Spring into the Spooks!
By: Amelia Kimberling
Spring Break is approaching, and with not all of us cruising in the Bahamas or touring Europe, our television screens can at least attempt to offer a similar escape. Plus, what’s a better escape than a horror movie? The Torch has composed a list of horror movies to soothe your stir-crazy needs. This varied list will answer questions as to where the movie can be watched, its horror subgenre, and overall why you should watch it!
Pan’s Labyrinth
Where can it be watched?: Free with a Netflix or Amazon subscription. Otherwise purchasable on iTunes, Youtube, etc.
What is the horror subgenre?: Fantasy, Historical, Drama
Why watch it?: As someone who loves horror and has seen hundreds of movies from the genre, I’m proud to call Pan’s Labyrinth my favorite movie of all time. While I can’t promise it will be your favorite, it is incredible visually and structurally. The story is tightly woven with horrifying fantasy as it follows a young girl as she is left firsthand to the horrors of the Spanish Civil War and a fascist regime. It’s unique, stunning, and it leaves you heartbroken yet satisfied.
The Wailing
Where can it be watched?: Free with a Tubi Tv or Amazon subscription. Otherwise purchasable on iTunes, Youtube, etc.
What is the horror subgenre?: Drama, Good v. Evil, Demonic/Possession
Why watch it?: I reviewed this movie in more depth here, but I will proudly place it on a list again to give it more coverage! The Wailing takes you everywhere from constantly making the audience second-guess who to root for to showing off shocking and disturbing creatures and effects. It is a pleasant surprise, and if you like a bit of gore, a twisty story, and likable characters, this movie is a must-see.
Tigers Are Not Afraid
Where can it be watched?: Free with a Shudder subscription. Otherwise purchasable on iTunes, Fandango, etc.
What is the horror subgenre?: Drama, Fantasy, Paranormal
Why watch it?: This is not the typical “jumpscare” or “spooky ghost story” flick. If anything, the horror element is just an extension of dark yet very relevant topics discussed. Tigers Are Not Afraid follows a group of orphaned, 7-through-11-year-old kids as they struggle to survive on the gang-torn streets of Mexico while looking at issues such as the drug wars, political corruption, and the shocking murder rate of young women in the country. It is not a light movie, and it is not as easily walked away from. However, it is worth it to hear the message it seeks to convey. I learned a lot in its short one hour and thirty minute run time, and there’s a chance you will too.
Creep
Where can it be watched?: Free with a Netflix subscription. Otherwise purchasable on iTunes, Youtube, etc.
What is the horror subgenre?: Found footage, Thriller, Stalker
Why watch it?: Do not let the low budget fool you! Creep is a pleasant surprise that ensures a “creepy” and increasingly uncomfortable ride from the beginning. When Aaron takes a filming job on Craigslist, he slowly begins to realize his subject is not who he said. This film is a fun ride, and I highly recommend watching it with someone else to really add to the experience!
The Taking of Deborah Logan
Where can it be watched?: Free with a Shudder subscription. Otherwise purchasable on Amazon Prime, Youtube, etc.
What is the horror subgenre?: Found footage, Demonic, Possession
Why watch it?: Another found footage gem, The Taking of Deborah Logan is a spiral into insanity that goes in directions I never would have expected. While the characters are not necessarily memorable, it offers an action-packed story that is grim from the beginning. It is definitely upon some of the best found footage films to grace the genre.
Belzebuth
Where can it be watched?: Free with a Shudder or Pantaya subscription. Otherwise purchasable on Shudder.
What is the horror subgenre?: Demonic, Action
Why watch it?: The story is elaborate. It’s a unique glance at the overdone “demon” subgenre of horror. By mixing religious figures, deep characters, and tragedy, this story is a mixing pot of elements that all bleed together nicely in the end. The scares are not cheap, and it more so relies on imagery and emotional appeal to terrify you than cheap jumps.