Horror Movies for Non-Horror Movie People
One girl's opinion and that girl is me, Kelly.
I like horror movies and married a dude who loves them, so I have watched quite a few over the years. I wanted to make this list because there are some real stand out horror movies that I think even non-horror movie people could like. I might be wrong, but hope my little synopsizes give you enough information to see if there is a horror film for you. Keep an open mind!
Cabin in the Woods - Horror | Comedy
Starting out strong with my favorite movie on this list and one of my favorite movies of all time. This is a perfect example of how good the horror comedy genre can be. If you like things light and funny, but you can handle an occasional spook, then this is for you!
The premise is that a group of friends goes to a secluded cabin and things go awry. But what’s really happening? The movie takes some twists and turns and is entertaining from start to finish. This movie uses numerous horror movie tropes as a way to poke fun at the genre, while still having a scare factor. I also really appreciate a good ending and this one sits might well with me.
The movie came out in 2011, the same year as Thor, and featured the same actor, Chris Hemsworth. We also see Jesse Williams (Grey’s Anatomy) as the “nerdy”, love interest. Joss Whedon directed and although I don’t feel great about him as a person, he has made a lot of really good movies and shows (Buffy, Firefly, Marvel stuff). There are some other actors you will recognize, but I don’t want to spoil anything!
Reasons I think non-horror movies people can do it:
It is making fun of horror movies
It has some pretty funny parts and goofy characters keeping the overall vibe light and humorous
Things you have to get over:
You need to lean into the humor to make the spooky moments and gory bits more enjoyable - there are plenty of jump scares!
The gory bits are definitely gross at times
Where to watch:
Streams free on HBO or you can rent on Vudu, Amazon, Youtube etc.
Midsommar - Horror | Thriller
Midsommar is the darkest movie on this list. It has a lot of real life horror like relationship problems, family strife, and mental health issues. It starts out on a significantly heavy note, but the horror is a pretty slow burn with all the spooky parts in the second half. The gist is that a group of friends visit a friend’s commune in Sweden for the midsummer festival. Things aren’t as they seem and things get weird.
Florence Pugh is the lead in the movie and she gives an amazing performance. This came out right before her career took off. You also might recognize William Jackson Harper (The Good Place) and Will Poulter (We’re the Millers).
Reasons I think non-horror movie people can do it:
The whole movie takes place in full sunlight (Sweden at mid-summer)
The visuals are really beautiful
There is gore, but most of the horror is psychological
You won’t stay scared after the movie because it’s got nothing to do with your regular life (unless you are planning to visit a Swedish commune)
Things you have to get over:
There are definitely some ick moments where you will need to cover your eyes or plug your ears
Where to watch:
Streams free on Showtime or you can rent on Vudu, Amazon, Youtube etc.
The Babysitter - Horror | Thriller
This starts out feeling like a traditional underdog /young adult/drama movie, but ramps up into a gory, goofy, action-packed, underdog/young adult movie. Cute characters, fast pacing, but beware, this is probably the goriest on the list. But can’t we just pretend it’s all just red paint? Probably not with the level of violence in this movie…
Reasons I think non-horror people can do it:
It feels likes a higher stakes versions of Home Alone
The characters are cute and the acting is good
It’s a real underdog story and you can’t help but cheer them on!
It is a horror comedy and has some light, humorous moments
Things you have to get over:
There is a lot of fake blood. Like lots of blood a couple times
There are a couple profoundly violent moments, but not a lot of scary scenarios
Where to watch:
Streams free on Netflix
Jennifer’s Body - Horror | Comedy
There have been several articles and videos about how Jennifer’s Body was marketed incorrectly and I definitely have to agree. Marketing for the movie targeted a young, male audience with allusion to dick jokes and sexy women. A nerdy Amanda Seyfried is the lead in this movie, but they focused the marketing on sexy images of Megan Fox.
Viewers who came for the marketing were disappointed and the movie was deemed a dud. This was a movie written and directed by women and was supposed to be about the relationships between women, a rude surprise for the teens expecting something along the lines of a scary American Pie.
The movie takes place mainly from Needy’s (Amanda Seyfried) perspective and is about her relationship with her best friend played by Megan Fox. This movie was very entertaining, definitely a little gross, and overall a fun trip down memory lane of the late aughts. It is a horror comedy and definitely lives up to the comic side of the equation.
Also, the cast is stacked. Amanda Seyfried and Megan Fox star, but we have some great supporting performances from Adam Brody, JK Simmons, and in case you still don’t think it’s a comedy, Amy Sedaris, who plays Needy’s Mom.
Reasons I think non-horror movie people can do it:
It is very teenage rom-com at moments
It’s a horror comedy and there are plenty of absurd and silly parts
The fashion is already wonderfully nostalgic (2009)
Things you have to get over:
There are a few jump scares
There is definitely some ick and gore, but you can cover your eyes
Where to watch:
Streams free on HBO or you can rent on Vudu, Amazon, Youtube etc.
DO NOT watch the trailer or you will go in with the wrong mindset.
The Bad Seed (1956) - Horror | Thriller
This is the oldest movie on the list and is a classic in our family. My Mom first watched this movie at age 10 and loved Rhoda, the perfect little girl. When she told us about the movie we decided to track it down on VHS and it became part of our family traditions to watch it every couple years.
The movie is entirely in black and white and it was filmed like a play and there are several moments of pageantry not traditional with most movies. Without giving away too much of the premise, Rhoda is a perfect little girl, but her mother isn’t so sure.
They made a reboot in 2018 on Lifetime starring and directed by Rob Lowe. It was okay, but lacked a bit of the original creepiness.
Reasons I think non-horror movie people can do it:
The horror in this one is quite tame, more bark than bite
It is definitely a fun window into life during that era
It has an academic flavor around psychology and nature v. nurture
Things you have to get over:
Definitely makes you think about your own children in a weird way
Where to watch:
Midsommers gotta be up there for my new “favorites”. So much cringe!!