Looks like there’s someone invading us—and it isn’t a cockroach
“In the Web of Fear” (“Spider Web”), directed by Samuel Bodine
Among this year’s most atmospheric and underrated horror offerings, the story centers on a young boy named Peter. The performance from Woody Norman, who previously caught attention opposite Joaquin Phoenix in Kamon Kamon, anchors a tale about a child living in an unusually eerie house. The film channels a Mike Flanagan-inspired vibe in its tone and pacing, with Lizzy Caplan portraying Peter’s mother and Antony Starr playing alongside her. The plot defies easy prediction and unfolds with a Halloween-ready timing that heightens the suspense for Canadian and American audiences alike.
“Bogeyman,” directed by Rob Savage
The screen adaptation of Stephen King’s story sits well beside In the Web of Fear, building on shared dread. It follows a father and his two daughters who are grieving the recent loss of their mother and confront a malevolent presence. The ensemble features Sophie Thatcher and Vivienne Lyra Blair, known from recent genre projects, and Chris Messina, with Savage bringing his experience in contemporary horror to a compelling, grounded execution that shifts from virtual to tangible terror with confident craft.
“Nobody Will Save You,” directed by Brian Duffield
A tense blend of home invasion and alien intrusion, this film traps a single protagonist in a claustrophobic battle against an unknown force. The premise evokes a twilight science fiction mood, recalling the solitary suspense of classic thrillers while leaning into a modern, intimate perspective. Kaitlyn Dever leads with a restrained performance that drives the film through a lean, almost stage-like structure, delivering sustained tension with minimal dialogue and maximum implication.
“Supplement,” directed by Anna Zlokovich
Anna Zlokovich’s directorial debut grows from a provocative short, expanding into a feature that refuses to stay in one lane. The centerpiece follows a fashion designer facing a grotesque departure from the expected when a demonic appendage emerges and devours a twin. The narrative zigzags between multiple characters, melding body horror with other subgenres and leaving the audience unsettled long after the credits roll.
Maybe just Dracula
“Renfield,” directed by Chris McKay
In a bold blend of comedy and horror, the film follows Renfield, Dracula’s enigmatic aide, as he tries to break free from a toxic dynamic. Nicholas Hoult brings humor and vulnerability to the role, while Nicolas Cage delivers a wild, iconic turn as the vampire lord. The movie collides Cage’s unmistakable mania with a modern action-driven energy, creating a fresh, entertaining reboot with a wink to classic vampire lore.
“The Last Voyage of Demeter,” directed by André Øvredal
A self-contained voyage that compiles the Demeter’s log from Bram Stoker’s Dracula, tracing the ship’s peril as it crosses fields from continental Europe to England. The result feels both hermetic and haunting, with moments of stark, almost primal emotion. The cast includes Game of Thrones veteran Liam Cunningham as the captain, delivering a grounded performance amid suspenseful, maritime dread.
I think of the Roman Empire but I don’t think of Roman numerals
“Sister II” (Sister II), directed by Michael Chavez
A fresh entry into the Conjuring universe, where Taissa Farmiga reprises her priestess role to confront the enduring menace of Valak. Chavez steers the film with a lean, brisk tempo that, while perhaps not matching the franchise’s earliest peak, still offers a standout monster and some of the most unsettling moments in the series. Fans of the Conjuring saga will appreciate the careful escalation and practical scares.
“Scream 6” (“Scream VI”), directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett
Woodsboro relocates to New York in the sixth chapter of this storied franchise. Without the original creator Wes Craven at the helm, the team crafts a lean, modern thriller that preserves the franchise’s playful meta-commentary while maintaining a sense of peril. Neve Campbell’s absence is felt, but the two directors adapt with sharp instincts, delivering a fast-paced entry that satisfies longtime fans and newcomers alike.
“Saw X” (“Saw 10”), directed by Kevin Grotert
The enduring torture franchise returns with a prequel-style twist, set between the first two films. The killer Jigsaw remains central, driving a grim journey to Mexico in search of an experimental cancer treatment. Tobin Bell returns to a role that defined the series, joined by Shawnee Smith in a familiar yet intensified dynamic that keeps fans engaged with inventive traps and moral tests.
What are teens (and their parents, and life-size animatronic dolls) obsessed with today?
“Talk to Me,” directed by Danny and Michael Philippou
This year’s surprise hit comes from Australian creators the Philippou brothers, who gained traction with their RackaRacka channel before taking a bold leap into feature horror with A24. A group of teens experiments with seances, unleashing consequences that feel both familiar and frighteningly fresh. The film captures the jittery energy of youth mythologies about summoning spirits, delivering a provocative jolt for audiences in Canada and the United States.
“Evil Dead Rise,” directed by Lee Cronin
The fifth chapter in Sam Raimi’s beloved series doubles down on intensity. A malevolent force carved from the Book of the Dead descends on a single mother and her three children in an apartment building, delivering the franchise’s signature mix of relentless horror and dark humor. Cronin balances lean, shocking set-pieces with genuine emotional moments, inviting viewers to feel the stakes as the body horror escalates.
“Five Nights at Freddy’s,” directed by Emma Tammy
The adaptation of the videogame saga follows a haunted pizzeria where animatronic figures come to life. The cast includes Josh Hutcherson and Matthew Lillard in supporting roles, with a child-friendly rating that juxtaposes eerie thrills with a more accessible, family-friendly vibe. The film taps into a nostalgic pulse for long-time fans while offering newer viewers a brisk, creepy ride.
Long Halloween
Produced by Mike Flanagan, the ongoing project brings Edgar Allan Poe’s atmosphere into a modern streaming series. Netflix has carried the late-season chapters, and questions linger about future platforms and continued support as Flanagan shifts to new collaborations. The project blends gothic mood with contemporary storytelling, delivering eight hours of dark, immersive experience that fans of dark mystery will savor. A recent overview compiles episodes in a curated order for dedicated enthusiasts, with a focus on pacing and tone across the arc. [cite: Netflix press materials] [cite: interview with Flanagan team]