Watching a great horror movie is one of the most exciting ways to celebrate Halloween! Heading to the cinema or streaming a new horror flick from your favourite streaming service is a must on our plans this Halloween!

But let’s face it—choosing a truly good horror film? That’s a feat on its own.

So, why is picking the perfect horror flick such a challenge? Lately, it seems like many movies are recycling the same old tropes and predictable plots—like, how many times can we watch a group of friends make the exact wrong choice? With just a couple of hours to work with, filmmakers often miss the mark when it comes to creating that deep, spine-tingling fear that keeps you up at night.

This is where horror series come in strong. With multiple episodes to play with, they can dive deeper into characters, build suspense, and develop a complex plot. They’ve got the time to do what most modern horror films simply can’t—keep you hooked and on edge, episode after episode.

We’re going to look at:

• Why horror movies aren’t scary anymore


• Why horror is the hardest genre to pull off in filmmaking


• Top 5 horror series that do it right

Why Horror Movies Aren’t Scary Anymore

Many horror movies are held back by a common problem that stifles creativity in any art form—a lack of imagination and originality.

It’s no surprise that modern horror blockbusters all feel the same. They rely too heavily on jump scares to get a reaction, but let’s be real—any loud noise can make you jump. It adds to the experience, sure, but it’s not what makes a true horror masterpiece. With films like The Nun, The Boy, and basically any Conjuring spin-off, jump scares have become so predictable. And when a horror movie gets predictable, it loses its power to truly terrify.

Why Horror Is the Hardest Genre to Pull Off in Filmmaking

If you think about it, the sheer level of difficulty of nailing a horror experience is why we don’t see as many horror blockbusters.

When you look closer; every movie genre has heavy reliance on certain aspects of filmmaking to guarantee its success. Great comedies need witty writing and standout performances. They can get by without impressive visuals. Action films? They need breath-taking visuals, cinematography and choreographed stunts. John Wick barely speaks in his own movies, yet it remains one of the best action flicks to date.

But horror as a genre is daunting. It’s the hardest genre to get right because it demands excellence in every aspect of filmmaking. The writing needs to be airtight, so nothing feels silly. The acting has to be believable to draw us in. The visuals must be unsettling, the story gripping, the sound immersive, and the editing flawless.

This complexity is why exceptional horror flicks are so rare these days. But when a film or series nails all these elements, it’s a masterpiece that sticks with us long after the credits roll.

With its complexity explained movies only have a couple of hours to scare us, which makes building deep, lasting fear a real challenge. Horror series, on the other hand, use their extended episodes to weave intricate plots, develop rich characters, and create a lingering sense of dread that keeps viewers hooked.

Here are our Recommendations for the Top 5 Horror Series That do it Right

1. From
2. Stranger Things
3. American Horror Story
4. Hannibal
5. The Haunting of Hill House

1- From

This is one of those series that is creative, mysterious, and thrillingly addictive to watch. Travelers find themselves passing by a town they cannot escape from. If you get in, you can’t get back out. Monsters that look like humans get out at night, and the only way to stay safe is by being sealed inside with a talisman for protection. Every episode peels back another layer, keeping you hooked as you try to figure out the reason why everyone is there. It’s packed with suspense, unexpected twists, and shocking revelations.

Season 3 has just been released this September 2024. Catch it on Amazon Prime, OSN, and MGM+ to see if you can solve the mysteries alongside the protagonists.

2- Stranger Things

One of the most successful horror series to date! If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s a must-watch this Halloween! Set in the 80s, this Netflix hit blends supernatural horror, government conspiracies, and pure nostalgia. When a young boy vanishes, his friends uncover a secret world filled with terrifying creatures and unnerving scientific experiments. With its careful mix of heart-pounding suspense and loveable characters, Stranger Things keeps you on edge while pulling you deeper into its dark, twisted world.

Binge it on Netflix and don’t forget the popcorn machine!

3- American Horror Story

This is a classic that is worth the watch if you haven’t yet. American Horror Story has mastered the art of unsettling its audience. What makes it truly scary is its ability to tap into different types of fear—from psychological terror to pure gore. Each season explores a new horror theme diving deep into the darkest corners of the human psyche. The show’s unsettling atmosphere, disturbing visuals, and unpredictable twists keep you on edge, while its stellar cast brings complex, unique characters to life. It’s the perfect blend of shock and suspense, making every season a fresh, horrifying experience.

You can binge it on Hulu, but just be ready for some sleepless nights.

4- Hannibal

Hannibal is a psychological horror masterpiece that gets under your skin. The series follows the twisted relationship between FBI profiler Will Graham and the brilliantly sadistic Dr. Hannibal Lecter. What makes it truly terrifying is its slow, unsettling build-up of tension and the way it delves into the darkest parts of the human mind. The show is visually stunning yet disturbingly grotesque. The real fear comes from the psychological manipulation, as you watch Will slowly unravel under Hannibal’s influence. With stellar performances by the main actors, this show will leave you questioning everything!

You can stream it on Hulu for a deeply unnerving experience.

5- The Haunting of Hill House

Yet another Netflix hit, The Haunting of Hill House is a chilling exploration of grief and trauma wrapped in a ghost story that lingers long after you finish watching.

Following the Crain family, who grew up in a haunted mansion, the series weaves between past and present as the siblings confront the terrifying events that drove them apart. What makes this series truly scary is its ability to blend supernatural horror with deep emotional weight, making you feel the characters’ trauma alongside their hauntings. The visuals and expertly crafted suspense create an atmosphere that is both eerie and memorable. With its rich storytelling and careful character development, this series will keep you hooked and your heart racing.

You can stream it on Netflix and include home theatre speakers or add noise-cancelling headphones if you’re alone to make the experience more immersive!

And there you have it! With these horror series recommendations, you can skip the endless searching and jump straight into your binge-watching marathon. To make your horror-watching experience even more thrilling, check out our home theatre systems. With the right setup, every scare will feel like it’s right in your living room! So, grab some popcorn, turn down the lights, and get ready for a thrilling night with your loved ones.

Happy watching, and remember, sleep is overrated during the spooky season!