Maika Monroe stars as the paranoid Julia in Watcher, now available on Netflix (Image: Universal Pictures/Focus Features)
The dwindling daylight, chillier nights and Mariah Carey’s increasing warmth can only signify one thing: Halloween is just around the corner.
As we plunge into October and our social media feeds are inundated with targeted ads for enormous spooky inflatables, highly combustible fancy dress outfits and budget-friendly haunt experiences, it’s understandable if you’re considering a cosy night in with some horror films this year.
For anyone with a subscription, navigating the horror section can be quite daunting. Cross-referencing each title with its Rotten Tomatoes rating can eat up time, and there’s an abundance of duds to sidetrack you from the real hidden treasures on the streaming platform.
As a self-confessed horror film fanatic, these are my recommendations for the most unsettling films currently available on . Whether you’re a fan of explicit gore or prefer something more psychological that will linger in your mind for weeks, we’ve got you covered.
Incantation (2022)
Incantation went viral on TikTok when it first landed on Netflix (Image: Netflix)
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The found footage film Incantation caused quite a stir on when it debuted on , with petrified viewers posting videos about their viewing experience. And rightly so – it’s genuinely terrifying.
Taiwan’s top-grossing film of 2022 tells the poignant tale of a mother who, after violating a religious taboo, reunites with her estranged daughter. As they rebuild their bond and start anew, it becomes apparent that an ancient entity is not quite done with them.
Apostle (2018)
Dan Stevens has come a long way from his Downton Abbey days. In the folk horror film Apostle, he portrays Thomas Richardson, a man determined to save his sister whom he suspects has been abducted.
Upon arriving at a secluded Welsh island in search of her, he stumbles upon more than he anticipated – a religious cult with a penchant for bloodshed.
This film is not for the faint-hearted, with more than its fair share of gore. The impressive cast also features Lucy Boynton and Michael Sheen, who delivers a stellar performance as the deranged Prophet Malcom.
The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
The Autopsy of Jane Doe was recently added to Netflix (Image: Imposter Pictures)
While it may appear to be just another horror movie on the surface, The Autopsy of Jane Doe is a true hidden gem. It holds an impressive 86 per cent score on Rotten Tomatoes, which is notably high for a horror film.
This horror/mystery follows two coroners performing an autopsy on an unidentified woman, hence the name Jane Doe. As they proceed with their examination, strange occurrences begin to unfold, leading to sheer terror as they inch closer to uncovering the truth about the woman on their table.
Watcher (2022)
Maika Monroe, known for her role in Longlegs, delivers a riveting performance as Julia in the 2022 psychological thriller that promises to keep viewers on tenterhooks throughout its duration.
The plot centres around Julia and her partner Francis as they settle into their new abode, curiously devoid of curtains despite a massive window dominating the living room. Julia’s unease escalates when she spots a shadowy figure observing her from across the street, fuelling her suspicion that a notorious serial killer prowling the area has set his sights on her.
Despite her growing anxiety, Julia’s concerns fall on the deaf ears of her indifferent partner, compelling her to confront the danger alone. The film is a masterclass in suspense, guaranteed to instil a newfound wariness of those living next door.
Maika Monroe stars in Watcher (Image: Getty)
Haunt (2019)
Just in time for the spooky season, Haunt offers a fresh spin on the well-worn haunted attraction narrative. The movie follows a group of friends who stumble upon an immersive horror experience and decide to brave it.
While the storyline may seem familiar, this iteration stands out with its unique approach. Katie Stevens of The Bold Type fame brings a powerful performance to the screen as Harper.
Garnering a respectable 70 per cent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has been lauded by audiences as “so intriguing” and “psychologically clever”. For fans of the genre, Haunt is a must-add to your watch list.