October is here, and with it, the season of chilling thrills and spine-tingling entertainment. Streaming platforms are rolling out exciting new movies and TV shows just in time for Halloween, ensuring viewers have plenty of options to satisfy their horror cravings. This month, Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and Max have joined forces to deliver a smorgasbord of eerie films, heart-pounding suspense, and nostalgic classics to feast your eyes on.
Starting with Netflix, the streaming giant has introduced ten must-watch movies, catering to various tastes. For horror enthusiasts, The Platform 2 hits the platform on October 6, taking viewers back to the terrifying world of the Vertical Self-Management Center. This sequel promises more chaos as characters fight against the oppressive food distribution system to challenge the totalitarian authority ruling their grim existence. Directed by Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia, The Platform 2 retains the unsettling atmosphere of its predecessor, ensuring it maintains its cult status among fans of dark narratives.
Another intriguing addition to Netflix is the horror-comedy It’s What’s Inside, premiering on October 4. This Sundance Film Festival favorite dives deep with its body-swapping chaos, starting simply with a pre-wedding party and spiraling out of control the instant the mysterious suitcase and its “body-swapping game” come front and center. Featuring Brittany O’Grady, James Morosini, and Alycia Debnam-Carey, it’s both hilarious and thought-provoking, promising to keep viewers entertained and engaged with its “anxiety chic” aesthetic.
Fans of tension-filled thrillers will find See for Me (2021) on Netflix as well. The movie follows Sophie, a blind woman trapped during a home invasion, relying on her phone app to navigate the life-threatening ordeal. The clever cinematography and gripping sound design immerse the audience, creating palpable tension as Sophie tries to outsmart her attackers.
For those seeking more classic laughs, Bridesmaids (2011) returns to Netflix, showcasing the chaos of wedding preparations from the perspective of the maid of honor, played by Kristen Wiig. This film is beloved for its standout performances and memorable one-liners, proving its enduring appeal over the years.
Horror classic Psycho (1960) makes its mark with its gripping psychological tension and masterful direction by Alfred Hitchcock, ensuring it remains captivating even decades later. Meanwhile, audiences can revisit Being Julia (2004), offering graceful storytelling and exquisite cinematography to counterbalance the month’s horror-heavy offerings.
Switching to Hulu, the platform welcomes the highly anticipated Barbarian. Premiering on October 5, this horror-thriller follows Tess, who arrives at her Airbnb only to confront nightmarish circumstances. With twists and turns to keep viewers glued to their screens, it's been hailed as one of the most surprising horror films of the last decade.
Max subscribers won't feel left out this Halloween with intriguing offerings like Doctor Sleep, which continues the story of Danny Torrance from Stephen King’s The Shining, and promises haunting performances and supernatural thrills. Another highlight is the critically acclaimed Cure (1997), highlighted for its unnerving approach to horror, exploring psychological terrors through the minimalist lens of Japanese cinematic storytelling. This supernatural thriller showcases the essence of horror, keeping audiences stunned until the very last moment.
On Prime Video, The Raid: Redemption provides exhilarating action and intense martial arts sequences, reestablishing its role as the gold standard for the genre. This gripping film not only excites from the forefront but also reinforces the global appeal of Indonesian action cinema.
While the above titles ignite the screens, streaming services also showcase hidden gems through curated lists. October also marks the anniversary celebrations for several horror classics. For example, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), celebrating its 50th anniversary, remains available across multiple platforms igniting nostalgia and reimagining audience perspectives on horror's roots.
Now, if you’re not one for visceral gore, Netflix's offerings include inviting comedies and feel-good films. Don't overlook the fun of being transported back to classics like Point Break (2015) or enjoy the beautifully shot drama-comedy Bridesmaids. The eclectic mix of genres ensures there is something for everyone, regardless of their comfort level with fear.
Lastly, for those Halloween enthusiasts wanting to combine classic themes with modern narratives, The Babadook, recently celebrating its 10th anniversary, adds uniqueness to horror discourse by exploring grief and motherhood through supernatural lenses.
This October, binge-watching horror movies has never looked so good, with each streaming platform pulling out all the stops to offer something chilling, thrilling, and deeply entertaining just as Halloween approaches. So, grab your popcorn—it's time to settle down for nights filled with fantastic fright!
