We are part of The Trust Project.
DULUTH — I grew up on “Jaws” and “Poltergeist.” A latchkey kid and a younger sis, I needed to keep up with whatever my brother was watching because heck if I’ll be left behind!
Through “Nightmare on Elm Street,” “Predator” and “Carrie,” the straw that broke the camel’s back, oddly, was “Dr. Giggles” sometime pre-middle school. So, I set down my fascination with the genre, for the most part. Until COVID-19. And, everything that followed.
During the stream of terrifying events happening here, there, everywhere, a 90-minute scary movie felt strangely comforting because — regardless of how many circumstances paralleled — it was a solid distraction. An avenue for anxiety.
My long-lost zeal sparked, I’d sometimes watch solo ’cause my partner won’t join me. Turns out, controlled fear experiences like these may help people cope.
A study showed that horror fans fared better psychologically than non-fans during emotionally draining months of COVID-19, according to National Geographic . Can’t speak for the rest, but it worked for me.
ADVERTISEMENT
Here are the top horror series and movies that got me through all the things since 2020.
'Black Box' (2020)
Single-father Nolan aims to regain his memory after a life-altering car accident. As he dives deeper into an experimental treatment, he uncovers nastiness about his past. I didn’t see this ending coming. Starring Mamoudou Athie (“Jurassic World”) and Phylicia Rashad. 1:40, not rated
- Watch: Amazon
'Don't F**ck With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer' (2019)
A group of amateur online sleuths track a deranged criminal’s disturbing, virtual breadcrumb trail that starts with the annihilation of cats and escalates. This true-crime Emmy winner is heartbreaking and infuriating, easily grabbing viewers determined to see justice. 3 episodes, TV-MA
- Watch: Netflix
'Goodnight Mommy' (2014)
When their mother comes home bandaged after plastic surgery, tensions rise as twin boys Elias and Lukas become increasingly paranoid that she’s an imposter. This psychological thriller out of Austria is one for the books. A newly released American
remake
starring Naomi Watts is now available on Amazon, but I’ll stick with the O.G. 1:39, R
- Watch: Tubi, Pluto, Amazon Prime
'The Haunting of Hill House' (2018)
Writer/director Mike Flanagan reimagines Shirley Jackson’s 1959 gothic novel into a rich family drama with a horror backdrop. Starring Henry Thomas, Carla Gugino and Victoria Pedretti ("You"), this one’s a keeper. 10 episodes, TV-MA
- Watch: Netflix
'It Follows' (2014)
After her date dumps her, literally, Jay (Maika Monroe) seeks answers as she and her friends try to outrun a lethal supernatural force. Steady walking never looked scarier. 1:40, R
- Watch: Netflix, Amazon
'Lippy' (2018)
When a security guard catches two shoplifters, things get weird in the store’s underbelly. Clocking in at just 5 minutes, this one packs a punch. PG-13
ADVERTISEMENT
- Watch: Hulu
'Midnight Mass' (2021)
When a mysterious priest descends upon a remote island town, tensions rise as death and miracles follow. Writer/director Mike Flanagan’s latest horror series depicts the intersection of humanity’s misguided and monstrous instincts. Starring: Hamish Linklater, Kate Siegel, Zach Gilford. 7 episodes, TV-MA
- Watch: Netflix
'Yellowjackets' (2021)
This Emmy-winning thriller traces the lives of a high school soccer team after their plane crashes in the wilderness. Show creators Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson (“Narcos”) skillfully unfurl the survivors’ past and their current struggle to outrun what and who they left behind. Starring a powerhouse cast led by Melanie Lynskey, Christina Ricci and Juliette Lewis with up-and-comers Ella Purnell, Sophie Thatcher and Sophie Nelisse, this one’s worth a subscription. 11 episodes, TV-MA
- Watch: Showtime
