For horror fans like you and me, Halloween isn't just about the spooky movies that come out in October. While classics like Halloween, The Exorcist, and Hocus Pocus will always be staples of the genre, there's room for new and exciting fright flicks to join the ranks.
One such film is The Guest, which follows David Collins as he shows up at his deceased best friend's family's house, building friendships with Caleb's younger sister and brother and almost becoming another son to Caleb's grieving mother. But something is off about David, and the entire family will slowly realize it may be too late to do anything about it. This action-packed horror film seamlessly blends elements of The Terminator, Rambo, and Halloween, making it perfect for a rowdy room full of friends.
Another standout is The Descent, which still holds up as one of the scariest movies ever made. A group of women on a spelunking adventure vacation become lost in a massive cave system filled with terrifying creatures. The film's intense sequences will leave you on edge and have you thinking about them long after the credits roll.
If you're looking for something even more unsettling, try Cannibal Ferox. This 1981 Italian horror classic follows a group of military men who follow a disturbed man into the heart of evil when he reports his wagon train was murdered by a cannibal. What sets this film apart is its perfect blend of humor, scares, and excitement, as well as an all-time classic score.
More recently released, The Empty Man has gained a cult following despite being released without the director's approval. This flawed yet strong film is both a folk horror and detective thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat for its entire 137-minute runtime. Perfect for watching alone late at night with headphones on.
And then there's Pulse, a slow-burning Japanese nightmare from master filmmaker Kiyoshi Kurosawa that doesn't seem scary at first but builds to a pulse-pounding final act. Initially seeming like a serial killer procedural thriller, it morphs into a disturbing look into the liminal spaces we can't quite make out.
For those looking for something new and exciting, try The Substance or Weapons, both of which offer unique takes on the horror genre. And if you're in the mood for something Oscar-worthy, Hereditary is still widely regarded as one of the best horror films of the past decade.
So, whether you're a seasoned horror fan or just looking for some new fright flicks to add to your watchlist, these movies are sure to deliver plenty of chills and thrills.
One such film is The Guest, which follows David Collins as he shows up at his deceased best friend's family's house, building friendships with Caleb's younger sister and brother and almost becoming another son to Caleb's grieving mother. But something is off about David, and the entire family will slowly realize it may be too late to do anything about it. This action-packed horror film seamlessly blends elements of The Terminator, Rambo, and Halloween, making it perfect for a rowdy room full of friends.
Another standout is The Descent, which still holds up as one of the scariest movies ever made. A group of women on a spelunking adventure vacation become lost in a massive cave system filled with terrifying creatures. The film's intense sequences will leave you on edge and have you thinking about them long after the credits roll.
If you're looking for something even more unsettling, try Cannibal Ferox. This 1981 Italian horror classic follows a group of military men who follow a disturbed man into the heart of evil when he reports his wagon train was murdered by a cannibal. What sets this film apart is its perfect blend of humor, scares, and excitement, as well as an all-time classic score.
More recently released, The Empty Man has gained a cult following despite being released without the director's approval. This flawed yet strong film is both a folk horror and detective thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat for its entire 137-minute runtime. Perfect for watching alone late at night with headphones on.
And then there's Pulse, a slow-burning Japanese nightmare from master filmmaker Kiyoshi Kurosawa that doesn't seem scary at first but builds to a pulse-pounding final act. Initially seeming like a serial killer procedural thriller, it morphs into a disturbing look into the liminal spaces we can't quite make out.
For those looking for something new and exciting, try The Substance or Weapons, both of which offer unique takes on the horror genre. And if you're in the mood for something Oscar-worthy, Hereditary is still widely regarded as one of the best horror films of the past decade.
So, whether you're a seasoned horror fan or just looking for some new fright flicks to add to your watchlist, these movies are sure to deliver plenty of chills and thrills.
️ I'm so over all these found-footage horror flicks... like, can't we have a break from those shaky cams for one second? 
And what's up with the whole "it was all in my head" twist? Been done to death (pun intended). But seriously though, The Descent is like, a total classic. That cave system is straight-up terrifying and still gives me chills thinking about it. 
Cannibal Ferox is another one I love, it's just so... campy? 
In all seriousness, if you haven't seen Pulse yet, you need to add it to your watchlist ASAP. The way it builds tension is like, masterful. 
I'm still getting those heebie-jeebies thinking about The Descent... that cave scene was straight outta my nightmares back in the day 
. And don't even get me started on Cannibal Ferox, that one was like watching a train wreck in slow motion 
. But for real though, The Empty Man is giving me all these 80s vibes and I am HERE. FOR. IT 
. Have you seen any of the newer horror movies lately? I'm feeling kinda nostalgic for the classics but at the same time I want to check out some new stuff 
! I've been saying it for ages - there's so much amazing horror content out there that people often overlook the classics in favor of something "new" and trendy. The Guest is literally one of my favorite films, the way it blends action and horror is so unique 
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. And Kiyoshi Kurosawa's work is always worth checking out, even if Pulse doesn't seem scary at first, the tension builds so well... 
there's something about getting all scared up in the dark that's just so much fun 
and can we talk about The Descent for a second? 
it's like the ultimate underdog horror movie 
. Have you guys seen any other hidden gems that are worth adding to your watchlist? 
Give me something with more substance, you know? Like a good ol' fashioned slasher flick or something 
I also loved reading about The Descent, that one still gives me major anxiety 
. Cannibal Ferox is a new one for me, but the combo of humor and scares sounds like an absolute wild ride 
. I also just watched Pulse and it was so creepy in its own way... it's like Kiyoshi Kurosawa knows how to build tension 
. And The Empty Man? Yeah, that one's got some real depth to it 
. Has anyone actually seen Pulse? It sounds like a slow burn, but if it's any good, that would be awesome 
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. And Cannibal Ferox? For real, who knew 80s Italian horror could be so... entertaining? 
. But what really gets me is how it perfectly blends folk horror and detective thriller elements... it's like, who knew horror could be so clever? 
. And Hereditary is still a masterpiece... even if it is super disturbing 
I mean, The Guest is from 2014, The Descent was released in 2005, and Cannibal Ferox is literally a ancient Italian horror film from 1981. Don't get me wrong, they're all classics, but shouldn't we be talking about newer stuff? 
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. And can we talk about how great The Descent is? 
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. And 137 minutes of straight-up suspense is just what I need when I'm looking for something to keep me up at night 
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. It's not for everyone, I know, but if you can handle some real psychological horror, then it's definitely worth checking out.
. I mean, The Exorcist and Hocus Pocus have been making us scream and laugh for decades, but now there are so many more hidden gems to discover. Like, have you seen The Descent? That film still gives me goosebumps just thinking about it 
. It's a reminder that sometimes the scariest things in life aren't the monsters or ghosts, but our own fears and doubts 
. So let's give it up for the unsung heroes of horror – the ones who make us feel uncomfortable and question everything 
. But hey, being scared is half the fun, right?