7 new horror movies on Netflix, Prime Video, Shudder, and more in October 2024
(Un)lucky number 7
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We’ve finally made it. It’s October and as we count down to Halloween, there’s horror in abundance, with thebest streaming servicesadding more movies and shows of the creepier sort to their libraries – just look at thesefour horror movies coming to Netflixor thesesix Stephen King movies coming to Maxin October.
So if you’re after a good scare this month, you’ll likely be overwhelmed by choices. Don’t fear though, because I’ve got seven brilliant recommendations, which include some of thebest horror movies, that are perfect for any Halloween gathering, or just a random Wednesday in October.
Withnew movieslikeI Saw the TV GlowandThe Substanceimpressing the critics in recent months, 2024 is set to be a good one for fans of the macabre. With that in mind, here are seven titles that are coming to streaming services that you won’t want to miss this spooky season.
It Follows (2015)
When:October 1Where to stream it:Shudder/Peacock/Paramount Plus/Netflix/Tubi (US); Plex (UK); Stan (AU)
When I saw the full list ofeverything leaving Netflix in October,this one jumped out at me immediately.It Followsis a must watch for every horror fan for multiple reasons. The first being its use of jarring visuals that I’m still thinking about nine years later, especially the one in the opening scene (you have been warned).
The movie, which was one offive new movies added to Paramount Plusrecently, plays on the typical sexual elements of some horror movies but instead of a slasher victim stalking teens, the threat is something that only those affected can see and it can take the form ofanyone. Oh, and it’s sexually transmitted so you know, that’s fun. This is one hell of a ride and everyone should experience it, in my humble opinion.
A Quiet Place Part II (2021)
When:October 1Where to stream it:Paramount Plus (US); Foxtel Now (AU)
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I wouldn’t survive in theQuiet Placeuniverseand if you’re also cursed with an inability to shut up, you’ll relate to that fear. In all seriousness, this is a worthy sequel and is equally as terrifying as the first. Here, Emily Blunt is minus one husband and plus one baby (which she tensely delivered in a horrifying bathtub scene), but it’s no less captivating even without John Krasinski’s character.
If you can’t get enough of this franchise,A Quiet Place: Day Oneis also very good, and the fourth movieA Quiet Place Part III(confusing!) arrives in 2025, so there’s plenty more where that came from.
The Babadook (2014)
When:October 1Where to stream it:Shudder/Netflix/Kanopy/TheRokuChannel/Pluto TV/Plex (US); Prime Video (UK); Prime Video/Paramount Plus/Shudder (AU)
This is horror at its very best. Jennifer Kent made quite the first impression in her directorial debut, which is all about the titularBabadook, a character in a pop-up children’s book – if this was in my house I’d burn it, but that wouldn’t make a very good movie.
Instead, Kent delivers pure terror which is only elevated by the brilliant lead performances by Essie Davis and Noah Wiseman, a troubled widow and her son, who begins to develop signs of erratic behavior. Beyond being absolutely terrifying, it’s full of heart and explores themes of parenting, among others. 100% worth your time.
MaXXXine (2024)
When:October 18Where to stream it:Max (US)
The finale of Ti West’sXtrilogy is coming to streaming, and it’s worth it for Mia Goth alone (she’s a star!). Although UK and Australian viewers will have to wait a little longer, those in the US can watch it at homefrom October 18 on Max. In this follow up, we follow Mia’s Maxine Minx as she successfully auditions for a new horror movie. Meanwhile the very Night Stalker murders are happening in the background, so she’s in danger.It’s a fitting send-off and Mia Goth continues to wow here, having previously delighted us, especially with her wonderfully unhinged role inPearl. I know it was always meant to be a trilogy, but I’m really going to miss this.
Friday the 13th (1980)
When:October 1Where to stream it:Paramount Plus/Shudder (US); Foxtel Now (AU)Friday the 13thhas alotof sequels and they all have confusing names likeThe Final Chapterfor the fourth movie – there are nowelevenmovies. Does anyone else hate it when horrors do that? Yeah me too.
Anyway, you can’t beat the king, and I’m talking about the original 1980s movie. 80s horror rocks in general, and you really can’t get much better than this one. It’s our first introduction to Jason Voorhees, and he sure knows how to make an entrance.
If you are interested in the sequels too, check outeverything new on Paramount Plus in Octoberto find out which ones are being added.
The Cabin in the Woods (2011)
When:October 1Where to stream it:Peacock (US), Netflix/Prime Video (UK); Netflix/Stan (AU)The less you know aboutThe Cabin in the Woods, the better. Resist the urge to read any spoilers about this one and let yourself be wowed because trust me, this is not your average horror movie. Equal parts horror and comedy, this is a great one to watch with friends, family, any kind of audience. You’ll have a lot to discuss after, it’s a great time and you might be surprised where it dares to go.
It’s also a fairly easy one for newcomers to the genre in my opinion, the comedy elements help, so maybe you can use this to gently encourage your easily scared friends this Halloween season. Find out why it’s one of thebest horror movies ever made.
The Sixth Sense (1999)
When:October 10Where to stream it:Hulu/Max (US); Disney Plus (UK/AU)
M. Night Shyamalan is notoriously hit or miss, butThe Sixth Senseis universally acknowledged as one of his big hitters – and rightly so. This 90s classic is heading to streaming just in time for Halloween – it’s one of thenew Hulu moviesbeing added to the platform in October.
You might already know the twist, as Shyamalan is prone to doing, but it’s still worth watching. It’s also one of Bruce Willis' finest performances, if that seals the deal. The movie follows a child psychologist whose patient (played by Haley Joel Osment) claims he can see and talk to the dead, so it’s peak spooky season material.
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Lucy is a long-time movie and television lover who is an approved critic on Rotten Tomatoes. She has written several reviews in her time, starting with a small self-ran blog called Lucy Goes to Hollywood before moving onto bigger websites such as What’s on TV and What to Watch, with TechRadar being her most recent venture. Her interests primarily lie within horror and thriller, loving nothing more than a chilling story that keeps her thinking moments after the credits have rolled. Many of these creepy tales can be found on the streaming services she covers regularly.
When she’s not scaring herself half to death with the various shows and movies she watches, she likes to unwind by playing video games on Easy Mode and has no shame in admitting she’s terrible at them. She also quotes The Simpsons religiously and has a Blinky the Fish tattoo, solidifying her position as a complete nerd.
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