If anyone could use a comfort horror streaming guide, it’s you. Trust me, I know what’s best. I have been living in a constant state of bewilderment. Is this wintry hellscape our reality? Is this the bad place? Please, if I have been dreaming, pinch me. We all deserve some quality downtime, so let’s escape together into the wonderful world of horror together. Grab your blanket and popcorn, and hit play on one of these whimsical treats. The end is nigh.
The Slumber Party Massacre (1982)
Directed by Amy Holden Jones
Where to Watch: Prime, AMC+, Cineverse, Crackle, Freevee, Plex, Pluto, Shudder, Tubi, and VUDU
Let’s begin with something light. Group showers, pillow fights, gossip, and boys being boys lead to slasher sleepover fun. The Slumber Party Massacre is the perfect movie for the end of a long day. Sit back and order a pizza. In fact, don’t let anything like a dead pizza delivery man disrupt your evening. Enjoy a slice and watch this drill-wielding lunatic crash the party.
Attack the Block (2011)
Directed by Joe Cornish
Where You Can Watch: Paramount+ and Pluto
There are a hundred reasons to watch Attack the Block and for me, I find it pleasantly rewatchable. John Boyega killed it, and the young cast was remarkable. It moves along swiftly and the constant running left me out of breath. Overall, it’s an incredible story with awesome, toothy aliens.
The Stuff (1985)
Directed by Larry Cohen
Where You Can Watch: AMC+, Arrow, Hoopla, Plex, Pluto, and Shudder
From the moment an old man scooped up some marshmallow goo bubbling up from the ground and ate it, I knew this movie was going to be good. Watching this as a kid was bonkers and I always wanted a taste of The Stuff. I grew into it, and it’s always entertaining. An industrial espionage expert, his fashion designer girlfriend, a runaway kid, and the military take on the company selling the mysterious zero-calorie goo. Also, no social commentary whatsoever.
Sissy (2022)
Directed by Hannah Barlow and Kane Senes
Where You Can Watch: AMC+, Hoopla, and Shudder
Cecilia is minding her own business in life as a mental health lifestyle vlogger with a huge IG following. After bumping into her childhood bestie, Emma, Cecilia joins her on her bachelorette weekend and is surprised to see her old bully. Obviously, it’s extremely awkward, and the rest of the group is excluding her. She clearly should have stayed in her safe circle at home; she was pushed over the edge. Sissy is what I call a “good for her” horror movie. This is what happens when you decide to keep fucking around. The finding out part is the moral of the story.
Ginger Snaps (2000)
Directed by John Fawcett
Where You Can Watch: Peacock, AMC+, Fubo, Plex, and Shudder
I don’t think you necessarily had to have watched this in the year 2000 to enjoy it, but it does help if you dig weird sister energy and a full moon. Ginger Snaps is fun and full of feminine rage. Two teenage sisters, who are obsessed with death, encounter a werewolf, leading to good times and bloody messes.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
Directed by Philip Kaufman
Where You Can Watch: AMC+, MGM+, Hoopla, and Kanopy
This was my introduction to Jeff Goldblum, and it’s one of my favorite Donald Sutherland roles. Aliens have invaded, and they’re replacing us and tossing out our dusty remains with the garbage. They’re taking our jobs!
Train to Busan (2016)
Directed by Yeon Sang-ho
Where You Can Watch: Tubi, Pluto, Plex, Peacock, Kanopy, Hoopla, and Hi-YAH!
First of all, this is a damn beautiful movie, and thanks to the zombies, I can’t ever look away. It is intense. The most adorable little girl and her deadbeat dad set out for an adventure during a zombie apocalypse. We hate the dad at first, but you will fall in love with him. Hit play on this one when you need a good cry or you simply want to watch a badass zombie movie.
Hereditary (2018)
Directed by Ari Aster
Where You Can Watch: Netflix
Finally, Toni Collette. I watched this solely for her, and of course, she was brilliant. I enjoy the slow, ominous tone; the music gives me chills, and the story is unsettling. The brother and sister car ride made someone I know cry. Me. Me is someone. It doesn’t end when it should but instead drags out the shock with naked old folks and a few spectacular death scenes. Moreover, it still holds my attention well. These people are in a cult, don’t drink the Kool-Aid.
