Normally, this list would consist of 31 movie recommendations based on movies I’ve already seen, but instead I thought it’d be more interesting to share my October watchlist! I will admit, I’m ashamed to have not seen some of these yet, but I’m working on it; Full of classics along with some more modern entries, I hope you find something here worth watching!
Mandy (2018)
I’m a simple man: I see Nicolas Cage, I hit play. This time, the legendary actor stars in Panos Cosmatos’ film about a family defending their land against a vicious cult. It’s a deceptively complex look at a multitude of themes, and is free on PlutoTV and Prime Video!
Dawn of the Dead (1978)
Hordes of zombies swarm the US in George Romero’s iconic horror film. It’s strange how influential this movie is, because it’s surprisingly hard to find. You can rent it VOD via Prime Video, it’s even free on YouTube, but I’m surprised a movie of this magnitude isn’t streaming anywhere. I also can’t believe I haven’t seen it yet, but that’s a whole other story.
When Evil Lurks (2023)
In Demián Rugna’s latest offering, two brothers accidentally trigger a demonic epidemic in their rural community and have to deal with the fallout. Brutal and beautifully shot, you can find this on Shudder or Hulu!
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
Often regarded as a landmark achievement for practical effects, John Landis’ shocking breakthrough has thrilled fans for almost half a century, so it’s definitely time I watch it: free on Prime Video or available on the Criterion Channel for this month only!
The Witches (1990)
Adapting Roald Dahl’s novel of the same name, Nicolas Roeg offers tons of family fun as we follow a young man trying to stop witches from turning all children into mice. With a great cast and some solid crew members behind the camera, it looks like an awesome excuse to make some popcorn and gather everyone around the TV! Available this month only on the Criterion Channel, or on VOD via Amazon Prime!
Shadow of the Vampire (2000)
This classically-inspired film by E. Elias Merhige follows director F.W. Murnau as he makes a deal with Dracula to make ‘the most authentic vampire movie ever.’ This self-aware, meta approach to the genre has always interested me, and it looks like a great time. It’s also free on YouTube!
Island of Lost Souls (1933)
Adapting H.G. Wells’ novel, The Island of Dr. Moreau, Erle C. Kenton’s film looks like it offers some amazing shots and character work. Following a shipwrecked man trying to escape his mad scientist captor, it’s full of thrills and is one of the more iconic entries in the horror genre.
Day of the Dead (1985)
George Romero continued building his zombie universe with this thrilling follow-up to 1978’s Dawn of the Dead. This is another one that I saw as a child. I barely remember it, so I’m excited to fill in the blanks! Now free on Tubi.
Lifeforce (1985)
Tobe Hooper is most well-known for the iconic Texas Chainsaw Massacre, but this sci-fi horror adaptation of The Space Vampires looks like a ton of fun, and it’s free on Tubi!
Color out of Space (2019)
When a mysterious substance from outer space starts to contaminate life around their farm, the Gardner family worry they are next. Blending Lovecraftian horror with what looks to be a delightfully hammy performance from Nicolas Cage, this was simply a must watch for so many reasons. You can find it on Prime Video!
Aliens (1986)
At the risk of sounding blasphemous, I really wasn’t a fan of Ridley Scott’s original entry into this franchise, but I’m told James Cameron’s follow-up is a lot more thrilling (and I believe it, knowing Cameron and his work). Serving as a direct sequel to the first film, this movie looks to be full of thrills and scares, again commenting on the evils of capitalism. Streaming on Hulu!
House of Horrors (1946)
Jean Yarbrough was clearly having a ton of fun making this movie, and it’s always great to see that energy translate onscreen even in the trailer. When an insane sculptor sends a disfigured criminal to kill his critics, audiences are treated to a bit of camp, and more than a bit of scares. I’ll be seeing it in theaters, but it’s also available for free on Dailymotion!
The Shining (1980)
It’s well known that Stanley Kubrick might have been one of the most detail-oriented directors to ever step behind a camera, and this film in particular is notorious for how laborious the production process was. Centered around a family lodged in a haunted hotel for the winter, this bone-chilling adaptation of Stephen King’s classic novel is one for the ages. I’m counting it as a never-before-seen because I haven’t watched this since I was a kid, so the details are foggy, and this will be the first time I’m seeing it on 4K thanks to the Kubrick 4K box set! You can also find it on Prime Video, Max and Hulu.
Il Demonio (1963)
Brunello Rondi’s classic film would eventually go on to inspire movies like The Exorcist (1973). Exploring how life in a small village is completely upended when citizens begin to suspect there’s a witch among them, this looks like a great combination of acting and editing, two essential tools for the genre. Free on Tubi!
The Beyond (1983)
After a young woman inherits a mysterious hotel in Louisiana, she soon realizes it’s built over a portal to hell. Perhaps most well-known for his Zombie Flesh Eaters, Lucio Fulci clearly established himself as the king of Italian schlock, and I don’t necessarily think that’s a bad role to have. I’m a big fan of his other work, so this should be a good bit of fun. Now streaming on Prime Video and free on Tubi!
Les Diaboliques (1955)
When a cruel and abusive headmaster is killed by his wife and mistress, it appears to be the perfect crime—until the two become increasingly unhinged after his corpse mysteriously disappears. Full of twists and turns that are guaranteed to keep us on the edge of our seats, I don’t see why you shouldn’t watch this classic from Henri-Georges Clouzot. Now streaming on Max, Hulu and Prime Video!
Raw (2016)
Truthfully, I’ve avoided Julia Ducournau’s sophomore feature because it seems so intense. And if her Palm D’Or-winning Titane (2021) is any indication, we’re in for a wild ride. After breaking her lifelong vegetarian streak while in veterinary school, Justine’s newfound taste for flesh soon turns deadly. Available on Prime Video.
Hour of the Wolf (1968)
I feel like Ingmar Bergman sometimes gets pigeonholed into the role of arthouse auteur, but a good amount of his work had a commercial appeal to it, including the only horror film he ever made. Following a couple who might be caught in the snares of a voodoo cult, this is a rare entry from one of cinema’s greatest minds. I plan to watch the copy that comes in the Criterion box set, but you can also stream this VOD thanks to Apple TV.
Exhuma (2024)
Jang Jae-hyun’s disturbing latest film is about a family trying to rid themselves of a generational curse caused by an angry ancestor. Ghost stories are always a really interesting way to explore history and memory, both of which are central themes in Korean cinema, so this is sure to be a fantastic film! Streaming on Shudder.
Deep Crimson (1996)
The infamous real-life ‘Lonely Hearts Killer,’ a couple who posed as brother and sister to lure in victims, take center stage in Arturo Ripstein’s classic blending of romance and horror. One of the more disturbing movies on this list, it’s bound to be an interesting watch. Available VOD on Prime Video!
Audition (1999)
This notorious J-horror by Takashi Miike is centered around a widower who wants to start dating again, staging auditions for her boyfriends under false pretenses. But as they get to know Aoyama, it becomes clear there’s more to her than meets the eye. Known for its breathtaking violence, this one isn’t for the faint of heart. Now streaming on the Criterion Channel and Tubi!
Ichi the Killer (2001)
When a Yakuza enforcer encounters a psychotic murderer, the stage is set for a clash unlike anything we’ve ever seen. This bombshell of a movie by Takashi Miike looks like it’s bound to be one of the wildest things I’ll see this month, so I can’t wait! Available on Tubi and Prime Video!
Rabid (1977)
I don't think another filmmaker has shaped my interest in film more than David Cronenberg. Scanners (1981) was the first time I realized just how much work goes into movies, and I've been obsessed with peeking behind the curtain ever since. This is the last film of his I haven’t seen, and I’m excited to complete his oeuvre! His newest offering, The Shrouds, premieres next year, so this should hold me over until then. You can find it on the Criterion Channel for this month only!
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
George Romero’s genre-defining zombie film might seem simple, but is actually a great use of genre to comment on race, class and gender. It’s one of those movies I really should have seen by now, so I couldn’t be more excited to dive in! It’s streaming on Max and Tubi!
The Wailing (2016)
In this modern classic by Na Hong-jin, a Korean policeman must investigate a series of mysterious murders and illnesses in a remote village if he wants to save his daughter. I love a good procedural horror, and this looks like a great combination of gritty films like I Saw the Devil (2010) and more artistic approaches to the genre like Memories of Murder (2003). Available this month on the Criterion Channel, or for free on Tubi!
The Haunting (1963)
I’m a bit ashamed at not having finished Robert Wise’s haunted house film since I started it over a year ago, so I’m determined to restart and finish it this year. The cinematography is absolutely gorgeous, the music creates a strong sense of atmosphere and the acting was great. Available to rent on Prime Video!
What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)
Two aging child star sisters deceive and betray one another in this heart-stopping entry from Robert Aldrich. Thankfully a local theater is showing this in 35mm, but those who aren’t so lucky can stream this movie on Tubi for free!
Onibaba (1964)
Lauded by actors like Willem Dafoe and directors like Martin Scorsese, this Japanese classic follows a mother and daughter who survive wartime by killing and robbing samurai. Kaneto Shindo’s re-imagining of a Buddhist folktale is sure to be one of the more gorgeously-shot horror films I can hope to see this month. Thankfully I’ll be seeing it in a local theater, but you can it on Max or for free on YouTube!
Serpent’s Path (1998)
Cure (1997) continues to be one of the most disturbing films I’ve ever seen, so naturally I can’t wait to dig deeper into Kyoshi Kurosawa’s filmography. This time following a man seeking revenge for the murder of his daughter, I’m curious how Kurosawa’s patient, still camerawork will compliment a plot that seems to lend itself to a more kinetic dynamism. Either way, this masterpiece from one of Japan’s greatest filmmakers is bound to be thought-provoking. Now free on YouTube!
Creature from the Black Lagoon (1953)
Featuring some of the most iconic character design to ever be captured on film, Jack Arnold’s movie about scientists in the Amazon trying to capture an ancient beast has influenced filmmakers like Guillermo del Toro and more. If you’re looking for a classic monster movie, look no further! Available via Prime Video.
Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
I’m particularly disappointed in myself for not seeing this yet, because Frankenstein (1931) is one of my favorite movies of all time, let alone horror films. Continuing where the original left off, the monster is still running for his life while a wounded Frankenstein continues his experiments with ghastly results. I can’t wait to see this, especially with James Whale behind the camera once again! Available VOD on YouTube and Amazon Prime! It's also in the Universal Monsters 4K box set.
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