When I first started going out with Rob, I had barely seen any horror movies. We spent our first October together watching the classics: The Thing, Alien, Night of the Living Dead, Evil Dead, Halloween, etc. Now, every year at this time, we watch horror films new and old. Here are some of the best ones we’ve streamed on Netflix this October.
Something new
The VVitch
This might be the best horror film I’ve ever seen. Set in the Plymouth Rock era, a newly immigrated family suffers on a failing farm after being ostracized by the community. The whole film was so realistic and full of creepy imagery that I still can’t shake. I read that the director used all natural light – only sun and candles – to be true to the period. All of the dialogue from the film was taken straight from primary sources, specifically diaries and letters from the era.
The Invitation
Another very realistic film, as in it feels like it could definitely happen to you. The Invitation tells the story of a dinner party that feels odd from the start.
The Haunting of Hill House
The Haunting of Hill House weaves the past and present of five siblings who grew up in America’s most haunted house. I didn’t think this mini-series has the strongest ending, but I really enjoyed the journey and beautiful production. So much so that I watched the whole series within three days.
MaleVolent
Fraudulent ghost-hunting siblings meet their match at an old children’s home.
Classics to revisit
The Shining
A writer moves his family to a big, old lodge while he works on his book. What could go wrong? Afterwards check out the documentary Room 237, a conspiracy documentary about the making of The Shining.
Children of the Corn
I really love this movie, maybe because I’m from the midwest? Based on the Stephen King classic, it’s definitely work watching this season.
The Conjuring
A recent horror film with great production that is actually scary and pretty well done. The latest from the franchise, The Nun, is in theaters now.
The Sixth Sense
Even if people who haven’t seen this movie know how it ends. Haley Joel Osmond’s famous line has been an inescapable part of the zeitgeist for the past 20 years.
