This Halloween, the OTTs are packed with malevolence and horror, as they all have a lot to offer. In this article, we have selected the top 10 films from Netflix, Prime Video, Shudder, Hulu, and HBO Max for you so that you don’t have to go through ratings and Metacritic reviews. These films have put their names as the top contenders in this genre in recent times. So, without further ado, let’s jump into the listicle, shall we?
Sister Death (2023)
Sister Death emerges as Netflix’s eerie Halloween offering, diverging from typical jumpscare horror. This visually arresting film navigates the realm of faith, intertwining sinister elements. However, its downfall lies in a disjointed narrative structure, akin to a fragile house of cards collapsing under scattered plot reveals.
Contrary to the acclaimed 2017 Spanish horror, Verónica, Sister Death struggles to meet elevated expectations as a prequel. Verónica stands as one of Netflix’s premier horror films, setting a high bar that this installment fails to reach. The movie’s attempt at probing spirituality and the ominous falls short due to a convoluted sequence of events.
While Sister Death ventures into an elegant exploration of the macabre and faith, its inability to sustain a coherent plot mars the overall experience. It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding audiences that not all prequels live up to their predecessor’s excellence, leaving much to be desired.
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The Conference (2023)
Netflix’s The Conference brings a cabin-in-the-woods slasher reminiscent of 1980s classics, loaded with graphic violence. Yet, this Swedish horror movie entwines elegant brutality with a more profound stratum, functioning as a satirical reflection on corporate culture and capitalism.
Based on Mats Strandberg’s novel, The Conference unravels in the rural enclave of Kolarängen, disrupted by plans for a colossal shopping mall, impacting and devastating local lives. The narrative follows a cohort of municipal employees converging at a holiday village for a corporate team-building conference set against the backdrop of impending construction for the mall.
Amidst the blood-splattered horror, the film’s core focus on societal themes transcends the typical slasher genre, delving into the unsettling blend of corporate ambitions and the devastating consequences on a quaint, rural community.
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Also, Read: The Conference (2023) Movie Ending Explained
In My Mother’s Skin (2023)
Kenneth Dagatan garners substantial praise for his recent fantasy horror creation, In My Mother’s Skin, featured at Sundance 2023. The film adeptly weaves together the historical tapestry of late World War II, capturing the fraught dynamics between the Philippines and Japan, all while presenting a sophisticated brand of horror that is a rarity in contemporary cinema.
The movie delves into the narrative of a family confined to their homeland, enduring terror inflicted by Japanese mercenaries. This chilling tale unfolds amidst the historical tension of the era, immersing audiences in a gripping portrayal of the harrowing experiences faced by the family within the broader context of wartime conflict. Dagatan’s directorial finesse highlights both the historical intricacies and the harrowing essence of horror, making In My Mother’s Skin a standout film.
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Totally Killer (2023)
With a thematic resemblance to Everything Everywhere All at Once but adopting a TV sitcom style, Amazon Prime Video’s latest film, Totally Killer, encapsulates yet another mother-daughter saga within a genre film framework. Featuring Kiernan Shipka as the lead, the movie centers on a teenage girl who inexplicably travels back to the precise day when three girls from her mother’s high school fell victim to a brutal serial killer.
Tasked with the urgent mission of altering the past to save their lives, she unexpectedly forms deep connections with her own teenage parents while racing against the relentless ticking of time. The narrative weaves together elements of suspense, time travel, and unexpected bonds, offering a blend of thriller and familial connections against the backdrop of a harrowing event, promising an intriguing and emotionally charged storyline.
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Also Read: Total Killer (2023) Movie Ending Explained
When Evil Lurks (2023)
Demián Rugna delivers an unparalleled descent into darkness with the exceptionally harrowing When Evil Lurks, a film that transcends the realm of feel-bad movies to plunge audiences into an abyss of moral decay. For aficionados of nihilistic horror that claws at the depths of one’s being, this gut-wrenching experience is the epitome of bleakness.
Following the chilling success of his debut Terrified, Rugna reshapes the concept of demonic possession into a viral outbreak, showcasing his versatility as a horror maestro. Rugna’s skill lies in crafting a cinematic venture that twists the gut and haunts the psyche, solidifying his status as a filmmaker capable of delivering haunting, unnerving narratives that linger long after the screen goes dark.
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Hell House LLC Origins: The Carmichael Manor (2023)
Since its inception with 2015’s Hell House LLC, writer-director Stephen Cognetti has achieved a remarkable feat—creating an independent film franchise that gained significant traction purely through word-of-mouth acclaim, devoid of studio support. This stands as a notable accomplishment in the cinematic landscape.
Similar to Damien Leone’s Terrifier series, tracing back to the 2008 short The 9th Circle, Cognetti’s Hell House franchise ventures into the horror realm, albeit focusing on haunted houses rather than slashers. A crucial contrast between these franchises becomes apparent in their evolution: while Terrifier movies have progressively improved over time, the Hell House films have faced a decline. Though both series delves into horror, Terrifier shows an upward trajectory, refining its content, while the Hell House series grapples with a narrative regression, an aspect worth highlighting regarding the latest installment of Hell House.
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No One Will Save You (2023)
In Brian Duffield’s No One Will Save You, the director opts not to revolutionize the familiar tropes of extraterrestrial encounters. Instead, Duffield creatively amalgamates elements from past incursions, crafting a narrative orbiting around Kaitlyn Dever’s character. Initially, this concoction yields approximately 45 minutes of gripping tension before transitioning into an action-oriented film. The movie navigates the terrain of otherworldly invasion while embedding profound underlying narratives, marking a distinctive addition to the horror genre in 2023. The movie’s extraordinary feature is its minimal dialogue, which elevates the atmosphere of horror even more.
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Also Read: 6 Movies to Watch if you like ‘No One Will Save You’ on Hulu
Slash/Back (2022)
Slash/Back stands out as a distinctive creature feature, offering a rare on-screen representation of Indigenous culture intertwined with compelling sci-fi thrills. However, despite its innovative approach, the film encounters shortcomings, particularly due to its youthful cast, leading to occasional narrative faltering. While striving for character depth and background stories, these elements often lack engagement, prompting audiences to yearn for the return of the sci-fi/horror essence.
Yet, the movie’s saving grace lies in its remarkable creature effects, leaving a lasting impression and ultimately salvaging an entertaining experience despite its narrative drawbacks. “Slash/Back” manages to infuse fun into its portrayal, albeit occasionally stumbling, providing an avenue for showcasing Indigenous culture within the realms of sci-fi horror—a noteworthy but imperfect venture.
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Also Read: Slash/Back (2022) Movie Ending, Explained
Evil Dead Rise (2023)
Crafting a sequel to an adored horror franchise is a daunting task, yet Lee Cronin effortlessly embodies this challenge with “Evil Dead Rise.” Continuing the saga of Deadites and boomsticks, Cronin’s installment mirrors the visceral malevolence exhibited in Fede Alvarez’s remarkable 2013 remake/sequel. “Evil Dead Rise” not only perpetuates the legacy but also broadens the scope for forthcoming narratives to delve into the series’ lore, promising exciting explorations.
Cronin’s creation firmly establishes itself within the franchise, serving as a standalone horror revelation that electrifies audiences. The film echoes the brutal essence of the series while carving its unique path, a commendable feat in the horror genre. Cronin’s adept handling of the iconic saga showcases his finesse in adding a compelling chapter to the revered horror mythos, positioning “Evil Dead Rise” as a significant and worthy addition to the franchise.
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The Witch (2015)
In 1630 New England, an English farmer faces banishment by the church, compelling him to uproot his wife and five children from their colonial plantation to settle on the edge of a foreboding forest, concealing an enigmatic malevolence. Sinister occurrences unfold swiftly—animals turn hostile, crops wither, and a child vanishes, while another appears possessed by an ominous entity.
Rising suspicion and fear lead the family to accuse their teenage daughter, Thomasin, of witchcraft—a claim she vehemently refutes. As turmoil escalates, each family member grapples with tests of faith, loyalty, and love amidst escalating danger. The unsettling and harrowing circumstances challenge their bonds, unveiling shocking and unforgettable trials that redefine their relationships in ways that linger, leaving an indelible mark on their lives.
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Also Read: Top 10 Witch Movies to Watch this Halloween
Final Words
Apart from these, you can also watch The Birds, Bride of Chucky, Interview with the Vampire, Orphan, Bone Tomahawk, Terrifier, etc. There are a lot of good South Korean horror films, such as The Wailing, A Tale of Two Sisters, Bedevilled, etc. You can pick any one of these from this whole list, and you’ll not be disappointed at all.
