It’s that time of the year. A time in which we pick the best horror movies to watch. A time for Halloween of course. The one day of the year when we celebrate all things scary or spooky.
Best Horror Movies From Our Past
Oh and what past it is. But, unlike the previous 2020 Holliday, we’re celebrating Halloween in 2021 with a dose of optimism. And a rather lighter tone. Which is why we’re not looking back. No, instead we’re focusing on movies that are fresh, modern, scary and very much from 2021. Indeed. The 10 movies you’re about to witness here are all from 2021, but more on them later.
I believe there’s a need for a very special announcement.
The Best Horror Movies VS The Best Horror Games
Yup. We have plenty of horror games to share with you. And they’re all closely tucked away in our Halloween Scratchy Sale. You can visit it with a simple click here. But in it you’ll find over 550 awesome video games, that will satisfy even the pickiest of gamers. And what’s in our Halloween Scratchy Sale you might ask? Well, included in the sale is a secret steam game with every purchase. So you’d better scratch to find out your steam key. And yeah. There’s pretty much everything your hearts desire in our sale. From the Retro Classic’s Night Slashers (check it out here) to the cool Sheltered 2 game. Here it is. Don’t be shy. Check it out for yourself. Do it now.
Oh, and it goes without saying… But we hope you’ll celebrate Halloween responsibly. There’s still a pandemic out there and we hope you’re safe!
And Who Are The Best Horror Movies For Halloween 2021?
As I mentioned earlier, I’m going to stick to the brand new releases in this article. Yes, I’ll leave the 80’s/90’s classics for another time and present some of the best, yet underrated horror flicks of this year. Granted, 2021 is not over yet, but here are the best and most underrated horror movies of 2021. Most of them are directorial debuts, but all of them are getting the praise they deserve. There are 10 movies on this list, and enough material for you to enjoy Halloween properly. Let’s begin, shall we?
Prisoners of the Ghostland
We’re starting the list with a horror western movie. And with none other than Nicholas Cage. The Oscar winner is Hero. Ironically named notorious criminal sent to rescue the governor’s adopted granddaughter. She’s missing into a dark region called Ghostland and it’s his job to find her. Sofia Boutella and Bill Moseley offer support to Nicholas Cage, and yeah. It’s a good movie with an explosive performance from Cage. It’s not to be missed.
Fun fact: Nicolas Cage met his fifth wife during the shooting.
Bloodthirsty
Although a 2020 movie, Bloodthirsty had its commercial release in 2021. So, yeah it counts, and that’s why it’s on this list. But the movie has Lauren Beatty in the lead role. That of Grey. An indie singer-songwriter who begins to transform into a werewolf. While working at a remote wilderness recording studio with her producer. The great Michael Ironside stars in a supporting role, but don’t be put off by the low-key approach of the movie. And the low budget too. No, it has great style and plenty of gore. Not to mention the werewolf in the center of the story. It’s good and it deserves your attention.
Fun fact: A hitchhiker shown in the movie is holding up a sign to “East Proctor”. This is also the fictional name of the village with The Slaughtered Lamb pub at the start of An American Werewolf in London.
Werewolves Within
Another werewolf movie, but this time it’s one from the comedy/horror genre. And get this video game fans! The movie is also based on the actual video game. Werewolves Within. That’s right. This summer 2021 release is a video game adaptation and it’s pretty good. Also, the movie follows a group of people in a small Vermont town who get trapped in a snowstorm. Only to suspect one of them is a werewolf. Sam Richardson, Milana Vayntrub, George Basil, Sarah Burns, Michael Chernus, Catherine Curtin are on acting duty. And it currently holds 84% positive approval on Rotten Tomatoes.
Fun fact: Principal photography began in February 2020, a month before the pandemic hit.
Saint Maud
Although a 2019 movie, the movie had limited release in 2021, followed by a video-on-demand/streaming release on Epix. So, yeah. I’m including it here. Why? Because it’s one hell of a horror movie. Furthermore, it’s an unsettling blend of body horror and psychological thriller and it deserves your undecided attention this Halloween. The directorial debut of Rose Glass, the story follows hospice nurse Maud (portrayed by Morfydd Clark). She’s a recent convert to Roman Catholicism and becomes obsessed with a former dancer in her care (Jennifer Ehle). She’s convinced that she must save her soul. Watch it! You might like it.
Fun fact: Maud’s eyes are two different colors: one blue/green and one brown. However, the actress Morfydd Clark has only blue eyes.
Malignant
How could I possibly omit Malignant? The James Wan horror that’s so bonkers and yet somehow it works in delivering the scares? Watch out for that wicked twist at the end of the movie though. Annabelle Wallis is in the lead role here. She plays a woman who begins to have visions of people being murdered. Only to realize the events are happening in real life. And yeah. With great, as much as it’s scary. What else would you expect from one of the most talented directors currently working now?
Fun fact: Annabelle Wallis who plays Madison is also Mia from Annabelle.
Till Death
Till Death is scary. But at the same time a tense, edge-of-the-seat thriller with enough twists to keep you guessing what’s gonna happen next. S.K. Dale’s directorial debut is a pleasant surprise for many. Especially for the fans of Megan Fox. She plays woman is left handcuffed to her dead husband as part of a sick revenge plot. Unable to unshackle, she has to survive as two killers arrive to finish her off.
It should be on your Halloween list this year.
Fun fact: The movie was filmed in Bulgaria. The snow is actually fake, made from paper. In fact, the whole set takes place inside of a studio.
Candyman
Candyman is a direct sequel to the 1992 movie of the same name. But this particular slasher is directed by a woman. Nia DaCosta is behind the camera of Candyman, while Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has the lead role. However, Tony Todd is back as Daniel Robitaille and Vanessa Williams, Virginia Madsen also reprise their roles from the 90’s horror classic. It’s a must-watch for every fan of Clive Barker’s disturbing writings.
Fun fact: The film reuses the same sound of the crying baby from the original film.
A Quiet Place Part 2
Another sequel, and another great movie for Halloween. A Quiet Place Part II has John Krasinski in the director’s chair, while Emily Blunt and Cillian Murphy take center stage in the story. However, in the 2021 movie, we not only get to see the survival of the Abbott family. But the origins of the alien monsters that plague the Earth as well. Oh, and if you’re fans of the movies, watch out for a spin-off movie directed by Jeff Nichols. One of the most talented directors working today.
Fun fact: The film’s budget was three times the size of the first film.
The Night House
And yes, here’s another 2020 movie that was released in 2021 thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. But all joking aside, this is one hell of a movie to watch on Halloween. And it has Rebecca Hall in the lead role. She’s Beth in The Night House. A widow who discovers a dark secret about the house her late architect husband built. It has twists and turns, and it will keep you guessing all the way to the end of the movie. It’s a fantastic pick for the fans of psychological horror movies. And for the fans of Rebecca Hall.
Fun fact: With its mainly practical effects, Rebecca Hall found the film a refreshing change after all the green-screen work she had done on Godzilla vs. Kong (2021).
The Last From The Best Horror Movies Pick: Son
But certainly not least. Son is a great horror/thriller. It involves a dangerous cult, mysterious illness and plenty of uncertainty for the mother and son leads. Which are on the run as well. A fact that makes the movie must more interesting. Andi Matichak and Emile Hirsch are in the lead roles, and yeah. Son deserves your attention as well. Don’t miss it this Halloween.
Fun fact: The name of the demon, Palystes or The Huntsman, is a reference to the Palystes. A genus of huntsman spiders.
Which Are The Best Horror Movies For Halloween 2021?
Let us know in the comment section. We’d love to know your picks. Don’t be shy. Tell us all about them.
