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Best Original Streaming Horror Films of 2020

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Streaming Original Horror Movies 2020

With so many theatrical releases postponed or outright canceled, streaming sites were the heroes of 2020. Because of this, it’s only fitting that we take a look at the best horror films made by streaming services this year. This includes Amazon Prime originals, Netflix originals, Hulu originals and Shudder originals. Who will come out on top? (Spoiler: it’s Shudder. One hundred percent). What have our favorite streaming services been releasing this year? Take a look at the best original streaming horror films of 2020. 

 

Best Original Streaming Horror Films of 2020

15. Black Box – Amazon Prime

Black Box

This movie was unexpectedly great. Wrapped around trauma-induced memory loss, this film quickly transitions into an unnerving sci-fi flick from director Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour, Jr.

Nolan (Mamoudou Athie) is a father who is recovering from a car accident that left him temporarily in a coma and his wife dead. He struggles to remember his life prior to the accident as his young daughter tries to help him get through the death of her mother. Not wanting that stress on her, he chooses to undergo radical hypnotherapy, where he uses a futuristic Black Box to access memories of his past. 

This movie is incredibly tender and it’s heartbreaking to watch the father-daughter dynamic in the beginning. However not too soon we are plunged into a horrifying view of therapy and technology, with a theme of “digital voodoo.” The sci-fi elements are definitely reminiscent of Get Out (2017) but the story and discomfort are more than enough to make it worth a watch. 

14. Spiral – Shudder

Spiral

No, not the Chris Rock one. This Spiral is a different rendition of the couple that moves into a new suburban community where their neighbors are not what they seem, directed by Kurtis David Harder.

In the ‘90s, a Malik (Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman) and Aaron (Ari Cohen) move to a neighborhood with their teenage daughter (Jennifer Laporte) but Malik starts to uncover a secret history of the community that may point toward a dangerous cult. 

Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman shines in this, delivering a complex performance as a gay man trying to find a balance between being proud of himself and feeling the pressures of society to hide in fear. His search throughout the film is tense and the ending is unexpectedly crazy.  

13. Bad Hair – Hulu

Bad Hair

This Justin Simien (Dear White People) flick takes folklore and puts it in the context of the ‘80s television music industry. Anna (Elle Lorraine) struggles to move up in her job at a network that showcases black culture and music, similar to MTV. When her station is taken over by Zora (the iconic Vanessa Williams) she decides to get a weave to fit in better and hopefully get a job as a host despite objecting to the direction the channel’s going in. At the same time, she learns a spooky urban legend that originated from slaves about a witch’s hair possessing the vain. 

Incredibly stylistic and expertly acted by most of the cast, this colorful film should be on your radar especially if you love music. In addition to the amazing work that was done to make this look like it is from the 1980s, the film also includes numerous original songs that resemble ‘80s hip hop from Kelly Rowland and Braxton Cook. 

12. Good Boy – Hulu

Good Boy

What a fun and energetic ride. This is a must watch if you’re a dog owner, a middle-aged single woman, or a dog-owning single woman. After a string of bad dates, Maggie (Judy Greer) gets an emotional support dog for company. After that, all the people who stress her out mysteriously are found murdered. 

Judy Greer rocks in this film and I was totally empathetic with her character. This is also a great creature feature, resembling a fun werewolf film with all the excessive gore. This streaming exclusive horror film is also from director Tyler MacIntyre, who did the excellent Tragedy Girls which shares a similar tone. 

11. Run – Hulu 

Run Best Streaming Originals of 2020

This film definitely feels like it has a familiar plot to some other horror films; Ma (2019) comes to mind. But despite that, this film packs a punch. Teenage Chloe (Kiera Allen) has used a wheelchair her entire life and is homeschooled by her mother (Sarah Paulson). After noticing some mysterious documents, Chloe becomes suspicious that her mother has not always been honest with her about herself and her conditions. 

A lot of the reason this film by director Aneesh Chaganty (Searching) works is because of the acting skills of Sarah Paulson. As a horror queen we showed up for her and she did not disappoint, with this film being perhaps some of her best acting yet as a mother with secrets and an intense love for her daughter. The movie becomes pretty intense quickly and features some surprisingly good action sequences. 

10. Horse Girl – Netflix

Horse Girl Best Streaming Original Horror Films of 2020

Spoiler alert: this film is not really about horses. Jeff Baena’s (Life After Beth) psychological thriller about the paranoia regarding developing mental illnesses combining with conspiracy theories is sometimes a bit muddled but overall a very fun and upsetting time.

Sarah (Alison Brie) is a socially awkward young adult who lives an insignificant life working at a fabric store and visiting her old horse. That is, until she starts developing what she thinks is a neurological disorder that causes her to seemingly sleep walk and see odd, supernatural visions. 

Alison Brie is a force to be reckoned with and she is definitely the glue that holds this film together. Her sincere demeanor starts to crack as she experiences increasing paranoia regarding her life and Brie pulls it off in a captivating way. I was also a huge fan of this story and especially the wacky ending. 

9. Blood Quantum – Shudder

Blood Quantum Best Original Streaming Horror Movies of 2020

A punk Indigenous zombie flick? Yes please! I was amazed at what this film from Rhymes for Young Ghouls director Jeff Barnaby was able to accomplish as well as reinterpret about the tried and true zombie film. It starts off inside a Mi’kmaq reserve where a zombie infection is just breaking out. As it does, the people there find out that they are somehow immune to the infection. It skips to the future where the surviving members of the reservation have created a safe compound where people repeatedly try to get in, thinking that they have a cure to the virus. 

The film is tense throughout and although it has many elements that are similar to zombie films, this one takes them in a completely different direction. It also captures a subtle grindhouse style that leaves the film feeling grimy. It’s fresh, dreary and filled with blood.  

8. Scream, Queen! My Nightmare on Elm Street – Shudder

Scream, Queen! My Nightmare on Elm Street

I’m gonna change it up and add a documentary to the mix. Even if documentaries aren’t your forte, this is a great watch for fans of the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise.

Following the mysterious life of the star of A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge, Mark Patton. In hiding for years, this documentary reconnects with him to find out what happened to cause him to disappear following the film’s premiere in 1985 as well as the homoerotic themes found in the Nightmare film. 

This is definitely one of the most interestingly composed documentaries I’ve seen and one of the best horror film documentaries out there. Kudos to directors Roman Chimienti and Tyler Jensen for crafting such a loving tribute to the second Nightmare film and give a compelling look at Patton’s life and the horror fandom. 

7. Scare Me – Shudder

Scare Me

Another unexpectedly great film that Shudder released this year, Scare Me does a lot with just one location, and a few campfire tales. From director Josh Ruben (who also stars) this robust film follows the interactions of two horror writers with different approaches to life.

Fred (Josh Ruben) is a writer staying at a secluded snowy cabin to try and overcome his writer’s block for a horror novel. While there, he runs into Fanny (Aya Cash), who is an accomplished and well known horror author. After a power outage, the pair, who have mixed feelings about each other, find themselves stuck together in a cabin with nothing to do but tell spooky stories. 

The way this film chooses to tell the stories is incredible, with their spoken words and exaggerated actions showing up as actual images inside the cabin. For instance, telling a story about a werewolf, Fred walking up the stairs turns into a shadowy lycanthrope as he gives more details. It also hits on themes of originality in the horror world and the distrust and jealousy writers have about each other. A great flick for your next snow day!

6. La Llorona – Shudder

La Llorona

Following the dull and uninspired The Curse of La Llorona of 2019, I was expecting this to be more of the same. Boy was I wrong. In every way possible Jayro Bustamente’s film is the superior La Llorona folktale adaptation. 

Taking place in the aftermath of a genocide in Guatemala orchestrated by the former general Enrique (Julia Diaz), he is deemed guilty of committing war crimes and is quarantined inside his grand palace with his family as protestors remind him of his atrocities and call for his death outside. They then bring in a new housekeeper (María Mercedez Coroy) who’s appearance causes the general and his family to feel the effects of their actions. 

The tone for this incredibly deep movie is set from the beginning as the general is haunted by the crying woman. While some horror films that mix in real politics may feel a bit forced at times, this film convincingly combines the two in an effective and discomforting way. And the cinematography and production design are just as incredible to look at. 

5. Host – Shudder

Host Best Streaming Exclusive Horror Films of 2020

Host had to make its way onto this list, as it is the first COVID-19 film. Taking place entirely on Zoom, this found footage type exercise has a great atmosphere, effective scares and an inspiring low-budget feel. 

It starts with a group of young friends getting together for a Zoom seance due to COVID. They connect with the psychic and take the seance as a joke, and, well, you can guess what happens next. 

For once, this film is best watched on your laptop, in your bed, with headphones in. It’s a great use of immersive horror by looking exactly like what most Zoom calls look and sound like, as many of us know now. The scares come quick and hard so it won’t disappoint many horror fans which is why it’s one of the best streaming exclusive horror films of this year. 

4. His House – Netflix

His House Best Streaming Horror Films of 2020

His House was definitely a highlight in this year for me. Despite being a directorial debut from Remi Weekes, this film is both horrifying and incredibly intimate in its portrayal of the refugee experience with amazing acting from everyone. 

Bol (Sope Dirisu) and Rial (Wunmi Mosaku) are a couple that fled war-torn Sudan, losing their daughter in the process. They seek asylum in England and wait in a detention facility before being accepted and given a small, badly damaged apartment that they are allowed to live in. They experience haunting visions of a specter as they try and fix up their house. 

This film is pretty much great all around, from the disturbing story of the death of their daughter, to the effects of grief they experience later and the struggle they feel to fit in versus keep their culture. Read more of my thoughts in my review here. 

3. Anything for Jackson – Shudder

Anything For Jackson

Possession movies are a dime a dozen, but this film, described as a reverse exorcism, is a finally refreshing look at the genre. It also has two grandparents as the main characters, which I find adorable. I love any horror movie where older people are going all out. 

An older couple (Sheila McCarthy and Julian Richings) kidnap a pregnant woman with the intention of putting the spirit of their dead grandson into her unborn baby using an ancient spellbook that is way over their heads. 

Although this film is sometimes funny and cute, it goes hard and doesn’t hold back when it comes to the gore and scares. Ghosts kill themselves over and over again as the hapless grandparents try to figure out where they went wrong. From director Justin G. Dyck, this is a possession movie that will not soon be forgotten. 

2. Impetigore – Shudder

Impetigore

Joko Anwar has been a heavy weight in indonesian horror for almost a decade now, and while I wasn’t a huge fan of his last film, Satan’s Slaves, I cannot stress enough that this is one of the best horror films I’ve ever seen. Also, like the next film, this goes to some dark places. 

Maya (Tara Basro) works as a toll booth attendant in a city with her friend, when a strange man randomly attacks her with a machete but is killed by police. A few months later, she decides to take her friend to the village where she was born to look for money but finds her family house abandoned and overgrown, and the villagers dealing with something strange with their newborn babies. 

This film has, by far, my favorite opening scene of the year. After that, it’s still pretty good and the story is messed up, surprising, and crazy. The entire film is incredibly shot and the production design is inspirational. While some of the plot gets in the way of the story near the end, overall this story will keep you on the edge of your seat and wincing. 

1. Dogs Don’t Wear Pants – Shudder

Dogs Don't Wear Pants Best Streaming Exclusives of 2020

This one’s definitely not for the weak. Jukka-Pekka Valkeapää’s erotic dark drama is incredibly perverse, with multiple scenes that are disturbing, both emotionally and sexually. Juha (Pekka Strang) is a middle-aged doctor dealing with the death of his wife by drowning while struggling to care for his teenage daughter. One day, Juha encounters Mona (Krista Kosonen), a dominatrix who awakens a psychosexual desire within him to be deprived of air. 

The two lead actors here are great and truly embody their characters. Kosonen is particularly arresting everytime she is on screen and pulls off a striking aggression while also having a soft affection at the same time. It’s kind of like The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (2011) but sexier. 

If you can handle the more aggressive side of BDSM, this is a film that should not be missed and is for me the best original streaming horror films of the year. 

Honorable Mentions:

Color Out of Space Best Streaming Original Horror Movies of 2020

The Vast of Night – Prime

Nocturne – Prime

The Devil All the Time – Netflix

The Babysitter: Killer Queen – Netflix

Vampires Vs. The Bronx – Netflix

The Mortuary Collection – Shudder

Scare Package – Shudder

Color Out of Space – Shudder

Honestly, this was a great year for streaming exclusive horror films. If you don’t have a subscription to Shudder, I highly recommend it just for the amount of GOOD original content that they have been making and hopefully will continue to make. What do you think of our list? Any that we missed? Let us know! And if you’re looking for other horror films on Netflix, check out this list. 

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‘Strange Darling’ Featuring Kyle Gallner and Willa Fitzgerald Lands Nationwide Release [Watch Clip]

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Strange Darling Kyle Gallner

‘Strange Darling,’ a standout film featuring Kyle Gallner, who is nominated for an iHorror award for his performance in ‘The Passenger,’ and Willa Fitzgerald, has been acquired for a wide theatrical release in the United States by Magenta Light Studios, a new enterprise from veteran producer Bob Yari. This announcement, brought to us by Variety, follows the film’s successful premiere at Fantastic Fest in 2023, where it was universally praised for its creative storytelling and compelling performances, achieving a perfect score of 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes from 14 reviews.

Strange Darling – Movie Clip

Directed by JT Mollner, ‘Strange Darling‘ is a thrilling narrative of a spontaneous hookup that takes an unexpected and terrifying turn. The film is notable for its innovative narrative structure and the exceptional acting of its leads. Mollner, known for his 2016 Sundance entry “Outlaws and Angels,” has once again employed 35mm for this project, cementing his reputation as a filmmaker with a distinct visual and narrative style. He is currently involved in adapting Stephen King’s novel “The Long Walk” in collaboration with director Francis Lawrence.

Bob Yari expressed his enthusiasm for the film’s upcoming release, scheduled for August 23rd, highlighting the unique qualities that make ‘Strange Darling’ a significant addition to the horror genre. “We are thrilled to be bringing nationwide theatrical audiences this unique and exceptional film with terrific performances by Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner. This second feature from talented writer-director JT Mollner is destined to become a cult classic that defies conventional storytelling,” Yari told Variety.

Variety’s review of the film from Fantastic Fest lauds Mollner’s approach, saying, “Mollner shows himself to be more forward-thinking than most of his genre peers. He’s clearly a student of the game, one who studied his forebears’ lessons with adroitness to better prepare himself to put his own mark on them.” This praise underlines Mollner’s deliberate and thoughtful engagement with the genre, promising audiences a film that is both reflective and innovative.

Strange Darling

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Sydney Sweeney’s ‘Barbarella’ Revival Forges Ahead

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Sydney Sweeney Barbarella

Sydney Sweeney has confirmed the ongoing progress of the much-anticipated reboot of Barbarella. The project, which sees Sweeney not only starring but also executive producing, aims to breathe new life into the iconic character that first captured audiences’ imaginations in the 1960s. However, amid speculation, Sweeney remains tight-lipped about the possible involvement of celebrated director Edgar Wright in the project.

During her appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Sweeney shared her enthusiasm for the project and the character of Barbarella, stating, “It is. I mean, Barbarella is just such a fun character to explore. She really just embraces her femininity and her sexuality, and I love that. She uses sex as a weapon and I think it’s such an interesting way into a sci-fi world. I’ve always wanted to do sci-fi. So we’ll see what happens.“

Sydney Sweeney confirms her Barbarella reboot is still in the works

Barbarella, originally a creation of Jean-Claude Forest for V Magazine in 1962, was transformed into a cinematic icon by Jane Fonda under the direction of Roger Vardim in 1968. Despite a sequel, Barbarella Goes Down, never seeing the light of day, the character has remained a symbol of sci-fi allure and adventurous spirit.

Over the decades, several high-profile names including Rose McGowan, Halle Berry, and Kate Beckinsale were floated as potential leads for a reboot, with directors Robert Rodriguez and Robert Luketic, and writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade previously attached to revive the franchise. Unfortunately, none of these iterations made it past the conceptual stage.

Barbarella

The film’s progress took a promising turn approximately eighteen months ago when Sony Pictures announced its decision to cast Sydney Sweeney in the titular role, a move that Sweeney herself has suggested was facilitated by her involvement in Madame Web, also under Sony’s banner. This strategic decision was aimed at fostering a beneficial relationship with the studio, specifically with the Barbarella reboot in mind.

When probed about Edgar Wright’s potential directorial role, Sweeney adeptly sidestepped, merely noting that Wright has become an acquaintance. This has left fans and industry watchers speculating about the extent of his involvement, if any, in the project.

Barbarella is known for its adventurous tales of a young woman traversing the galaxy, engaging in escapades that often incorporate elements of sexuality—a theme Sweeney seems eager to explore. Her commitment to reimagining Barbarella for a new generation, while staying true to the character’s original essence, sounds like the making of a great reboot.

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‘The First Omen’ Almost Received an NC-17 Rating

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the first omen trailer

Set for an April 5 theater release, ‘The First Omen’ carries an R-rating, a classification that was almost not achieved. Arkasha Stevenson, in her inaugural feature film directorial role, faced a formidable challenge in securing this rating for the prequel to the esteemed franchise. It seems the filmmakers had to contend with the ratings board to prevent the film from being saddled with an NC-17 rating. In a revealing conversation with Fangoria, Stevenson described the ordeal as ‘a long battle’, one not waged over traditional concerns such as gore. Instead, the crux of the controversy centered around the depiction of the female anatomy.

Stevenson’s vision for “The First Omen” delves deep into the theme of dehumanization, particularly through the lens of forced birthing. “The horror in that situation is how dehumanized that woman is”, Stevenson explains, emphasizing the significance of presenting the female body in a non-sexualized light to address themes of forced reproduction authentically. This commitment to realism nearly landed the film an NC-17 rating, sparking a prolonged negotiation with the MPA. “This has been my life for a year and a half, fighting for the shot. It’s the theme of our film. It’s the female body being violated from the inside outwards”, she states, highlighting the importance of the scene to the film’s core message.

The First Omen Movie Poster – by Creepy Duck Design

Producers David Goyer and Keith Levine supported Stevenson’s battle, encountering what they perceived as a double standard in the ratings process. Levine reveals, “We had to go back and forth with the ratings board five times. Weirdly, avoiding the NC-17 made it more intense”, pointing out how the struggle with the ratings board inadvertently intensified the final product. Goyer adds, “There is more permissiveness when dealing with male protagonists, particularly in body horror”, suggesting a gender bias in how body horror is evaluated.

The film’s bold approach to challenging viewers’ perceptions extends beyond the ratings controversy. Co-writer Tim Smith notes the intention to subvert expectations traditionally associated with The Omen franchise, aiming to surprise audiences with a fresh narrative focus. “One of the big things we were excited to do was to kind of pull the rug out from under people’s expectations”, Smith says, underscoring the creative team’s desire to explore new thematic ground.

Nell Tiger Free, known for her role in “Servant”, leads the cast of “The First Omen”, set for release by 20th Century Studios on April 5. The movie follows a young American woman dispatched to Rome for church service, where she stumbles upon a sinister force that shakes her faith to its core and reveals a chilling plot aimed at summoning evil incarnate.

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