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The Best Movies on Shudder as Ranked by the Experts

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Best Movies on Shudder - Ghostland

If you’ve only recently signed up for the best horror app out there, you’re likely wondering what the best movies on Shudder are. You’ve got hundreds to choose from, but if you only have a few hours to spare, you definitely don’t want to choose a dud. Fortunately, the foremost experts on Shudder have your back.

If you head over to the House of Shudder Facebook group, you’ll find droves of fans discussing the top flicks on the app. There are always a few outliers, but the favorites on the streaming service remain pretty consistent. So without further ado, here are the best movies on Shudder to enjoy tonight.

Incident in a Ghostland (2018)

This one is a bit disturbing, but it’s not so over the top that it can’t be enjoyed. A mother and her two daughters move into a newly-inherited house, and their first night in the new place is interrupted by some seriously diabolical and sick intruders. Check out the trailer:

This film isn’t for the weak of heart, but it’s no doubt one of the best movies on Shudder. Queue up The Office afterward, though, because you might need a bit of help coming down.

A Bluebird in My Heart (2018)

This isn’t your typical horror movie – if it’s horror at all. An ex-con moves to a motel run by a woman who lives there with her daughter. The young girl befriends the reformed convict, and after the two become close, she’s physically assaulted by an acquaintance. Definite trigger warning on this one.

As you might imagine, the ex-con deals with the situation in his own way. This is definitely a gripping film and easily one of the best movies on Shudder if you can get past the whole non-horror thing.

Hell House, LLC (2015)

If you’ve yet to see this found footage classic, it’s the official synopsis that will give you a clear view on what to expect:

“Five years after an unexplained malfunction causes the death of 15 tour-goers and staff on the opening night of a Halloween haunted house tour, a documentary crew travels back to the scene of the tragedy to find out what really happened.”

Even people who don’t enjoy found footage loved this flick. The two follow-up films are also on Shudder, and while many don’t think they’re quite as good, you’ll certainly want to watch to see how the story began and if it ever ends.

Mayhem (2017)

This one has Steven Yeun of The Walking Dead fame, and Joe Bob Briggs covered it on an episode of The Last Drive-In. I’d recommend watching it with Joe Bob since you’ll get to enjoy the film along with Darcy and the greatest redneck drive-in critic out there. Here’s the trailer:

Yeun plays a white collar worker who’s gotten screwed over by his company for the last time. Mere moments after he’s fired, a virus that has a violent effect on the infected ravages its way through his office building. Awesomeness ensues.

Dogs Don’t Wear Pants (2019)

Any conversation involving the best movies on Shudder must now include Dogs Don’t Wear Pants. After losing his wife in an accident, the lead character starts seeking out the service of a dominatrix. There are certainly some cringeworthy moments in the movie – related directly to the sub/dom relationship – but it’s honestly one of the most tragic and healing love stories you’re going to come across.

Just so you know in advance, there’s definitely some (fictional) abuse going on in this film. It’s not anywhere close to the level of Saw or Hostel, though, and the overall story makes these few harsh moments barely noticeable.

3 From Hell (2019)

You might not think that Rob Zombie’s followup to Devil’s Rejects deserves to be on a list of the best movies on Shudder, but the streaming service is one of the few places you’ll find the flick. If Zombie’s stuff isn’t your cup of tea, feel free to scroll past this recommendation. If you enjoyed the other films, though, this one cannot be missed.

https://youtu.be/A4H89rSFUtk

One Cut of the Dead (2017)

Is this a movie within a movie, or a movie within a movie within a movie? Listen, just watch the thing. It became an instant favorite on Shudder when it was made available, and when Joe Bob Briggs showed the film, it resulted in one of the most moving closing dialogues in the show’s history.

If you’re not keen on seeing Joe Bob’s take on the film, feel free to watch it on its own. It certainly has earned a place among the best movies on Shudder. You’ll see credits rolling after about 30 minutes, but keep on watching. Things are just getting started.

Daniel Isn’t Real (2019)

You can’t help but love Shudder exclusives, and Daniel Isn’t Real is a great addition to the category. Check out the official synopsis:

“A troubled college freshman, Luke, suffers a violent family trauma. He then resurrects his charismatic childhood imaginary friend Daniel to help him cope, not realizing how dangerous Daniel is.”

A crazed imaginary friend? Don’t worry, it’s nothing like Fight Club. Although, a few scenes may seem reminiscent. Just trust me, though: this is one of the best movies on Shudder. It may not be the greatest exclusive on the app, but it’s definitely worth the watch if you’ve got a meager 100 minutes to spare.

Do You Agree with Our Best Movies on Shudder?

Tracking down the gems on a streaming service packed with awesome horror movies can be tedious. The preceding films consistently get high marks from current subscribers, but there’s undoubtedly hidden awesomeness we have yet to discover. Did you find something that belongs among the best movies on Shudder? Tell us in the comments!

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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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