Best summer horror movies to watch as you beat the heat

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre

Another classic on this list is the original Texas Chain Saw Massacre, which released in theaters back in 1974. Directed by Tobe Hooper and starring newcomer actors, the film had a small budget and absolutely crushed it at the box office. Not only did this movie introduce Leatherface to the world, but it also started a long-running franchise of sequels, prequels, books, video games, and more. Though the first movie is definitely the best entry of the series, the impact the entire franchise has had on horror is hard to argue.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre will have you grateful to be indoors with a nice fan instead of out in the heat running away from Leatherface.

WHERE TO STREAM: The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is available to stream on IMDb TV, Amazon Prime Video, Tubi, SlingTV, and Showtime. It’s also available on Hulu with the Showtime add-on.

Children of the Corn

One of my personal favorite Stephen King adaptations is Children of the Corn, directed by Fritz Kiersch and released in 1984. Somehow, this movie still creeps me out just as much as it did when as I was a kid, and it’s one of the best horror movies to really get the summer vibe. Based on the short story of the same name by King, the movie follows couple Vicky (Linda Hamilton) and Burt (Peter Horton), who stop by a small town after they accidentally hit a child with their car.

Though they try to help the kids who live there alone without any adults, it soon becomes evident to the pair that they’re the ones who need to be saved. Complete with that scorching sun in the cornfields, Children of the Corn is a great movie to watch as the temperature goes up.

WHERE TO STREAM: Children of the Corn is available to watch on Tubi, Pluto TV, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.

Us

Following up 2017’s Academy Award-winning Get Out was likely no easy feat for director Jordan Peele, but he delivered with Us in 2019. While both movies are horror they are drastically different, as Us explores themes of class and privilege with heavy religious imagery. Taking place during a summer family vacation, the characters must face mirrored versions of themselves called the “Tethered,” who while share the same soul are terrifying and nothing like them.

Us will make you nervous to take your next beach trip, but trust me, it’s worth it!

WHERE TO STREAM: Us is available to rent for $3.99 on Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Vudu.