It’s that time of year again. Pumpkins are hitting the porches, devilish decorations are going up and haunted attractions are filling our feeds. Yep, it’s Halloween season (a.k.a. Goth Christmas) – which also means it’s time to ramp up the horror movies.
Forget the big-budget, CGI-laden monstrosities. No, I’m talking indie horror – where things get weird, wild, and wonderful. You might even have to think while you watch (shocking, I know). So, gather your blankets, turn off the lights, and prepare to be spooked by these indie gems.
I Saw the TV Glow (2024)
In the ‘90s, TV was the babysitter you shouldn’t have trusted, and this film makes sure you know why. In I Saw the TV Glow, two teens become obsessed with a TV show that might be rotting their brains in more ways than one. Nostalgic, eerie, and unsettling enough to make you wonder if your childhood was all that wholesome after all.
The Substance (2024)
Alright, this one’s not quite as “Indie” as some of the other films on my list, creeping in with a budget of $17 million vs my typical limit of $10 million, but, whatever, it deserves a mention. Think of The Substance as a highly questionable lifestyle show. Alchemy, greed, and a mysterious substance take centre stage in this trippy tale that’ll have you second-guessing society’s obsession with youth and beauty. Expect bizarre transformations, and no, they’re not pretty.
Immaculate (2024)
Religious horror, but done indie-style. Think piety and pristine nun outfits that definitely have something sinister brewing underneath. If you like your horror with a side of Catholic guilt, Immaculate is for you.
Longlegs (2024)
Creepy title, creepier villain. When a detective gets caught up in a web of secrets, things get real uncomfortable real fast. Longlegs is the kind of movie where you’ll be tempted to look away, but curiosity (or morbid fascination) keeps you glued. Plus, what’s Halloween without a terrifying stalker?
Late Night with the Devil (2023)
A live TV broadcast gone horribly wrong? Yes, please. Late Night with the Devil is set in the ‘70s, and let’s just say the devil has more than a guest spot. With talk shows and horror combined, it’s a delightful reminder that we shouldn’t always believe what we see on TV – especially late at night.
Infinity Pool (2023)
Wealth, excess, and some good old existential dread. What happens when your holiday takes a turn into the downright nightmarish? You end up in Infinity Pool. Let’s just say this one might put you off luxury resorts – and not because of the dodgy breakfast buffet.
Strange Darling (2023)
A romantic horror, you say? Stranger things have happened. Strange Darling is for the fans of Bonnie and Clyde who always thought there should be a bit more murder. A boy-meets-girl story that goes off the rails and leaves a bloody trail behind, it’s the sort of thing that makes you reconsider swiping right.
Bones and All (2022)
It’s a coming-of-age cannibal love story. You read that right. Bones and All manages to blend romance and horror in a way that’s both disturbing and surprisingly touching. It’s like a Hallmark film, but our main characters are a bit more... hungry.
Men (2022)
Ah, yes, horror that goes deep. In Men, we follow a woman on holiday in the countryside who finds out that the real horror is – shocker – men. Atmospheric, unnerving, and full of metaphor, this one’s perfect for when you want your horror a little artsy, a lot uncomfortable.
Good Boy (2022)
You thought a dog would keep you safe? Wrong. In Good Boy, the lines between loyalty and terror get blurred in a way that’ll make you rethink getting a puppy for protection. Man’s best friend? Sure. But only if you survive the night.
Talk To Me (2022)
Aussie horror is having a moment, and Talk to Me proves it can go toe-to-toe with the best. Directed by YouTubers turned filmmakers Danny and Michael Philippou, this 2022 hit delivers a fresh take on possession. The plot revolves around a group of teens who get hooked on a sinister party game involving a creepy embalmed hand that lets them communicate with spirits. Of course, the spirits have a few demands of their own, and things spiral out of control faster than you can say “don’t touch it!” Equal parts shocking and emotionally raw, this film combines supernatural terror with a gritty exploration of grief and peer pressure. It's indie horror at its finest!
These are just a few of the indie horrors out there giving us all the chills this Halloween. Got any others that should be on this list? Let me know in the comments – because, honestly, I’m always in need of more things to watch for a good fright!
x Victoria
About Victoria Hall
Victoria Hall is an English-born writer and illustrator with a passion for anything gothic, eccentric or quirky. You can follow Victoria on Instagram or check out her bio here.
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