Horror Movies To Watch This Halloween
With Halloween around the corner, binge-watching scary movies is an annual tradition, especially if you’ve outgrown trick-or-treating. While my opinion should be enough, the review site, Rotten Tomatoes, and the movie’s ratings are also listed for your perusal.
In no particular order:
Photo credit: Rotten Tomatoes
Train to Busan (2016)
“As a zombie outbreak sweeps the country, a dad and his daughter take a harrowing train journey in an attempt to reach the only city that’s still safe.”
This blockbuster is Korea’s first zombie movie to become a box office hit in 2016. The well-written story and the confined space setting of the train makes this action-packed horror flick a unique and captivating zombie tale with lots of heart.
Critics = 96% Users = 88%
Critics Consensus: Train to Busan delivers a thrillingly unique -- and purely entertaining -- take on the zombie genre, with fully realized characters and plenty of social commentary to underscore the bursts of skillfully staged action.
The Babadook (2014)
“Sam’s frequent tantrums turn sinister when a creepy children’s book mysteriously appears in his room, and he asks his mother, “Do you want to die?”
If you think this movie is another typical harrowing tale about a mother and child being haunted, you’re wrong. The Babadook is a complex survival story beautifully acted by its main cast.
All Critics = 98% Users = 72%
Critics Consensus: The Babadook relies on real horror rather than cheap jump scares -- and boasts a heartfelt, genuinely moving story to boot.
The Invitation (2015)
“A man accepts an invitation to a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife, an unsettling affair that reopens old wounds and creates new tensions.”
This creepy and disturbing slow burn of a movie made me a hardcore fan of Logan Marshall Green for life. It doesn’t hurt that he is hot and looks like my other favorite, Tom Hardy.
All Critics = 88% Users = 70%
Critics Consensus: The Invitation makes brilliant use of its tension-rich premise to deliver a uniquely effective -- and surprisingly clever -- slow-building thriller
Hush (2016)
“A deaf writer who retreated into the woods to live a solitary life must fight for her life in silence when a masked killer appears in her window.”
Get ready for a suspenseful ride. While the intruder premise is done to death, Hush is not generic and packs a punch with some seriously satisfying scenes.
All Critics = 88% 73% liked it
The Shining (1980)
“Jack Torrance descends into madness -- terrorizing his wife and young son -- after living at a deserted and eerie hotel during its off season.”
You cannot have a best horror list without The Shining. This classic directed by Stanley Kubrick is a timeless horror masterpiece. Proven by the fact that its main actress, Shelley Duvall, became emotionally and physically scarred from her role. Danny played by Danny Lloyd is one of the cutest child actors ever in scary movie history.
All Critics = 86% Users = 93%
Critics Consensus: Though it deviates from Stephen King's novel, Stanley Kubrick's The Shining is a chilling, often baroque journey into madness -- exemplified by an unforgettable turn from Jack Nicholson
Cargo (2018)
“Amid a terrifying pandemic, a father searches the wilds of Australia for someone willing to protect and care for his infant daughter.
Very rarely do I pass a movie starring the phenomenal Martin Freeman. If he isn’t enough reason to try this modern day zombie flick, you should watch it because it’s a race against time like you cannot imagine. The premise is heartbreaking.
All Critics = 85% Users = 67%
Critics Consensus: Cargo takes a refreshingly character-driven approach to the zombie genre that's further distinguished by its Australian setting and Martin Freeman's terrific lead performance.
The Sixth Sense (1999)
“When a 9-year old boy inexplicably starts seeing dead people, he lands in the care of a child psychologist who’s determined to uncover the truth.”
If you still have not seen one of the most talked about horror flicks in the 90s, you must. Millennials, this movie is on this list for you. This M. Night Shayamalan’s movie was nominated for six Oscars and was No. 1 at the box office for five weeks in a row. Toni Collette is exquisite.
All Critics = 85% Users = 90%
Critics Consensus: M Night Shayamalan's The Sixth Sense is a twisty ghost story with all the style of a classical Hollywood picture, but all the chills of a modern horror flick.
The Conjuring (2013)
“Based on true events, this spine-chiller tells the story of a New England family who begins having encounters with spirits in their farmhouse.”
Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson make a perfect team of evil extinguishers, Lorraine and Ed Warren. I gave this movie a chance because of them and walked away a huge fan of James Wan, the movie director for The Conjuring franchise. The second one is even better but unfortunately it’s not available on Netflix. This horror tale was No. 1 at the box office opening weekend.
All Critics = 86% Users = 82%
Critics Consensus: Well-crafted and gleefully creepy, The Conjuring ratchets up dread through a series of effective old-school scares.
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@YvonLux is a marketing CEO and founder of VANT4GE, LLC who also owns her custom-clothing line, Yvon Lux. She is also a published beauty and lifestyle blogger and editor for her empowering Apple News channel. Connect with her on Instagram and don't forget to subscribe to her channel!
