Twelve 21st C. Scares

And to wrap up my #SpookySZN blog series, here are some 21st Century movies that wigged me out. As in previous posts, they're in chronological order; click the title for their IMDB pages, which will tell you more about them and also where you can stream them.

PS: Once again, my selection criteria was 1. What have I loved, 2. What can be found on one of the big three streaming services (Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, & Netflix) OR free (with commercials) on sites like Plex, Pluto, and Tubi, and 3.What I haven't already blogged about.

PPS: Some of these have comical elements but none of them are recommended for folks just dipping their toes into the horror genre. Viewer discretion is seriously advised!

Dog Soldiers (2002)

Look, I don't care if you've been told it's a mandatory training exercise--stay the fuck out of the woods!

Vacancy (2007)

I wasn't a big fan of motels before watching this and I'm pretty much ding-dang-donged if I'll stay in one after.

You're Next (2011)

This one's got an action-vibe to it and a final girl who kicks some serious ass! #GirlPowah!

The Babadook (2014)

Gruesomely beautiful, the image of the big bad in this one is the stuff of nightmares.

Creep (2014)

Speaking of nightmares, this understated little horror takes #cringe to a whole-'nother-level.

Veronica (2017)

Kids, don't try this necromancy shit at home, OK? Just...don't.

Barbarian (2022)

In another nod to the horrors of the hospitality industry, this one put me off ever staying in a stranger's house, IDGAF how good the rate is.

Piggy (2022)

This one made me question my own notions of what it really means for justice to be served...

Birth/Rebirth (2023)

Aw, man...this one doesn't have any jump scares; it's a very quiet movie, in fact. But the very end chilled me.

Godzilla Minus One (2023)

I'm not into this franchise, generally, but heard so many raves about this installment that I gave it a try--and I'm so totally glad I did. Beware, you may need a box of tissues by your side for this one. Also, the version of this that I rented had a spectacularly frightening post-credits bit that legitimately gave me goosebumps without showing me a damned thing.

Late Night with the Devil (2023)

This one nails the late '70s vibe and, of this list, may be the one best suited for folks unsure of where they land on the horror spectrum.

When Evil Lurks (2023)

This one is not for the squeamish. Not because it's terribly scary, per se (IMO), but because it goes boldly where much of American horror dares not tread, and absolutely no one (and no pet) is safe.