The setting had a sort of absence of light, the sound was silent yet somehow chaotic. The chirping of the night time crickets could be heard, yet no trace of the killer’s steps could be seen. Suddenly, the protagonist hears a soft, yet heavy wood creaking noise directed from another room in the cabin. As they slowly walk over to investigate, the killer jumps out from behind the door and yet another chase ensues. Sound familiar? We’ve all heard the same stories retold time and time again, causing many people to grow bored of conventional horror movies. Despite this, there have been a few that stand out from the pack and are great to binge in October!

• Host

A very different but very creative horror movie, Host was made in 2020, the prime of COVID. The film makes an immediate connection with its viewers at that time, as it’s set over Zoom. Everybody who worked or attended school in 2020 is very familiar with the Zoom experience, and a horror movie surrounding it is all too real. This movie is very fast paced and wastes no time getting into the action. The jump scares are masterful, and many scenes build the type of tension that has viewers curling up into balls and covering their eyes. With Host earning a 99% rotten tomatoes, as well its short run time of only one hour and five minutes, this is a quick and fun horror movie to leave you on the edge of your seat. 

• The Babadook

A movie that is guaranteed to send chills up the spine of anyone who decides to watch it. The Babadook is a psychological horror movie depicting the slow mental decline of a mother concerned that her and her son are being targeted by an evil entity. This movie, with a 98% Rotten Tomatoes score, stands out when it comes to creating tension. Many scenes leave goosebumps on viewers’ skin and send tingles down their necks. With not many big jump scares but more chilling activity going on in the background, this movie has the viewer’s eyes constantly zooming across the screen and wondering what will happen next. In doing so, a more sinister and creepy atmosphere is created, leaving the viewer constantly anxious and unsettled. 

• When Evil Lurks

This movie is another terrifying, jaw dropping spectacle, also earning 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. The absolute shock value this movie brings to the table is like no other. With scenes unlike any viewer has ever seen before, this movie pushes the envelope to the max. The plot is extremely unique, and with great acting and directing, this movie is an amazing work of art.  

• Hereditary 

Many consider Hereditary a modern day classic, absolutely revolutionary in its time. The movie is superb when it comes to the small things. The tension created by some scenes has stunned many viewers, as it’s seemingly never been done so well. It’s a more slow paced movie but definitely pays off in the end when everything comes together. Hereditary takes the title of a psychological horror/thriller to a whole other level. If any, there aren’t many bad reviews out there for this movie, and with a 90% rotten tomatoes, there’s no reason not to check it out.

• The Blair Witch Project

This movie was one of the firsts in documentary style horror. This movie was incredibly different from its time, taking the viewer into a first person point of view. By doing this, the film adds a realistic element of horror, making it equally disturbing as it is terrifying. Many scenes do an excellent job at making the viewer feel uncomfortable and give a skin crawling sensation. The Blair Witch Project earned an 86% Rotten Tomatoes and overall is a great watch if one desires to be truly scared and stay up at night.