cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/6176443
My wife and I love to binge watch scary movies in October. Looking for stuff that’s truly scary and not just gore. Watcha got?
Looking for stuff that’s truly scary and not just gore
1. Hereditary (2018) - Still one of the most unnerving things I’ve ever seen. Does NOT rely on gore and has only maybe 30 seconds of blood in the entire thing. The horror of it comes from the skill of the storytelling and only at the end did I realize how many little things were said throughout the movie.
2. It Follows (2014) - Unique and does an incredible job of making you constantly check the background for potential danger. Did not scar me like Hereditary did but instead offers a very fun version of anxiety for its runtime if that makes any sense. The first is a must-see. Skip the sequel.
3. The Ritual (2017) - Brings some of that Lovecraftian style horror. One of those movies that just creeps you out and brings that fear of the unknown in style, yet brings out that primal survival instinct at the same time.
4. The Others (2001) - Just a damn good ghost story. I won’t say anything else to avoid spoiling it.
5. Nope (2022) - I’ll say that there are a lot of layers going on here. This is probably better recommended for movie nerds that love intertwining story themes, characters and backgrounds that serve as a foil to the main plot, a slow buildup of details that culminate into an expertly told story, and an emphasis on sound design and symbolism.
Honorable Mention: Coherence (2013) - I know, I know. It’s not a horror movie. But that existential dread, that fear of the unknown, that feeling that makes you panic, it’s all there. This is a sci-fi puzzle movie somewhat like Primer so I’ll say the dread and terror is not in itself horror. That said, it’s a creepy watch and I’ll always recommend it as a good palette cleanser after something like Hereditary traumatizes you or after binging fun, dumb classic horror style stuff.
Solid list, I can attest to all of these except coherence, which I haven’t seen yet. OP should watch some of these!!
Event Horizon (1997). Traumatized me as a child, still scary af to an adult.
Cabin in the Woods is fun, also Tucker and Dale vs. Evil
Alan Tudyk is a remarkably underrated actor. lol That movie is hilarious.
If you’re a fan of his work, I’d highly recommend Resident Alien. Not really a horror at all, it’s more of a sci-fi/comedy/drama but it’s excellent.
The VVitch is one of the few movies I’ve found truly scary. Not a ton actually happens, but the movie leverages its isolated and dreary setting to the max.