13 Days of Halloween: 10 Great Modern Horror Movies to Watch This Halloween (That We Think You’ve Never Seen) – 2022 Edition
For the third year in a row, we want to talk about modern horrors we think you should definitely be checking out this Halloween season. Movies that you may have missed, movies that delighted us and movies we think are good enough to recommend. Now, our definition of modern is ‘released’ in the last 5 to 6 years. Some might be brand-new (released this year), others may be a couple of years old and we’ve just got round to mentioning them now.
In 2020, we recommended Dinner Party, Stairs, The Night Eats the World, We Are the Missing, Room for Rent, The Good Things Devils Do, Racoon Valley, Terrifer, The Void and Butterfly Kisses. You can read that full article here.
In 2021 we recommended Till Death, Slashorette Party, Bloody Hell, Paintball Massacre, Don’t Look Back, After Midnight, Yummy, Oxygen, Killer Rack and Savageland. You can read that full article here.
So, what are we recommending for 2022? Read on to find out!
Torn Hearts (2022)
Directed by Brea Grant, written by Rachel Koller Croft and starring Katey Sagal, Abby Quinn and Alexxis Lemire, Torn Hearts has a lot to say about the pitfalls of fame and how far some people will go to achieve it.
Torn Hearts tells a delightfully dark story, tinged with a sadness because of just how real it feels. Read our full review here.
Hellarious (2019)
Hellarious is an anthology that features 7 short horror-comedies from a talented bunch of creators and a strong cast. Unlike many other anthologies, there is no ‘wrap-around’ story or anything that links the shorts. That could go against it if it wasn’t for high quality of most of these movies.
The criticism that it’s just a collection of shorts that can be viewed alone and elsewhere is fair, but this film sure makes it easier to find them. Simply put, it’s 7 ‘good to great’ comedy horror films which is a strong return on your time investment. Read our full review here.
Vicious Fun (2020)
Vicious Fun is a horror comedy film directed by Cody Calahan. Set in 1983, it focuses on film critic and writer of the horror magazine Vicious Fanatics, Joel. Who ends up stuck in a self-help meeting for serial killers.
Vicious Fun is well, a lot of fun. The basis for the narrative is a nice setup for the entertaining shenanigans that ensue. An all-round very solid horror comedy. Read our full review here.
Broadcast Signal Intrusion (2021)
A suspense-driven mystery-based horror, Broadcast Signal Intrusion comes from director Jacob Gentry, and writers Phil Drinkwater and Tim Woodall.
In a world dominated by slasher, paranormal and re-imagining of classic horror films, anything that manages to grip in the way Broadcast Signal Intrusion does, deserves a hell of a lot of praise. A thrilling watch that stands out amongst the horror pack because it dares to try something different. Read our full review here.
Knocking (2021)
Knocking (Swedish: Knackningar) is directed by Frida Kempff and written by Emma Broström, based on a short story by Johan Theorin.
A slow burn of a thriller tinged with dark, horror elements. Knocking is an excellently told, atmospheric movie that stays with you long afterwards. You’re left wondering just what is real and what isn’t. It’s these questions and how the narrative frames them, that makes Knocking such a compelling watch. An excellent hidden gem of a thriller/horror movie. Read our full review here.
No One Gets Out Alive (2021)
No One Gets Out Alive is a 2021 British horror film directed by Santiago Menghini from a screenplay by Jon Croker and Fernanda Coppel, based on the 2014 novel of the same name by Adam Nevill.
It isn’t a very complex movie, but it does have enough mystery and intrigue to hold you throughout its runtime. Brutal, fantastic looking gore. Its creepy vibes and shots are great. Well worth the price of admission and will have you mistrusting your landlord in no time. Read our full review here.
Horror in the High Desert (2021)
A combination of footage, interviews, telephone calls, internet history, news bulletins and characters piecing a mystery together, can result in something that feels like a documentary. That is what Horror in the High Desert nails. The wonderful combination of artistic licencing that you get with a documentary and enigmatic true-crime horror.
It’s impressive just how real Horror in the High Desert feels. At times, it is easy to forget that you’re even watching a horror movie and not a true-crime documentary. Read our full review here.
Slumber Party Massacre – Remake (2021)
The Slumber Party Massacre was a 1982 slasher horror movie and the first in the Slumber Party Massacre trilogy. The original 1982 movie was just an OK movie. Do you need to watch it before seeing this remake/reimagining? No, not really. However, it is recommended. Simply because the references and general tone of this one might confuse if you haven’t. For example, Slumber Party Massacre 2021 is more of a slasher parody than an outright horror.
It’s so rare to see a film like this. A remake/reimagining that is better than the original. Yes, it is being said. This is better than the 1982 original. Read our full review here.
Becoming Death (2022)
From director Alexander Henderson who also wrote the story with Mary Ahlman, comes ‘Becoming Death’. A slow burn of a horror that is immensely satisfying because you’re never quite sure what will happen next.
The story, while eccentric, is gripping and the way in which it takes its time is genuinely unnerving. A thought-provoking, chilling, sometimes amusing and emotive horror movie. Read our full review here.
Anything for Jackson (2020)
Anything for Jackson is a Canadian horror film that was directed by Justin G. Dyck.A damn good horror film with some fantastically disturbing moments. Taking a modest budget and utilising it expertly. Other than a few minor scenes, Anything for Jackson takes place in a singular location. It puts the money where it matters most and that is the practical effects, it pays off big time.
The film has its tongue planted firmly in its cheek. The subject matter is something you’d usually expect to be extremely dark and serious. However, this film manages to add a level of humour due to the matter-of-fact way some of its dialogue is delivered. Read our full review here.
