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Dive into the world of horror: October’s must-watch list
Welcome to Horror Explorer, your go-to guide for the spookiest movies, series, and books this month. I’m your host, a dedicated horror aficionado, here to bring you the best of the genre. If you have any recommendations for next month’s list, feel free to reach out!
Big screen chills: October’s top horror releases
Salem’s Lot: A fresh take on a classic
Debuting on Max on October 3, this new adaptation of Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot promises to breathe new life into the vampire tale. Starring Lewis Pullman, Alfre Woodard, William Sadler, and Bill Camp, the film captures the eerie essence of King’s novel. The detailed world-building and character depth are sure to captivate both new viewers and long-time fans.
It’s What’s Inside: A genre-bending experience
Hitting Netflix on October 4, It’s What’s Inside is a sci-fi horror comedy that Netflix acquired for $17 million at Sundance. The plot revolves around a group of 20-somethings who use a magical device to switch bodies, leading to a chaotic mix of sex, drugs, and violence. This stylish film is a must-watch for fans of genre mashups.
Terrifier 3: Art the Clown’s gruesome return
Opening in theaters on October 11, Terrifier 3 brings back the infamous Art the Clown. Set during the Christmas season, this installment features even more stomach-churning kills. Art, dressed as Santa, terrorizes children, while his nemesis Sienna (Lauren LaVera) returns to settle the score. This film is not for the faint-hearted but promises a thrilling ride for gore enthusiasts.
Smile 2: The eerie grin is back
Parker Finn’s Smile 2 hits theaters on October 18. Following the success of the original, this sequel stars Naomi Scott as a pop star haunted by a malevolent entity. The supporting cast includes Rosemarie DeWitt, Lukas Gage, Ray Nicholson, and Kyle Gallner. The trailer hints at a chilling continuation of the story.
Cuckoo: A stylish mystery
Now available on VOD from Neon, Cuckoo is Tilman Singer’s sophomore feature. Starring Hunter Schafer and Dan Stevens, the film follows a woman trying to unravel the mysteries of a remote resort in the Alps. This strange and stylish film is sure to gain a cult following.
A Nightmare on Elm Street: The ultimate edition
Available on 4K UHD Blu-ray from October 15, this definitive release of A Nightmare on Elm Street includes perfect picture and sound quality, along with decades of special features. Fans can enjoy a director’s commentary by the late Wes Craven, behind-the-scenes footage, and an uncut version of the film.
Hidden gems: Offbeat horror picks
Hold Your Breath: A Dust Bowl thriller
Debuting on Hulu via Searchlight Pictures on October 3, Hold Your Breath stars Sarah Paulson as she protects her family from a hostile entity during the Dust Bowl. Despite mixed reviews, the film’s premise is intriguing and worth a watch.
The Platform 2: A vertical prison sequel
On Netflix from October 4, The Platform 2 continues the story of the vertical prison. Directed by Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia, this sequel explores the tension between prisoners as they navigate the facility’s unique food distribution system.
V/H/S/Beyond: Sci-fi horror anthology
Debuting on Shudder on October 4, V/H/S/Beyond is the seventh installment in the horror anthology series. This sci-fi-themed collection includes standout shorts like “Stowaway,” directed by Kate Siegel and written by Mike Flanagan, and “Fur Babies,” directed by Justin Long and Christian Long.
Frankie Freako: A surreal comedy
Opening in theaters on October 4 from Shout! Studios, Frankie Freako is a fun spin on the “Gremlins” formula. Directed by Steven Kostanski, the film follows an uptight man who calls a 1-900 number to reach a party animal, leading to a series of surreal and hysterical events.
Caddo Lake: A bayou mystery
Debuting on Max on October 10, Caddo Lake is produced by M. Night Shyamalan. Starring Dylan O’Brien and Eliza Scanlen, the film follows a search for a missing girl in the bayou, uncovering dark secrets along the way.
Daddy’s Head: A haunting meditation on grief
On Shudder from October 11, Daddy’s Head is a dark and gorgeous film by Benjamin Barfoot. It tells the story of a young boy who believes he sees his deceased father taking the form of an animal, leading to increasingly eerie circumstances.
Mr. Crocket: A twisted children’s show
Debuting on Hulu on October 11, Mr. Crocket features a children’s host who kidnaps kids and kills their parents. Despite a flabby script, the film’s creative kills and evocative set design make it worth watching.
Don’t Move: A paralyzing thriller
On Netflix from October 25, Don’t Move is a Sam Raimi-produced thriller. Starring Finn Wittrock and Kelsey Asbille, the film follows a victim who must escape a killer before a paralytic drug takes full effect. The intriguing premise promises a tense viewing experience.
Your Monster: A spooky rom-com
Opening in theaters on October 25 from Vertical Entertainment, Your Monster pairs Melissa Barrera with a charming monster in her closet, played by Tommy Dewey. This lighthearted film is perfect for those who prefer ”spooky” over “scary.”
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Unveiling the eerie side of cinema
Dead Whisper: A slow-burn mystery worth your time
Dead Whisper, now available on VOD via Vertical Entertainment, is a patient and sturdy meditation on a father’s grief manifesting in spooky ways. This film focuses on creepy imagery and atmosphere over in-your-face jump scares. Samuel Dunning delivers a compelling central performance that keeps the narrative moving along. The movie’s slow-burn mystery and eerie ambiance make it a must-watch for fans of psychological horror.
Agatha All Along: Family fun with a spooky twist
Agatha All Along, now streaming on Disney+, offers family fun that scratches the same itch as “Hocus Pocus.” You don’t need to be a Marvel fan to enjoy Kathryn Hahn, Aubrey Plaza, and Patti LuPone getting up to some spooky shenanigans. This series blends humor and horror, making it a delightful watch for all ages.
Hysteria!: A thrilling small-town serial killer drama
Premiering on October 18 on Peacock, Hysteria! is a compelling small-town serial killer drama set in the ’80s. The series starts with a bang, as neighborhood murders are assumed to be tied to Devil worshippers at the height of the Satanic Panic. With fun performances from actors like Julie Bowen and Anna Camp, “Hysteria!” gets a little wacky at times but remains a sweet and sinister Halloween treat.
Podcasts that will send shivers down your spine
We Hate Movies: Celebrating bad horror films
We Hate Movies is a reliably funny podcast that always plans special October programming to celebrate Halloween. This year, the gang tackles the fourth chapters of horror franchises, including “Wishmaster: The Prophecy Fulfilled,” “Land of the Dead,” “A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master,” and “Leprechaun 4: In Space.” While the movies themselves may be a bit of a slog, the show is consistently amusing and perfect for horror enthusiasts.
This May Hurt a Bit: A deep dive into horror franchises
This May Hurt a Bit is a podcast that just wrapped a grim “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” run. For October, they’re starting the relatively joyful five “Critters” movies. This podcast is a great excuse to scratch a completist itch, even when they slog through endless sequels. It’s a must-listen for fans who love in-depth analysis of horror franchises.
Books that will haunt your dreams
X: The Novel by Tim Waggoner
X: The Novel, now available from A24 Publishing, marks the return of movie novelizations. Author Tim Waggoner fleshes out the initial slasher with this retro-cool paperback release. With “Pearl” set to be released in November and “MaXXXine” in early 2025, this series is a treat for fans of Ti West’s films.
Terrifier 2 by Tim Waggoner
Terrifier 2, available on October 8 via Titan Books, is a novelization of Damien Leone’s clown slasher. This super-sized film gets a massive 400-page companion novel, offering everything you ever wanted to know about Art the Clown but were truly afraid to ask.
Shock Induction by Chuck Palahniuk
Shock Induction, available on October 8 via Simon & Schuster, is the latest satire from the author of “Haunted” and “Fight Club.” Set in a world where high-achieving high school students keep disappearing, this slim volume moves at a quick pace with lots of big ideas and dark humor.
The Queen by Nick Cutter
The Queen, available on October 29 via Gallery Books, is the latest novel from the star of HorrorTok. This dark read focuses on a friendship between two young women and gets incredibly dark and increasingly disgusting. A worthy read, but anyone allergic to gross details about insects need not apply.
Festivals that celebrate the macabre
Beyond Fest: A genre fest with world premieres
Running from September 25 to October 9 in Los Angeles, Beyond Fest features world premieres including Gary Dauberman’s “Salem’s Lot” adaptation, the ”Shush Cut” of Mike Flanagan’s ”Hush,” and Jean Luc Herbulot’s ticking clock thriller “Zero.”
Screamfest: L.A.’s premier horror gathering
From October 8 to 17 in Los Angeles, Screamfest showcases world premieres of evil pumpkin thriller “Carved,” Sean Patrick Cronin and Peter Stylianous’ ”Drained,” and Dario Germani’s “ALO – Antropophagus Legacy.”
Brooklyn Horror Film Festival: A lively NYC fest
Taking place from October 17 to 24 in Brooklyn, N.Y., the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival features world premieres including Fiona Dourif-starrer “Psychonaut,” director Izzy Lee’s “House of Ashes,” and the first three episodes of the new Screambox series “Tales From the Void.”
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