October has arrived, and in perfect timing, streaming platforms such as Paramount+ are enriching their catalogs with a variety of horror films.
If you’re unsure which ones to choose, Watch With Us has compiled a list based on Rotten Tomatoes’ critic scores to guide your selections.
The Fly and In Fabric both boast critical acclaim with ratings exceeding 90 percent.
Although Martin Scorsese’s epic Silence does not fit squarely within the horror genre, its strong rating gives it a deserving spot on this list.
‘The Fly’ (1986)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 93 percent
The body horror genre saw a revival in 2024 with The Substance, but its roots date back decades, notably with contributions from David Cronenberg, who delivered the 1986 remake of The Fly, an imaginative reinterpretation of the 1958 film featuring Vincent Price.
In this film, Jeff Goldblum plays Seth Brundle, a quirky scientist fixated on teleportation. His groundbreaking device allows organic matter to be transferred instantly. However, after testing it on himself, Brundle realizes he’s accidentally shared the teleportation space with a fly, triggering bizarre changes to his body including extraordinary strength and a compulsive sweet tooth. Is he transforming into an insect, or is it all a fabrication of his mind?
Featuring revolutionary makeup effects that still shock viewers, The Fly exemplifies the pinnacle of grotesque horror. Goldblum’s portrayal of a man grappling with his physical transformation is unmatched; he delivers a performance that encapsulates intelligence, romance, and ultimately, tragedy, enhancing the film’s emotional depth.
‘In Fabric’ (2018)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 92 percent
While the horror genre has seen its fair share of terrifying dolls, In Fabric presents a chilling narrative centered around a sinister red dress. This lesser-known British film delves into the misfortunes that befall its owners. One character, Sheila (Marianne Jean-Baptiste), a divorced woman eager to impress on a date, unwittingly unleashes a series of calamities, including tragic accidents and fatal fires. Is the dress cursed? And if so, how?
Resembling a vintage horror anthology from the 1970s, In Fabric unfolds in a more episodic manner than traditional films. It doesn’t explicate the dress’s cursed nature; instead, it vividly illustrates the devastating consequences for those unfortunate enough to don it. If the Devil indeed wears Prada, the lethal attire in In Fabric would surely fit the bill.
‘Silence’ (2016)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 83 percent
When considering the greatest Martin Scorsese films of the last three decades, Silence might not come to mind immediately. The 2016 film, featuring two Portuguese Jesuit priests on a quest in 17th-century Japan for their missing comrade, was a major box office letdown upon release. Its lengthy runtime of 161 minutes can be daunting; however, the film is both stunning and unforgettable, showcasing faith’s profound strength without succumbing to preachiness or melodrama.
Andrew Garfield portrays Sebastiao Rodrigues, one of the Jesuits in pursuit of his mentor, Cristovao Ferreira (Liam Neeson). As Rodrigues navigates a feudal Japan that is antagonistic toward him and his faith, he witnesses horrific acts of violence against his fellow priests. Amid these trials, he must strive to maintain his belief while searching for Ferreira.
Andrew Garfield in Silence Kerry Brown/©Paramount Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection
At the 2017 Oscar ceremony, Garfield was nominated for Best Actor for his role in Hacksaw Ridge, but his performance in Silence deserved recognition as well. With his significant presence in the film, Garfield embodies its emotional core, effectively portraying Scorsese’s nuanced reflections on organized religion.
