Emily Pettinicchi | Staff Writer
If you are looking for some horror movies to watch this fall, without the hassle of scrolling through thousands of options, this is the article for you. I have curated my eight top picks for horror fans to enjoy stress-free:
- Us (2019)
After being released in 2019, Jordan Peele’s Us quickly became a fan favorite. The Wilson family – Adelaide, Gabe, and their two children – decide to visit the beach house Adelaide grew up in. Already traumatized by an event from her childhood, the mother is weary to be back. Her fears come true when four people break into their house. But it gets worse… the intruders look exactly like them. If you like multi-dimensional worlds, evil look-alikes, and shocking plot twists, Us is a must-watch. It is no surprise that the film has grossed over $250,000,000.
- The Conjuring (2013)
The Conjuring, released in 2013, follows the Perron family. After buying an old farmhouse, they immediately notice paranormal activity following them. The family dog is acting strange, mysterious bruises appear on their bodies, and nighttime becomes a dreaded event. Desperate, the family decides to seek help from the famous Warrens, a married couple who are renowned demonologists. The worst part of this movie is that it is based on a true story, and the real-life house is located in Rhode Island. If you enjoy this movie, the second film is worth watching, the same cannot be said about the third film, however.
- The Cabin in the Woods (2011)
The Cabin in the Woods is one of those movies that is so bad, it’s good. When five college friends decide to take a vacation to a secluded cabin, they are terrorized by zombies. Little do they know, the zombies are being controlled by mad scientists. This movie may seem cliché and predictable, but it certainly is funny. If you’re a serious person who likes to watch movies to further your intellectuality, definitely do not watch this film. But, if you are like me, you will appreciate the ridiculous nature of this film.
- The Hereditary (2018)
If you choose to watch Hereditary, prepare to be confused, disturbed, and intrigued simultaneously. Released in 2018, Hereditary is a psychological thriller about the Graham family. After the mysterious grandmother dies, the remaining family begins to discover frightening secrets about their bloodline. Be prepared for lots of blood, insects, and three decapitations. Yes, three. Produced by A24, a company notorious for eccentric movies, Hereditary will undoubtedly leave you speechless.
- The Invisible Man (2020)
Based on the novel written by H. G Wells, The Invisible Man will make you question who you can really trust. Cecilia Kass, played by Elizabeth Moss, has found herself in an abusive relationship with Adrian Griffin, an optics engineer. After he takes his life, Cecilia suspects that he might be using an elaborate plan to terrorize her from beyond the grave. When she confides in her friends and they make her feel unhinged, she decides to take matters into her own hands. A perfect mix between horror and sci-fi, this movie will please a wide variety.
- The Nun (2018)
What is more ironic than a demon disguised as a nun haunting a Convent? Not much. After a nun in Romania takes her life in the 1950’s, a priest is sent to examine her suicide. It becomes apparent that something is very wrong in the Convent. The priest and his partner must put their faith on the line to uncover sacrilegious secrets being hidden by the nuns. The Nun is a classic jump-scare horror film that will have you on the edge of your seat. Plus, there’s an appearance from Ed and Lorraine Warren, the demonologists in The Conjuring.
- The Exorcist (1973)
When I think of the most iconic horror movie, The Exorcist immediately comes to mind. When 12-year-old Regan MacNeil begins showing all the classic signs of possession, her mother seeks the help of a local priest to perform an exorcism on her. This Oscar-winning movie was, dare I say, revolutionary. After the smashing success of the first movie, five more mediocre exorcist movies were made. It is not surprising; we have seen this story before. The first movie sets expectations too high and the sequels fall short. Perhaps the franchise should have stuck with the original director, William Friedkin. Instead, each sequel had a different director.
- Smile (2022)
Do you remember seeing an uproar over people smiling creepily in the background of news broadcasts, sporting events, and social media posts? Who was responsible for this, you might ask? That would be the genius advertising team for the movie Smile. When the movie was finally released in September 2022, the film proved to be just as successful as its advertising strategies. The story follows psychiatrist Rose Cotter. When she witnesses a disturbing incident involving a patient, she begins to unravel the bizarre string of events that led to it. She is plagued with the reality that if she cannot undo this curse, her fate is sealed. And if you ever see a stranger eerily smiling at you, run.
