As the leaves turn crisp, and the air grows chilly, there’s a definite hint of horror in the air as we count down to Halloween! While blockbuster scares have their place, this Halloween, TiVo invites you to venture off the beaten cinematic path and explore the hidden gems of horror. We’ve unearthed a treasure trove of cult classics that have gained fervent followings over time, despite flying under the radar upon initial release. So, dim the lights, clutch your TiVo remote, and prepare to discover some spine-tingling delights that may have escaped your notice… until now.
CULT CLASSICS
Great stories, breakout roles or low budget brilliance made these films stand out in audiences’ minds. Here we have a collection of movies you might have missed… but we found ‘em for you!
THE EVIL DEAD (1981): Made on a shoestring budget, this quintessential haunted cabin story launched the careers of writer/director Sam Raimi and star Bruce Campbell. Streaming on Prime.
MIDSOMMAR: A tourist couple visits a remote Swedish village to enjoy their annual festival only to find themselves the centerpiece of a terrifying pagan ritual! Streaming on Max.
SCANNERS: David Cronenberg’s 1981 classic about people with telepathic powers trying to stop a destructive telepathic madman. Few films can rival this flick’s head-busting opening! Streaming on Max.
PUMPKINHEAD: A grieving father conjures up a powerful creature to take revenge on the teenagers involved in his son’s death. This cult classic was the directorial debut of leading special makeup effects artist Stan Winston. Streaming on Tubi.
C.H.U.D.: A journalist documenting the homeless living beneath NYC makes a horrific discovery: they’re not alone– and they’re on the menu! Streaming on Pluto TV.
HATCHET: Kane Hodder (“Jason” in the Friday the 13th franchise) and Robert Englund (“Freddy Krueger” from the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise) star in a tale of tourists visiting a haunted Louisiana bayou and meeting the ghostly killer who prowls it. Streaming on Prime.
TALK TO ME: A group of friends find a portal to the Other Side whenever they grip an old severed hand… it’s all creepy fun until one of them unleashes an unstoppable supernatural force! Streaming on Paramount+.
ERASERHEAD: David Lynch’s surreal tale of a social outcast living a bleak life until he learns he’s a father – but the child he welcomes into his home is far from normal! Streaming on Max.
BONE TOMAHAWK: Kurt Russel is an aging sheriff who straps on his guns one last time to rescue a friend from a gruesome tribe of cave dwelling cannibals in this western horror film. Streaming on Pluto TV.
THE KILLER SHREWS: Sometimes you just gotta go old school and this 1959 B&W thriller features a group of scientists who take refuge from a Hurricane on a tropical island – only to face giant rodents with a hunger for human flesh! Streaming on Tubi.
From low-budget brilliance to mind-bending surrealism, these cult classics offer a smorgasbord of frights for the discerning horror fan. Whether you’re in the mood for supernatural vengeance, retro terror, or good old-fashioned monster mayhem, our curated list has something to satisfy your craving for the macabre.
As you work your way through these hidden horrors, remember: the real terror lies not in what you see, but in what lurks just beyond the screen. Sleep tight, dear viewers, and may your dreams be filled with the delicious dread that only a great horror film can inspire. Happy Halloween, and happy haunting!
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