10 of the Best Recent Horror Movies to Watch This Weekend

There’s nothing better than curling up on the sofa with a big bowl of popcorn, turning off all the lights, and watching a scary movie. Spooky season is the best time to indulge in our darkest fears and experience the thrill of being scared silly. For me, horror movies have a way of making those little hairs on the back of my neck stand up out of fear.

For the hardcore horror fans out there, no movie is too terrifying. The more gore and jump scares, the better! But if you’re like me and lean towards subtler thrillers, picking the wrong flick can leave me tossing and turning, worried that a nightmare might creep in later. 

If you’re in the mood for a scary movie that’s disturbing and unsettling in the best way, a recent online thread has some fantastic recommendations from fellow horror fans. It’s not too late to catch up! 

Hereditary

Gabriel Byrne, Toni Collette, Alex Wolff, and Milly Shapiro in Hereditary (2018)
Photo by A24 and PalmStar Media

Ever since Hereditary came out in 2018, this haunting flick has continued to keep people talking. When the family’s matriarch dies, her daughter and grandchildren uncover chilling secrets about their ancestry. The horror isn’t just about a demonic cult—it’s the crushing weight of grief, manipulation, and a sinister fate they can’t escape.

Some say it’s so terrifying they’ll never watch it again (except maybe in their nightmares). The dread is constant, and each scene will make you squirm. Watch it with someone… unless you want to cover your eyes alone.

Possessor

Andrea Riseborough in Possessor (2020)
Photo by Neon and Elevation Pictures

If you caught Possessor when it first came out in 2020, you’re probably still thinking about it once in a while. Tasya Vos, a corporate assassin, uses brain implant tech to control people’s bodies and execute high-profile targets. The film is wildly original and brutally violent, with plenty of violent eye-covering moments.

It’s not just a sci-fi/horror flick; it possesses you. But fair warning: if you can’t handle watching a child get maimed, this one isn’t for you. Viewer discretion? Absolutely needed.

Saint Maud

Morfydd Clark in Saint Maud (2019)
Photo by A24

It’s rare to feel truly satisfied with a movie ending, especially in horror, but this one nails it. A strict, religious nurse becomes obsessed with saving the soul of a cancer-stricken dancer in the most twisted, unsettling way. There aren’t many jump scares, but the deliberate, creeping dread keeps you on edge. 

If you love psychological horror, slow burns, and a finale that lingers in your mind for days, Saint Maud is a must-watch. 

Talk To Me

Talk to Me (2022)
Photo by A24

Talk To Me is a horror film that definitely teaches those reckless friend groups a lesson about conjuring spirits. It offers a fresh take on the classic Ouija board set-up, and while the real scares don’t hit until the middle, those early unsettling moments sneak into your mind, making you jump at shadows and brace for the inevitable chaos.

The cinematography is great, with some beautifully crafted scenes that pull you deeper into its dark story. By the end, you’ll feel a little queasy, grappling with the terrifying twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Fresh 

Sebastian Stan and Daisy Edgar-Jones in Fresh (2022)
Photo by Searchlight Pictures

This movie will make you rethink modern dating. Fresh follows a single woman, a bit desperate for a decent date, who finally finds a nice guy. After dating for a few weeks, he suggests a cabin getaway, and she’s thrilled—little does she know, it’s about to change her life forever. It’s not the scariest film, but it nails a wild mix of gore, humor, and horror.

Rom-com? Think again. But Daisy Edgar Jones and Sebastian Stan had great chemistry in it.

Barbarian

Georgina Campbell in Barbarian (2022)
Photo by 20th Century Studios

When a woman books an Airbnb, she gets way more than she bargained for. Sounds all too real, right? But Barbarian speaks volumes about gender, trust, and abuse, all wrapped in a genuinely terrifying package.

The first two-thirds of the movie will have you on the edge of your seat—quiet moments that are tense and shocking bursts that will make you scream. By the time the credits roll, you’ll be exhausted yet completely satisfied. 

The Dark and the Wicked

Marin Ireland in The Dark and the Wicked (2020)
Photo by RLJE Films

If you’re a true horror fan and haven’t seen The Dark and the Wicked, you’re missing out. This is about two siblings haunted by nightmares, convinced something evil is invading their isolated farmhouse.

From start to finish, it’s a chilling, unsettling nightmare filled with death and dread. By the end, you might find yourself whispering a few prayers and trying to rebuke the devil. 

The Autopsy of Jane Doe

Brian Cox in The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Photo by IFC Midnight

This film is a creepy, well-paced ride packed with mystery. The title gives away a bit, but uncovering Jane Doe’s dark secrets alongside the characters is downright terrifying. It’s a claustrophobic, low-budget horror movie that delivers 10/10 chills.

The movie masterfully maintains high tension. You’ll think a big shock is coming, but it holds back, building anxiety in the most effective way. 

Smile

Sara Kapner in Smile (2022)
Photo by Paramount Players, a Division of Paramount Pictures

This movie made me stop smiling for a couple of days, and worse, I almost freaked out when some stranger grinned at me. It’s dark and eerie, capturing how trauma can be passed from one person to another until it consumes you. 

The camera work adds to that unsettling vibe—I jumped at least ten times, and trust me, none of the scares felt cheap. The ending haunted me so much that I almost slept with the lights on!

Strange Darling

Kyle Gallner in Strange Darling (2023)
Photo by MIRAMAXÂ

What starts as a twisted one-night stand quickly unravels into a gruesome serial killer’s rampage. If you think you’re in for a typical horror flick, not this time. The nonlinear storytelling unfolds across six gripping chapters, keeping you hooked with unexpected twists and darkly hilarious moments. Strange Darling has all the violence and a cat-and-mouse chase element to keep you holding your breath. 

If you love leaving the theater scratching your head and guessing what the heck just happened, don’t miss this one. 

Source: Reddit

15 Must-Watch, Mind-Bending Movies That Make You Question Reality

Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, and Gwyneth Paltrow in Se7en (1995)
Photo by Warner Bros. Entertainment

Exploring the depths of the human mind and pushing the boundaries of perception, these movies have captivated audiences with their intricate narratives, thought-provoking themes, and unexpected twists. Let’s delve into a collection of mind-bending movies that will leave you questioning reality, unraveling enigmatic plots, and challenging your perceptions.

Read more: 15 Must-Watch, Mind-Bending Movies That Make You Question Reality

12 of the Most Under-Appreciated Horror Movies You Need To Watch

Amber Heard in The Ward (2010)
Photo by A Bigger Boat

Ranging from chilling psychological thrillers to spine-tingling supernatural tales, these films weave narratives that transcend the typical horror tropes, delivering a unique and haunting experience for viewers brave enough to venture beyond the well-trodden paths of popular horror.

Read more: 12 of the Most Under-Appreciated Horror Movies You Need To Watch

10 Classic Horror Movies to Watch This Weekend

Daveigh Chase in The Ring (2002)
Photo by DreamWorks LLC

Many horror movies have come out full of predictable scary scenes and unsatisfying endings. But here is a list of horror movies that are not only scary but well-written, leaving a satisfying feeling at the end. Enjoy!

Read more: 10 Classic Horror Movies to Watch This Weekend