Whether you want gore, jump scares, or ghosts, here are five truly frightening films to stream.
I’ve chosen a variety of horror films to feature in this list. I know that what’s “scary” is obviously subjective, and this is merely my opinion. But all these films got under my skin, and left a lasting impression.
All films are available as of 6/28/2020.
THE DESCENT
IMDB | Letterboxd
A caving expedition goes horribly wrong, as the explorers become trapped and ultimately pursued by a strange breed of predators.
Why It’s Scary: The claustrophobic caving is unsettling enough. Throw in creatures lurking in the darkness, ready to attack, and it’s totally nerve-wracking. With the women’s friendships put to the test, there is additional tension that’ll stress you out in their fight for survival.
Where to Watch: Vudu
FIRE IN THE SKY
IMDB | Letterboxd
An Arizona logger mysteriously disappears for five days in an alleged encounter with a flying saucer in 1975. His co-workers endure ridicule and contempt as they are wrongly accused of murder.
Why It’s Scary: This story of alien abduction is supposedly true. If one goes into the film willing to accept that premise then the events depicted will be horrifying. Although this film is technically classified as a sci-fi drama, there are scenes with the aliens that are among the most frightening that I’ve seen. I want to believe, but not if the aliens are like this!
Where to Watch: Tubi
ABSURD
IMDB | Letterboxd
A priest-doctor chasing a man with supernatural regenerative abilities, who has recently escaped from a medical lab, reaches a small town where the mutant goes on a killing spree.
Why It’s Scary: George Eastman stars as a killer who can’t die (yes, there’s obvious influence from Halloween here) in this incredibly gory flick. The kills in this film are among some of the most gruesome I’ve seen, including one that involves a head in the oven. There’s a frustrating, bratty child (Willie) who you’ll want to scream at, and his older sister (Katia) who is disabled and bound to her bed. Some folks say this film lacks suspense; I disagree, as I found the scenes of Katia struggling to get out of the bed and survive the unstoppable killer to be suspenseful.
Where to Watch: Tubi
LAKE MUNGO
IMDB | Letterboxd
Strange things start happening after a girl is found drowned in a lake.
Why It’s Scary: For those who don’t want jump scares or gore, Lake Mungo delivers on a story that’s both unsettling and haunting. The film is presented as a documentary about a family grappling with the loss of a loved one. It’s spooky and melancholic story will almost certainly get under your skin.
Where to Watch: Tubi
SURVIVE THE HOLLOW SHOALS
IMDB | Letterboxd
Zach sets out into the wildness of the Georgia Shoals to prove his survival skills for 60 days. Before too long, finding clean water and sufficient scavenged food are the least of his worries when disturbing noises and events disturb his lonely challenge.
Why It’s Scary: This found footage follows a single man in the woods, whose survival trip starts off normal enough and then quickly descends into terror. It’s jump scare galore, and it’s fun to see this dude admit he’s frightened by the sounds and visions in the woods, too. If you liked Bad Ben, you’d likely enjoy this as well.
Where to Watch: Prime
Platforms referenced in this post:
Vudu (free with ads)| Tubi (free with ads) | Prime (subscription)
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