A Frightful Feast: The Best Horror Movies to Stream This Weekend in India
Halloween may be right around the corner, but there’s no denying that horror movies are a year-round treat. From the classic scares of monster makeup and prosthetics to the gut-wrenching gorefests and jump scares of modern horror, the genre has evolved to constantly push our boundaries and tickle our primal fears. But with a seemingly endless catalog of horror offerings on streaming platforms, sorting the gems from the duds can feel like an impossible task. We hear the occasional groan, “Horror movies suck these days!” So dim your lights, grab your popcorn, and let us guide you through some of the best horror movies available to stream this weekend in India across Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and JioCinema.
A Descent into Darkness: Masterpieces of Horror
**The Witch**
Robert Eggers’ The Witch is a chilling and atmospheric folktale that left an indelible mark on the indie horror scene. Set in the 1630s, the film follows a devout Christian family exiled to the wilderness. When their newborn child disappears and their crops fail, paranoia and suspicion fester, leading them to believe a witch has cursed them. With ominous chanting about Black Phillip, ominous occult magic, and a growing sense of dread, The Witch is a masterclass in slow-burn horror. Eggers’ masterful direction, stunning New England set design, and a captivating performance by Anya Taylor-Joy (The Queen’s Gambit) make this film a truly haunting experience.
The Witch is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Netflix.
**Hereditary**
The name Hereditary often pops up in horror movie discussions, and for good reason. This psychological thriller follows the Graham family as they navigate the aftermath of their grandmother’s death. A series of unsettling events begin to plague their home, leaving Annie Graham (Toni Collette) to grapple with grief and the suspicion that a demonic entity is pulling the strings. The film masterfully blends familial drama with supernatural horror, creating an atmosphere of constant unease. Ari Aster (Midsommar) expertly ramps up the tension, with subtle horrors lingering in the background and shocking moments of body horror, leaving you questioning what is real and what is imagined. Hereditary is a chilling exploration of grief, trauma, and the terrifying secrets that can be buried within a family’s past.
Hereditary is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
**The Wailing**
While Parasite dominated the international scene, Na Hong-jin’s The Wailing remains a lesser-known gem of Korean horror. The film plunges viewers into the remote village of Gokseung, where a Japanese stranger’s arrival coincides with the outbreak of a strange illness. Victims are driven to madness, and a bumbling detective, Jong-goo (Kwak Do-won), is thrown into a chaotic investigation that takes a harrowing turn when his daughter shows signs of the affliction.
The Wailing is a masterfully crafted psychological thriller that masterfully blends elements of supernatural horror and detective noir. The film is a masterclass in suspense; its extended runtime of nearly 3 hours is filled with chilling moments of uncertainty. Na Hong-jin’s direction is masterful, employing captivating cinematography and a haunting score to build an atmosphere of palpable dread. The Wailing is a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, a testament to its power to captivate and disturb.
The Wailing is available on Amazon Prime Video, albeit with an English-language dub. A Hindi version is also available on MX Player.
Beyond the Classics: Modern Horror Gems
**Barbarian**
For those seeking a more mainstream horror film, Barbarian offers a thrilling blend of giallo influences and unpredictable twists. Tess (Georgina Campbell), seeking refuge in a seemingly rundown Detroit Airbnb, encounters a series of disturbing discoveries and eerie subterranean tunnels, leading to an encounter with a horrifying hidden world. Barbarian takes bold turns in its storytelling, introducing a comedic element with the arrival of Justin Long (Drag Me to Hell), providing welcome respite from the unsettling events. However, the film ultimately finds its footing in a powerful exploration of trauma and sexual abuse, leaving a lasting impact.
Barbarian is available to stream on Disney+ Hotstar.
**Get Out**
Jordan Peele’s Get Out, a modern classic of horror cinema, is a powerful and thought-provoking commentary on the insidious nature of American racism. Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) and his girlfriend Rose (Allison Williams) embark on a weekend trip to meet Rose’s parents. The initial warmth of their reception soon gives way to a growing sense of unease as unsettling events begin to unfold in this secluded society.
Get Out masterfully blends social commentary with psychological horror, creating an atmosphere of dread that lingers long after the credits roll. Peele’s direction is masterful, wielding suspense and understated horror to expose the insidious nature of prejudice and the terrifying realities of being Black in America. This social commentary is what makes Get Out a masterpiece of modern horror; it’s a film that forces viewers to confront their own biases and prejudices.
Get Out is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and JioCinema.
Sci-Fi Horror Classics
**Alien (1979)**
The horrors of isolation and the unknown are magnified when you’re on a spaceship lightyears away from Earth. Ridley Scott’s Alien masterfully utilizes this setting, showcasing the terror of facing a deadly alien creature in a confined space. The Nostromo crew, responding to a distress signal, encounters a deadly parasitic lifeform that hunts and kills with deadly efficiency. Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) emerges as a formidable heroine, battling the relentless xenomorph while navigating the betrayal of a rogue android.
Alien is a triumph of science fiction horror, a chilling exploration of the unknown and the fragility of humanity in the face of an implacable foe. The film’s iconic design work by H.R. Giger, with its haunting imagery and unsettling creatures, further contributes to its lasting impact.
Alien is now streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
This curated list offers a glimpse into the diverse world of horror cinema, from unsettling folktales to powerful social commentary, and a classic sci-fi nightmare. So grab your blankets, turn off the lights, and prepare for a weekend of chills.
Note: Availability of streaming services and titles may vary. Please check your preferred platform for the most up-to-date information.
