October is here, and for me, that means it is time to lock the doors, turn out the lights and cozy up with my favorite mistress: horror films. This genre is so broad and so subjective that it has something for everyone. From comedy to psychological, everyone has a movie in the genre that they enjoy, even if it is on the fringe of the category. All the opinion-based film buffs and list-makers take to the internet every year to tell you the “must watch” horror movies you “can’t miss” in October. Here at Sequential Planet, I’ll be your guide through horror for the month. I’ve ventured back to 1922’s Nosferatu and even up to the current releases from this year and this month. I have watched horror from every decade and am still enjoying new horror films on a monthly basis.
The genre is full of landmines. I would say it is the division of film that has the most entries of bad films out of all of them. Horror is cheap to make, and many distributors specialize in getting them out to the public by way of streaming and VOD. Shudder is now a streaming service that exclusively serves the genre. You might not like every movie on this list, and you might not like any of them, but believe me when I say that I tried to include something for everyone. So, if you all are ready, we will start this ride because after this you will have some movies to watch.
Halloween (1978)
This is where I am starting because honestly, this is my favorite. It has everything and started nearly every trope you see now. John Carpenter is a master of horror, and he showed so many people why when this movie came out. Other Slasher films on this list will come close, but none of them will surpass this one.
Streaming On: Shudder
Tucker and Dale vs Evil (2010)
It has the gore, but more importantly, it has the laughs. Alan Tudyk and Tyler Labine are tailor-made for this movie, and their chemistry carries this one all the way. It is too good to be missed.
Streaming On: Netflix
The Conjuring (2013)
When James Wan brought us The Conjuring, it was much needed. The genre was growing stale, and a truly scary movie was rare. Wan gets the formula right and takes real-life ghost-hunter husband and wife Ed and Lorraine Warren’s story and give us a truly creepy film. If you enjoyed The Conjuring, then I recommend you follow it up with The Conjuring 2 since in some ways it is even better.
Streaming On: Netflix
Audition (1999)
You can’t claim to be a horror fan and not delve into the foreign markets. In the late 90s and early 00s, Japan was becoming a monster in the game with films like Rungu (The Ring) and Ju-on (The Grudge). A quiet success in this era was Audition. Eihi Shiina is the actress that shines here. She is beautiful and yet haunting.
Streaming On: Shudder
The Omen (1976)
A lot of movies use the Antichrist figure, but Richard Donner’s The Omen might have used it most effectively. Harvey Stephens plays the Damien and most likely single-handedly ruined that name for any present and future kids. “It’s all for you, Damien” still creeps people out just hearing it and throwing them back that iconic scene.
Streaming On: HBO Go
The Invitation (2015)
This is a movie that appeared out of nowhere. It is a slow burn, but the tension is worth it. The main character feels out of place, and the movie does an excellent job of making the viewer feel out of place and uneasy. You know something is happening, but you just can’t put your finger on it.
Streaming On: Netflix
Suspiria (1977)
You MIGHT have heard of this film. Dario Argento is very well known in the horror circle. The band Goblin did the score for the film, and it is certainly an unnerving presence. Argento carefully crafted this film to make sure even the cast was not comfortable during filming. His work paid off because this movie will follow you for a very long time.
Cabin in the Woods (2012)
I still meet people who have not seen this film. It had a quiet release and made a name for itself with a truly unique premise. IF you have not seen this film, then here is my advice: don’t read about it and don’t watch a trailer for it. Don’t ask anyone about it because it is not a movie you want to be spoiled.
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
The film that put the trio of Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg, and Nick Frost on the map for North America. It is the second horror comedy on this list so please seek it out, although I am sure most of you have already seen it.
Train to Busan (2016)
South Korea churns out amazing movies every year. A lot of people were not ready for Sang-ho Yeon’s take on a zombie film set on a train, but you have to experience it. Especially, if you are interested in seeing the American remake, which I doubt will be this good.
Streaming On: Netflix
The Final Girls
I first saw this film right as it was released. Back then no one had heard of it, so I forced it on people. Recently, it has gained some traction, but seek it out if you are looking for a good time. It is rare that horror movies are this much fun.
Streaming On: FreeForm
Scream (1996)
Wes Craven was a genius in the game with big titles under his belt, but my favorite of his will always be Scream. In the mid-nineties, slashers films were all but dead. When Scream came along, it completely jump-started the sub-genre and gave us even more tropes while using the old ones in clever ways. Personally, the series doesn’t get good again until Scream 4, which is still the last one. Now we wait…
Streaming On: Starz
Grabbers (2012)
I was surprised by Grabbers. It is a full-blown Irish movie that turned out to be a lot of fun. The monsters were unique, and the characters were a ton of fun. It gets overlooked, but you should seek it out for the comedy and the fun alone.
Streaming On: Hulu
The Skeleton Key (2005)
Many people have tried to capitalize on the Louisiana voodoo, but I’ve never seen one do it this well and stick to landing. The entire story hinges on the ending, and it is great. Very creepy vibe with this one.
Streaming On: Amazon Prime
I thought about honorable mentions, but then I realized I want to save them for next year. I could make a list like this with new films for a long time. I gave you some popular movies, and I hope I gave you some low-key movies that you missed or have never heard of. If you have seen all of these or are looking for something else, leave a comment below and I’ll find something for you. Enjoy the best month of the year, Readers!
