Spooky season is almost here, and like many people, I’ve started my yearly scary movie run-up to Halloween. I’ve got plenty of streaming services available, including Netflix, but one service in particular has stood out as a horror winner.
1Netflix: Good, But Not Great for Horror
Netflix has become a staple in the streaming world thanks to its huge library. But here’s the rub: Netflix is sort of the Jack of all trades, master of none, and this is true for horror movies. It has popular titles, such as The Haunting of Hill House, Bird Box, and Stranger Things, and a few niche ones, but it can lack the depth of horror fans desire.
The goal here is obviously to bank on broad appeal and draw in mainstream audiences, meaning Netflix rarely dives into the more raw and visceral side of horror. Nonetheless, Netflix still serves as a good starting point for the casually curious. Many classic horror films and niche sub-genres are noticeably absent, leaving a void for viewers whose tastes bend toward the eclectic or obscure.
So, what is a ‘real’ horror fan to do?
23 Reasons to Use Shudder: A Horror-Lover’s Paradise
Well, if they are like me, they go looking. Should they go looking, the top streaming service they might find is Shudder, which is a niche streaming service diligently curated just for horror devotees. Created with the singular mission to satisfy those whose tastes might be slightly darker and scarier, Shudder offers a full spectrum of horror from the more traditional to the avant-garde. Shudder doesn’t offer just what is “in,” but also those spooky spectaculars hidden in the genre’s dusty corners.
Depth of Horror Content Available
When it comes to Shudder, I was pleasantly surprised by just how diverse and deep the selection was. The streaming service offers an impressive library of content that caters to horror connoisseurs and casual viewers alike, rich with international films, hard-to-find classics, and innovative indie productions. Whether you’re in the mood for a silent scream or a psychological thriller, Shudder has something to ensure that all your tastes are met—and expanded.
Features a Variety of Categories and Sub-Genres
When it comes to the question, ‘what kind of horror are you looking for’, well, Shudder likely has it. The service meticulously categorizes its horror selection, offering sections like supernatural, psychological, and gore and disturbing, which neatly align with niche enthusiasts. You’ll also find unique collections like “Queer Horror” and “Arthouse”, which make sure that everyone finds their chill of choice. It turns finding your ‘just right’ horror film into an experience, and I could (and have) spent hours just flipping through the catalog of movies and shows, adding more and more to my ever-growing to-be-watched list.
Want some examples of what you’ll find on Shudder? Dive in, and you’ll spot categories ranging from Celebrated Scares, which collects the best-reviewed contemporary horror out there, to Slashics, home of classics of the slasher variety, and, my favorite, Zombie Jamboree, which has all the shambles you could ever hope for.
Segmenting it to this granular level actually works, especially for someone like me who can land on a vague “this is sort of what I like to watch” but needs more options. If I am in the mood for something thriller-y, I can easily find it, or if I want something more on the light-hearted side, I can also search for that. Shudder makes it easy to hone in on the general, then the specific, in a way I absolutely love.
Shudder’s Original Horror Productions
While Shudder does have a lot of the latest and greatest in popular, wide-release content, it also pushes the boundaries with exclusive, original productions you won’t see on Netflix or other places. These films and series introduce new voices and innovative storytelling that challenge the norms of horror, offering fresh and often unexpected narratives.
Creepshow, one of Shudder’s very first original shows, has gained critical acclaim among viewers, while titles like Queer For Fear: The History of Queer Horror and disgusting gore fest In a Violent Nature promote the unique voices within the genre. These productions deliver fresh spins on classic tales and innovative approaches to horror filmmaking, setting the stage for a new era in chilling entertainment.
And it’s not just about having originals—it’s about pioneering content that sets fresh standards. While Netflix dabbles, Shudder commits, making every scream and shiver count. The originality in Shudder’s approach accents the unexplored, something I don’t really see anywhere else.
3Shudder Is the Best Choice for True Horror Fans
When it comes to the casual horror viewer, Shudder might not even pop on the radar, but for the discerning horror enthusiast, its offerings are unparalleled. Its comprehensive selection, segmented curation, and original productions provide a reason to return again and again, never fearing the inevitable pointless scrolling you will find elsewhere.
I’m not alone in thinking so, either. Passionate fans have spoken out time and time again to celebrate Shudder’s mission and typically echo a common theme: discovering Shudder is like finding a hidden treasure trove filled with untapped riches… Even if those riches are in the form of dead bodies and jump-scares. (Don’t judge us!)
If you’ve gotten this far, then you are probably interested but, at the same time, wondering about the cost. Shudder isn’t free, like some of these free horror movie sites, but it isn’t a high-price ticket item, with plans starting at $5.99 a month. Plus, if you want to try it out and see if it is right, you can always sign up for a seven-day trial.
