Halfway to Halloween: 10 Horror Gems to Prep for Spooky Season

We're officially six months out from Halloween! Now is the perfect time to refresh your horror movie rotation. Instead of the usual heavy hitters, we’ve pulled together a selection of gems — 5 newer releases and 5 older titles that deserve a second look. All killer, no filler. 

Sinners (2025) — Now in Theaters

Ryan Coogler delivered an intense atmosphere, strong character work, and practical gore that would make Greg Nicotero smile. We've not seen a vampire flick this good since From Dusk Till Dawn.

The Monkey (2025) — Streaming on Apple TV

Stephen King's creepy toy monkey story got a full-throttle adaptation. This wildly entertaining follow-up from Longlegs director Oz Perkins surprised both of us. It had us laughing one moment and wincing the next. It was like a perfect mix of Final Destination and Christine.

Art Attack! The Dissection of Terrifier 3 (2025) — Streaming on Screambox

Not a movie, but if you live for filmmaking and special effects, this behind-the-scenes documentary on Terrifier 3 is essential. Expect gallons of fake blood, gruesome prosthetics, and candid chats with Art the Clown’s creator. (Warning: NSFW)

The Substance (2024) — Streaming on Mubi

Body horror fans, rejoice! Demi Moore is wrapped in latex, gore, and existential dread in Coralie Fargeat's Oscar-winning masterpiece. Think Cronenbergian transformations but with glossy, modern filmmaking techniques.

Heart Eyes (2024) — Streaming on Apple TV

Masked slashers are back, baby! This one gives serious Valentine vibes. (Remember that Y2K classic?) There's gore, yes, but also a darkly funny streak that makes this modern slasher a blast.

Now for some older gems you may have missed.

I Drink Your Blood (1971) — Streaming on Peacock

Satanic hippies meet rabies in this absolutely bonkers grindhouse flick. It's colorful and soaked in 70s sleaze. If you like your horror rough around the edges, this classic is pure chaotic fun.

Savage Streets (1984) — Streaming on YouTube

Linda Blair swaps possession for street justice. Part vigilante thriller, part punk-rock exploitation movie, Savage Streets is the kind of angry, neon-lit chaos they just don’t make anymore.

Society (1989) — Streaming on Fandango at Home

You haven't really seen body horror until you've seen Society. What starts as a weird teen paranoia story explodes into a grotesque, goopy climax that's unforgettable. Trust us — you won’t eat after.

Skinner (1993) — Streaming on Tubi

Ted Raimi (yes, THAT Ted Raimi) stars as a mild-mannered serial killer in this deeply strange, grimy horror gem. Bonus points for Traci Lords and Ricki Lake. If you like horror that feels a little...Weird. This one's for you.

The Ruins (2008) — Streaming on Pluto TV

Ahhhh, early 2000s horror at its finest. Expect explicit body horror and homicidal poison ivy. 

This intense slasher is a cautionary fright-flick done right. 

Whether you’re hunting down new horror heat or digging into the vaults for gnarlier scares, these 10 picks will get you ready to hit October running.

Until next time, 

Deranged Minds