
14 Modern Horror Films to Stream This Spooky Season
Horror remains one of the most creative and successful genres in recent years, with fresh voices using it to explore fear in innovative ways. Films like M3GAN, Scream V, and Smile have thrilled audiences while also reviving box office numbers in a post-pandemic world. From low-budget indies to big studio scares, the genre continues to push boundaries and gain new fans.
To help you celebrate 2024’s Spooky Season, I’ve curated a list of 14 modern must-watch horror and horror-adjacent films I’ve written about previously, now streaming across your favorite platforms.
Barbarian (2022), Directed by Zach Cregger
Starring: Georgina Campbell, Bill Skarsgård, Justin Long
Barbarian begins with a seemingly simple setup—a double-booked Airbnb—but quickly morphs into something much more sinister. This thriller soon spirals into full-blown horror with sharp turns, unsettling imagery, and shocking revelations that keep you guessing. Director Zach Cregger abandons the dark humor of the early acts for a brutal, gore-heavy finale, reminiscent of the New French Extremity films (High Tension, Martyrs). This wild ride of tension, wit, and terror will leave you on edge and utterly surprised. Watch it now on HBO Max.
Read the full review.
Talk to Me (2023), Directed by Danny and Michael Philippou
Starring: Sophie Wilde, Joe Bird, Alexandra Jensen
Talk to Me offers a fresh take on possession horror with its premise of teens summoning spirits using an embalmed hand. As a potent debut from the Philippou brothers, the film combines shocking supernatural thrills with a deeper exploration of grief, trauma, and peer pressure. While the scares land effectively, it’s the underlying themes and Sophie Wilde’s compelling performance that make this A24 film a standout. Stream it today on Hulu.
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The Lighthouse (2019), Directed by Robert Eggers
Starring: Robert Pattinson, Willem Dafoe
A claustrophobic descent into madness, The Lighthouse is a visually stunning psychological horror film that blends myth, folklore, and human desperation. Robert Eggers’ sophomore film, shot in stark black-and-white with a 1.19:1 aspect ratio, traps viewers in the isolated world of two lighthouse keepers who slowly unravel. Pattinson and Dafoe deliver powerhouse performances, driving the film’s exploration of guilt, isolation, and obsession. This eerie, surrealistic experience won’t be for everyone, but for those who appreciate atmospheric horror, it’s a must-watch. Catch it now on Prime Video.
Read the full review.
X (2022), Directed by Ti West
Starring: Mia Goth, Jenna Ortega, Brittany Snow, Kid Cudi
Set in the late 1970s, X follows a group of adult filmmakers whose attempt to shoot a porno on a rural farm that descends into a blood-soaked nightmare. Ti West’s homage to classic slasher films delivers plenty of gore while also exploring deeper themes of beauty, aging, and repression. Mia Goth shines as the lead, offering a standout performance as the young starlet . X smartly deconstructs exploitation cinema while providing brutal kills and thoughtful commentary on the fear of aging. Available now on Showtime.
Read the full review.
Men (2022), Directed by Alex Garland
Starring: Jessie Buckley, Rory Kinnear, Paapa Essiedu
Alex Garland’s Men is an unsettling, folk-horror journey through grief and trauma. Jessie Buckley delivers a powerful performance as Harper, a woman haunted by her past while vacationing in a remote English village. Rory Kinnear plays multiple eerie male characters, each representing different facets of toxic masculinity. While the final act plunges into surreal, body-horror territory, Garland’s exploration of guilt and societal critique offers more than typical genre thrills. Watch it on Paramount+.
Read the full review.
Lamb (2021), Directed by Valdimar Jóhannsson
Starring: Noomi Rapace, Hilmir Snær Guðnason, Björn Hlynur Haraldsson
Lamb is a slow-burn, atmospheric fable about grief, parenthood, and denial, set on a remote Icelandic farm. While marketed as horror, this film is more of a fantastical drama with unsettling, sometimes eerie moments. Noomi Rapace’s strong performance grounds the surreal story as strange events unfold with quiet tension. Beautifully shot, the film’s bizarre final act leaves a lasting impression. Though not traditional horror, its disturbing elements make it worth watching for fans of unsettling indie films. Find it on Hulu.
Read the full review.
The Cursed (2021), Directed by Sean Ellis
Starring: Boyd Holbrook, Kelly Reilly, Alistair Petrie
A fresh take on werewolf lore, The Cursed (formerly Eight for Silver) is a moody, atmospheric horror film set in late 19th-century France. The story follows a path of greed, revenge, and supernatural punishment as a land baron’s ruthless actions lead to a bloody curse on his village. Combining gothic horror with stunning cinematography, this slow-burn tale delivers gory, shocking sequences while exploring deeper themes of colonialism and retribution. Stream it now on Hulu.
Read the full review.
Hatching (2022), Directed by Hanna Bergholm
Starring: Siiri Solalinna, Sophia Heikkilä, Jani Volanen
Hatching follows Tinja, a young girl grappling with the pressures of perfection in her family life, which takes a bizarre turn after she discovers a mysterious egg. The movie blends body horror with coming-of-age themes in a surreal, unsettling way. Siiri Solalinna’s standout performance anchors this creepy, slow-burn story. For fans of eerie, offbeat horror, Hatching is a must-watch, delivering both grotesque visuals and thoughtful commentary on family dynamics. Watch it on Hulu.
Read the full review.
M3GAN (2022), Directed by Gerard Johnstone
Starring: Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Amie Donald
M3GAN is a campy, entertaining mix of sci-fi and horror, where a child’s AI companion doll takes its programming to sinister extremes. Featuring strong performances from Allison Williams and Violet McGraw, the film deftly balances humor and thrills. While it doesn’t dive too deeply into its commentary on technology and parenting, it succeeds as a fun, creepy slasher that delivers the scares with a knowing wink. Watch it now on Peacock.
Read the full review.
Watcher (2022), Directed by Chloe Okuno
Starring: Maika Monroe, Karl Glusman, Burn Gorman
Watcher is a taut, Hitchcockian thriller set in Romania, where an American woman, Julia, becomes convinced she’s being stalked. Maika Monroe delivers a gripping performance as paranoia and isolation escalate. The tension builds gradually, avoiding jump scares or overt horror, and instead relying on the creeping fear of being watched. The film’s slow burn pays off with a nerve-wracking finale, making it a top pick for fans of suspense and psychological terror. Stream it on Hulu.
Read the full review.
Scream (2022), Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett
Starring: Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox, David Arquette, Melissa Barrera
Scream (or 5cream, as fans dubbed it) reinvigorates the franchise with a fresh mix of nostalgia and new blood. While familiar faces return, the focus is on a new, compelling story surrounding sisters Tara and Sam Carpenter. Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera stand out in this brutal, meta-horror sequel. With sharp kills and self-aware humor, it delivers the thrills expected from the series while exploring modern horror tropes. Watch it now on Paramount+.
Read the full review.
Smile (2022), Directed by Parker Finn
Starring: Sosie Bacon, Jessie T. Usher, Kyle Gallner
In Smile, trauma is the true horror, haunting Dr. Rose Cotter in the form of a sinister smile passed between victims. Sosie Bacon’s intense performance drives this psychological nightmare, reminiscent of Hereditary (2018) and Rosemary’s Baby (1968). Parker Finn’s direction blends psychological dread with jump scares and stunning visuals, making this debut a standout in modern horror. Stream it now on Paramount+.
As a bonus, you can catch Smile 2 in theaters now!
Read the full review.
Candyman (2021), Directed by Nia DaCosta
Starring: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonah Parris, Colman Domingo
A haunting reinvention of the 1992 horror classic, Candyman (2021) explores themes of gentrification, trauma, and the legacy of racial violence. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II delivers a standout performance, supported by the atmospheric direction of Nia DaCosta. While paying homage to the original, this film adds a socially relevant layer, making it more than just a slasher. Stream it on Prime Video.
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Gretel and Hansel (2020), Directed by Oz Perkins
Starring: Sophia Lillis, Sam Leakey, Alice Krige
In this haunting reimagining of the classic fairy tale, Gretel & Hansel presents a visually striking and dark version of the story we know. Director Oz Perkins infuses the film with eerie atmosphere and unsettling imagery, turning the familiar into something truly disturbing. Sophia Lillis leads as Gretel, navigating themes of power and fear while Alice Krige’s wicked portrayal of the witch is chilling. Despite a slow burn, it’s a rewarding, nightmarish treat for fans of dark fairy tales. Watch it free on Pluto TV.
Read the full review.