While most streaming services feature a decent enough horror library, real fans know that the best place to go when searching for a scary movie is Shudder.
Since debuting in 2015, Shudder has smartly curated a robust catalog of horror movies ranging from niche to mainstream, old to modern, and everything in between. Even people who aren't all that into horror can probably find something enjoyable to watch here, as Shudder has plenty of comedic films, sci-fi, and more.
But because of just how many movies are available on the streamer at any given time, some nights, subscribers might spend more time searching for the proper film vs. watching one. This list should help you find something to watch, perhaps even a film you usually wouldn't have given a second look!
The Clovehitch Killer (2018)
A seemingly endless amount of serial killer fiction exists, making it hard for new movies and shows covering the same topics to stand out. The Clovehitch Killer is worth a watch because it attempts to do something different with its storytelling.
The film follows Tyler (Charlie Plummer) after he finds a collection of disturbing images in his father's (Dylan McDermott) possession and realizes that his dad might be a murderer. Despite being bloodless, The Clovehitch Killer has a smart and grounded script focused on the chilling and realistic impact a discovery like that might have on a teenager's psyche.
Tiger Stripes (2023)
Body horror is one of my favorite subgenres, particularly when focused on women, as with this brilliant debut from writer and director Amanda Nell Eu.
Twelve-year-old Zaffan becomes the first among her friends to experience puberty, isolating her from her peers and leading her to make a startling discovery, the first of many as she grows to understand and embrace her body rather than fear it—a tender and perceptive take on the coming-of-age story.
Grafted (2024)
Like Tiger Stripes, Grafted is a coming-of-age body horror movie, albeit with significantly more gore and disturbing content. Wei has just been awarded a prestigious academy scholarship to study at a New Zealand university.
She finds it hard to fit in with her classmates there, especially because she sports a genetic birthmark on her face. Wanting to look like the other girls, Wei starts working on her father's research: a revolutionary skin grafting procedure. Intent on "curing" herself, Wei becomes increasingly unhinged as she delves deeper into the experiment.
Infested (2023)
Infested is an intense creature feature that will have you gripping your chair and perhaps even feeling something crawling on you. Arachnophobes, beware.
Sébastien Vaniček's directorial debut is a sick and disturbing movie for anyone with severe phobias, making for a genuinely squirm-inducing experience. The movie even caught Sam Raimi's attention, leading him to personally hand-pick the director to helm a new Evil Dead movie.