Welcome to the eleventh annual mega list of movies you may have missed! Hurrah for more movies, movies and lists! Check out where you can find these films on JustWatch. Better yet, see if you can rent them from Scarecrow Video!
So, without further ado and to welcome in this year's October Challenge, I present:
50 Horror Movies You May Have Missed (vol. 11)
Because there will be more. Oh yes, there will be more.
A Return to Salem's Lot (1987): I was not prepared for how absolutely unhinged and feral this film was. Just - unhinged vampire goodness. This film has the same energy as that one rural, wild, small town bar when that one guy everybody knows walks in and it's either going to be a laugh or bottles might be thrown. Chaotic. Curiously entertaining in that cutesy chaotic way. Read more in my review
here.
All Eyes (2022): Well, this is a bit of an odd but delightful duck. Just a couple of guys hanging out, waiting for a monster. Here we have the story of a podcast bro interviewing a man who is convinced there is a monster living in his back yard. This film stands out in it's unique and quirky ability to keep the viewer engaged and guessing with such a simple premise. Pairs with a cold one with a friend.
And Soon the Darkness (1970): This wildly unsettling film follows two young women as they bicycle across France. What struck me the most was how much I pictured my own mother, who hitch-hiked across Europe and the Middle East in the mid-60s. I could see her in these women and it absolutely terrified me - knowing how many dangers Mom came across in those two years of wandering alone or sometimes with a friend. Like my mother's adventures, while wandering through the barren, lonely landscape, these two women stumble across a strange and unsettling man ... unlike my mother's adventures, one of the women is murdered and it's a fight for their life for the other. Deeply troubling and intense, this film is not for everyone.
Bad Ronald (1974): Oh no. Oh, no, no, no. Turns out the "male loneliness epidemic" has been around since forever, unsurprisingly. Here we have a deeply disturbed young man hiding in the walls of a house. What could possibly go wrong? This kid is messed up, just a messed up young man and he decides to make it worse for everyone by stalking the daughters in the house. Great. Best watched alone for full creep factor. Pairs with sandwiches and a cold glass of water.
Black River Monster (1986): This is not a good film, by any means, but when I saw the full monster at the end I roared with such joy I was crying. Crying laughing. I need to spread this joy. Here we have the story of an actual working ranch (Black River) and for some reason there's a monster wandering around in broad daylight that no one is noticing. Even if this isn't a school project, it's delivered with such charm and armature honesty it's sure to delight all. Best watched with the whole family. Pairs with childhood favorite dishes. Prepare to groan but with a happy chuckle in your heart.
Black Sabbath (1963): This delightful morsel of horror surprised me, and took me a long time to get around to watching. Here we have three tales of terror, effectively, wrapping you up in Gothic horror and raw mid-century dread. You also can't go wrong with Director Mario Bava - you know exactly what you're getting into with his work, so.... ENJOY!
The Body Snatcher (1945): This is the classic tale of a morally corrupt doctor and his nefarious means of obtaining bodies for demonstration and experimentation. This is a deliciously devious black and white horror film, perfect for a late night in, curled under the blankets with your best foods and friends (including the fur babies).
The Bride (1985): I have no idea why it took me so long to see this BRILLIANT '80s feature. You absolutely cannot go wrong when Sting is Dr. Frankenstein and he just created a woman. This movie walked so
Poor Things could run. This is a romance meeting fantasy meets horror story. Just sit back and enjoy it with your favorite decedent dessert you eat once a year.
Caveat (2020): Here we have the story of a very sus uncle who leaves a strange man - locked in chains - at a decaying mansion so that this strange man can watch over his mentally unstable niece. Bruh, what? This film is a dream and a reality I fear. It's also all over the place but in the most organized way. This is not a horror film for everyone, but everyone should see it at least once. Read more in my review
here.
Crawlspace (1972): This film had my face scrunched into a very confused and aghast ball the entire time. Here we have the classic story of a childless couple who find a young man living in the walls of their house and they take pity on him. Everything goes to sh*t. This one is not to miss! Best watched with someone who makes better life decisions than you do. Pairs with sandwiches with the crusts cut off.
Daisies (1966): I absolutely love this film. LOVE IT. I thought this was going to turn out tragic but the only tragic or really horror-esk element of this film is the fear it will strike in the patriarchy and capitalism. Arguably it's a conservatives nightmare. Here is the beautiful tale of two young women who aren't playing by any of society rules and are just enjoying life. Don't let them drown out your light, ladies. Just watch this film and take notes.
Diary of a Mad Housewife (1970): I knew within the first 2 minutes of this film that every man in it was going to piss me right the f*ck off. I was right! Here we have the story of a woman who's DONE with her abusive husband and lover. She doesn't know she's done yet, her soul just starts slipping away at the constant barrage of toxic masculinity. Oh and it just keeps getting worse. Read more in my review
here.
Do Not Fold, Spindle, or Mutilate (1971): What a DELIGHTFUL comedy/thriller! You really can't go wrong with four older women who decide to play a little game with a computer dating service and end up getting mixed up with a murderer. Dated but innovative and proving, once again, the bar is in hell. This one is perfect for a girl's night, particularly for those who don't want to watch something *too* scary.
Don't Go In the House (1979): I know what you're thinking: Oh look, yet another story about how a young man was traumatized in youth by his mother only to turn out hunting and murdering women later in life. It's a tale as old as time. But this time time - he has fire! This is an obscure but quality slasher that I hear little about. Excellent nightmare vibes, with the flames fueled by disco dreams.
The Dorm That Dripped Blood (1982): The '80's slasher is a staple of every horror fans' diet, and yet I am still surprised when I continue to come across ones I've never seen or heard of before. Gives me hope this trend will last for another 40 years. Here we have college student's renovating a dorm during the Christmas break and, predictably, they start dying one by one. Not especially innovative, but absolutely one to check out for a late night in. I also highly recommend drive bars show this on background TVs for Tuesday or Thursday regulars.
The Double Life of Véronique (1991): Oh yes, the surreal, moody, heady look into an existential dream. Why is this in a horror list? Because it's my list and I find A Lot of drama horrific, particularly the French ones. Here is a tale of two identical looking women - one living in France, the other in Poland - going about their life, just trying to figure things out and still their lives intertwine. Watch the
trailer to prepare yourself. Pairs with a dish and a drink you've always wanted to try.
Dream Scenario (2023): This one caught me all sorts of off guard, and frankly, I'm also really loving all the unhinged stuff Nicolas Cage is doing lately. Here Cage's character is giving all sorts of ick - just dripping with it - and then he starts appearing in strangers' dreams. That's when things get wildly out of hand. I'm a firm believer this story was dreamt up in a social media fever nightmare. Brilliant, and scathing social commentary.
The Eternal Daughter (2022): So this film broke my heart. Here we have the story of a daughter taking her mother to vacation in what was a stately home her mother grew up in. It starts out classic bickering between mother and daughter but ends up being a soul crushing look into love, aging, heartache, with a touch of madness. Perfect for a cold, dark night in alone and with your thoughts - just be sure you're prepared to live with those thoughts. Watch with Mother.
Faster, Pussycat! Kill Kill! (1965): Calling all Quentin Tarantino fans - come see his inspiration! This is camp, trash, and slaughter galore. I loved it. Here we have the classic tale of bad ass go-go dancer gone crazy with the lust of kidnapping and murder. You know, as they do. No seriously, this is brilliant late night drive-in fun. Best watched with a bestie - pairs with girl dinners and cans of beer you can crush on your forehead to intimate your enemies. BONUS! John Waters put out a movie about our dashing star!!
Tura!
The Girl in the Swing (1988): Oh look! Another story about a man obsessed over a woman and things turn out terribly for everyone! We'll need to forgive Meg Tilly's attempt at a Danish accent here and focus instead on how, once again, a whimsical girl is the target and catalyst for a man's bad behavior. Another drama more than anything but on my horror list because it's a horror story to me!
The Girly Ghosthunters (Television show, 2005): This show still stands as my best self-own. I started this series thinking wrong about it and ended up realizing I was part of the problem and that changed everything. This is a straight-forward show about a group of friends touring haunted places. That's it! And I love it! I was right there with them in 2005, living my best mid-20s life, being a charming goofball and loving the world. And that's how it should be. That's how we all should be. Read more in my review
here.
Hi Honey, I'm Dead (1991): Little bit Christmas Carol, little bit the mob, but overall this is a charming story about a privileged, ungrateful man getting his comeuppance. Here we have the classic tale of a man who dies but is immediately reincarnated into a grown man who is nothing like him - and thus, needs to re-chart his life. This is a ghostly story for the non-horror fans. Best watched with a friend who just went through a break up.
Hunter Hunter (2020): I'm a sucker for any film as soon as I see a reference to wolves. My brain immediately goes to werewolves and I'm all in. Sat. Invested. Then this one went and pulled a fast one on me. Here we have a father who isolates his family in the wilderness, and there is a wolf creeping around so he decides he'll hunt it down. Well. Bad things ensue. Graphic, gritty, gory, and intense, this is a rough watch and not for everyone. A slow burn that is worth the wait.
Intruder (1989): Oh lordy, folks, where has this film been all my life? This is a chef's kiss slasher - perfect in every '80s slasher way. The fact it all takes place in a grocery store just tickles me to no end. These poor night shift kids don't stand a chance. The comedy is great, the kill scenes are original and all over the place, and it's just a fun, silly ride you're sure to enjoy. Watch with your goofiest friends. Pairs with ANYTHING, just make sure you buy it at your local run-down grocery store. Make it a double feature night with
Chopping Mall.
Jack's Back (1988): James Spader is so illegally hot in this film. There, I said it. Distractingly hot. Now that we got that out of the way, here we have the story of a man celebrating Jack the Ripper's crimes by recreating them 100 years later, and now in LA. Pulpy and predicable at times, this still has its thrilling charms. Best watched with your fellow '90s thriller fans. Pairs with white wine and take out. For the full relax vibe, before viewing, be sure to change into your cozy clothes in front of the window.
The Kindred (1987): So this film is a fresh new nightmare with its practical effects. It also blew me out of the water with it's diabolical premise and execution. This story follows a dutiful son listening to his dying mother's last wishes: destroy her medical notes and creations. He doesn't and that was a mistake. Not. To. Miss.
Lost Hearts (1973): Last winter I stumbled upon the BBC holiday series,
A Ghost Story for Christmas. Classic ghostly tales, often from Victorian authors. They are all excellent, but I'm an M.R. James fan, so here's a shout out for their version of his short story. Gothic in every way, this is a tale about a child who is taken in by his eccentric older cousin, and then the ghost children appear.... This is a messed up story, folks. So know that. As with a lot of Victorian tales, it's the suggestion of the horror rather than the outright showing that makes these stories so frightening.
The Monster (1903): I have a real shortage of silent films in these horror movie lists. So let me introduce you to a quintessential Georges Méliès film. In the early stages of film, this guy ran and experimented with everything. In this story a man tries to bring his wife back from the dead. Things do not go well in these 3 minutes!
Night Must Fall (1964): Oh dear, this thriller disturbed me greatly. I think it disturbed me so much because this stuff happens still. Here we follow a psychopath who cons his way into the hearts of a young woman and his employer. As expected: everything goes very, very badly for everyone. A thriller, a chiller, and a cold hearted performance of insanity and cruelty. Prepare yourself for this one, particularly if you've been in an abusive relationship.
Nightbitch (2024): This film certainly didn't turn out how I was expecting, and I'm actually a little sad for it, but still it's a worthy watch - particularly for my fellow perimenopausals and/or mamas. Now, motherhood is not for me so I was already scared when I saw our main character stopped everything to be a stay-at-home mom. Unsurprisingly, she begins to go a little mad. A little feral.... Best watched during a girls night, pairs with Girl Dinner makings.
Oddity (2024): This one snaps! Here we have a mental institution psychologist and his wife who are renovating a converted farm house. One night, while she's alone, she's murdered in the home. Everything looks like the culprit is a deranged patient from the institution, but the woman's blind twin sister - who has psychometry skills - knows, after touching the suspect's glass eye, who murdered her sister. I'll remind you the premise of this film is in the title! Not a film for everyone, but also not one to miss. Read more in my review
here.
The Perfection (2018): Like werewolves, I have an odd fascination with art horror - the dancer, the painter, the singer, etc. Here we have the cellist. For me, and with werewolves, it's the abstract uncontrollable focus that scares me the most. For art horror, it's the blinding, manic, and tragic dedication. This film will not disappoint in that arena! Bonus, I honestly had no idea where this film was going and was not mentally prepared for where it went. Best watched alone.
Play Misty For Me (1971): Ohhhhhhhhhh - another "I'm your biggest fan" story! Clint Eastwood is being very Clint Eastwood as a DJ when he sleeps around and picks up a woman who won't go away. Tactile, aggressive, visually abusive, and progressively unhinged, this is a gritty film for a gritty evening. Best watched alone and pairs with raw food. Make it a double feature with any stalking film.
Psychos In Love (1987): Well this turned out far funnier than I expected! Here we have two delightful weirdos who should just remain as weirdos but instead are serial killers. The interaction between the two are a laugh riot of puns and slapstick, and then suddenly someone is murdered. Best watched with a partner who shares your sinister humor.
The Red Shoes (1948): This one upset me more than I expected and it didn't upset me the way I was expecting! Art horror hits me in a certain way - and I kind of hate the choke hold it has. It's tragic. Oh so very tragic, and this one is no exception. Simply put, a woman is forced to focus on her dance and performance, or else. Visually stunning, methodical, poetic, and created with such perfection, this is best watched alone or with one other person who recognizes your passions and appreciates your sacrifices.
The Rule of Jenny Pen (2024): I watched this shortly after the latest trump administration inauguration, and let's say I was mostly taking notes on psychopathic behavior - how cruel and manipulative can someone get, particularly to the isolated and elderly? Answer: pretty damn cruel and manipulative. While not as impressive of a film as I was expecting, it did it's job in conjuring a response! In all, this is a film about a bully - and I Hate bullies. There is one man, though, who is on the bully's case and not taking the boot off his neck. Highly recommend watching just to see John Lithgow be evil.
Sliver (1993): I was pretty obsessed with this film's soundtrack (still am) and if memory serves me right, I watched this A Lot on HBO as a teen. Was this the best thing to watch at the time? I don't know, I was also reading A Lot of V.C. Andrews at the time.... Here we have the story of a woman who moves into a building where she develops a steamy relationship with a man who has cameras in everyone's apartment unit - and watches them... Because this film and it's music played such a pivotal role in my life, I'm bias in saying this is a must watch. I strongly suggest everyone see it at least once, however.
Stalked by My Doctor: Patient's Revenge (2018): Folks, I stumbled across this somehow and was so taken back by the title that I had to watch it. This is an unhinged look into A Maniac. It's just madness. A Hallmark movie that went insane. The title tells you everything: it's a story about a doctor who becomes fixated on his patient and she get's revenge. What I didn't know was this is a whole series and I jumped in about halfway through. I laughed so hard at the absurdity but also found comfort in it - and am a little sorry that I didn't watch this series in order. So that will be my recommendation. While this one might be the pinnacle, start at the beginning.
Stalked By My Doctor (2015).
Star Crystal (1986): This is not a good film. It's a straight up
Alien knock off, but the audacity was so exquisite, it's a must watch. Even looking back at some of the pictures had me laughing out loud. Again, no, this is not a good film, it's a film that should be experienced because it's just weird enough to stand alone (and not just as an
Alien knock off). Best watched with friends, pairs with drinks and a Saturday night in. You'll thank me later.
The Stranger Within (1974): Here we have the horror story of all women - a wife gets pregnant but her husband is snipped and she's been faithful in the marriage. What. Is. Happening. Here? This is not your tired trope of Satan coming for a visit. You can read more in my review
here.
Straw (2025): Oh this is a rough watch. It's a heartbreaking story about a single mother who experiences an onslaught of unfortunate events in one day. Nothing is letting up for her and her mind begins to unravel, and understandably so. Give yourself a hug after watching. It's not dissimilar from
Falling Down, except the protagonist isn't a piece of sh*t. One could argue this film can paint a vivid picture of the differences black women experience in an unjust world from white men who loose control of their perceived power in the world.
Toad Road (2012): Another psychological nightmare for all you weirdos! This is the unfortunate story of young folks getting lost in the spiral that is drug addiction. They tossed in a local legend just for funsies. A hard watch, no going to lie about that - but also a good lesson. You can read more in my review
here.
The Ugly Stepsister (2025): THIS IS FANTASTIC! The story of "Cinderella" told accurately/originally, and you can't help but fall in love with this step sister, the poor girl. As you can tell by the bloody poster image, there is a foot problem that awaits. Excellent film, simply superb. Pairs with bread, wine, and embracing your inner petty or pathetic-ness.
The Unknown (1927): I didn't realize I had never seen young Joan Crawford until I saw this. And this one is a DOOZY. Here we have the story about some theatrical/circus/side show performers. And one of them is fixated on a woman in the troupe. You all know this won't go well... The creep performer in question is of course Lon Chaney, and he performs as an arm-less man and I can GUARANTEE YOU, you are not prepared for what he can do with his feet sans hands. No one is ready for this. Terrible title but excellent nightmare fodder. Read more in my review
here.
The Vagrant (1992): Check out this absolutely unhinged gem! This is the classic tale of a man who buys his first home and Instantly regrets it. I really wasn't prepared for how crazy Bill Paxton was going to get here - and I had no idea where it was going but it certainly didn't motivate my interest in the housing market. A telling story of paranoia, poor decisions, and prejudice. Watch this in your new place.
Vampire in Vegas (2009): I watched this right after I came back from a girls trip in Vegas. The girls trip was better but this one is still an adventure. Here we have a vampire who wants to get back into the sunlight and take over the world. Starting with Vegas and unsuspecting tourists who became a part of his scientific experiment. [slowly drags my hands down my face]. You can read more in my review
here.
What Josiah Saw (2021): Oh family trauma, family trauma. The genetic bond that binds us in torment. This is a tricky one and not for everyone. Slow, Gothic, menacing, and ..... cathartic....?? This is a watch for a night when you really don't know what you're looking for. Expect to leave disturbed. Best watched with a sibling you've trauma bonded with.
The Wind (1928): There's one scene in this film where I literally jumped back in my seat. This is a very frightening film. Also, as a South Dakotan, I know first hand how the prairie wind can rattle the senses. This terrifying story follows a vulnerable young woman as she treks West into the unknown. Unwelcome in her new digs, things are made worse when a horrible man enters her world. This is a moody and dark film, and a lived experience for many women of the time. Not one to miss.
Wolf (1994): I saw this film shortly after it came out, haven't seen it since, and I *still* think about it. The IMDB write-up about this film is oddly hilarious: "Publisher Will Randall becomes a demon wolf and has to fight to keep his job." Not how I remember it! I remember Jack Nicholson was so frightening and I wanted Michelle Pfeiffer's eyebrows. This a carnal film about werewolves - start there, know that, and enjoy!
Woman of the Hour (2023): This was an oddly refreshing, or should I say, relieving film to see. Yes, it's a horror story about a true crime, serial killer, and overall nightmare - it was helpful to see portrayed the collective women's experience. This is an excellent look into the feeling - particularly gut feeling - women have about dangerous people and how FRUSTRATING it is when we are not listened to. Worse still! How we just want to go about life and not be murdered for existing. That would be great. Read more in my review
here.
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