As autumn envelops us in its crisp embrace, the arrival of spooky season becomes official. The scent of pumpkin spice and the allure of chilling tales herald this anticipated time of year.
For those eager to immerse themselves in horror, this guide covers a meticulously curated list of movies and TV series guaranteed to send shivers down your spine. Prepare for a month filled with suspense, fear, and eerie delights.
Hold Your Breath
Sarah Paulson, an “American Horror Story” mainstay, stars in “Hold Your Breath,” a period piece set in 1930s Oklahoma. The film, doubling as a psychological horror, follows a woman convinced that an evil force targets her family amidst traumatic dust storms. This film will premiere on October 3 on Hulu.
House of Spoils
Oscar-winner Ariana DeBose headlines “House of Spoils,” a culinary horror film about an up-and-coming chef facing the spirit of the estate’s previous owner. Joined by “Euphoria” star Barbie Ferreira, the movie promises a blend of culinary ambition and supernatural suspense. It will be available for streaming on Prime Video commencing October 3.
This film merges the culinary world with supernatural elements, creating a gripping narrative that explores themes of ambition, legacy, and the supernatural.
‘Salem’s Lot
As Stephen King’s second published novel, “‘Salem’s Lot” remains a staple in vampire lore. The latest adaptation introduces a sleek and modern take on the story of a quaint town in Maine overrun by vampires. Premiering on October 3 on Max, this film aims to rejuvenate interest in King’s classic horror tale.
The narrative follows the residents as they confront an ancient evil, blending small-town charm with spine-chilling horror.
Monster Summer
Set on Martha’s Vineyard, “Monster Summer” combines nostalgic elements with a supernatural twist. The plot follows kids on bikes who team up with a retired cop to investigate mysterious forces invading their island.
This PG-13 rated film, to be released on October 4, features a mix of adventure and horror, reminiscent of “Stranger Things.”
V/H/S/Beyond
The “V/H/S” series continues with “V/H/S/Beyond,” a found-footage horror film with a sci-fi twist. Featuring six interconnected stories, this latest entry pushes the boundaries of fear and suspense.
The film streams on Shudder starting October 4, promising an exhilarating experience for fans of the genre.
The anthology format allows for a diverse range of stories and scares, ensuring something for every horror aficionado.
Caddo Lake
Dylan O’Brien stars in “Caddo Lake,” a film revolving around the disappearance of a little girl and the dark secrets beneath the lake’s surface. Set against a foreboding backdrop, the narrative intertwines past and present mysteries.
Premiering on Max on October 10, the film is an unsettling dive into what lurks beneath the water.
Teacup
“Teacup,” debuting on Peacock on October 10, follows a group of neighbours trapped on a rural Georgia farm facing an unstoppable, mysterious threat.
Starring Yvonne Strahovski and Scott Speedman, the series heightens the creep factor with its eerie setting and relentless suspense.
The presence of a character in an old-school gas mask amplifies the tension and adds to the unsettling atmosphere.
Terrifier 3
“Terrifier 3” features Art the Clown, a truly terrifying character known for his gruesome acts. The film delves into his chaotic spree leading up to Christmas, solidifying its place in the Christmas horror sub-genre.
Coming to theatres on October 11, this film is not for the faint-hearted, pushing the boundaries of gore and horror.
Following the gory success of “Terrifier 2,” this sequel promises to deliver an even more gruesome experience.
Smile 2
“Smile 2” continues the terrifying premise of its predecessor, with a demonic force causing victims to smile ominously before meeting a grisly end. Naomi Scott stars as an up-and-coming pop star entangled in this horror.
Scheduled for release on October 18, the film features cameos from notable actors, including Drew Barrymore and Lukas Gage.
Hysteria!
“Hysteria!” follows a high school heavy metal band capitalising on the notoriety of an occult murder by rebranding as a Satanic metal band. The series explores how their plan spirals out of control.
The self-aware title, reminiscent of “Jennifer’s Body,” debuts on Peacock on October 18. Its blend of dark humour and horror makes it a unique addition to the Halloween lineup.
Saw Unrated 20th Anniversary
Celebrating two decades since its release, the unrated version of “Saw” returns to theatres on October 20 and October 23. This re-release allows fans to revisit the origin of the Jigsaw killer and his gruesome games.
The film remains a pivotal piece in the horror genre, known for its inventive traps and psychological terror.
Don’t Move
“Don’t Move,” streaming on Netflix from October 25, centres on a woman with mere minutes to escape a killer in the woods before a paralytic agent takes effect. The film stars Kelsey Asbille and Finn Wittrock, with Sam Raimi as co-producer.
The premise promises high-stakes tension and a race against time, drawing viewers into its intense narrative.
Your Monster
“Your Monster” offers a unique blend of horror and romantic comedy. Following a woman who finds a charming monster in her closet, the film explores themes of love and fear.
Starring Melissa Barrera, the movie hits theatres on October 25, providing a lighter yet thrilling take on Halloween entertainment.
As October unfolds, these carefully selected films and series promise to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Whether you prefer psychological horror, supernatural thrills, or classic gore, there’s something for every horror enthusiast. Embrace the season and let the scares commence.
