The summer of 2022 is shaping up to have some excellent horror releases, from A24's slasher Bodies Bodies Bodies to Jordan Peele's Nope. But while some people love being scared and seek out the best classics and new finds, some moviegoers are interested in the genre but haven't watched a lot of creepy films.
From horror comedies to a classic slasher story, along with one of the most well-known films with a tense atmosphere, Redditors are sharing their recommendations for great scary movies that people can start with if they want to watch some well-done and popular horror movies.
Shaun Of The Dead (2004)
Rent on AppleTV
Redditor His_Voidly_Appendage recommended Shaun of the Dead, calling it "both a great comedy and a great zombie movie."
If someone isn't a huge fan of horror movies, then a story that doesn't take itself too seriously seems like the perfect way into the genre. Friends Shaun and Ed live in London and realize that a zombie apocalypse is happening, and the results are hilarious and smart.
Freaky (2020)
Stream on HBO Max
Freaky is one of the best Blumhouse horror movies and fans of funny yet scary stories love watching teenage girl Millie and serial killer The Blissfield Butcher switch bodies.
Redditor RadioMill suggested "Freaky" and Redditor OtherwiseKnownAsSam added, "a nice horror comedy is a nice introduction to the genre." Since the movie is a new take on Freaky Friday, it will appeal to people who don't watch a lot of horror films. There are some funny scenes and great character development and audiences will like seeing how much Millie stands up for herself and tries to get back into her body.
Final Destination (2000)
Rent on AppleTV
Redditor cherub_16 suggested the "Final Destination series" and the first movie in particular seems like a great pick for someone who hasn't seen many horror films.
When Alex thinks that the plane that his class is about to board to France is going to crash, he runs off and is terrified to discover that he was right. Alex soon realizes that he's destined to be killed as death is going to claim anyone who was supposed to die at that moment. While the premise is dark, the movie is fun, entertaining, and a good character study as Alex is scared and determined at the same time.
Scream (1996)
Stream on Starz
Redditor Houli1975 recommended "Scream" and Redditor voltron42 agreed, "start with something heavily referential, then work your way back thru the references."
It's a great idea to watch Scream to see what horror movies are mentioned or alluded to and then watch those films, too. People new to the horror genre will also likely love Sidney's bold personality and the relationships that she has with her friends, as the movie has many caring and compassionate characters and not just scares.
Gremlins (1984)
Stream on HBO Max
Gremlins has funny quotes, a sweet main character named Billy, and those adorable yet freaky creatures.
Redditor Roller_ball wrote that they would "recommend the ones that got me into horror" and included Gremlins in that list of movies. It's easy to become invested in Gizmo, the most memorable gremlin, and the Christmas setting also lessons some of the terror here and makes the story easier to deal with.
Insidious (2011)
Stream on HBO Max
Redditor TiffBat said that Insidious and The Conjuring "are great beginners." If someone starts with Insidious before watching other horror movies, they will find a film that is ultimately a story about a family trying to stick together in the face of evil and uncertainty.
Insidious is also a good introduction to supernatural stories and it's compelling watching experts try to see what's going on at the Lambert home and how they can maybe help the family escape the spirits.
Poltergeist (1982)
Stream on HBO Max
Poltergeist is one of the best 1980s horror movies and Redditor Working-Door2339 wrote that it's a "perfect intro horror film" with a "happy ending."
Unlike some other films about houses with horrible supernatural presences, Poltergeist has a fun creepy tone without becoming dark or disturbing. While it's scary that Carol Anne becomes taken in by the spirits who talk to her via the television, the story is kept fairly innocent.
Psycho (1960)
Rent on AppleTV
One Redditor recommended watching Psycho since it's a classic and said it's "foundational to modern horror and never shows on screen violence."
Anyone new to the horror genre will definitely enjoy Psycho since it's a master course in suspense and the story and characters are great. It's more tense than actually terrifying, which works when someone doesn't love really creepy stories. It's also fun to see Janet Leigh's legendary and infamous shower scene.
Friday The 13th (1980)
Stream on Fubo and AMC+
Redditor johnnydakota recommended watching Friday The 13th and called it"the standard formula for a slasher."
While Jason Voorhees kills many people in Friday The 13th, the first movie isn't very scary and focuses more on the summer camp setting and the relationships between the counselors as they become increasingly terrified. Alice, the final girl in the first film, is a good person to follow along with as her story of just wanting to have a fun and peaceful summer is understandable and relatable.
IT (2017)
Stream on HBO Max
Redditor BowserMew posted that the 2017 adaptation of Stephen King's IT "got me into horror" and "the film had a good mix of exposition and horror."
King's characters are beloved since they are so well-developed and that's true here, as the Losers Club deals with nightmares about Pennywise and the haunting childhoods that they have all experienced. The movie is just as much about an eerie villain as the friendships between the main characters.