I’ve watched a lot of horror movies in my time; one could say I’m a connoisseur of sorts. I’ve pretty much made through and back all of Netflix’s horror section, and I have to tell you that I’m not totally impressed. Horror is a genre that’s often done pretty badly, and for some that’s what makes it so enjoyable. But there are those who want a real, actual scare.

This list is a mix that will (hopefully) satisfy a viewer who wants both. I have some (debatable) classics, some actually scary movies, and some that are mild in the creepy department.

Now that’s October is upon us, it’s the perfect time to cuddle under the covers and watch a few scary movies. All of these movies are either, or were at one point, avaliable on Netflix.

1. Insidious, 2011, James Wan

This is a staple horror movie for anyone who enjoys the genre, and is also a pretty good entry level flick for someone that wants to get into scary films but doesn’t know where to start. It has a few very scary scenes, but is not overall something that will give you nightmares.

James Wan and Leigh Whannell (the writer) are a duo that you’re going to see a few times on this list. I admit, I’m a little biased-- that being said, they do know how to write a good movie.

The plot line follows the same principle of many horror movies: a family moves into a new home, and it’s haunted. However, Insidious has several interesting twists that you won’t expect (which is a staple of any Whannell film).

2. Sinister, 2012, Scott Derrickson

I’ve seen a lot of horror films in my life. This movie ranks as the scariest one I’ve ever seen. I can think of no other movie that was so unsettling and creepy that it left such an impression on me. That’s high praise, coming from me.

I won’t go into the plot too much as not to spoil the surprises, but like Insidious it surrounds a family moving into a house that leads to much supernatural shenanigans. The acting may not be the best in the world, but it makes up for itself in the pure creepiness that ensues.

3) The Bay, 2012, Barry Levinson

Perhaps I find this movie pretty memorable because it takes place in Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay, which happens to be where I grew up. Maybe it’s simply because it’s kind of gross. Either way, this movie stuck with me, and I’ve watched it more than once.

The Bay is an interesting genre of found footage movie, which some call “eco-horror”-- that is, concerning the environment. There aren’t any bad guys or monsters to run from in this movie: only man’s impact on nature. For some, that can be even worse than some made up creature.

If you find giant isopods cute, this is the movie for you.

4) The Saw Series, 2004-2010, James Wan

You’re about to click away from this article! Please don’t! I beg you to read a little further.

I am, and have been for a very long time, a vocal advocate for the Saw franchise. I know what you’re thinking: “These movies are terrible. They’re just torture porn.”

You’re absolutely right. They suck. They’re over the top, with bad acting and a ridiculous plot line and there are too many of them.

That being said...they’re enjoyable. For some people. I myself have watched every one of the seven movies around eight times now.

If you’re not into gore and blood, then no. I do not suggest them. They are morbid in that department. If you cannot handle that, and I understand, skip this section.

If you can handle that, these movies can be a whole lot of fun. There are seven in the series. The first Saw is actually a really well done movie. After that they start to slip.

There is, however, one very remarkable thing about them. That’s the writing. I’ve never watched any series that has so much continuity. Every little thing is explained in the movies. Every detail, every character, every moment that happens in the movie will be brought back later. I rewatched the first movie recently, and it got me thinking: you see almost 100% of the characters in this first movie die at some point in the next seven. Which is sort of morbid, but you really don’t see that in sequels anywhere.

You’re either going to love the Saw movies, or hate them. But please, if you can handle the gore, please try them.

5) Re-Animator, 1985, Stuart Gordon

I said I’d put some classics on here, and I am here to provide. This is a cult classic that is often forgotten about. It also happens to be one in a series of three, but you don’t have to watch the rest unless you really, really want to.

This movie is based on a short story by H.P. Lovecraft, but the movie is less racist than him and just about as ridiculous. If you like science and raising the dead, this is the movie for you. It can get a little graphic sexually and morbidly, at the same time (which is always a great combo).

I also want to honorably mention Jeffrey Combs, who is one of the best B-list horror actors in the business. If you like his performance in this, I’ve pretty much seen his entire repertoire and would be happy to recommend more of his movies.

6) Dead Silence, 2007, James Wan

This is my last Wan/Whannell combo movie, I swear. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen this movie, but even now I remember enjoying its creepiness and plot twists (one in particular that you’re going to have to wait until the end to see).

There, of course, has to be one creepy doll movie on this list, and this movie takes it a step further; it’s a creepy ventriloquist dummy, which is ten times worse. And he’s really awful looking, too.

This isn’t one of my favorite movies, but if you’re exhausted all the other options on the list it can be a good way to conclude your marathon. It has bland dialogue and cheap thrills, but can be fun nonetheless.

7) The Taking of Deborah Logan, 2014, Adam Ribotel

I’ve seen this movie a few times, and not for the real reasons you’d expect. It’s a pretty classic found footage film, with a few jump scares and creepy moments in it.

It’s a little slow on the startup, but I beg you to give it time. If anything, watch it for the ending, because there’s a scene in there that really messed me up (and begged me to watch it a second time).

This is a movie that’s not too repulsive that you wouldn’t be able to watch it with a date or something of the sort. It may recycle some film cliches, but it’s still a satisfying movie. And, if you’re sick of children being the villain in horror movies, now you get to see a grandma!

8) The Babadook, 2014, Jennifer Kent

A truly creepy movie, and not done through jump scares and gore. Although I wasn’t able to watch it a second time due to some of the themes, it really tackles some issues that you don’t usually see in horror movies. A very psychological movie as well as a horror one.

This is an indie film, so it’s not terribly high budget and I was only able to see it in a tiny theater, but don’t let that turn you away from it. The imagery and storytelling are very chilling.