If you’re anything like me, you celebrate the Halloween season throughout the year by watching scary movies regardless of what month it is. However, if you are someone who only ventures into the realm of horror when the calendar reaches October, now is the time to start warming up. This list contains a diverse selection of underseen and/or underappreciated horror films that deserve your attention, arranged by release date. Let the spooky season commence.
Freaks (1932)
For those looking to add to their film history ball knowledge, Freaks is a fascinating work to study due to how its depiction of people with disabilities sparked controversy upon its release. The film follows a trapeze artist who joins a group of carnival sideshow performers and plots to marry one of them for his inheritance. In spite of segregation on set and test audience reactions that resulted in roughly one-third of the runtime being cut (and forever lost), the film uses its pre-Hays Code extremity to promote acceptance and point out that true monstrosity is dictated by what’s on the inside. It also has one of the most noteworthy endings in horror history, but I’ll abstain from spoilers.
The Cremator (1969)
Another censored film with a lost ending, The Cremator is a Czech New Wave horror satire about a cremator in 1930s Prague who gradually conforms to Nazi ideology, even at the expense of everyone around him. It has a surreal visual identity influenced by German expressionism, and its harrowing moments are diffused but not undermined by its black comedy. The events of the plot are often accompanied by narration from the protagonist, Karel, in which he explains his Buddhist-inspired philosophy as justification for his descent into fascist madness.
Sisters (1972)
I had to fit in a Brian De Palma film somewhere on this list; he wears his Hitchcock influences on his sleeve (this is one of several of his movies with a Rear Window-esque premise), but his style is wholly unique. Featuring masterful point-of-view, splitscreen and tracking shots, Sisters follows a reporter, Grace Collier, as she investigates a murder she witnessed in Staten Island that seemingly involves twin sisters Danielle and Dominique Breton. The film not only touches on De Palma’s favorite theme, voyeurism, but also explores the different levels of patriarchal oppression of women within contemporary society.
The Hidden (1987)
If you prefer your horror to be blended with science-fiction or action, look no further than The Hidden, a buddy cop movie starring Kyle MacLachlan as an FBI agent who pursues a body-hopping, chaos-causing alien. It’s got shootouts, car chases and flamethrowers — what more could you ask for? Imagine if Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) and Men in Black (1997) had a baby. Turn your brain off and have some fun, but don’t let a slug crawl inside!
Opera (1987)
One of Dario Argento’s lesser-discussed giallo masterpieces, Opera is about a young singer being stalked by an unknown killer who forces her to bear witness to his murders. The camerawork, set design and soundtrack are the standout elements of the film that make it so riveting to watch. Although it is technically a murder mystery, the fun does not come from trying to guess who the killer is (as many giallos tend to have lackluster third-act reveals). The thrills stem from the setup and execution of the death scenes with fantastic practical effects.
Twixt (2011)
Twixt is perhaps my favorite from Francis Ford Coppola’s era of digital filmmaking. This gothic story of a less-than-successful writer named Hall Baltimore (Val Kilmer) uncovering a small-town mystery boasts dreamy visuals unlike any movie I have ever seen. It’s also a deeply personal movie that can be interpreted through the lens of Coppola processing the death of his son, Gian-Carlo Coppola. Be sure to seek out the director’s cut, B'Twixt Now and Sunrise, as it contains essential footage.
One Cut of the Dead (2017)
This selection is dedicated to the zombie fans. One Cut of the Dead is a horror-comedy made on an extremely low budget and shot in eight days. The extraordinary camerawork, including a single continuous shot lasting 37 minutes, makes the film a highly rewarding viewing. This is an excellent, accessible option for someone wanting to expand their horizons and check out some non-English-language horror flicks.
Malignant (2021)
I will always champion James Wan’s criminally-misunderstood opus, Malignant. It is a masterclass in lighting, shot composition and control over tone. I will not reveal anything about the plot of this movie, nor should you attempt to learn about it before watching it. Go in blind and enjoy the ride with this gloriously campy flick.
It Ends (2025)
Are you looking for a newer release, but have already seen this year’s breakthrough horror hits? I urge you to check out It Ends from debut filmmaker Alexander Ullom. The plot follows four friends who find themselves driving on an endless road. I first watched it when it was briefly available on the Letterboxd Video Store, but it has since premiered at various film festivals and earned a theatrical release from Neon on Aug. 21, 2026. I contend that Ullom perfectly captures the Gen Z anxieties of life after leaving the structure of academia behind. It’s a high concept hangout movie laced with existential dread.
‘Are You Still Watching?’ is a column spotlighting what the Cornell community has been streaming. It runs every Wednesday.
Colton Sears is a member of the Class of 2028 in the Nolan School of Hotel Administration. He is a staff writer for the Arts & Culture department and can be reached at cds284@cornell.edu.
