10 tense horror films to enjoy Halloween (without scares)
Christian Bale starred in ‘American Psycho’ (2000), an adaptation of the book of the same name, which will receive a renewed version in the hands of director Luca Guadagnino. Photo: Disclosure/Universal Studios
Most people who resist watching horror films have a reason: the infamous ‘jump scares’, sudden scares used by filmmakers to make the audience let out a desperate scream. Fortunately, it’s not like all films in the genre rely on these moments to strike fear into the viewer.
Many horror films — including the only Oscar winner for Best Film of the genre — actually work on building fear with their script and direction, knowing how to control the emotion in their fans.
Next, check out 10 horror films that don’t need ‘jump scares’ to make you tremble:
Run! (2017)
Film that earned Jordan Peele his Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, Run! tells the story of Chris (Daniel Kaluel Kaluy), a black man who travels to the parents’ house of his white girlfriend, Rose (Allison Williams). There, he notices a less-than-discreet attempt at virtue signaling by his in-laws, who are hiding a shocking secret.
More than its psychological terror, Run! It won over audiences around the world for its allegory to the racism still present in society, including in predominantly white progressive movements that take over discussions of other minority groups.
Run! is available on Prime Video, Netflix and Globoplay.
Shutter Island (2010)
Directed by Martin Scorsese, Fear Island follows a pair of detectives whose homicide investigation leads them to an isolated mental hospital on an island. The further they get into the case and the more time they spend with staff and patients, one of them begins to question reality.
Full of great performances and artistic choices that leave the psychiatric hospital environment frightening, Fear Island has one of the best — and best constructed — twists in cinema since The Sixth Sense.
Fear Island is available on Mercado Play.
The Shining (1980)
Adaptation of the book Stephen King, The Shining is a huge classic of horror cinema, with Torrance’s life getting scarier and scarier as Jack (Jack Nicholson) goes crazy.
Behind the scenes of The Shining became famous for being as scary as the film, especially due to the director’s perfectionist behavior Stanley Kubrickwhose ambition for the best take, demanded too much physically and psychologically from the cast and crew.
The Shining is available on HBO Max.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
The only horror film to win the Oscar for Best Picture to date, The Silence of the Lambs was responsible for blessing the world with Hannibal Lecter from Anthony Hopkins. The frightening serial killer doesn’t even need to leave his glass cell to send shivers down the public’s spine.
Even so, the psychopath is not the main villain of the film. The role goes to Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine), a serial killer who preys on young women. Between the two is Clarice (Jodie Foster), who needs to arrest a criminal without letting herself be manipulated by another.
The Silence of the Lambs is available on Prime Video.
American Psycho (2000)
Film that washed away the image of a child actor Christian Bale, American Psycho follows a calculating investment banker who allows himself to be driven by his homicidal thirst. As the days go by, his actions become more bloody and unpredictable.
American Psycho is available on Telecine.
A brilliant but disillusioned chef (Ralph Fiennes) invites a group of rich and influential people to his restaurant on an isolated island for a special dinner. There, guests are served an indigestible feast of tension, fear and threat.
O Menu is available on Disney+
The Substance (2024)
One of the best films of 2024, The Substance accompanies Elisabeth (Demi Moore) a famous veteran actress whose offers faded as she aged. After a new setback in her career, she decides to resort to a magic formula that allows her to become her “best version” for seven days. This is how Sue (Margaret Qualley), who is emerging as the new star of the industry.
Body horror made to test every possible sense of the audience, The Substance It’s also a not-so-subtle commentary on Hollywood’s (and the world’s) sexist view of the value of women.
The Substance is available on HBO Max.
Mother! (2017)
Perhaps the most explicit and divisive film among those listed, Mother!of the always bold Darren Aronofskyis a great metaphor for religious fanaticism, drawing clear parallels with the story of Mary, mother of Jesus. Although it was received by extreme reactions in 2017, the film became better seen by the public who rediscovered it on streaming.
Mother! is available on Paramount+.
Midsommar – Evil Doesn’t Wait for Night (2019)
Midsommar – Evil Doesn’t Wait for Nightof Ari Asteryou don’t even need the dark to cause fear. In the film, a grieving woman travels with her boyfriend to Sweden, where they stay to participate in a solstice festival. The idyllic escape, however, ends up turning into a sequence of dark acts at the hands of a pagan cult.
Midsommar – Evil Doesn’t Wait for Night is available on the Lionsgate+ channel on Prime Video.
Bacurau (2019)
Directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho e Juliano Dornelles, Bacurau shows a small village in the Brazilian backlands, which discovers that its city no longer appears on any map. Soon after, a group of violent foreigners brings chaos to the region.
Much more than a terror, Bacurau It is a story about oppression, racism, xenophobia and violence and how these ills continue to be present throughout Brazil.
Bacurau is available on Globoplay.
Hi! I’m Renato Lopes, an electric vehicle enthusiast and the creator of this blog dedicated to the future of clean, smart, and sustainable mobility. My mission is to share accurate information, honest reviews, and practical tips about electric cars—from new EV releases and battery innovations to charging solutions and green driving habits. Whether you’re an EV owner, a curious reader, or someone planning to make the switch, this space was made for you.
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