It Follows
“It Follows” is a 2014 American supernatural psychological horror film- filmed in Detroit, Michigan! The plot follows a girl pursued by a supernatural entity after a sexual encounter. Centering around the taboo subject of, specifically in this story, premarital sex, not only is the film revolutionary in its horror delivery, but in its undertaking of a new central point as well. “It Follows” is not centered on gore, but rather on the uneasy feeling and moments that keep the viewer on the edge of their seat- the best kind of horror movie, in my opinion.
House of Wax
“House of Wax” is a 2005 American-Australian horror thriller film and is a loose remake of the 1953 film of the same name. Following a group of friends that find themselves stranded and seeking help in a small town, this film is the gore and blood type while also offering a pretty cool story. It certainly is by no means as innovative as, say, the Saw franchise with their use of gore while entertaining a great plot, but it's still definitely worth a watch.
An American Werewolf in London
A classic, “An American Werewolf in London” is a 1981 British- American horror comedy film. Following a backpacker that fell victim to a werewolf attack, this is a film that is just as riveting now as it was in 1981. A very classic rendition of a werewolf movie, but the kind of classic that never gets old. “An American Werewolf in London” is the red lipstick of the horror film industry.
The Blair Witch Project
Another classic, “The Blair Witch Project” is a 1999 American found footage psychological horror film, telling the story of three student filmmakers who hike in the Black Hills in Maryland to film a documentary about the local legend of the Blair Witch. Honestly, this is one of my all-time favorite films. Just as classic as “An American Werewolf in London” but also a point that changed the movie industry with the concept of a found footage theme- the theme would not go away anytime soon. Still, “The Blair Witch Project” remains the most classic piece of the found footage style.
Clown
“Clown” is a 2014 American 3D supernatural horror film. The plot follows a realtor father that dresses as a clown for his son’s birthday party- the twist being that this costume is found in the basement of a house he is selling and this costume beginning to adhere to his skin, eventually becoming part of him. Relatively gruesome, both physically and mentally, “Clown” takes a subject, the clown, and brings the fear to life in a way that attacks both the main character and those around him. It’s a great film and worth a watch, unless clowns and unhappy endings just aren't your thing, of course.
The Shining
Another classic recent added to the Netflix horror library, “The Shining” is a 1980 British-American psychological horror film. Based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name, “The Shining” is a must-see classic. “The Shining” relies on uneasy tones and even more uncomfortable climax scenes. A great film with a great cast, this one should be at the top of your list if you haven’t seen it.
Children of the Corn
Yet another classic added to the Netflix arsenal, “Children of the Corn” is a 1984 American horror film based upon another of Stephen King’s novels of the same name, and another one of the absolute favorite films. Telling the story of the fictitious rural town of Gatlin, the cult of children that inhabit it, and a couple that finds it at the wrong place and the wrong time, this is a film that is definitely worth a watch. A classic, of course, but also a great watch.
The ABCs of Death
Now, this one is different from anything on this list. “The ABCs of Death is a 2012 American anthology horror comedy film, containing 26 different shorts, each by different directors spanning fifteen countries. Each short follows an avenue of death beginning with each letter of the alphabet. They’re innovative, grab your attention, and some may even give you a laugh. Check out the sequel, as well, “The ABCs of Death 2.”
The Den
“The Den is a 2013 found footage horror film. Following a young woman researching for a documentary project on a social site called The Den, very reminiscent of Omegle or Chat Roulette. She finds herself part of a dark, gruesome internet trade involving individuals who are paying, simply, to watch individuals be murdered. It doesn’t take much to see where this is going. “The Den” is equal parts innovative and enjoyable and is certainly worth a watch.
