By Jameson Brown · September 21, 2014
Fall is here, and that means the October horror season is on the horizon. This guide will come in two parts, which should cover a good portion of the upcoming month with more blood, gore and scares than you probably need. All of these films are currently streaming on Netflix, but if they get dropped we will update the list accordingly.
10. Re-Animator (1985)
One of the absolute creepiest cult classics ever to grace the horror genre, Re-Animator tees itself up for an insanely gross, and funny, third act. Jeffrey Combs (who will appear later on this list) is the only person who could have pulled off the demented Herbert West, an insane medical student whose scariest feature is his determination. Oh, and don’t forget to press “play.”
9. House (1986)
A horror entry that I thoroughly enjoy more and more with each viewing, House embraces its laughable premise and succeeds in producing some real scares via good set and costume design. Although the central plot point of the Vietnam War plagued writer is a bit overdone, it does tie up the loose end of Cobb’s son and provides a fun final confrontation in the end.
8. House on Haunted Hill (1959)
A classic that helped move this genre in the right direction, HOHH lays out a great premise for its characters to wade through while cringing the entire time. Please do not subject yourself to the remake, as it squashes the original’s intentions and is oversaturated, and overly focused, on unwarranted sadistic gore.
7. Fright Night (1985)
Another cult classic that crosses into the vampire lane, Fright Night is a good spirited mystery that has real pay off in the end. And while the original is the route to go this October, the Colin Ferell remake is not too shabby.
6. The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
A much welcomed new addition to the genre, one that takes a bird’s eye view, pokes fun at it and then creates its own world of horror within that rubik’s cube of satire. This “four in the morning” movie written in only three days by Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard was a testament to writing something as a genuine fan of a genre, but doing it smartly and creatively.
5. Hellraiser (1987)
There’s nothing aggressively original about Hellraiser, but Pinhead is one scary bastard who I would never want mad at me. The further this franchise goes, though, the worse each sequel gets.
4. A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge (1985)
It does not merit much in the “good story” department (or acting for that matter), but it does boasts some well executed special effects and presents us with some unique nightmare scenarios.
3. The Frighteners (1996)
The last spirtual entry from Jackson before his embarking into Lord of the Rings territory, The Frighteners is a strange, otherworldly back and forth for Frank Bannister that provides great visuals and a unique premise. We also get to see the always welcomed Jeffrey Combs being a squirmy creep of a man who is, again, displaying keen determination for what he wants.
2. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
This horror gem is a Roman Polanski classic that illuminates great acting as its core for genuine thrills. It is also is supported by a well-crafted narrative that enables Farrow to delve into some chunky, horrifying dialogues.
1. Night of the Living Dead (1968)
At the end of the day, zombies take the cake. Common? Yes. But they never get old. So, going back to the where it all started is only appropriate.
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