Movies to watch this Halloween

Closer to home, we saw the much-awaited horror comedy sequel Street 2 collect Rs 874.58 cr at the worldwide box office. From the same shared universe, Munjya turned out to be a surprising hit, too. India also saw folk horror successes like the Malayalam period horror Brahmayugamwhich crossed Rs 58.70 crore globally. The re-released Tumbbad (2018) became the country’s biggest re-run grosser. The film was a flop when it originally hit theatres but made Rs 13.50 crore in net collection this year, leaving behind new releases. The makers also announced a sequel that’s rumoured to go into production next year. Given this spike, it’s natural for horror fans to wonder if this is a comeback for the genre. Judging by the enthusiasm online and nearly full theatres, it’s clear that we’re ready for more.

A new era of horror

Not to trivialise beloved classics, but in the neo-horror era, stories are moving beyond a ghostly presence haunting a family that’s just moved into an obviously questionable house. Makers are stepping away from formulaic limitations and returning to the good ol’ gore, existential dread, and our own fears about our fateful futures. Whether you’re a regular recreational user of fear or an occasional watcher, this new and improved horror landscape has something to scare everyone. With the revival of sub-genres like body horror, found footage, and psychological horror, this year’s releases offer some impressively creepy must-watches. Here are the best frightening flicks — without spoilers — to watch in the run-up to Halloween (October 31):

1. The Substance: Nothing is scarier than the times we live in, more so for women. Directed by Coralie Fargeat, The Substance is a body horror film that takes you on a twisted albeit cinematographically genius journey. Winning Cannes Best Screenplay, the film follows a former celebrity, played by Demi Moore, who uses an experimental substance to create a younger version of herself. It explores the pressures of beauty standards, identity, and social expectations, blending horror with satire and dark humour. The undercurrent is healthy self-worth versus the cost of maintaining youth in the entertainment industry. Lauded for its intense practical effects and striking performances, The Substance will leave you psychologically provoked with its visceral visuals.

Also read: How Amar Kaushik’s Stree 2 breaks the old mould for male hero in Hindi cinema

2. Strange Darling: Another female protagonist-oriented story, Strange Darling will grip you from the opening scene and keep you on the edge of your seat till the last frame. The Tarantino-esque non-linear thriller is directed by JT Mollner and shot entirely on 35 mm film. Set in rural Oregon, it begins with a seemingly simple encounter that turns into a murder spree. Divided into six out-of-order chapters, the film keeps viewers guessing till the end. It explores gender dynamics and identity through gripping performances by Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner. With stellar cinematography, a disturbing narrative, and a haunting background score, including ballads written for the film, Strange Darling offers everything a horror/thriller fan is looking for. Some of the best twists and turns of the year! It’s best to go into this film blindly — you will not regret it.

3. Speak No Evil: A good psychological horror takes situations that could happen to anyone and turns them into something we hope happens to no one! Speak No Evil questions social politeness and conventions, which, as the story unfolds, lead to strange consequences. What begins as a friendly reunion slowly devolves into an uncomfortable experience, to say the least. At some point, the slow-burn narrative turns into a survival story. The slow-steeping dread culminates into a horrifying climax — the ultimate threat being the probability of us, the viewers, ending up in a similar situation. Witness James McAvoy’s blood-curdling performance and a lesson in boundaries that’ll stay with you for a long, long time. Despite the mixed opinions, Speak No Evil is an absolute must-watch.

4. Longlegs: With an anxiety-inducing, dark atmosphere from the first scene, Longlegs may remind you of the classics Silence of the Lambs (1991) and Se7en (1995). The horror-thriller follows FBI agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe), as she investigates a decades-long series of murders connected to an elusive, occult-influenced killer — Longlegsplayed exceptionally by the legendary Nicolas Cage. The themes of evil and manipulation run throughout, with Cage’s character evoking a terrifying mix of glam-rock flair and sinister occultism. Appreciated for its atmospheric tension and minimalist sound design, the horror of Longlegs creeps in and stays within you long after the credits roll. PS: Cage said he was inspired by his late mother — who suffered from schizophrenia and depression — and her mannerisms while portraying the character.

5. A Quiet Place: Day One: The horror community appreciates a film that exceeds expectations, and this year, it was A Quiet Place: Day One. As the third instalment in the franchise, the film raked in $261 million at box offices worldwide — four times its budget! The prequel takes us to the origin of the alien invasion, which in itself is satisfying to witness if you’ve been a fan of the franchise. Even if you haven’t watched the other two films, this horror sci-fi doesn’t depend on them to tie loose ends. We follow Sam (Lupita Nyong’o) as she attempts to survive an apocalyptic New York City alongside her emotional therapy cat Frodo (played by real cats Schnitzel and Nico) and fellow survivor, Eric (Joseph Quinn). The focus is more on character development than pure horror, showcasing moments of personal connection amidst the destruction. It’s a must-watch not only for its chilling sequences but also for the performances of Nyong’o, Quinn, and the cat (who has a bigger role than you’d think!).

6. Late Night With the Devil: There’s something inherently unsettling about watching found footage — any found footage. Add to that the half-awareness-half-anticipation of something spooky happening, plus a strategically hair-raising score, and we’ve got ourselves a great horror flick! Late Night With the Devil does exactly this and then some. Trust us when we say it’s scarier than it sounds. Jack Delroy is a charismatic but struggling late-night talk show host in 1977, who attempts to revive his show by airing a special Halloween episode. The guests have a connection to the occult in some way or another. However, things quickly spiral out of control as the live broadcast opens the door to the real supernatural, consequentially summoning demonic forces into the studio and viewers’ homes. The satire-horror fusion has earned praise for its inventive storytelling and period authenticity. The climax is a good pay off, which is one of the markers of good horror. The clever blend of found footage elements with retro TV aesthetics creates an eerie atmosphere — you will be convinced that the demonic forces have entered your reality as you’re watching this film.

Also read: The Exorcism review: Russell Crowe’s latest horror venture is a drab fest

7. Smile 2: The most recent of films on this list, Smile 2 continues the scary story of the first film but with a new protagonist this time. Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) is a pop star battling personal demons, and later, also a supernatural curse. Directed by Parker Finn, the sequel delves into the pressures of fame, addiction, and public scrutiny, using the entity’s eerie grin as a metaphor for the forced smiles Riley is expected to wear under the spotlight. After witnessing a shocking event connected to the curse, she finds herself trapped in a cycle of jumpy hallucinations and public unravelling, blurring the lines between reality and her haunting. Scott’s powerful performance is what makes this story believable, and the ending is something that not many will see coming.

Here are some upcoming releases you can look forward to:

1. Heretic (November, 2024: Hugh Grant plays a sinister figure — a departure from his usual roles — who traps two missionaries in a dangerous game of belief versus disbelief. Expect frightening mind games, moral dilemmas, and an eerie, high-stakes experience.

2. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 (November 2024): Horror fans in India can look forward to a reunion with Vidya Balan’s menacing Manjulika in the third instalment of the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise. As the previous film in the series was a massive disappointment, here’s hoping the third time’s the charm!

3. Nosferatu (December 2024): Robert Eggers reimagines the 1922 silent classic with a chilling, gothic tale of obsession. Starring Bill Skarsgård as the eerie vampire Count Orlok, fans are looking forward to haunting visuals, intense performances, and Eggers’ signature atmospheric storytelling.

Also read: 10 horror films to watch for a spine-chilling Halloween

4. Nightbitch (December 2024): Premiering at Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2024, this Amy Adams-starrer promises a hilariously satirical yet scary commentary on the many sides of parenthood. She’s a mom by day and a feral dog by night — need we say more? For a deeper experience, consider picking up the novel by the same name, by Rachel Yoder, before the release.

5. Presence (January 2025): A family moves into a suburban house, but they’re not the only ones living there. Even though the plot sounds like the standard scary movie recipe, Steven Soderbergh fans are still awaiting the release for these reasons: Lucy Liu’s performance and an experimental approach in cinematography.

6. The Monkey (February 2025): Based on a short story by Stephen King, The Monkey holds a lot of promise. From the makers of Longlegsdirector Osgood Perkins brings the story of a deadly toy monkey that wreaks havoc and claims lives.

7. Sinners (March 2025): This Ryan Coogler (Black Panther) film — starring Michael B. Jordan in a dual role — is highly anticipated. The story follows twin brothers who return home to escape their traumatic lives. But their hometown greets them with a dark secret, possibly vampire-like.

8. M3GAN 2.0 (June 2025): Blumhouse’s Jason Blum, James Wan, and Allison Williams (from the first M3GAN) are bringing back the creeps with another AI doll, rumoured to be named Amelia. As long as we don’t take it too seriously, M3GAN 2.0 should make for an enjoyable watch.

With the landscape of horror cinema fast evolving to meet the expectations of an elevated and hyper-aware audience, we hope good horror is here to stay. If not, we can simply look at the reality around us — the most unsettling horror there is. Boo! Gotcha! We hope these recommendations give you your fill of back-to-back frights this Halloween. Stay spooky!