Hidden Horror Gems on Amazon Prime and Netflix
Updated: Sep 24, 2022
October has finally arrived! That means that it’s time to break out the fun fall décor and put on some scary movies to enjoy during the Halloween season. But to break away from the typical ideas that one could give, I would like to present with everyone a list of 10 movies each available on streaming services just in time for the holiday. Prior to doing so, I would like to recommend the horror streaming service Shudder. It has plenty of movies to choose from as well as some stellar documentaries and TV series. I would also like to remind everyone that the follow-up season to The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor (based off the classic ghost story The Turn of the Screw), will be available on Netflix very soon.
Here are 10 amazing choices from Netflix with a brief reason for watching the film!
The Babysitter (2017): If you’d rather have a dark comedy/horror film that tends to fit more in the comedy than horror, then look no further. This story of a middle schooler learning his babysitter’s dark secret is nothing but fun.
Head Count (2018): This film is a bit unconventional. It takes its time to ease into the creep factor, but that’s what it does splendidly. Minor scenes that seem harmless are more devious than expected. This film will play with your head a bit.
The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015): A lot like the previous entry on the list, this movie is a bit on the slower side of things. But don’t let that fool you. The truth of this film is darkly sinister and worth the watch if you’re willing to be patient.
Verόnica (2017): This film comes from Spain and takes place in the early 90s. It’s fairly pedestrian and has an amazing performance from the lead actress. Very much worth the watch, but don’t expect it to be the most original film on this list. This one is based on a true police report and has been subtitled in English.
Tucker & Dale vs. Evil (2010): This film is a very gruesome dark comedy that is almost guaranteed to make anyone laugh. It takes typical horror conventions and spins them around (the main characters of the film are the “creepy” country men and not the college kids). Not for the faint of heart, but an incredibly fun watch for those not wanting anything too scary.
The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016): This movie is a thrill ride from start to finish. Not the most gruesome film you’ll find on this list, but definitely one of the scarier ones here. Emotional and claustrophobic, Jane Doe will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Session 9 (2001): This movie is more in-line with a psychological thriller than a horror, but it’s definitely atmospheric. This film is best appreciated without a lot of knowledge going into it.
Creep (2014): A found footage film that will make sure you’re uncomfortable throughout its short runtime. It won’t be anything you expect. If you choose to watch this movie, you’re already not prepared for the final minutes.
As Above, So Below (2014): One of the only other found footage movies on this list. This movie is relentlessly claustrophobic and preys on psychological terrors instead of jump scares like most released to theaters found footage movies at its time. This was very much overlooked because of that filming style, but it is worth the watch.
The Endless (2017): This film is as trippy as it is frightening. This one will be worth paying attention to as the film takes you on a weird ride.
Here are 10 amazing choices from Amazon Prime with a brief reason for watching the film!
From Within (2009): From the horror movie collection After Dark Horrorfest III, From Within is a hidden gem that is available on Amazon Prime. A lot of the other After Dark Horrorfest movies are also on Amazon Prime, but I wanted more space than just those movies and not all of them are great. This one is just a personal favorite from the collection. Very tense and a haunting that I don’t believe I’ve seen in other films.
Gonjiam Haunted Asylum (2018): From South Korea, we have a terrifying tale stemming off of the horrors locked away inside the infamous Gonjiam Asylum. This movie has plenty of scary sequences and some jump scares, so be prepared for that. English subtitled.
Deep Red (1976): This giallo film from Italian horror craftsman, Dario Argento, is certainly an older film worthy of putting on a watchlist. The film is a murder mystery that will leave you guessing until the final minutes. Being an older film, the effects are a tad dated, but the story makes up for that if you’re unsure about the unconvincing effects. English dubbed.
The House of the Devil (2010): This film is sure to terrify those who desire to watch an unnerving story of a housesitter unwittingly learning about the dark nature of the homeowners and the secrets they hold inside. I highly recommend this film.
Unsane (2018): A deeply disturbing movie with an equally disturbing message, Unsane is more psychological in nature than horror. It has the unique factor of being filmed entirely on an iPhone which does add a bit to the unease throughout the film.
The Nightmare (2015): This is a documentary regarding the phenomena known as sleep paralysis and the stories some people have experienced while undergoing the terrifying situation. Dramatic recreations will be tense and know that this is a real thing that does happen.
Hell House LLC (2016): The final found footage film to be recommended is one that’s subtle creepiness makes up for the lackluster sequels it faces. Treat this movie as a standalone and it’ll be much better experienced. Very much disturbing but not in a gory way.
Southbound (2015): Easily the most graphic on this list, Southbound is an anthology artistic film that builds its tension through the idea of not knowing what the characters are involved in. The stories are all well made and the characters are great. This film does, however, have a good amount of violence in it. Not at all for the faint of heart.
I See You (2019): A thriller with a twist that is hard to predict. It’s best to know nothing about this film before watching it. Probably the least disturbing on this list, but that doesn’t make it any less worthy of a watch.
Triangle (2009): A criminally underrated film, Triangle is a movie that needs to be paid attention to from the start. It gets confusing very quickly, but if you follow along, you’ll be presented with an amazing story that deserves recognition. But do not look up anything about this movie. You don’t want to be spoiled on its content. This is the movie I recommend the most out of this entire list.
I hope you decide to check out some of these movies after viewing this list! And for those who have stuck around to the end, I hope you have a Happy Halloween!