Spooky Season is upon us. Here is a list of horror gems currently on Netflix to help you plan that perfect Halloween party for your friends.
The essential films…
1) Drag Me To Hell
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Synopsis: After refusing to extend a loan to an elderly woman, a young and ambitious loan officer Christine Brown (Alison Lohman) must race against time to remove a torturous curse placed upon her.
This blood-curdling film will certainly make you superstitious, even if for a day. The grotesque visuals and gut-wrenching ending make this one of the most memorable horror films of all time and is guaranteed to make you jump out of your seat.
2) Halloween
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Synopsis: On route to being transferred for a court date, murderer Michael Myers (Nick Castle) escapes and terrorises the quiet town of Haddonfield.
John Carpenter’s horror masterpiece (which elevated the popularity of the slasher genre) has finally arrived on Netflix this month. Although the depiction of sexual content is incredibly dated, the film is still brilliantly paced, and Michael Myers is still a terrifying villain.
3) The Conjuring:
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Synopsis: Based on the lives of the real-life paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga respectively), the film follows the supernatural disturbances in the Perron family.
In a sea of cheap shock-value horror films about hauntings and possessions over the last decade, The Conjuring is a breath of fresh air. Wilson and Farmiga’s electric chemistry, the perfectly timed jump scares, and the eerie atmosphere grip you throughout.
For those who seek light hearted thrills…
The Final Girls:
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Synopsis: Max (Taissa Farmiga) and a group of other theatregoers are shocked to discover they have been accidentally transported into the slasher flick they were watching and must use their movie knowledge to survive.
This underrated horror-comedy has a relatable ensemble that you easily root for and puts a refreshing spin on tropes like ‘time loop’ and the ‘final girl’. A certified fun time!
5) Shaun of the Dead
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Synopsis: Shaun (Simon Pegg) goes from zero to hero to save his friends from a sudden zombie apocalypse.
The first chapter in Edgar Wright’s Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy certainly deserves its cult classic status. The dry, witty humour makes the gore much more digestible, and its social commentary resonates even today.
For those who prefer a psychological thriller…
6) His House
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Synopsis: Bol and Rial (Sope Dirisu and Wunmi Mosaku respectively), a refugee couple from South Sudan struggle to settle in England, whilst being haunted by their inner demons and an evil presence in their house.
‘His House’ demonstrates England’s dehumanisation and cruelty towards refugees through Dirisu and Mosaku’s poignant performances. The film has some of the most evocative imagery recently seen in horror.
7) The Vigil
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Synopsis: Desperate to pay rent, Yakov (Dave Davis) agrees to keep vigil of a dead member of his former Orthodox Jewish community and is forced to confront a demonic spirit.
The film’s claustrophobic atmosphere continuously keeps you tense. Its exploration of trauma also grips you emotionally.
8) Gerald’s Game
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Synopsis: In hopes of revitalising their marriage, a married couple attempts intense roleplay, resulting in the husband dying and the wife handcuffed to the bed without the key.
While the plot may sound simple, Carla Gugino’s phenomenal performance never fails to engage you. Mike Flanagan expertly uses disturbing imagery to explore sensitive themes without exploiting Gugino’s character.
For fans of gothic…
9) Crimson Peak
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Synopsis: Edith Cushing (Mia Wasikowska) marries the romantic Sir Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston) against her father’s wishes only to realise her husband is hiding ghostly secrets from her.
The set design is lush, and the cinematography is gorgeous as expected from a Guillermo Del Toro film. A near perfect Gothic romance, Crimson Peak deserves a lot more love.
10) Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
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Synopsis: Based on the musical of the same name, Sweeney Todd (Johnny Depp) is a barber and serial killer who murders his customers and turns them into meat pies.
This morbid horror-musical is an amazing blend of gore and picturesque visuals. The costumes and set design make it an immersive experience.