring YouTuber Andrea Russett, this experimental film was filmed entirely on Snapchat and posted to Russett’s story, fooling her followers into believing these were real events being captured live. The adventure begins with Russett smiling to her camera, revealing she’s going to pick up her cousin at the airport. Russett and her cousin Taylor learn of a haunted house near where they live deemed “Sickhouse.” The pair convince two friends to venture with them to find the home and end up getting lost at night. The acting and improv in this film are superb and the story keeps you interested up until the credits roll.
THE WITCH, Amazon Prime/Netflix
The Witch doesn’t rely on jump scares to absolutely terrify viewers. The story is set in Colonial America and centers around typical Christian perspectives at the time. After a family copes with the loss of one of their children disappearing mysteriously, they begin to suspect a witch of the kidnapping. Slowly, the family unravels, accusing each member of witchcraft and demonic deals. This film is deeply unsettling and guaranteed to scare anyone.
AMERICAN PSYCHO, HULU
Christian Bale portrays a sociopathic man with a double life in this film as a businessman by day, serial killer by night. The film, written by screenwriters Mary Harron and Guinevere Turner, pays homage to numerous horror characters and storylines. Bale’s character, Patrick Bateman, shares a moniker with infamous character, Norman Bates from Psycho. This film is definitely more on the gore-side of horror plots, but still features elements that are mysterious, sharp dark and comedic.
THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT, HULU
One of the most notable installments in the “found-footage” sub-genre, The Blair Witch Project has paved the way for numerous other documentary-style horror films. The story centers around three film students that disappear while attempting to make a documentary about a Maryland legend. The actors and directors relied heavily on improvisation to keep this film seeming real and it definitely pays off. The truly scary elements don’t really appear until the middle of the film, evoking fear and sympathy for the character as they scramble to survive and start to see hear and see horrifying sights including children’s laughter and tree limbs set up for sacrifices.