You want Halloween movies to watch online, but the wide world of Netflix Instant can prove to be an intimidating place if you don’t already know what you’re looking for.
For those of you that want to spend All Hallows’ Eve (or All Hollows’ Eve Eve) inside watching a scary movie or two, it might be helpful to know which films are already at your fingertips.
For your convenience, we’ve split the films into two spook-tacular categories. Below is our selection of fairly recent movies that are bound to send a chill up your spine. Classic horror and monster movies can be found on the next page if you’re in the mood for some good ol’ fashioned silent horror.
Modern Horror on Netflix Instant
1. Let The Right One In
Why it’s perfect for Halloween viewing:
Adding another notch to the ever-expanding belt of vampire sub-genres, Let the Right One In chose to explore the dark and compelling life of a scared vampire child. You won’t find too many cheap scares in this adaptation, but what you’ll get is a legitimately deep and horrifying examination of the vampire condition.
The character interaction is what’s terrifying in this vampire film. While most horror places its roots in the conventions of the genre, Let the Right One In comes off as more of a love story. It’s a twisted, wicked, manipulative, and survivalist love story, but it’s still a love story nonetheless.
Vampire movies are a dime a dozen in the after-wave of the recent vamp-pocalypse, but Let the Right One In separates itself from the bunch by being a challenging, atmospheric, and emotional spin on a familiar icon of horror.
2. Donnie Darko
Why it’s perfect for Halloween viewing:
There’s much more going on in this mind-bending psychological mystery than just Halloween. Frank the giant bunny is freaky enough to creep into a person’s imagination long after watching, and the Halloween themed climax may help you get into the holiday spirit.
More than that, Donnie Darko might actually be helpful in imparting a few last minute Halloween costume ideas. Maybe you could scrawl “They made me do it” across a T-shirt, or maybe you can go as Grandmother Death.
Anything is better than that stupid man suit.
3. Paranormal Activity 2
Why it’s perfect for Halloween viewing:
There was once a time when the original Paranormal Activity was available on Netflix Instant streaming, but alas, that time is no longer. Aside from the potential conspiracy at hand (WHERE ARE OUR FAVORITE MOVIES, NETFLIX??), this means that the standard viewer has two choices at hand. Paranormal Activity 2 and Paranormal Activity 3.
Between the two, we would choose the former for its ability to stay as viscerally terrifying as the first installment without moving into “we’re going to say Bloody Mary into the mirror three times and hope nothing bad happens” territory.
Like Paranormal Activity, Paranormal Activity 2 will not only scare you during your viewing, it will haunt you even when you’re hiding under your covers late at night.
4. The Omen
Why it’s perfect for Halloween viewing:
The 2006 remake hasn’t yet hit Netflix Instant, and it’s probably for the best. The original 1976 version directed by Richard Donner has the advantage over it’s descendant, with a startling performance by six-year-old actor Harvey Stephens and a visually arresting cinematic style.
If you’re the type to duck under the covers at the mention of anything Satanic or demonic, then the chills and scares offered by The Omen will shake you down to your core. For those that aren’t aware, The Omen follows an American ambassador that discovers that his son was switched at birth with none other than The Antichrist.
Let the crucifix-gripping scare-wagon begin.
5. The Walking Dead
Why it’s perfect for Halloween viewing:
Yes, yes, it’s a TV show. Either take us to internet court or quiet down. It takes a few episodes for the true terror to kick in, but The Walking Dead stands above most as quintessential zombie fare that actually takes the time to develop a full cast of characters before putting them in dire situations.
It favors suspense over scares and drama over shocks, but if you have a whole Halloween at your disposal and at least one uninitiated friend, then All Hallows’ Eve might prove to be the perfect time to sit down and watch zombies devour the living.
One helpful tip: Be careful what you’re eating when you begin your Walking Dead experience. Candy should be fine, but if Halloween coincides with pork ribs night in your household, then you might want to try something else on our list.
Maybe something from our Classic Netflix Instant Horror Movie section on page two…
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