Bring Her Back (2025)
Filmmaking duo Danny and Michael Philippou return with a chilling story about heartache and family. “Bring Her Back” centers around two orphaned step-siblings, Andy (Billy Barratt) and Piper (Sora Wong), who is visually impaired. They get placed in the care of Laura (Sally Hawkins) and fall into a chaotic supernatural ritual. Making their comeback from their feature directorial debut, “Talk to Me,” the Australian brothers are continuing to push their creative limits.
Similar to “Talk to Me,” “Bring Her Back” dissects themes of grief and pain using horror as a visual tool. Not only will this movie provide great scares and intense gore, it will also spark conversations about how to manage loss and what it means to be a family.
Perfect Blue (1997)
With a 84% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, Sakoshi Kon’s “Perfect Blue” is a treasured anime film worldwide. The main character, Mima Kirigoe (Junko Iwao), leaves her career as a J-Pop idol to pursue acting and decides to experiment with her new image. Her fans are left upset with the shift, and one super-fan begins intensively stalking her.
“Perfect Blue” portrays the haunting merge of perception and reality, a regular theme in many of Kon’s works. Additionally, important messages of misogyny, fan culture and parasocial relationships are displayed amongst the thrills.
Jennifer’s Body (2009)
Originally considered a cinematic failure and now a feminist camp classic, Karyn Kusama’s “Jennifer’s Body” tackles female friendships, sexual assault and womanhood in a supernatural comedy horror. The story comes from the perspective of Anita “Needy” Lesnicki (Amanda Seyfried) who discovers her best friend Jennifer is killing men and eating their flesh to sustain herself.
Jennifer Check’s (Megan Fox) possession serves as an allegory for sexual violence against the backdrop of silly humor and demonic action. Kusama achieves laughs, screams and important feminist commentary that could make this season extra spooky.
Together (2025)
There’s a saying that claims the longer two people are dating, the more they begin being like each other. Michael Shanks takes this statement to the extreme with his 2025 body horror film “Together.” Starring real-life married couple, Alison Brie and USC alum Dave Franco, Shank’s directorial debut focuses on a long-term couple experiencing unnatural body changes after moving to the countryside.
Mixing elements like emotional attachment, supernatural forces and codependency, “Together” investigates how much one should sacrifice themselves for an established relationship. With a fair share of gore and outstanding character chemistry, Brie and Franco deliver a chilling performance surrounding dependency that many viewers can relate to.
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
If you are a fan of zombie movies, this one is for you. Credited as the foundation of modern zombie stories, George Romero’s “Night of the Living Dead” serves as the inspiration to many current horror narratives. Taking place in Pennsylvania, the film revolves around seven people trapped in a farm while flesh hungry, living corpses attack them. Although these creatures are referred to as “Ghouls” in the film, they shape the traditional aspects to what makes a zombie today.
Displayed in black and white with a haunting score and gritty makeup, “Night of the Living Dead” breaks the boundaries for horror of its time period. Furthermore, the casting of Duane Jones, an African-American man, as the story’s hero is recognized as another positive of the film. Jones’ casting challenged the racial expectations of the 1960s, where African-American talent was not placed in leading roles. If you are in for a throwback, take a chance on this trailblazing horror film this Halloween.
Us (2019)
Lots of red, scissors and chills. Set on the sunny beaches of California, “Us” follows the Wilsons, an American family who are fighting against their doppelgangers, referred to as the “Tethered,” on holiday. Jordan Peele’s sophomore directorial project is suspenseful and deceptive as Adelaide (Lupita Nyong’o) both unpacks her childhood trauma and protects her family.
Following Peele’s 2017 debut “Get Out,” this horror film continues Peele’s inclusion of political commentary within his creative works. Discussing privilege and assimilation, “Us” begs the question of what it means to be American and what determines a person as “worthy” of success in life. Get ready to be on the edge of your seat as you delve into the thrilling journeys of the Wilson family.
Rec (2007)
If you are itching for more zombie movies, then Jaume Balagueró’s and Paco Plaza’s “Rec” is worth watching. This found footage film received a 90% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes and places audiences in a closed apartment where an infection is found spreading inside. Reporter Ángela Vidal (Manuela Velasco) and her camera crew are caught in the chaos after following a group of firefighters on call to the impacted apartment.
“Rec” gained so much success that it kickstarted a four-part franchise. The found footage format is raw and vulnerable, immersing the viewer in an unforgettably tense environment. Experiencing the destruction firsthand, audiences are taken on a rollercoaster ride of thrills and fears that sets itself apart from other found footage films.
Jacob’s Ladder (1990)
As John Hartl stated for the Seattle Times, “For hours and days after you’ve seen it, you’ll still be putting it together in your head.” Adrian Lyne’s 1990 film “Jacob’s Ladder” examines the psychological descent of a former American soldier who experiences disturbing hallucinations about his time in the Vietnam war. Jacob Singer (Tim Robbins) loses his grip on reality as he is swallowed by his overwhelming PTSD and wartime flashbacks.
With powerful performances that make a lasting impact on audiences, “Jacob’s Ladder” showcases the real mental horrors many soldiers have to live through when returning home. Audiences have their nerves rattled as they watch Singer spiral into mental distress which Lyne conveys in disorienting visuals.
Monster House (2006)
An overlooked animated treasure is Gil Kenan’s “Monster House.” This supernatural horror comedy follows three children who investigate a living haunted house. The house is owned by Horace Nebbercracker (Steve Buscemi) who is known for scaring off the neighborhood children. Kenan’s directorial debut appeals to a vast range of ages, capturing the giggles and frights of both children and adults.
Aside from the fun animation and action, “Monster House” tackles various deeper themes. Beneath the surface, the story opens discussions about judgement, grief and teamwork. As the film progresses, audiences learn to not perceive things at face value but are encouraged to take the time to look past the shallow waters. If animation is calling your name this Halloween, maybe give “Monster House” a try.
Companion (2025)
Ever wondered who your perfect match is? Or if you can find someone with all your ideal traits? Drew Hancock plays with these questions in his directorial debut. “Companion” stars Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quiad who play a couple going on a calm vacation in the woods with some friends. What started as a tranquil getaway accelerates into adrenaline packed action with blood, violence and manipulation.
Pastel colors and relaxing scenery are juxtaposed with tormenting themes of personal autonomy, control and identity. “Companion” is fast-paced and packed with new twists to keep the audience interested as more about the relationship between Iris and Josh is unraveled. Get ready for 97 minutes of thrills and chills.