10 Creepy Hidden Gems To Stream On Disney+
Disney+ might not be the first place you think of when it comes to creepy horror movies, but the streamer has a treasure trove of frightening films just in time for Halloween. Launched in 2019, Disney+ is a hub for all of Disney's original content, including their classic films and original programming. Since then, the platform has incorporated Disney's subsidiaries too.
The adoption of other catalogs has marked a shift away from the family-friendly audience that Disney+ was initially aimed at exclusively. This means that there are plenty of underrated horror movies to be found on the streaming service. From family-friendly terrors to blood-curdling extreme horror films, Disney+ has everything for spooky season.
The 2022 Spanish Film "Piggy"
Piggy is a slow-burning thriller that straddles the line between horror and suspense. The film tells the story of a bullied teen who is conflicted when her tormentors are kidnapped. It's a stark departure from the typical monsters and supernatural mayhem of other Halloween staples, and challenges the viewer to look beyond what's on the surface of the story.
Piggy isn't for everyone, but it's perfect for horror hounds looking for something more. The film has a message that never gets lost in its own themes, making it a standout among similar films.
The True Crime-Style Horror Film "The Clovehitch Killer"
The Clovehitch Killer is an excellent true crime-style horror film based on the real-life case of the BTK Killer. The story concerns a teen who suspects his father might be a notorious serial killer, putting a strange spin on the coming-of-age genre.
The film lacks overt horror, but makes up for it with rising suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Few modern films have managed to capture the same creepy tone as The Clovehitch Killer, and building that level of suspense is no easy feat.
The Possession Story "When Evil Lurks"
When Evil Lurks breathes new life into the possession story genre. An unsuspecting farmer must flee from his village when one of his neighbors is possessed by a demon. The film eschews nearly every cliche of other demonic possession stories, instead delivering a creepy and disgusting experience.
The possessed become zombie-like rotting corpses, which adds an element of gross-out horror that will make you squirm in your seat. What the movie does so well is thoroughly explore its own ideas, taking the audience on a wild ride that's both intense and unsettling.
The Experimental Horror Film "Presence"
Presence is an experimental horror film shot from the perspective of a mysterious entity that inhabits a home as it interacts with the new family that just moved in. Modern ghost movies are quite different from the past, but none have been as unique as Presence.
There are almost no overt scares, but it does have an eerie quality that is difficult to express in words. Viewers looking for a bombastic thrill ride will be disappointed, but Presence is a rewarding experience in other ways.
The Horror Comedy "Werewolves Within"
Werewolves Within holds the distinction of being the highest-rated video game movie, and it's also a fun horror comedy. Based loosely on the eponymous game, the film concerns the residents of a small town who are trapped together in a snowstorm, while a mysterious monster attacks.
The goofy romp isn't too serious, but is worth a chuckle and a scream. Werewolves Within holds an 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, making it a must-watch for horror fans looking for something light-hearted yet entertaining.
The Classic Slasher Film "In A Violent Nature"
In A Violent Nature is a refreshing take on the classic slasher genre. A band of teens accidentally resurrect a vengeful corpse who begins hacking and slashing in search of his lost locket.
The movie's biggest change was its POV, and the viewer mostly follows the killer instead of the teens. In A Violent Nature can be viewed as a straightforward slasher, but it also features meta humor that pokes fun at tropes.
The Body Horror Film "Crimes of the Future"
Crimes of the Future is a body horror film in its purest form. The complex story involves a performance artist who uses his grotesque displays to explore the next stage of human evolution.
Gross and weird, the movie is a masterclass in building up its surreal world, and there's an almost alien quality to the future shown onscreen. The horror comes from the inhuman nature of the characters, and it presents one of the most depressing futures in film history.
The Found Footage Horror Film "Late Night With The Devil"
Late Night with the Devil is a clever twist on the found footage genre. Almost the entire film is composed of footage from a late night talk show that accidentally crosses paths with pure evil.
David Dastmalchian gives a brilliant lead performance, and the format is used to accentuate the scares. The simplicity of Late Night with the Devil is its greatest strength, and it never tries to overreach.
The Cult Classic "Return to Oz"
Return to Oz is a hidden gem that has become a cult classic due to its unintentional horror elements. Released 45 years after the 1939 classic, the story follows Dorothy as she returns to Oz to find that it is now under the control of an evil empire.
The movie has brilliant effects and puppet work, but everything is tinged with an unintentional horror that will make you feel uneasy.
The Classic Coming-of-Age Horror Film "Something Wicked This Way Comes"
Something Wicked This Way Comes marks the first time this cult classic has ever streamed on Disney+. The story involves two young boys and a dark carnival that arrives in their idyllic town.
The film has a quintessential fall vibe, and has creepy undertones that create a sense of foreboding. Though it's aimed at children, Something Wicked This Way Comes is pretty scary for its age group, making it a must-watch for horror fans of all ages.