I’ve watched six horror films this month. Here are 4 I’d recommend and 2 I wouldn’t.

It’s that time of year when the chill in the air makes you want to chat with someone. great horror movies That best streaming services must come up with a fantastic idea. As a horror enthusiast who will watch everything from the grittiest indie slasher to the glossiest studio action flick, I’m diving headfirst into six films this month. Some were worth shouting from the rooftops, while others had me scratching my head, wondering how they got the green light. Here’s my rundown of four films I highly recommend and two you should stay away from.

1. American Mary (2012)

Mary Mason, played by Catherine Isabelle, is about to embark on an operation to catch the red bushes, American Mary. — (Image credit: XLrator Media)

When it comes to horror, originality often seems like a scarce commodity. Enter American MaryA female horror film who grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go. Directed by the Soska sisters, this tale of revenge and surgical transformation follows Mary Mason, a medical student who chooses an unconventional career path after a traumatic event.

Why it works: The film thrives on its unique concept, dark humor and Catherine Isabelle’s magnetic performance. It is as stylish as it is grotesque, cementing itself as one of the… best body horror movies exploring a culture of body modification that feels both strange and unusually edgy.

For lovers sexy horror movies like Black swan or The skin I live init’s a must-watch and you can stream it right now on Tubi or Pluto TV.

2. Bruiser (2000)

Jason Flemyng wears a faceless mask, is at the end of a rope, is shirtless, and fires a gun in George A. Ramero's 2000 film. "Bruiser."

(Image credit: Lionsgate)

Let’s take a moment to evaluate the underdog on the list: Bruiser. Directed by horror legend George A. Romero, the film is a dark and surreal meditation on identity. Although there is a long list Romero’s projects that never happened, Bruiser did, but, unfortunately, this entry in his filmography is almost forgotten.

The plot tells the story of Henry Creedlow, brilliantly played by the former X-Men: First Class throw member Jason Flemyng is a man who wakes up one day to find his face replaced by a faceless mask that serves as an eerie visual metaphor for how he feels about his life.

Why it works: Romero’s signature ability to weave social commentary into horror is on full display. Although it’s not as famous as his zombie classic, Bruiser has an eerie charm that lingers long after the credits roll. It’s unsettling in the best way and proves that you don’t need buckets of blood to tell a scary story.

It’s forgotten 2000s horror film is one of best horror movies on Tubi.

3. Mr. Crocket (2024)

In the 2024 film Mr. Crocket, Elvis Nolasco plays a terrifying and intimidating character who stares directly into the camera from the television.

(Image credit: Hulu)

Scary movies have a way of turning childhood innocence into nightmare fuel. Mr Crocket takes this concept to new heights.

Brandon Espy directs this supernatural horror film in his feature debut, expanding on the 2022 short film of the same name. The story follows Summer Beverly, a grieving mother desperately trying to save her son from the clutches of demonic children’s TV presenter Mr. Crockett. Think Mister Rogers meets Pennywise the Clown with a dash of Freddy Krueger and you’ll get a pretty good idea of the atmosphere of this movie.

Why it works: From the first scene Mr Crocket immerses viewers in a twisted world where nostalgia becomes a weapon against us. The title character of Mr. Crocket, played with chilling charm by Elvis Nolasco, serves as both protector and protector. predatorluring abused children into his kingdom under the guise of refuge.

You can access one of the best horror films from streamers if you have Subscribe to Hulu.

4. Thanksgiving (2023)

John Carver with a pitchfork on Thanksgiving Day

(Image credit: Sony)

Who would have thought that a fake trailer from Grindhouse will one day turn into one of best holiday horror movies from recent memories? Eli Roth‘s Thanksgiving Day works on all fronts: blood, humor and a killer (pun intended) holiday atmosphere.

Why it works: Roth leans heavily into the absurdity of the premise, creating a gore-soaked slasher film that feels like a love letter to best slasher films of all time. The kills are as inventive as they are brutal, and the self-aware humor hits all the right notes. If you’ve ever wanted a side of carnage to go with your turkey dinner, Thanksgiving Day this is the answer to your prayers and you can check it now with your Netflix subscription.

1. The Beast Within (2024)

Kit Harrington looks very puzzled at the sky in the 2024 film The Beast Within.

(Image credit: Well Go USA Entertainment, Hulu)

Werewolves have long been a symbol of inner turmoil and transformation, but The beast inside cannot benefit from this rich mythology. Kit Harington to star in new werewolf movie as Noah, a lycanthrope whose secret double life as a werewolf begins to unravel when his young daughter Willow (Caoilinn Springall) stumbles upon the truth. Despite its intriguing premise, the film fails to live up to its potential, leaving audiences with a jumbled, boring horror-drama hybrid.

Why it doesn’t work: Director Alexander J. Farrell attempts to explore domestic violence through the lens of a werewolf story. However, the allegory is so heavy-handed that it overshadows any real tension or fear. Instead of creating a multi-layered narrative, it feels like a sermon with little nuance.

The film is further bogged down by its lack of genuine scares. While atmospheric shots of the West Yorkshire countryside provide a gripping backdrop, the scares are limited to predictable jump scares and the bloodless presentation leaves horror fans wanting more. Even werewolf transformations—usually the biggest moments in these films—are largely left behind the scenes, robbing the genre of its visceral appeal.

Harington plays the tormented father well, but the script doesn’t reflect his horror roots or the ambitions of a domestic drama. The story meanders, mixing serious themes with genre stereotypes in a way that feels disjointed.

The final nail in the coffin was clumsy, too informative ending it reveals the film’s metaphor with such clarity that it borders on the absurd. By the time the credits roll, you’ll have no a movie with a stunning ending. Instead, all the goodwill built up by the performances or cinematography is lost.

2. Keep the Lights On (2024)

A gang of college students sit in a van and are ready to party and celebrate a birthday in 2024's Keep the Lights On.

(Image credit: Oops Donuts Productions, Hulu)

A scary journey can be an exciting ride if done right, but Don’t turn off the lights makes a wrong turn and never recovers. The film, written and directed by Andy Fickman, follows a group of friends on their way to a music festival whose trip is derailed by supernatural horrors after their van breaks down in the middle of the desert. While the plot may create tension and fear, the film’s execution leaves much to be desired.

Why it doesn’t work: What starts out as a light-hearted rave-style road trip comedy film quickly devolves into a chaotic and frustrating narrative. The characters are thinly written, with stock personalities that make it hard to root for anyone. Olivia, the self-absorbed friend dragging the group to the festival, and her anxious friend Carrie offer little beyond predictable archetypes. Even Jason, a tough ex-Marine, is exceptionally competent in tense situations. The humor often feels forced, as evidenced by a crude joke about problems in an RV bathroom, which only adds to the film’s meandering tone.

Fickman’s decision to leave the source of the terror ambiguous for much of the running time is a bold choice, but one that ultimately backfires. The floating red eyes that appear from time to time and hint at everything from supernatural creatures to stalking tourists fail to evoke any real fear. Instead, the lack of clarity makes the film feel aimless, as if it were cycling through horror tropes without committing to any of them.

Final verdict

This month’s horror marathon was a mixed bag, but it reaffirmed why I love the genre so much. Movies like American Mary And Thanksgiving Day reminding us of horror’s ability to surprise, shock and entertain while seeking to dig deeper than the genre’s lowest common denominators. While disappointments such as The beast inside And Don’t turn off the lights serve as a warning about the pitfalls of mediocrity.

So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and enjoy some goodies—you’ll thank me later.

Horror Movies I Watched This Month and Recommend

1. American Mary (2012)