Continuing my journey into watching more horror movies, I’m overwhelmed by the choice on Shudder. Here are 29 award winners, critically acclaimed and cult favourites worth watching.
Award Winners
Pelican Blood (2019) – Psychological/Horror
For fans of: Saint Maud, The Babadook, We Need to Talk About Kevin
Won Best Film at Tallinn Black Nights and was praised for its intense portrayal of motherhood and trauma.
Death of a Vlogger (2019) – Found Footage/Horror
For fans of: Host, Lake Mungo, The Blair Witch Project
Won Best Feature at Unrestricted View Horror Film Festival for its clever blend of social media satire and supernatural dread.
Etheria Film Festival Shorts Showcase (2025) – Horror/Anthology
For fans of: V/H/S, XX, Southbound
This annual showcase of women-directed genre shorts includes award-winning entries from emerging horror voices.
The Changeling (1980) – Supernatural/Horror
For fans of: The Others, The Haunting, The Innocents
Won Best Foreign Film at the Saturn Awards and remains a benchmark in haunted house storytelling.
More best horror lists:
Horror Movies On BBC iPlayer ~ A24 Horror Movies ~ Horror movies On Disney+ ~ Horror Movies On Netflix ~ Horror Movies On Amazon Prime ~ Comedy Horror Movies On Amazon Prime ~ Horror Movies On Sky ~ Horror Movies On Paramount+ ~ Horror Movies On Pluto
Critically Acclaimed
Angst (1983) – Psychological/Horror
For fans of: Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, Funny Games, Possession
This Austrian shocker earned acclaim for its disturbing realism and innovative camera work.
High Tension (2003) – Slasher/Horror
For fans of: Martyrs, Inside, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Alexandre Aja’s brutal breakout helped launch the New French Extremity wave.
Scanners (1981) – Sci-Fi/Horror
For fans of: Videodrome, Firestarter, Akira
David Cronenberg’s head-exploding cult hit earned critical praise for its body horror and psychic warfare.
The Brood (1979) – Psychological/Horror
For fans of: Rosemary’s Baby, Possession, The Babadook
Cronenberg’s twisted family horror was lauded for its metaphorical depth and disturbing imagery.
What We Do in the Shadows (2014) – Horror/Comedy
For fans of: Shaun of the Dead, Deadstream, Vampires vs. Bronx
Taika Waititi’s vampire mockumentary earned widespread acclaim for its wit and genre-savvy humour.
All the Gods in the Sky (2018) – Sci-Fi/Horror
For fans of: Titane, Possession, The Strange Colour of Your Body’s Tears
This French genre hybrid earned acclaim for its surreal tone and emotional weight.
The Borderlands (2013) – Found Footage/Horror
For fans of: Noroi, The Last Exorcism, The Medium
A team investigates a haunted church in this British cult favourite praised for its ending and atmosphere.
The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane (1976) – Thriller/Horror
For fans of: Carrie, Let the Right One In, The Others
Jodie Foster stars in this slow-burn psychological thriller that earned critical praise for its eerie restraint.
Witchfinder General (1968) – Historical/Horror
For fans of: The Devils, The Wicker Man, Blood on Satan’s Claw
Vincent Price’s chilling turn in this folk horror classic earned belated critical recognition for its bleak realism.
Hypochondriac (2022) – Psychological/Horror
For fans of: Saint Maud, The Night House, Swallow
This queer mental health horror was praised for its inventive visuals and emotional honesty.
Cult Favourites
Hell House LLC: The Carmichael Manor (2023) – Found Footage/Horror
For fans of: Grave Encounters, Paranormal Activity, The Taking of Deborah Logan
The latest entry in the Hell House franchise continues its cult legacy with haunted house scares and lore expansion.
The 2025 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards – Horror/Showcase
For fans of: Shudder Originals, horror retrospectives, genre awards
This annual celebration of horror cinema has become a cult event for fans tracking the year’s bloodiest highlights.
VHS Halloween (2023) – Anthology/Horror
For fans of: V/H/S, Creepshow, Tales from the Darkside
This seasonal horror anthology has earned cult status for its retro aesthetic and inventive shorts.
Tourist Trap (1979) – Slasher/Horror
For fans of: House of Wax, The Funhouse, The Hills Have Eyes
This mannequin-filled nightmare earned cult status for its surreal tone and practical effects.
Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama (1988) – Horror/Comedy
For fans of: Ghoulies, Chopping Mall, Night of the Demons
This outrageous B-movie is a cult classic for its camp, creatures, and midnight movie appeal.
Castle Freak (1995) – Gothic/Horror
For fans of: Re-Animator, The Pit and the Pendulum, The Sentinel
Stuart Gordon’s Lovecraftian tale was praised for its atmosphere and practical effects.
Demonic Toys (1992) – Horror/Comedy
For fans of: Puppet Master, Dolls, Subspecies
Full Moon’s toy-based horror is beloved by fans of low-budget creature features.
WolfCop (2014) – Horror/Comedy
For fans of: Hobo with a Shotgun, Turbo Kid, Another WolfCop
A cult hit for its absurd premise, practical gore, and grindhouse energy.
The White Reindeer (1952) – Folk/Vampire Horror
For fans of: Häxan, The Witch, The Wailing
This Finnish vampire tale blends folklore and surrealism, earning cult reverence for its haunting visuals.
Pieces (1982) – Slasher/Exploitation
For fans of: Maniac, The New York Ripper, The Prowler
This Spanish-American gorefest is infamous for its outrageous kills and grindhouse appeal.