5 exciting horror movies to stream next if you enjoyed The Exorcism
"The Exorcism," the latest meta horror movie, has hit theaters and captivated audiences with its playful approach to horror movie tropes. If you're craving more self-aware and thrilling films like it, TheWrap has curated a list of five favorites that will make you laugh, scream, and dive deep into the world of horror. This was reported by SSPDaily.
1. "Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives" (1986)
"Jason Lives" stands out as a fun entry in the "Friday the 13th" franchise. Writer/director Tom McLoughlin cleverly incorporates Universal Monsters' mythology and adopts a knowing tone. An excellent blend of nostalgia and humor, this installment riffs on the James Bond logo and delivers an entertaining experience. With an open camp and great character dynamics, it remains ahead of its time and a standout chapter in the franchise.
Where to stream: Max
2. "Wes Craven's New Nightmare" (1994)
In this Wes Craven-directed film, actress Heather Langenkamp from "A Nightmare on Elm Street" finds herself amidst a series of disturbing events while filming a new entry in the franchise. "New Nightmare" breaks away from the merchandise-driven approach and reintroduces the raw power of Freddy Krueger. While it could benefit from some trimming, this installment is always gripping and offers some of the series' standout kills.
Where to stream: Available to purchase
3. "Scream" (1996)
Pioneering a new wave of self-aware horror films, "Scream" revolutionized the genre upon its release. Directed by Wes Craven and written by Kevin Williamson, it features characters who are well-versed in horror movie knowledge, referencing and dissecting the genre's conventions. The film's wit, scares, and thrills helped it become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring both sequels and a whole parody franchise.
Where to stream: Max
4. "The Cabin in the Woods" (2011)
"The Cabin in the Woods" serves as the ultimate meta horror experience. It starts with a familiar setup—a group of college students retreating to a remote cabin—and then ingeniously subverts expectations. As the unsuspecting characters face their own horrors, the film follows the behind-the-scenes manipulations of office workers running experiments on them. This genre-bending movie delves into our fascination with horror and how ancient storytelling ties into our love for the genre.
Where to stream: Peacock
5. "The Final Girls" (2015)
"The Final Girls," written by M.A. Fortin and Joshua John Miller—the same writers as "The Exorcism"—takes a unique twist on the meta horror concept. Taissa Farmiga plays a girl transported into a film starring her famous scream queen mother (Malin Akerman). Bound by the horror movie's rules, they have to navigate terrifying scenarios while grappling with the possibility of never seeing each other again. This sweet, scary, and humorous film has influenced other similar projects and remains a must-see in the genre.