Welcome to the tenth 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.
So, without further ado and to welcome in this year's October Challenge, I present:
50 Horror Movies You May Have Missed (vol. 10)
Because there will be more. Oh yes, there will be more.
A Ghost Story (2017): While the title is totally uninspiring, it is totally accurate. It's painfully accurate and I can't think of any other title for this particular film. Here we have the story about a man who dies suddenly in a car accident and then, as a sheet-draped ghost, returns home and watches his wife. Absolutely not a film for everyone. It gets heady, stays pretentious at times, and requires your attention and empathy. Might need some sort of palate cleanser after watching this one though, heads up. Something cheeky and light. Read more in my review here.
A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night (2014): This film is beautiful. It's also very dark and dirty. Hopeless. Hard to expect anything less from a place called: Bad City. Filmed in black and white, under the backdrop of destitution and depression, it screams nightmares from the darkest places of hearts and minds - but there's hope. Still. Did I mention there is a vampire? Read more in my review here.
A Tale of Two Sisters (2003): I can't believe I haven't brought this film up before. It's one of my favorites. I guess for such a long time I thought it was so well known and then over 20 years suddenly pass by and I'm all - welp. Here's a fantastic ghost story that I still think came out "a few years ago". I was shook to my core when I first saw this absolutely, insanely haunted film, in the theater. It still jars me, thinking of some scenes. All these years later. Walk into this one blind, like I did. You can thank me later.
Alone With You (2021): Here we have a woman waiting for her girlfriend to come back home - she's been traveling and our young woman here is looking forward to the romantic reunion. Folks, it should come as no surprise that this reunion is not going to go as planned. This film gives off all the anxiety and feelings of loss. I typically pace back and forth with these films, pausing the movie often. While some would argue these are not 'horror' films, I have and will continue to state they are nightmare-inducing and therefore, horror stories. More horrifying still, they tap into Very Real, everyday experiences. Read more in my review here.
An American Haunting (2005): This one didn't get the greatest of reviews. I don't know why - perhaps those reviewers weren't paying attention to the underlying story (which I believe is fairly well addressed at the end). This is a deeply troubling film and I'm not talking just about the ghosts. It takes on some heavy topics... read more in my review here.
Barton Fink (1991): Leave it to the Cohen brothers to once again bring us a delightful little nightmare of absurdity and surrealism. In this case we have an anxious playwright who's asked to come to LA to work in the movies! And when he arrives, realizes that this might not have been the greatest idea.... Do not miss this one. It will surprise you.
Blood Quantum (2019): I can't believe I'm not hearing more about this movie in my horror communities. Filmed on Mi'kmaq land in Canada, and directed by Jeff Barnaby, also of the Mi'kmaq tribe who grew up on the Listuguj reserve in Quebec, this movie immediately sucks you into a haunting but beautiful atmosphere that is ripe with anticipation excitement, and ass kickery. Bloody, gory, thrilling, dark and gritty - this film has a lot to say and I think you should listen. As Barnaby said: “My films are a gateway drug to better conversations.” Read more in my review here.
Carnival of Souls (1962): This film is bad ass. That's it. It's just bad ass. It's also quite scary. It is not a classic for people who think horror movies from this era are funny, cute. This movie is neither funny or cute. It is scary, chilling; nightmare fodder. Read more in my review here.
Castle Rock (Television Show, 2018): I loved getting lost in this Stephen King multiverse. Absolutely loved it! I don't know what else to say aside from - go out and play in this wonderland of familiar characters in a familiar but new setting. This show feels like a love note to King's books. Much like the Haunting of Hill House series felt like a love note to author, Shirley Jackson.
Cat Person (2023): Although recently reviewed, this one needs to be brought up again. Here we have a story about a 20 year old woman who fell for an older man, via text. And then when she discovers who he is vs texts, she doesn't like him anymore. That's fine, expectations didn't meet reality. Totally normal. Expect here, we have a man who's insecurities put everyone in danger. Bonus, her valid fears created absolute chaos. It's a perfect storm of dating madness. Because this film mirrors so many personal experiences, this one gave me a damn near panic attack. Read more in my review here.
Crawl (2019): Although I initially thought the premise was a little hokey, the absolutely fantastic special effects and sound quickly won me over. I damn near got a little emotional even. Here we have a Floridian father and daughter (and dog) trapped in their flooding house due to a hurricane. In come the gators!!!! A fight for survival with mother nature ensues. All the raves to all the work put into creating a film that got this hardened horror fan to repeatedly jump and literally sit on the edge of my seat through the whole film. Read more in my review here.
Day of the Triffids (1963): This British Sci-Fi Horror film is absolutely stellar. Not only is the world invaded by large gruesome carnivorous plants that can UPROOT THEMSELVES and attack people, but their alien arrival via a meteorite shower has blinded nearly everyone on Earth. This movie is a well executed thriller with fine acting, atmosphere, cinematography, production value, and story line. Even the monsters are effectively disturbing, albeit circa 1960s monsters. An excellent pick for a late night movie or to gather around with classic horror movie fans - either way, I can guarantee this movie will not disappoint. Read more in my review here.
Dead of Night (1977): The thing I love about anthologies, especially made-for-TV anthologies, is that I *know* at least one of the stories is going to be great. They are also going to be deliciously cheesy - but not too much cheese - just enough to delight the savory senses. Just like my awesome casserole. This is a really well made show, and a fine collection of familiar/not familiar stories. Richard Matheson fans rejoice - if you're not familiar with this show then I suggest you get on this pronto. Make it a double feature with Trilogy of Terror!!! Read more in my review here.
Death Bed: The Bed That Eats (1977): Um. Folks. This is a '70s film about a bed that eats people.... psychedelic and wayward this film doesn't care what you think and you'll take it and like it.
The Deeper You Dig (2019): It's my favorite Mother, Daughter, Father movie producers, actors, score writers, movie making tag team! The Adams Family! Smart, succinct, and moody as hell, here we have the story of a late night road accident turned maddening when Mom goes out looking for her missing daughter. She's got her eye on you, sir. This film reminded me a lot of the Greenbrier Ghost story. Where a ghost was legally allowed as evidence to prove a murder because mama didn't back down! Fascinating story, actually. Read more in my review here.
Dog Soldiers (2002): This is one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE FILMS! This film is scary, dark, humorous, gory, fun, thrilling, silly, well done, and, in my opinion, a classic. Did I mention that I absolutely love and loath werewolf films? This is a great film for action horror fans, those who don't mind a little gore with their laughter, and anyone looking for a good, scary, horror film. Read more in my review here.
Encounter with the Unknown (1972): I've never been able to pinpoint it, but there's just *something* about this anthology film that gives me the creeps. Bone-deep creeps. I love it. It's a ghostly tale about supernatural revenge and heartbreak - apparently based on true stories ... but that doesn't matter. This is a perfect film for a dark, cozy night in, as the leaves are beating the windows and the air doesn't feel right...
Freaks (1932): Now, I'm not sure why this hasn't already been added to one of my lists but I guess it's because I think everyone has seen this film. And if you haven't - consider it now as your time. It's a right of horror movie passage and you'll know exactly what's happening when someone starts chanting "One of us!" So, that said, join us. Watch Freaks. One of Us! One of Us! One of Us! Read more in my review here.
The Ghost and the Darkness (1996): When I first saw this movie, and at the end learned that the real life lions in this film are on display at the Fields museum in Chicago. I knew exactly what I had to do should I ever visit Chicago. I had to see these lions. And I did. And the lions absolutely 100% do not look like the lions in the film But That Doesn't Matter! In fact, last I remember, they are hiding under a stairwell But That Doesn't Matter! This is a thriller of a film, based on actual events, and opened my eyes to the socioeconomic situations in this part of Africa at the time.
Ghost Whisperer (Television Show, 2005): People can pry this series from my cold dead hands - where I'll still be in good company afterwards because ghosts. I love this show so insanely much. This show simultaneously provided heartwarming entertainment and down-right spooky stuff. *these are a few of my favorite things* Ghost Whisperer was one of the best things to have ever happened to 30-something year olds at 7:00 PM on Friday nights. I looked forward to my little gatherings (or some times just me on the couch) watching tales unfold about unfinished business with dead loved ones over a bottle of wine and crying my happy eye balls out by the end of the 45 minute episode. Read more in my review here.
The Good Son (1993): Why did my brothers and I watch this film so much, in our youth? Why were we fascinated? And why was it even MORE frightening watching it now as an adult, with years of true crime show watching experience under my belt? Welp. I'm going to watch it again, as a child-free single cat lady, and still get shook. Creepy kids are so damn creepy.
Grave Secrets: The Legacy of Hilltop Drive (1992): When I started this film, within minutes, I saw on the screen a white man in a cowboy hat, surveying some land in Texas and I somehow Instantly knew this movie was about the paranormal events surrounding the Black Hope Cemetery. And it was, and they did a decent job of telling this story, I was surprised even. Not to be mistaken with Poltergeist (although they are alarmingly similar). A worthy made-for-TV film.
H.H. Holmes: America's First Serial Killer (2004): I first saw this film on Hulu back when it was free and I was waiting for my Netflix movies to arrive in the mail. I had never heard of this monster before and this documentary FRIGHTENED Me. Now this murderer is more well known but at the time my brain was blown. I still think it's one of the best documentaries about him, outside of the outstanding book, "The Devil in the White City".
Harriet Craig (1950): Oh Joan Crawford! You're so scary sometimes! Especially when you're a tyrant to everyone. That's okay though, that's okay. We know there is a much deeper message here, particularly about obsession with power, control, and the loss of it (especially for woman). This film is both campy and not, for some brilliant reason.
Haunted (1995): Although cursed with a poor title, I found this one to be a mighty fine movie. It is a Victorian-esk style ghost story. No gore, no screams, no monsters - just the horrors of social deviants. This clever movie is held together by strong acting and intriguing dialog while it creeps and teeters along a ledge of dark and dirty secrets. Read more in review here.
The Haunting of Sarah Hardy (1989): Folks, the choke hold this made-for-TV film had on me as a tween. I was just revving up my V.C. Andrews stage and I think, this may have kicked it off. Just a ghostly little tale about a woman who may or may not be haunted! That's it! And I f*cking love it. I recommend this film if you want to watch something spooky but nothing that will spook the pants off you. Read more in my review here.
In Fear (2013): This is a menacing little British film that does not start out like your typical road trip story - you know, like the happy-go-lucky and barely clothed teens poking fun at each other as they merrily cruise down the road to their impending doom. Instead, the movie immediately starts off as weird, uncomfortable, and a pretty bad idea. A young couple meet at a bar and a few weeks later decide to road trip to another country. Harmless enough maybe, but it's made pretty clear that the women in this here situation is not entirely comfortable with the plan or the destination. Always. Listen. To. Your. Gut. Read more in my review here.
Init!ation (2020): I was not kind to this film in the first 30 minutes. It was confusing but also felt like a 90's made-for-TV for a sec. And then it caught me - right in it's snare and I could not look away from these insane kill scenes. And they are Creative kill scenes. So there's a killer on a college campus: who is it and who's next? Sure we've all seen it before but not like this.
Krull (1983): Hahaha. What is it about this film? Is it good? Is it bad? Is it weird? What IS it? It's a classic, that's what it is. A classic tale about boy wants to marry girl but girl get's kidnapped by a creature who lives in a moving castle, so he has to traverse everywhere and meet all kinds of people to beat the beast. Fantasy, horror, adventure - this one has it all. Bonus points if you watch this and still have the Krull board game.
Lone Wolf (1988): Here we have a bunch of 'teenagers' doing 'teenager' stuff all 1988 style (making out in cars, getting in hallway fights, going to nightclubs, being in professional bands, etc) with the added fun of focusing on Computer Class. Folks, DOS is changing the world here - the hot new topic - all while a werewolf is running wild in town. Delightful, accidentally hilarious, and legitimately entertaining, I'm not exaggerating when I say this film is a ton of fun! Read more in my review here.
Multiple Maniacs (1970): This is such a brilliant film. Such a John Waters film. Such a Divine film. It opens with a carnival show of delightful chaos and ends in Total chaos. This film terrorizes religion and you'll never look at a rosary or lobster the same again. Just a murder and madness sh*t show. I loved it.
Night of the Seagulls (1975): What we have here is a small army of blood thirsty zombies from the Knights Templar, looking for virgin sacrifices. This is a smart horror film. I particularly like the super slam on zealous religious followings. Here I thought I was going to see a film about a group of people throwing their hands in the air and screaming about the supernatural chaos, instead I saw a couple of scientists tackling backwards logic with some sensible, mental kung fu moves. Read more in my review here.
Office Killer (1997): In this painfully '90's film, we have the always wonderful Carol Kane sitting behind an office desk, used and neglected in the work place. When one day ... opps. Something goes terribly wrong and someone ends up dead. Then oops. Another. Not to worry, Molly Ringwald is here to help! Perfect for a Saturday night pizza and pals movie night.
Once Bitten (1985): Okay, to be fair, I haven't seen this movie in YEARS but let that be a testament to how this film has remained in my head all that time. This was my introduction to Jim Carrey and he's a goofball as usual, even when he encounters a vampire. A campy, vampy film jam packed with very '80s nostalgia - give this one a try even if it's for one night.
Parents (1989): So I was expecting something campy with this one. And I guess it is ... to a degree, but I truly wasn't expecting the depth of this film. It is a child's terror - a child trying to learn about his parents and realizing that *something is wrong* about them. This is a sinister film, and a heartbreaking one to a degree. Don't walk into this one lighthearted - thinking you're going to see something goofy.
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006): This is a a 'love' story about a serial killer with super powers. Written originally by Patrick Suskind in 1985, this fantastic little novel is one of my favorites and it is rumored this novel was also a favorite of Kurt Cobain's. There's just something intoxicating about this film... Read more in my review here.
The Phantom Carriage (1921): This film was apparently a huge influence on Ingmar Bergman (no relation, sadly), and is very highly regarded although often forgotten. I can see why on both fronts! It wasn't until recently that they've been able to put the pieces of this work back together again - to make it available in a digital format. Here is the story about an awful man, who's awful to people (primarily because of his drinking) and how a ghostly carriage takes him on a ride... Although this one *could* be shelved in the Drama section, it would sit better alone or next to Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Read more in my review here.
Phantom Thread (2017): Here we have a man, staunch in his ways, who begins to fall in love with a woman - who is also staunch in her ways. They battle over clothing and independence. LET THE NIGHTMARE BEGIN! The steady beat throughout the film is an all-consuming dread. Read more in my review here.
Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975): Soul-suckingly haunting, dreamy, and with a mighty dose of madness - this incredible film is one I will never, ever forget. Tangible yet also phantasmal, the viewers are taken through a trip of youth, lace, feathers, fresh linin, wraithlike order and obedience, blinding sun and grassy backgrounds - and there you'll stay until the bitter end. In all, this is a really terrifying film in that it infiltrates all your senses, leaves you hallow despite your desire for more, and again, so breathless it's a struggle to find the right words to describe the viewing experience. Read more in my review here.
Quills (2000): The New York Times called this movie "Wickedly funny and very sexy". Put the pipe down New York Times, this movie is neither wickedly funny or sexy - it is horrific! Granted, it is a stunning film with great acting, heartbreaking scenery, and mind boggling dilemmas, what this movie is not is funny or sexy. It is a horror story, and a good one, on many levels. Read more in my review here.
Ravenous (1999): This film blew my mind when my life was normal, but it really blew my mind when I'm cramming little slices of meat, cheese, and crackers in my mouth because that's all that will fit with my jaw stress locked. Here we have a story about people making their way West, they get stranded by a snow storm, and a Wendigo comes along... Let's throw in a remote military outpost, a motley cast of characters, an excellent script and plot, and we have a very thrilling adventure on our hands. Bonus, the soundtrack is so perfect! It just perfectly captures the humor and horror of this film. Read more in my review here.
The Runner (2022): This is possibly a 40 minute music video. Or it could be a sharp art house film that not everyone will understand. Or, still, it could be just a very creative look into madness, monsters, and music. Actually, it's all of these things I think. Here we have the story of a woman - feral, hungry, and out looking for blood - just wandering around in the woods. She finds herself in a small town that is still stuck somewhere in a fever dream. Watch out for this one, folks. She's messy. Read more in my review here.
See the Sea (1997): This French film upset me so much that by the very, very end I had to watch it again. CHILLING. This film is absolutely chilling. This film is not quite in the French extremism category but mentally, it's there. In this story a drifting woman meets a lonely woman who is isolated with her child and the water. It ends terribly. Prepare yourself for this emotional experience.
She-Wolf of London (1946): Nothing says a classic 1940's film better than crazy ladies. It doesn't matter if the characters are actually crazy or not, they are ladies and therefore, likely crazy (or fickle, or jealous, or stupid, or money hungry - but ultimately need a man to sort things out). A great film to wined the night down with, or take a little break in the middle of a Saturday afternoon. A fine fine film to talk to (at) with a group of your best fellow 1940's 'horror' movie fans. Read more in my review here.
Summoning Sylvia (2023): What an absolutely fabulous and funny film! Loved it Here we have a group of gay men out for a bachelor party and a ghost shows up who adds just an extra flare to the fun. This film reminded me of the bachelor party outing I went on with some of my gay besties. There were no ghosts but there was a urinal in the closet of the cabin we were renting. Hahahahaha. Just a fun film.
The Tomb of Ligeia (1964): Here we have an Edger Allen Poe story, retold at Roger Corman's direction, and staring Vincent Price - and frankly that's just perfection for me. Here a brooding and mysterious man falls in love with a bright and bubbly woman. They marry and return to his crumbling estate. Uh oh. His first wife's body lies in the nearby tomb and, ope, this husband can't stop thinking about her and begins to demonstrate horrible control over his new wife. Read more I my review here.
Transylvania 6-5000 (1985): Slapstick and goofy as hell, but damn do I love this film! What could go wrong when new two news reporters are sent to Transylvania to investigator paranormal going on's? This is a childhood classic for me and it still makes me laugh out loud. Read more in my review here.
The Uninvited (1944): Mom introduced this film to me as a teen and I've been madly in love with it ever since. This film has been called one of the best ghost story movies ever made. There is little question as to why. It's smart, it's quick, it's dark, and mysterious. In fact, it took me several viewings before I caught up with the sassy 1940's banter and through all the levels of social detail. Read more in my review here.
Viy (1967): What in the world is this Russian folk tale?!? Moody, masochistic, beautiful in it's horror and manipulation, here we have the story about a young priest who is tasked to watch over the body of a "witch" in a remote village. Things don't end well for the village... stay witchy, you bad bitches!
You'll Never Find Me (2023): I watched this film twice - In A Row. First time I wasn't really paying attention and you really need to pay attention here. And I'll watch it again! Here we have the story of a dark and stormy night in a trailer park when there's a loud pounding on this stranger home. He opens the door to find a rain drenched young woman looking for a phone. MADNESS ensues with sinister accuracy.
