Last Updated on August 17, 2024 by Jennifer Osborn
Scary movie recommendations can range from the thrilling and suspenseful to horrifyingly gory. This list of spooky movie suggestions leans toward the latter.
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It's time so snuggle in with a bowl of buttery popcorn, with the lights off, if you're brave and watch scary movies.
No horror for me, can’t do horror but I do like to be spooked.
Of course you need treats in addition to popcorn.
If you like to make spooky treats for Halloween, I've got you covered with Black Cocoa cookies and Syringe Jello Shots oh and Halloween Candy Bark.
Suspenseful movies: more thrill less gore
What Lies Beneath
What Lies Beneath: beautiful couple Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer star as recently empty nesters who seem to have the perfect marriage. But, weird things start happening in their shoreside cape. Is the marriage all that it seems?
Get Out
Get Out: white girl brings black boyfriend home to meet her family. Or does she?
I was resistant to watching this movie but my teenager insisted and I’m glad I did. It’s a good mystery that will leave you clawing at your sofa. But, there are spots of humor throughout.
Note about Get Out: it's been some years since I watched this and I still think about scenes from the film.
Director Jordan Peele is one of the best. He won Oscar for best screenplay for Get Out.
Since Get Out, he's gone on to create Nope, Us and in 2025, Him.
Peele has another film scheduled for release in 2026. That one hasn't been identified publicly.
The Visit
The Visit: A girl and her little brother go visit their grandparents from whom their mother has become estranged. You’ll start to think things are amiss nearly from the start of the film, I did. But it took me nearly the entire film to figure out what was actually happening.
Despite my love for suspense, I’ll pick a comedy first any day.
But, my former hairdresser insisted I watch The Visit and I’m glad I did. The Visit, directed by suspense master M. Night Shyamalan, is one of those films you think about days after you watched it.
The Sixth Sense
The Sixth Sense: Another M. Night Shyamalan movie, about a little boy who sees dead people, is nearly 20 years old, but it’s excellent. Another one that leaves you thinking.
The Omen
The Omen: Satan’s child has arrived on earth. Need we say more?
IT
Stephen King’s It: an ancient shape-shifting evil emerges from a small Maine town’s sewer every 27 years to prey on children.
It is my one recommendation that does include some gore. The film is terribly scary and a note of caution- touches on real life evils--such as vicious bullying and child molestation--in addition to theatrical evils. I often had one hand covered over my eyes when I watched it.
Candlestick
Candlestick: A man throws a dinner party at which his friend accuses his wife of cheating. Chaos ensues.
This one you can watch for free with Amazon Prime. If you don't have a subscription get yourself a free trial.
I’m a huge Alfred Hitchcock fan.
Candlestick, created in that same genre, was panned by critics for being underwhelming.
Was Candlestick the greatest suspense film ever? No, but it held my attention and I enjoyed it and I think you will too.
Starz Scary Movies
- Don’t Breathe
- Escape Room
- The Blackening
- Meet The Blacks
- Nightshift
- Triggered
- The Day
- Model House
- The Shallows
- Van Helsing
- Nope
- Black Phone
- Camp Pleasant Lake
Leave a comment with the name of your favorite scary flick.
Vanessa says
What a great list! I can't do horror either, but I do enjoy some good suspense. Nice picks!