A horror fan’s guide to Halloween’s next cult classics - Detroit Metro Times

Spooky season is here, and if you're anything like me, you can't get enough of horror movies. While the usual suspects like Halloween and The Exorcist are always great, I'm looking to branch out this year and discover some new cult classics to add to my watchlist.

For those who, like me, enjoy watching scary movies year-round, there's nothing wrong with revisiting old favorites or trying something new. But for the true horror aficionado, it's time to venture into uncharted territory. Here are a few films that I predict will become future Halloween viewing classics.

First up is The Guest, which seamlessly blends action and horror in a thrilling ride that's equal parts Terminator, Rambo, and Halloween. With its unique blend of genres, this film is perfect for showing to a rowdy room full of friends who can appreciate the excitement and energy. Just be prepared for a wild ride!

Next on my list is The Descent, which still holds up as one of the scariest movies ever made. This claustrophobic thriller follows a group of women on a spelunking adventure that takes a deadly turn when they become trapped in a massive cave system filled with terrifying creatures. With its intense sequences and frightening atmosphere, this film is sure to leave you breathless.

If you're looking for something a bit more off the beaten path, I recommend checking out Marauders. This 2016 film follows a group of military men who follow a disturbed stranger into the heart of evil at a remote outpost in the Sierra Nevadas during the Mexican-American War. What sets this film apart is its perfect blend of humor, scares, and excitement, all tied together with an iconic score by Damon Albarn. If you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favor and watch it as soon as possible.

Another modern horror classic that deserves more love is The Empty Man. Released during the pandemic, this film tells the story of a detective who becomes embroiled in a mysterious case involving a serial killer and a supernatural presence. Despite being a rough cut, the film's unique blend of folk horror and thriller elements makes it a must-see for fans of the genre.

Finally, there's Pulse, another psychological thrill ride from Japanese master filmmaker Kiyoshi Kurosawa. This slow-burning nightmare follows a detective as he investigates a series of murders that seem to be linked to an unknown presence lurking in the shadows. As the tension builds and the pace quickens, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat, wondering what's real and what's just your imagination.

Of course, there are many more great horror movies out there, and I encourage you to explore beyond these recommendations. Whether you're a fan of body horror (The Substance), originality (Weapons), or Oscar-worthy performances (Hereditary), there's something for everyone in the world of horror cinema.

So go ahead, grab some candy, settle in for a scary movie marathon, and let the screams and thrills wash over you this Halloween season.
 
I'm so over these "cult classics" being touted as must-watches every year 🙄... Can't we just watch something that actually scares us instead of rehashed action-horror mashups? And what's with all the fuss about The Descent? It's like everyone's been asleep during this past decade and only remembered how scary it was because of nostalgia. Marauders is a hidden gem, though - I love how they balance humor and terror so seamlessly 🎵... But let's not forget about some of the newer stuff out there, like those found-footage flicks that are actually making me sleep at night 😩
 
🎃 I'm so down for a spooky movie marathon! The Guest sounds like an awesome ride, but have you seen the one where they're all trapped in that elevator? That was so intense 😱. And I love how The Descent still holds up after all these years - it's crazy how well-made it is considering it's from 2005.

But what really drew me to this list was Marauders 🤔 - I've seen the trailer like five times and I'm still stumped as to why I need to watch it. Is it just because of Damon Albarn's score? Or is there something else that makes it stand out?

And have you guys heard anything about The Empty Man? It was released during the pandemic, so I'm curious - how did it perform back then? Was it well-received by critics and audiences alike?

Oh, and one more thing: what's with all the psychological thrillers lately? 🤯 I mean, I love a good slow burn as much as the next person, but sometimes I just want something to jump out at me and scare the living daylights out of me 😲. Do you guys have any faves in that department?
 
if ur looking 4 new horror movies 2 watch this year gotta check out The Guest, its like Terminator meets Rambo but w/ more scares 😱! also The Descent is still super spooky, especially if u get a crew together 2 watch it w/ friends, just make sure u have popcorn ready 👀. and if ur feeling adventurous try Marauders, its got humor, thrills & a sick score by Damon Albarn 🎵.
 
I'm loving the resurgence of interest in cult classics during Spooky season 🎃👻. It's essential to recognize the value of revisiting iconic films like The Exorcist while also exploring lesser-known gems that can redefine our understanding of the horror genre. Marauders, for instance, is a masterclass in balancing humor and scares, making it an excellent addition to any horror fan's watchlist 🤔.

The Descent remains an unsettling masterpiece, its claustrophobic tension still unnerving audiences today 💀. Meanwhile, The Empty Man has all the makings of a modern horror classic: a creepy atmosphere, intriguing mystery, and a healthy dose of supernatural unease 😱.

If I were to offer any criticism, it would be that these films might not cater to those seeking something more experimental or avant-garde in their horror experiences 🎥. Nonetheless, for fans eager to explore new territory within the genre, these recommendations are an excellent starting point 📚.

Lastly, the proliferation of great horror movies across various platforms and mediums is a testament to the medium's enduring appeal ⚡️. As we move forward into the 2020s, it will be fascinating to see how the genre continues to evolve and captivate new generations of viewers 👀.
 
🎃 I'm loving all these new horror movies being mentioned 🤩, especially The Guest which sounds like an intense thrill ride 😬. But I think what's missing from the list is some more hidden gems that aren't as well-known but still pack a punch 💥. Like, have you seen A Dark Song or Unfriended? Both are super unsettling in different ways and would definitely make for some great watchlist additions 📺.
 
omg i cant wait to watch these new horror faves!!! The Guest sounds like an awesome combo of action & horror, and The Descent is literally one of the scariest movies ever made 🎃👻 Marauders seems like a hidden gem, and I need to check out that Damon Albarn score ASAP! The Empty Man also piques my interest, its folk horror vibes sound so unique 🔮💀 And have you seen Pulse? Kiyoshi Kurosawa is a master, that slow-burning tension gives me chills 🤯
 
just saw that thread and gotta agree on Marauders tho 👍 it's such an underrated gem! I mean, who doesn't love a good war movie with horror elements? And Damon Albarn's score is EVERYTHING 🎵 what really gets me about Marauders is how well-balanced it is - the humor, scares, and action all come together to make it a wild ride from start to finish. also, the setting of the Sierra Nevadas during the Mexican-American War is so cool! 👊
 
I'm so over the same old Halloween classics every year 🎃👻. Can't we mix it up a bit? I mean, don't get me wrong, The Exorcist is still super scary, but some of these lesser-known flicks are giving me life 💀! Like, have you seen Marauders yet? That score by Damon Albarn is EVERYTHING 🎵. And can we talk about how underrated The Empty Man is? It's like the cool cousin of horror movies that nobody knows about 👪. I'm also low-key obsessed with Kiyoshi Kurosawa's work, his slow-burning thrillers are like a deliciously dark cup of coffee ☕️. If you're looking for something new to watch, I'd say check out those recommendations and then branch out into some more obscure horror flicks 🎥.
 
I'm so down for a spooky movie fest 🎃️! I've been meaning to check out The Guest, it looks like an intense thrill ride 🤯. And Marauders sounds like an underrated gem, I'll have to add that one to my watchlist ASAP 🔍. But you know what's even better than discovering new horror classics? Revisiting old favorites with friends and having a marathon session 😂. What about you, got any favorite horror movies or directors that you just can't get enough of? 🎬
 
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