Best Horror Movies on Shudder Right Now (Updated September 2024)

Alligator (1980)

1980s monster movie, reminiscent of Jaws-inspired creature flicks, this one stands out for its high quality. The plot revolves around a massive alligator wreaking havoc in an urban setting. Key characters include the late Robert Forster as Detective David Madison, a man with premature baldness, and Robin Riker as Marisa Kendall, a herpetologist. Their paths cross in multiple ways, leading them to join forces in tracking down the alligator. Notable aspects include the use of both a realistic, large-scale alligator prop and actual alligators in miniature sets, making this a memorable 1980s horror classic.

This film is helmed by Lewis Teague, featuring a stellar cast including Robert Forster, Robin Riker, Michael V. Gazzo, Dean Jagger, Sydney Lassick, Jack Carter, Perry Lang, and Henry Silva.

The Autopsy of Jane Doe

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I must commend “The Autopsy of Jane Doe” – a nail-biting, one-location horror masterpiece from Norwegian director André Øvredal. This chilling film is brimming with unexpected twists and an abundance of suspenseful jump scares that will leave even the most hardened horror aficionados on edge. The captivating duo, Emile Hirsch and Brian Cox, portray a father-son mortuary team, who find themselves inspecting one final body before wrapping up for the night. However, this unnamed corpse, known as Jane Doe, is unlike any they’ve ever encountered. The film’s vintage, old-school horror charm makes it an instant crowd-pleaser, but what truly sets it apart is Brian Cox’s exceptional performance – he never disappoints!

Featuring: Emile Hirsch, Brian Cox, Ophelia Lovibond, and Olwen Catherine Kelly

Cursed Films

While primarily airing on Shudder, the series Cursed Films (and its sequel) are must-watch content on this streaming platform. In each episode, a well-known movie rumored to be “cursed” is explored by the filmmaker. Notable examples include Poltergeist, The Crow, The Exorcist, and Twilight Zone: The Movie. Contrary to its title, the series aims to debunk the supernatural aspects surrounding the misfortunes that occurred on these film sets or post-release. Instead, it offers a somber perspective on the individuals involved in these productions and how urban legends can grow exponentially.

Directed by Jay Cheel

Deadstream

In the 2020s, this horror movie using found-footage style discovered an innovative approach to rejuvenate the genre. Picture a popular online benefactor who gained fame by giving away money and creating viral videos. Now imagine he faces financial ruin and, in a bid to regain his past success, starts live streaming from a supposedly haunted house. However, this house doesn’t seem too pleased with his antics. Balancing humor and terror, Deadstream is an exceptional horror film that offers an exciting viewing experience.

Led by the dynamic duo, Joseph and Vanessa Winter

The Devil’s Candy

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but sing praises for Sean Byrne’s latest masterpiece, “The Devil’s Candy.” Building upon the chilling success of his 2009 film “The Loved Ones,” Byrne delivers another gripping tale. In this movie, a fresh family unwittingly moves into a house steeped in sorrowful history, unaware that its former inhabitant has made an eerie comeback. The whispers he once heard have grown louder, now echoing for all to hear.

This film is helmed by Sean Byrne, featuring Ethan Embry, Shiri Appleby, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Kiara Glasco, Tony Amendola, Leland Orser, Oryan Landa, Craig Nigh, Marco Perella, Mylinda Royer, Arthur Dale, and Jack Dullnig as its stars.

Fade to Black

In an online world where film fandom is king, sometimes you need the reality check about your own movie obsession. Fade to Black is a masterful horror movie about a film geek taking things too far. He dresses as his favorite violent movie characters to kill his victims, all while pining over a woman because she resembles Marilyn Monroe. It’s a hidden gem of the era, and one that might serve as a gentel reminder.

This film, titled “Made by Vernon Zimmerman,” features a talented cast including Dennis Christopher, Tim Thomerson, Gwynne Gilford, Norman Burton, Linda Kerridge, Morgan Paull, James Luisi, Eve Brent, John Steadman, Marcie Barkin, and Mickey Rourke.

Fried Barry

This South African horror movie, “Fried Barry”, is an exhilarating showcase of depravity, violence, and drug use. It’s like the movies “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas”, “Crank”, and “Mandy” were blended together, then forcefully inhaled through a straw fashioned from the tunnel scene in “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” and experienced by the protagonist of “Under the Skin”. Lead actor Gary Green gives an exceptional performance as an alien inhabiting a human body, a role not equaled since Vincent D’Onofrio in “Men in Black”. Read our complete review.

This production is helmed by Ryan Kruger.

Horror Noire

You’ll find no shortage of genre-specific documentaries on Shudder, and Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror is one of their best. Examining the evolving legacy of Black performers and storytellers in the genre, from token side characters and monsters to leading roles anchoring the movies, viewers will not only find an amazing look into it all but an exhaustive list of recommendations. A six-episode follow-up TV series was also produced, giving you even more to watch too.

This film is helmed by Xavier Burgin and showcases the talents of Meosha Bean, Ashlee Blackwell, William Crain, Rusty Cundieff, Keith David, Ernest R. Dickerson, Tananarive Due, Ken Foree, Tina Mabry, Kelly Jo Minter, Paula Jai Parker, Jordan Peele, Tony Todd, Rachel True, Pam Grier, and William Marshall.

HOST

A Chilling Pandemic-Era Zoom Séance

This production is helmed by Rob Savage, featuring the talents of Haley Bishop, Jemma Moore, Emma Louise Webb, Radina Drandova, and Caroline Ward on screen.

House of 1000 Corpses

This movie is either something you’ll appreciate or it won’t resonate with you. First-time director Rob Zombie makes it clear from the start that this film won’t follow a traditional three-act structure, hero’s journey, or easy-to-follow plotline. Instead, it offers a raw, 90-minute experience that combines elements of a funhouse ride, late-night movie viewing, and frightening dreams brought on by too much sugar. The film maintains its DIY feel and Halloween spirit throughout, creating a series of scenes reminiscent of channel surfing through a guide of darkness.

Filmmaker Rob Zombie leads the team in this production, featuring: Sid Haig, Bill Moseley, Sheri Moon Zombie, Karen Black, Erin Daniels (also known as Chris Hardwick), Rainn Wilson, Jennifer Jostyn, Tom Towles, Walton Goggins, and Matthew McGrory.

The House of the Devil

Prior to Ti West marking his territory in the slasher genre with the X trilogy, he was already making a name for himself by diving into another 80s genre niche. With The House of the Devil, West was deeply immersed in his “patient” phase, creating a world and setting for viewers to gradually immerse themselves before suddenly catching them off guard. Not only does West shoot this movie on 16mm, which adds to its vintage 80s feel, but it also enhances Jocelin Donahue’s performance. This film moves slowly at times, but when it needs to, it picks up speed swiftly.

Filmmaker Ti West leads the way in this production. The cast includes Jocelin Donahue, Tom Noonan, Mary Woronov, Greta Gerwig, AJ Bowen, Dee Wallace, and Heather Robb.

Hunter Hunter

Hunter Hunter doesn’t intentionally leave the audience guessing about its direction at any point, but rather cleverly manipulates your assumptions (most notably with the casting of Devon Sawa). Despite the occasional slow pace that might not appeal to genre enthusiasts, it ultimately culminates in a climactic sequence featuring some visceral and impactful special effects.

This production is helmed by Shawn Linden, featuring the talents of Camille Sullivan, Summer H. Howell, Devon Sawa, Nick Stahl, and Gabriel Daniels in key roles.

Influencer

Despite leaning towards the thriller genre, the latest Shudder release is perfect for viewers seeking chills without excessive gore. A famous social media influencer, on a solo backpacking trip, encounters an unexpected travel companion whose motives extend beyond friendliness. It’s about beautiful people behaving badly in picturesque settings – what more could you ask for?

This production is helmed by Kurtis David Harder. The main cast includes Cassandra Naud, Emily Tennant, Rory J. Saper, Sara Canning, Paul Spurrier, and Justin Sams.

Kids vs Aliens

Occasionally, people refer to movies as an unrelenting roller coaster of excitement, which often means they have thrilling action sequences amidst mundane domestic life. In contrast, this film is more akin to an unyielding, fully realized roller coaster ride from the mind of Zeus, displaying its unique character and style from the outset. Fittingly, its title accurately reflects the plot, as a band of children encounter extraterrestrials, with the warning that not all of them will survive. This movie possesses a sharp edge, and it doesn’t shy away from showcasing it throughout the narrative.

This film is helmed by director Jason Eisener. The main cast includes Dominic Mariche, Phoebe Rex, Calem MacDonald, Asher Grayson, Ben Tector, Emma Vickers, and Isaiah Fortune.

Late Night With the Devil

Fans of horror can anticipate a familiar framework in “Late Night with the Devil,” but it’s the execution that keeps you hooked and generally intriguing. While some parts may disrupt the overall suspense, the movie largely captures a distinctive aesthetic and quality that makes it feel authentic. The film skillfully blends retro prosthetic effects with some contemporary CGI in a way that is fittingly toned down to maintain its era, creating a harmonious blend that offers viewers something novel and distinct. Read our comprehensive review for more insights.

The film is helmed by directors Cameron Cairnes and Colin Cairnes. The stellar cast includes David Dastmalchian, Laura Gordon, Ian Bliss, Fayssal Bazzi, Ingrid Torelli, Rhys Auteri, Georgina Haig, and Josh Quong Tart.

The Living Dead at Manchester Morgue

This less conventional zombie film, titled alternatively as “Let Sleeping Corpses Lie“, carries a political undertone and is infamous for its graphic violence. When two vacationers find themselves falsely accused of gruesome killings, it becomes clear that the true perpetrators are the vengeful undead. While heavily influenced by George A. Romero’s work, this horror tale also embodies the spirit of European genre films from that era.

This film is helmed by the skilled director, Jorge Grau. The star-studded cast includes Cristina Galbo, Ray Lovelock, Arthur Kennedy, Aldo Massasso, Giorgio Trestini, Roberto Posse, and Josè Lifante.

Mad God

This intricately crafted stop-motion movie has taken decades to perfect. While it shares elements with horror and steampunk genres, resembling more a haunting tune than a traditional storyline, Mad God delivers on its promise. The fact that this film is animated might deceive some viewers, but it’s important to note that it’s definitely not suitable for children. It contains a significant amount of graphic violence, including blood, guts, and even fecal matter, which could make sensitive viewers queasy. Read our comprehensive review here.

Directed by Phil Tippet

Mandy

As a gaming enthusiast who’s no stranger to blockbusters, let me tell you, nothing quite prepares you for the rollercoaster ride that is Mandy. Amidst the sea of Nicolas Cage films where it felt like the Academy Award winner was just going through the motions, this mind-bending trip into madness delivers one of his finest performances in years. Partly a blood-soaked revenge tale, partly a chilling Clive Barker-inspired horror, and seasoned with a pinch of sugar-fueled insanity, Mandy is a cinematic experience that defies description. You’ve got to see it to believe it.

Filmed by Panos Cosmatos, this production features Nicholas Cage, Andrea Riseborough, Linus Roache, Ned Dennehy, and others including Olwen Fouéré, Richard Brake, and Bill Duke.

Mute Witness

While this movie leans towards thriller rather than horror, you’ll quickly understand why it’s on Shudder once you begin watching. Marina Zudina gives an outstanding performance as Billy, the main character, but the plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns that might exceed the norm. You’ll find yourself constantly guessing about what will happen next. Additionally, Alec Guinness makes a surprising appearance in his last film role, having filmed his scenes years prior to the rest of the movie.

This production is helmed by the talented director, Anthony Waller. The star-studded cast includes Marina Zudina, Fay Ripley, Evan Richards, Igor Volkov, Sergei Karlenkov, and the legendary Alec Guinness.

One Cut of the Dead

2017 saw the release of One Cut of the Dead, a film that breathed fresh life into the waning genres of zombie and found footage movies by presenting an entirely novel approach. Moreover, this movie incorporates a self-referential aspect, centering on a filmmaker and his team producing a low-budget zombie flick, thereby infusing it with additional complexity. This layered structure provides an interesting dimension to the movie. Not only does it propose innovative concepts for both zombies and found footage, but it’s also incredibly funny.

This movie is helmed by director Shinichiro Ueda. The main cast includes Takayuki Hamatsu, Yuzuki Akiyama, Kazuaki Nagaya, and Harumi Shuhama.

Possum

In the movie “Possum“, the main character is a chilling sight to behold, yet director Matthew Holness has successfully translated a terrifying dream onto film. Each frame is filled with potential hiding places, and as your mind starts to detect these hidden areas, you’ll grow wary of every new scene in the film. The contemporary trend of “liminal spaces” serving as a horrifying labyrinth for horror enthusiasts makes this an appealing choice for viewers, particularly those seeking something devoid of gore and solely focused on unsettling your mind.

As a fervent admirer, I’d like to highlight a captivating cinematic experience that’s been graced by the directing genius of Matthew Holness. This masterpiece features Sean Harris, Alun Armstrong, Andy Blithe, Ryan Enever, and Charlie Eales as its stellar cast.

The Power

1974 found me, a trainee nurse in London, tasked with overseeing the dwindling patients at a hospital slated for closure. To make matters eerier, this duty fell during a blackout, plunging the once bustling halls into darkness. But it wasn’t just the sick who seemed to be waiting for a helping hand in the shadows. With chilling subtext that’s as captivating as it is unsettling, “The Power” delivers a ghostly tale without relying on cheap jump scares; instead, it genuinely earns its terrifying moments.

This production is led by director Corinna Faith. The principal cast includes Rose Williams, Emma Catherine Rigby, Charlie Carrick, Gbemisola Ikumelo, Nuala McGowan, and Theo Barklem-Biggs.

Psycho Goreman

In the unlikely event that an otherworldly monster called the Archduke of Nightmares appears on our planet, his intentions for destruction and conquest are thwarted when a youthful girl gains control over the gem that controls him, causing this cosmic invader to transform into her unlikely ally instead. Packed with humor and vintage visuals, Psycho Goreman is a wild, rollercoaster ride that combines the ridiculous with the gruesome in equal measure. Actress Nita-Josee Hanna delivers a riotous performance as the mischievous Mimi, making it all the more enticing to watch this film.

Movie “Pyro” is helmed by director Steven Kostanski.
The main cast includes Nita-Josee Hanna, Owen Myre, Adam Brooks, Alexis Hancey, Matthew Ninaber, Kristen MacCulloch, Steven Vlahos, and Reece Presley.

Sharksploitation

The documentary titled “Sharksploitation” by Shudder delves thoroughly into the realm of shark-themed films. It highlights the significant influence of “Jaws” on subsequent movies, many of which were mere copies. The film also discusses how sharks were portrayed in earlier cinema and how their representation has changed over time. This particular area of horror films is intriguing and deserves further examination. Shudder should consider producing more documentaries like this one, focusing on other subgenres that fans are passionate about.

Headed by Stephen Scarlata, this project stars Roger Corman, Joe Dante, Carl Gottlieb, Johannes Roberts, Wendy Benchley, Michael Gingold, James Nunn, Adam Rifkin, and Mario Van Peebles.

Sissy

At the weekend, Cecilia, a social media influencer, received an invitation to attend her old friend’s bachelor party. Upon arrival, she discovers that the guest list also includes someone from her childhood who used to bully her. One might expect a specific tone given this situation, but for those who enjoy gory scenes, this event takes things to an extreme level in its most intense moments.

Under the guidance of director Kane Senes, this production features the talented cast members: Aisha Dee, Hannah Barlow (also a co-star), Emily De Margheriti, Daniel Monks, Yerin Ha, Lucy Barrett, and Shaun Martindale.

Sole Survivor

At times, when you’re in a mood for a chilling movie experience, the usual gory or action-packed films don’t appeal, instead, you crave a suspenseful narrative. That’s exactly what “Sole Survivor” offers; it’s the story of Denise, a woman who miraculously survives a plane crash to become the sole survivor. However, as days pass, it becomes evident that she wasn’t meant to live at all, and death seems determined to claim her by sending the recently deceased after her. Fans of the contemporary horror hit “IT Follows” might find something intriguing here, and they may even ponder whether “Sole Survivor” had any influence on it.

This film is helmed by Thom Eberhardt

This is GWAR

A fantastic documentary often sheds light on an unfamiliar part of the world in a way that makes you feel as though you should have been interested all along. “This is GWAR” manages to make their outrageous stage spectacle seem like the most exciting event out there, leaving you eagerly searching for their tour dates once it concludes. The passion and authenticity these artists exude are the driving forces behind its success.

Directed by Scott Barber

When Evil Lurks

Filmmaker Demi?n Rugna has created a follow-up to his 2018 film Terrified (also available on Shudder), and it’s one of the most original and chilling possession films in recent decades. Unlike mainstream Hollywood, which continues to produce movies that are mere imitations of The Exorcist’s themes, When Evil Lurks offers a fresh take on possession. Instead of just one person being influenced by demonic forces, an entire town is affected in this film, and the narrative is as unsettling as it is memorable. In fact, it’s one of the most disturbing horror movies of the year. Here’s our full review.

This film is helmed by Demi Rugna and features the talents of Ezequiel Rodriguez, Demi Salomon, Luis Ziembrowski, Silvia Sabater, and Marcelo Michinaux in its cast.