Scary Movie Highlights On Netflix And Elsewhere

Every once in a while a lot of us yearn for a little thrill. Perhaps it’s a certain chill in the air that helps put it there, but the desire is real nonetheless. So, what is worth watching on Netflix and elsewhere to give you that bite of fright? Eclectic Pop has some suggestions, and they range from supernatural-based thrillers to reality-centric scares…

“The Awakening” (2011)

There is a lot to choose from when it comes to supernatural thrillers. One of the genre’s best offerings is the 2011 film, “The Awakening” which stars Rebecca Hall as a debunker of mysticism, who comes to a boarding school ready to dismiss its claims of a haunting.

For skeptics, “The Awakening” offers a far more balanced approach to the arguments surrounding the supernatural. Director Nick Murphy involves the audience with a character-driven drama that evolves into a story that is unpredictable, and rewarding.

“Hush” (2016)

Anyone with prior knowledge of "The Strangers" and "Hush" director, Mike Flanagan's "Oculus," will enter this thriller not entirely sure of its outcome. That is the thrust of its edge-of-your-seat quality. "Hush" centers on a writer residing at a secluded cabin and the cat-and-mouse game that ensues when she is confronted by a madman, whose next move she cannot hear.

Charged by the terrific performances of Katie Siegel and John Gallagher, "Hush" is one of the best thrillers currently streaming on Netflix. As of September 2019, it is streaming on Netflix.

“Honeymoon” (2014)

If you are looking for a paranormal thriller with psychological suspense, the disquieting “Honeymoon” is just the ticket. Rose Leslie and Harry Treadaway give great performances as a newlywed couple whose idyllic beginnings of wedded bliss are upended by a mysterious event. Thanks to its unnerving storyline and visuals, “Honeymoon” is a hard film to forget.

“Sweet Home” (2015)

When a young couple stays the night at an old apartment building, their night of romance turns into an evening of terror as they are relentlessly pursued by a group of killers. Strongly written without stalling its characters’ intellect to progress its plot, “Sweet Home” is a taut thriller that puts a unique spin on the genre of home invasion thrillers. 

Adding to its allure is the performance of actress Ingrid García Jonsson, who fantastically leads the movie in a way few usually do. Jonsson portraying strength and vulnerability. As of September 2019, it is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

"Kristy" (2014)

Stuck at her college campus over Thanksgiving break, Haley Bennett’s Justine thinks the eerie nature of her lonesome surroundings is the worst of her problems. When a group of deranged individuals decides to make her their prey, Justine must find a way to fight back and survive.

“Kristy” toys with many of the genre’s setbacks, while still leaving enough doubts to secure unexpected chills. Years after seeing it, “Kristy” still possesses a creepy air about it that has kept it lodged in one's memory bank. As of September 2019, it is streaming on Netflix.

“The Boy” (2016)

A clever take on paranormal thrillers, “The Boy” like “The Awakening” gives skeptics more than they usually receive from horror thrillers. Lauren Cohan’s haunted heroine Greta makes you care, and an unexpected dose of romance only heightens the well-roundedness of the story.

One of those movies that will have you appreciating it even more with a bit of distance, “The Boy” is an underrated gem. As of September 2019, it is not streaming on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. Will update when / if status changes.

A list of scary movie reviews sorted by interest

For werewolves and vampires: “Underworld: Blood Wars” (Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video as of September 2019)

Re-occurring frights: "Happy Death Day" (Available to purchase on Amazon Prime Video as of September 2019)

The scariest movie of all-time: "The Strangers" (Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video as of September 2019). The sequel is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Atmospheric chills with a double entendre: “It Follows” (Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video as of September 2019)

Old-fashioned horror: “The Conjuring” and “The Conjuring 2” -- The first movie is streaming on Netflix (September 2019). The sequel is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video (September 2019).

An under-seen indie with a “Game of Thrones” alum: “The Forest” (Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video as of September 2019)

Gorgeously costumed scares: “Crimson Peak” (Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video as of September 2019)

Christmas with a fright factor: “Krampus” (Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video as of September 2019)

Guilty pleasure scares: “The Boy Next Door” (Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video as of September 2019)

[Featured Image by BBC Films, StudioCanal UK]