Top Modern Slasher Films for Halloween Viewing

Essential Insights

Slasher films from the 1970s and 1980s, like Halloween and A Nightmare on Elm Street, continue to be celebrated in contemporary culture.
Recent years have seen a revival of high-caliber slasher flicks, featuring releases such as Scream (2022) and Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022) that resonate well with genre aficionados.
These contemporary slasher features introduce innovative elements, memorable performances, and a harmonious blend of horror and humor, making them essential viewing for horror followers.

The slasher movie genre gained momentum in the ’70s and ’80s, following the groundwork laid by thrillers like Psycho and Peeping Tom. Iconic titles such as Black Christmas, Halloween, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th, and Child’s Play have left a lasting legacy, with some even delivering impressive new installments recently.

While slasher horror films can feel antiquated, the genre has not faded since the 1980s. Yet, there haven’t been many recent villains that have made a significant splash in pop culture akin to Freddy Krueger or Chucky. Nonetheless, slasher enthusiasts have been treated to some quality offerings in recent years. This Halloween—or any day, really—consider giving some of these fantastic modern slasher films a watch.

Please note that only films released after 2015 are included in this list.

Updated October 29, 2024 by Mark Sammut: With Halloween approaching, this article has been refreshed to feature a new entry, along with updated galleries and streaming details for each modern slasher film. Also noteworthy is Terrifier 3, the sole theatrical release option for horror fans.

18 Thanksgiving (2023)

A Grindhouse Origin Story

Director	Eli Roth
Rotten Tomatoes Score	84%
Where to Stream	Netflix

Eli Roth’s films often divide audiences, but he has carved out a notable niche in the horror industry. Although he’s explored other genres like action with projects such as Death Wish and Borderlands, his true calling remains the realm of grindhouse slasher films. Thanksgiving originated as a satirical trailer in the 2007 film Grindhouse, akin to Machete and Hobo with a Shotgun. This mock trailer eventually evolved into a full-length film, exceeding expectations and arguably standing as the finest of the three.

For the most part, Eli Roth has crafted a quintessential holiday slasher that treads familiar territory, yet Thanksgiving stands out for its surprisingly sharp writing and insightful critique of the holiday’s commercialization. The film features a variety of gory and unforgettable kills, along with characters who are refreshing compared to the usual fare of slasher victims in Roth’s previous films.

17 Scream (2022)

A Comeback for a Slasher Classic

Director	Tyler Gillett, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin
Rotten Tomatoes Score	76%
Where to Stream	Netflix, Paramount+

Aside from perhaps the third installment, the Scream franchise has consistently produced entertaining slasher films. The 2022 fifth installment heralds a new chapter, bringing in new characters while allowing beloved survivors to return for more bloody mayhem.

Scream holds its ground with numerous thrilling kills, one particularly gruesome scene showcasing a vicious throat slice. While the plot’s self-referential approach may not appeal to everyone, this unique direction honors the franchise’s legacy.

The follow-up, Scream 6, is also an enjoyable continuation that pairs well with its predecessor, though it lacks some of the earlier film’s charm.

16 Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)

A Polarizing Tale of Unlikable Characters Facing Grim Fates

Director	Halina Reijn
Rotten Tomatoes Score	86%
Where to Stream	FuboTV, Max, Paramount+

Renowned for its horror prowess, A24 consistently delivers quality, and Bodies Bodies Bodies may not land at the very top but is still a noteworthy addition to the genre. This slasher brings together a collection of mostly unlikable young adults who gather in a remote mansion for a party, only for chaos to ensue as bodies begin to drop.

The film skillfully portrays its characters in a manner that keeps viewers guessing, with each individual poised as a potential culprit in the escalating tension.

15 Wrong Turn (2021)

A Revitalizing Take on an Inconsistent Series

Director	Mike P. Nelson
Rotten Tomatoes Score	65%
Where to Stream	FuboTV, Paramount+

The 2003 original, while decent, spawned a slew of forgettable sequels. The 2021 reboot reinvigorates the brand, offering not only visceral gore but also an engaging narrative that delves into conflicting ideologies.

This entry successfully combines depth with entertainment, managing to provide a memorable overall experience, despite a few missteps.

14 Totally Killer (2023)

An Ideal Halloween Pick

Director	Nahnatchka Khan
Rotten Tomatoes Score	87%
Where to Stream	Amazon Prime Video

During Halloween, Jamie’s day takes an unexpected turn as she travels back to the year of a horrific triple murder that haunts her town. Unsurprisingly, Jamie’s attempts to change fate prove more challenging than anticipated.

While many slasher films revolve around their villains, Totally Killer stands out due to its compelling lead. The film’s comedic elements shine, often outshining the horror, proving to be a delightful treat.

13 Happy Death Day (2017)

A Darkly Humorous Twist on Time Loops

Director	Christopher Landon
Rotten Tomatoes Score	71%
Where to Stream	FuboTV, FXNow, NBC, USA

Groundhog Day has inspired numerous imitations, but few pull off the “day repeating”concept with as much flair as Happy Death Day. The premise is straightforward: college student Tree is murdered and forced to relive the same day, driving her to uncover the identity of her mask-clad killer.

Happy Death Day employs its unique premise to deliver numerous inventive kills while effectively blending comedy and horror. Its sequel might push boundaries further, leaning toward sci-fi comedy rather than adhering strictly to slasher conventions.

12 Hush (2016)

Director	Mike Flanagan
Rotten Tomatoes Score	93%
Where to Stream	AMC+, Shudder

Hush tells the tale of a sadistic killer targeting a solitary victim in the woods, setting a familiar scene for a slasher movie. What makes this film distinct is its focus on a hearing-impaired protagonist, adding an innovative twist to the narrative.

In this clever home invasion horror movie, the lead transforms from being an assumed weak target into one of modern horror’s most resourceful characters, showcasing strong performances from both main actors.

11 The Funhouse Massacre (2015)

A Grungy, Bloody Adventure

Director	Andy Palmer
Rotten Tomatoes Score	71%
Where to Stream	Peacock, Plex, TheRokuChannel, Screambox, TubiTV

Not every film needs to grapple with deep moral questions; sometimes, it’s simply fun to watch chaos unfold as six killers wreak havoc in a funhouse. The Funhouse Massacre sets up its ensemble of murderers and protagonists before plunging directly into an all-out gorefest.

This film makes for an exceptional choice for a horror movie gathering, serving as a slasher flick that asks little from its audience other than a penchant for blood-soaked pandemonium.

10 The Blackening (2023)

A Horror-Comedy Slasher That Impressively Blends Genres

Director	Tim Story
Rotten Tomatoes Score	87%
Where to Stream	Starz

A group of friends decide to spend a cabin retreat, unwittingly stepping into a deadly game with a deranged killer. Their night turns into a challenging trivia contest where incorrect answers could lead to deadly consequences.

The Blackening effortlessly balances humor and horror while delving into richly developed characters and exploring common horror tropes. While 2023 has presented its fair share of memorable slasher films, The Blackening stands out distinctly.

9 Sick (2022)

An Early 2020s Addition to the Genre

Director	John Hyams
Rotten Tomatoes Score	87%
Where to Stream	Peacock

On the surface, Sick may appear as a typical slasher with a timely (though now somewhat outdated) plot set during the COVID-19 pandemic. The story revolves around two girls who attempt a getaway in a lakeside cabin, only to be stalked by a mysterious assailant. However, the film stands out from the typical genre fare.

Hyams crafts a patient and suspenseful narrative, allowing for a meticulous buildup to the climactic horror moments, while the eventual kills deliver genuine shock and discomfort. Although Sick isn’t a groundbreaking work, it effectively realizes its vision with well-executed gory scares.

8 Halloween (2018)

A Rejuvenated Classic Mostly Derailed by Subsequent Sequels

Director	David Gordon Green
Rotten Tomatoes Score	79%
Where to Stream	FXNow, Netflix

The 2018 reboot of Halloween returns to its roots, reestablishing the central conflict between Michael Myers and Laurie Strode. This film strips away the complications introduced by previous sequels, opting for a straightforward cat-and-mouse dynamic.

Halloween serves as a respectful homage to John Carpenter’s original film from 1978, featuring the classic elements of kills and suspense fans expect. Those who appreciate this entry may wish to explore its two sequels, both of which attempt to introduce new directions but are also subject to mixed opinions.

7 Freaky (2020)

A Hilariously Twisted Take on Body-Swap Legends

Director	Christopher Landon
Rotten Tomatoes Score	83%
Where to Stream	FuboTV, NBC, Peacockm YSA

In a clever blend of genres, Freaky merges the concept of “Freaky Friday”with a slasher storyline. A notorious serial killer finds a cursed knife that allows him to swap bodies with a teenage girl. Although the Blissfield Butcher revels in his newfound identity, Millie is less enthusiastic about the arrangement.

Freaky cleverly pays homage to classic body-swap comedies while mastering the slasher genre, delivering a delightfully violent and hilarious odyssey.

6 Terrifier (2016)

A Creepy Yet Unique Foundations of Horror

Director	Damien Leone
Rotten Tomatoes Score	55%
Where to Stream	Amazon Prime Video, Fandango, Freevee, FuboTV, Peacock, Plex, PlutoTV, TubiTV

Terrifier reintroduces a menacing clown character with an unforgettable aesthetic. The story follows Art the Clown as he plays a sinister game of hide-and-seek with Tara and Dawn in an eerie apartment complex.

Not intended for the faint of heart, Terrifier showcases brutally violent murders, enhanced by its gritty visual style and atmosphere. This film undoubtedly feels more authentic than many other entries in the slasher genre.

5 Terrifier 2

An Ambitiously Bold Sequel

Director	Damien Leone
Rotten Tomatoes Score	85%
Where to Stream	Amazon Prime Video, Freevee, Hoopla, Plex, Screambox

Although promoting a sequel may appear excessive, Terrifier 2 surpasses the original in terms of ambition. This 2022 film emerges as a potential “epic”slasher, standing out with its multifaceted approach. By all means, dedicated fans of the first film should view its sequel; similarly, even those critical of the original yet fond of slasher films might want to give it a chance.

4 Werewolves Within (2021)

More Fun than Frightening

Director	Josh Ruben
Rotten Tomatoes Score	86%
Where to Stream	AMC+, Shudder

Based on a popular VR video game, Werewolves Within adapts the classic Werewolf concept into a plot filled with humor and surprises. A diverse group becomes trapped, suspecting that one among them might be a werewolf.

3 Candyman (2021)

A Thoughtful Reimagination with Contemporary Themes

Director	Nia DaCosta
Rotten Tomatoes Score	84%
Where to Stream	Freevee

This modern rendition of the slasher classic Candyman bravely addresses complex themes surrounding race and societal history without shying away from confronting unsettling imagery, which remains impactful throughout the film.

While it may not fully eclipse the landmark original from 1992 or the works of co-writer Jordan Peele, Candyman still ranks among the top contemporary slasher films.

2 Fear Street Trilogy (2021)

A Nostalgic Slasher Trilogy

Director	Leigh Janiak
Rotten Tomatoes Score	Fear Street Part One: 1994 – 83% Fear Street Part Two: 1978 – 87% Fear Street Part Three: 1666 – 89%
Where to Stream	Netflix

Drawing from R.L. Stine’s popular works, the Fear Street Trilogy explores generational horror as teenagers battle against an enduring curse. The storyline becomes more intricate with each installation, with a steadfast focus on delivering extravagant slasher experiences.

This trilogy embraces essential slasher tropes with charm and skill, embodying the perfect choice for Halloween viewing.

1 X (2022)

A Grindhouse Marvel That Sparked an Intriguing Trilogy

Director	You West
Rotten Tomatoes Score	94%
Where to Stream	DirecTV, FuboTV, Paramount+, Showtime

X is an homage to the filmmaking style and exploitation films of the 1970s, following a group of filmmakers as they venture to a rural location to shoot an adult film. Ignoring the discomfort of the land’s owner, they remain focused on their project, unaware that horror awaits.

Confident and witty, X excels in direction and performances. Among the standout horror offerings of the 2020s, it holds a prominent position as a contender for the title of best recent slasher movie.

Source