NETFLIX AND CHILLS: 5 awesome horror movies to watch before Halloween

I watch horror movies all year round. It’s one of my favorite genres, partly because there are some movies that are amazing and others that are amazingly awful. Both are fun! Netflix has a fine selection of horror films but sometimes it’s tough to find the stuff that is really going to keep you up at night. So, here’s a list of either new or underrated horror movies that I find creepy, cool and worthy of a good scream.

1. IN THE TALL GRASS

First up is In the Tall Grass, a film based on the short story by Stephen King and his son, Joe Hill. The film takes place almost exclusively in—you guessed it—some tall grass. And believe me, you have never seen grass this scary. A brother and sister pair are lured off the highway into the grass by a young boy calling for help, then they can’t find the boy, each other, or a way out. Director Vincenzo Natali has a skill for working on a limited set—the film never feels like it drags or gets boring and the vibrant colours of the grass and the skyline really make the scenes pop. This film kept me guessing even after it was finished with twists and turns throughout. And it was definitely pretty gruesome and unsettling at parts, which made it stick with me. I’d definitely recommend it for some spooky, autumn vibes that’ll bend your mind a little.

2. THE RITUAL

This is another film that takes place predominantly in nature, so you’re guaranteed some cool autumn vibes. The Ritual gave me a The Blair Witch Project vibe but not just because of the forest. It’s atmospheric and creepy, and you’re never really sure what is going to happen next. A trek in the woods with friends becomes something much more sinister, which is a pretty classic theme in horror movies, but The Ritual is just weird enough and just creepy enough to set it apart from the rest. As the characters are stalked through the woods by some unknown presence, we get dragged deeper and deeper into a strange and creepy story. I definitely didn’t want to go outside at night after watching this one. Consider yourself warned.

3. MOTHER!

This is probably the most disturbing film on the list. What begins as a slow burn turns into an incredibly nuanced and layered film. By the time it was over, I was both horrified and intrigued. The film is a story about a newly married couple settling into their new home when they find out they are having a baby, but it transforms from an intense drama into full-on horror. I wanted to read all the theories about this film and how people were perceiving it. Turns out criticism is pretty love or hate, but in my opinion this movie is weird enough and has a creepy, realistic message that people could stand to hear. Javier Bardem and Jennifer Lawrence are great in their roles, and you won’t regret sitting through the slow, intense build up once you get the gruesome, terrifying reward and finally start to understand what the hell is going on.

4. TERRIFIER

This film was a surprise. It looks like pretty typical horror movie filler. It starts pretty with a girl entering a mostly-abandoned building and discovering she is being stalked by a creepy clown she met at a diner. But Terrifier turns out to be a funny, gory, action-packed good time. I definitely jumped at parts and though I normally hate jump scares, these ones were somehow enjoyable. They played into the fun aspects of the film. And it really was fun. I was laughing even when it was gross. I was laughing even when I was scared. It is a rollercoaster ride and though you may not be terrified by the end as much as amused, once you start seeing people dressed as the signature clown for Halloween, I bet you’re gonna be at least a little bit creeped out.

5. THE BABYSITTER

This is one of my favourite Netflix movies. Not just out of the horror movies, but out of all the films. The cast is funny and phenomenal, and the movie isn’t so much scary as it is a dark and manic good time. The premise is that a young boy finds out that his babysitter and her friends are a lot more sinister than they seem when he is home alone with them. If you’re in the mood for a great slasher flick but with less of a keep-you-up-all-night vibe then this movie is for you. Also, I must mention Samara Weaving, who plays the very important role of the babysitter. She is terrific as a horror and comedy actress. If you like this film, I would check out her newest horror role in Ready or Not. It’s not on Netflix (yet) but it’s also an action packed good time.

All of these titles are available on Netflix Canada. If you check them out, let me know what you think in the comments!

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