AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH.
^ That’s me screaming.
Why? Because it’s October! Fall is in the air, I drown all my sorrows in pumpkin spice lattes, which fuel my anxiety & insomnia AND Halloween is just around the corner!
And is there a better way to celebrate than with spooky, disturbing, messed-up films? Nope.
So, without further ado, here are 10 scary films you should check out this October!
#1 May (2002)
A truly underrated psychological horror gem. May (2002) is a psychological horror film about a socially awkward, lonely young woman obsessed with creating the “perfect” friend. The film delves into themes of loneliness, isolation, and the consequences of obsession as May’s mental state deteriorates further. I don’t want to spoil too much, but let me just say one thing: if you love weird, this is for you!
#2 Possession (1981)
Banned upon its original release, Possession has become a certified classic, and for good reason! The story follows Anna (played by Isabelle Adjani) and Mark (played by Sam Neill), a couple going through a bitter and tumultuous divorce. Convinced that his wife has a secret lover, Mark hires a private detective – but the truth is far more gruesome than he could’ve imagined.
#3 Audition (1999)
I don’t want to say whole lot about this one because I went into the movie blind, and if at all possible, you should, too. All I’m going to say is: If you – like me – are a sucker for femme fatales then this deeply disturbing Japanese horror film is the movie for you!
#4 Green Room (2015)
Okay, when it comes to A24 films I am biased because I love them all. This story follows a punk rock band called The Ain’t Rights, who find themselves in a bit of a situation when they agree to perform at a remote and violent skinhead bar in the Pacific Northwest. After witnessing a murder in the green room, the band becomes trapped backstage, and they must fight for their lives against a group of neo-Nazis.
#5 Dumplings (2004)
Dumplings. Who doesn’t like dumplings for dinner? They’re like tiny little presents: You can fill them with veggies, tofu and… other stuff.
#6 Saint Maud (2019)
This story follows Maud, a young and devoutly religious nurse who has recently converted to Roman Catholicism. As Maud becomes the primary caregiver for Amanda, a former famous dancer, she becomes increasingly obsessed with saving her soul and believes that she has been chosen by God for this purpose. This IS a slow-burn, so be aware of that!
#7 The Killing Of A Sacred Deer (2017)
This is a strange one. The film centers on Steven Murphy, a surgeon with a seemingly perfect life: He has a loving wife, Anna, and two children, Kim and Bob. Steven also has a mysterious friendship with a teenage boy named Martin. The film creates an unsettling and suspenseful atmosphere as it delves into themes of guilt, moral dilemma, and the consequences of past actions.
#8 Possum (2018)
Fun fact about me: dolls & spiders freak me out. This underrated horror film combines both – sort of. Possum is a slow-burning and atmospheric horror film that delves into the psychological and emotional turmoil of its protagonist, who returns to his childhood home. Definitely check out the trigger warnings for this one!
#9 Dogtooth (2009)
Dogtooth is disturbing. Almost everything about this is uncomfortable. The story revolves around parents who keep their family isolated from the outside world in a fenced-in compound. They raise his children in a highly controlled environment, where they are taught a distorted version of reality. But as the children grow older, they become increasingly curious about the world beyond the boundaries of their home…
#10 Incantation
This one feels so real, and for a moment I had an uneasy feeling about nothing – and I watch horror films on a regular basis. This Taiwanese found footage horror film is about a woman named Li Ronan, who’s convinced that she’s cursed due to her violation of a cult ritual six years ago.
Hope you find something for your spooky film nights!