Horror movies are experiencing a renaissance right now, thanks to phenomenal directors and unique screenplays. Many of these films are getting rave reviews from critics and are increasingly popularized through word of mouth on social media. If you were like me, you might’ve wanted to see these movies and participate in the discourse but were too scared of them. However, after watching numerous horror films, we at the Clog have some recommendations for people to ease themselves into the genre.

“The Cabin in the Woods” (2011)

This film explores the cliches of traditional horror films with a comedic tone. It follows a group of college students going out to, wait for it, a cabin in the woods. They are soon terrorized by monsters and more. The less you know about this film, the better, and I highly recommend it. You can stream it on Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.

“Hush” (2016)

This movie is about a deaf and mute woman who has to survive a home invasion by herself. “Hush” may be a thriller, but it does follow the same beats of a horror film with the creepy, unsettling atmosphere that makes your heart beat nonstop. The plot may seem basic, but it’s a fun flick that takes numerous turns. You can stream it on Netflix.

“Get Out” (2017)

One of the earliest horror movies I’ve seen, Jordan Peele’s acclaimed film deserves the hype. It’s a mix of political satire and horror film where a Black man visits his white girlfriend’s parents. Not only does it give you thrills, but it also showcases modern American racism and how it has evolved. The film is not too scary, but it will haunt you. You can watch it with a Hulu + Live TV subscription.

“Hereditary” (2018)

In one of my favorite horror movies, Ari Aster looks at the literal personal demons that plague a normal family. It’s one of the scarier movies on this list, with barely any jump scares, but I believe anyone will enjoy it. Toni Collette gives an amazing performance as a woman grieving the loss of her mother and trying to keep her family together. It’s creepy, fun and unique. You can stream it on Amazon Prime Video.

“Parasite” (2019)

This Oscar-winning film is not considered a typical horror movie, but it showcases the horror of capitalism and it slowly goes down a creepy path. The movie is about a poor family that develops a (parasitic) relationship with a rich family. The film explores how these families feed off each other and gives you an unforgettable experience. You can stream it on Hulu.

So there you have it! This is my list of horror movies for those people who do not usually enjoy horror films. Some honorable mentions are “The Haunting of Hill House” (I know it’s a television series, but it’s so good) and “Midsommar” (It’s scarier than most of the movies here, but if you can stomach those, give this a watch). Soon enough, you will be lining up to watch the next “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” installment.