Written by Valerie Mendez
Halloween has just passed, and if you’re a fan of the holiday like I am, it can be a bit upsetting that this time only lasts one month. However, it doesn’t mean that all things spooky have to come to a stop. We all know the beloved Halloween themed classics like Halloween Town and Hocus Pocus but there are a plethora of other underrated films to get your horror fix on that don’t revolve around the holiday. Here is a not-so-basic guide of 13 movies you should watch all year long, ranging from family friendly to “maybe I shouldn’t watch this alone”.
For the musical lover:
1. Little Shop of Horrors (1986) Dir. Howard Ashman. PG-13
Starring Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Steve Martin
If you’re a fan of Disney's The Little Mermaid, chances are you might like this Alan Menken and Howard Ashman black comedy musical. Adapted from the 1982 off-broadway show by the same name, this is the story of Seymour, a grown up orphan and his discovery of an out of this world plant. Naming the plant after his crush and co-worker, Audrey, he soon realizes that he can make all of their dreams come true just by growing the plant. The only catch is, Audrey II is one thirsty plant-- bloodthirsty, that is.
Available to stream on HBO Max, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
2. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) Dir. Jim Sharman. R
Starring Tim Curry, Richard O'Brien, and Susan Sarandon
In this cult classic, lovers Brad and Janet find themselves driving home on a rainy night when they discover that Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transvestite sciencetist, is having a house party. Brad and Janet slowly lose their innocence as they meet the cast of wacky characters. However they soon find out that this is no ordinary party, this is the unveiling of Rocky Horror: a man-made Adonis. Rocky roams free as visitors vanish, while Brad and Janet lose a grip on reality. This rock-’n’-roll musical is groundbreaking and fun in every way. If you’re a “virgin” viewer, you’re definitely going to want to learn about the audience participation for optimal viewer experience. Here’s Playbill’s guide to audience participation: https://www.playbill.com/article/the-virgins-guide-to-rocky-horror-callouts
Available to stream on Hulu.
If you’re up for a psychological thriller:
3. Midsommer (2019) R, or any other Ari Aster film.
Starring Florence Pugh and Will Poulter
Struggling couple, Dani and Mark, decide to visit a college friend’s rural hometown in Sweden for its famed midsummer festival. What seems at first like heaven on earth unravels itself to be the complete opposite, an increasingly violent and bizzare pagan cult, with Dani and her friends as the stars of their festival. This film is not for the faint of heart, as it features many unsettling scenes depicting gore and sex. If you find yourself a fan by the end of the film, be sure to check out director Ari Aster’s other work, Hereditary, which explores family problems in a similar fashion.
Available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
4. Us (2019) R, or any other film by Jordan Peele.
Starring Jordan Peele, Lupita Nyong’o, Winston Duke, & Elizabeth Moss
What starts off as a normal return to her childhood home, turns into an unexpected visit by four strangers for Adelaide Wilson and her family. However these are no strangers, it's them. While being haunted by her past trauma, Wilson and her family must fight for their life against the army of clones. Director and writer Jordan Peele has recently made a name for himself in the horror/thriller genre, and if you haven’t already watched Get Out, I highly recommend you add it to your watch list.
Available to stream on HBO Max, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video
5. Misery (1990) Dir. Rob Reiner R, or any other Stephen King adaptation.
Starring Kathy Bates & James Caan
It’s every fan’s fantasy to have alone time with their favorite celebrity. That dream soon becomes a reality for former nurse, Annie Wilkes, as she rescues popular novelist Paul Sheldon from a serious car crash. In the midst of a snow blizzard, she takes him to recover in a remote cabin in the woods. Things take a dark turn when her curious mind leads him to reveal that he is killing off her favorite character in his new book. Refusing to accept his version, she holds him captive, growing increasingly violent as he is forced to put her dark twisted fantasies into writing. Any Stephen King film adaptation is perfect to watch for a horror fix however, this is one of my favorites as it's been overshadowed by his other works in recent years and features an amazing performance by Kathy Bates, winning her an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.
Available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, AMC, Philo, fuboTV, and Sling TV
Comedies for those who can’t do horror:
6. The Faculty (1998) Dir. Robert Rodriguez. R
Starring Josh Hartnett, Elijah Wood, Usher and Salma Hayek
This blast from the late 90s takes us to Harrington High, where the school’s faculty is slowly taken over by a parasite-like alien that starts to infect the students one by one. Cheerleader Delilah, drug dealer Zeke, football player Stan, nerdy photographer Casey, new girl Marybeth, and outcast Stokely form an unlikely group in a mission to find a cure and save the world. If you’re a fan of the 90s you’re going to want to check this one out.
Available to stream on Vudu and Pluto TV for free!
7. Beetlejuice (1988) PG or any other film by Tim Burton.
Starring Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Alec Baldwin
After having died in a car accident, Barbara and Adam Maitland find themselves haunting their country home, unable to leave. When intolerable Deetzes and innocent teen daughter Lydia buy their residence, the Maitlands unsuccessfully attempt to scare them out. During their efforts a rambunctious spirit, Beetlejuice, appears to help but is slowly revealed to be more bad than good. Perfect for the whole family, this is a classic you don’t want to miss.
Available to stream on Hulu and Sling TV
8. Young Frankenstein (1974) Dir. Mel Brooks. PG
Starring Mel Brooks, Gene Wilder, and Marty Feldman
Based on the characters from the classic novel by Mary Shelley, this comedy takes on the story of the mad scientist who brings his unorthodox science experiment to life. A “horror” film that is a parody of horror films, you’re going to be laughing out loud at Mel Brooks’ performance alone.
Available to stream on Hulu, Sling TV, Starz, and Amazon Prime Video
9. Jennifer’s Body (2009) Dir. Karyn Kusama. R
Starring Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried, Adam brody, and Johnny Simmons
High school it-girl, Jennifer, becomes possessed by a man-hungry demon. Noticing the school’s male population decreasing, nerdy friend Needy attempts to end the carnage. Becoming a cult classic in recent years, this film proved to be ahead of its time with its title character, played by Megan Fox, being a likable bisexual man eater.
Available to stream on Hulu,Amazon Prime Video, Starz, and Sling TV
If you’re a drama lover who can handle a hint of horror:
10. Seven (1995) Dir. David Fincher. R
Starring Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Keven Spacey, and Gwyneth Paltrow
Hollywood A-listers, Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt, take on this David Fincher crime story partnering up as a soon to retire detective on his final case and a newly transferred rooky detective. During their investigation, they discover a serial killer is targeting people who represent the seven deadly sins. Afraid to raise his unborn child in a crime-riddled city, Detective Mills alongside Detective Somerset are determined to find the killer. This is more of crime/mystery than horror however, the crimes committed are horrific enough to make it on this list. If you like suspense and true crime, give this film a watch.
Available to stream on HBO Max
11. Train to Busan (2016) Dir. Yeon Sang-ho. TV-MA
Starring Gong Yoo, Yeon Sang-ho, Ma Dong-Seok, and Kim Soo-Ahn
Busy business man and father, Gong Yoo, takes his estranged daughter on a train ride to visit her mother. During their train ride, a zombie outbreak starts to spread in South Korea, leading those on the train to set aside their differences in a quest for survival. This zombie movie has been claimed by many as the best zombie apocalypse film of all time, as it provides realistic insight on the role of human emotions.
Available to stream on Tubi, Crackle, Sling TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Viki
12. The Craft (1996) Dir. Andrew Fleming. R
Starring Fairuza Balk, Robin tunney, Neve Campbell, and Rachel True
Upon transferring to a new high school, Sarah finds that her telekinetic gifts have piqued the interest of a group of three wannabe witches. Bonding over their common troubled backgrounds, Sarah finds herself completing their coven and their combined powers lead to dangerous consequences. You may have heard of this film’s 2020 reboot, so be sure to watch the original and see what made it relevant enough to have a reboot 14 years later.
Available to stream on Hulu, Sling TV, and fuboTV
13. Monster House (2006) Dir. Gil Kenan. PG
Starring voices from Mitchel Musso, Sam Lerner, Spencer Locke, and Steve Buscemi
Every neighborhood has its designated haunted house but the young DJ, Chowder, and Jenny believe that this haunted house is not only dangerous, but also alive. Halloween is quickly approaching and this rag tag group of kids have taken it upon themselves to save the town from this monster of a house.
Available to stream on Hulu and fuboTV