My Favorite Old-School Horror Flicks (That You Can Stream in 2024)
“They’re coming to get you, Barbara.”
Man, oh man — like I said before, I’m ~ trying ~ to be so normal about the fact October is just around the corner, but I’d be lying if I said I haven’t already blown through my summer slasher list published in July.
That said, I thought it’s juuuust about time I revisit some of my favorite “classic” horror films (and, yes, I’m being a tad liberal with the term; sue me, Letterboxd nerds), ranging from the 1960’s to the late 1980’s, mainly.
So, in no particular order, let’s dive in to (IMHO) some of my favorite horror films from the 60’s, 70’s, and *80’s (*excluding the slashers I’ve already given honorable mention to in my previous post!) and where to stream them in 2024.
My 1960’s horror fave and where to stream it
‘Night of the Living Dead’ (dir. George A. Romero, 1968)
Again, I say, “They’re coming for you, Barbara…” This is, hands-down, one of the ~ best ~ horror films of all time. It not only popularized the zombie subgenre, solidifying it as a staple of horror cinema and storytelling from thereon out, the script also never refers to the walking-dead creatures seen in the film as “zombies” — not even once. Isn’t that something? Anywho, pair this film’s insanely creepy practical effects with its 5-star performances from Duane Jones (<3) and Judith O’Dea, and you’ve got yourself a certified horror classic.
My 1970’s horror fave and where to stream it
‘The Exorcist’ (dir. William Friedkin, 1973)
The fact that this film originally released the day after Christmas is a really fun fact that I think about quite often, tbqh. (What an odd time to release a film about d*monic evil possessing a young woman and corrupting her mind, body and spirit — but I digress!) As it were, this film holds its own in terms of storytelling, even more (disgusting!) visceral practical effects, and sweeping, cinematic shots that could bowl over even the most pretentious film snobs, and elevates the horror genre in a way only a handful of genre films had previously. This is definitely a “please watch and see for yourself” situations, so please…
My 1980’s horror fave and where to stream it
‘The Lost Boys’ (dir. Joel Schumacher, 1987)
“My own brother! A no good, shit-sucking vampire!” Good lord, if this isn’t just one of my favorite films of all time. You get horror, comedy, camp, 1980’s glam-rock-vampire realness, and the visage of Jim Morrison hanging in the air? Pair that with a star studded cast, a splashy color palette that will make creatures of the night seem brighter than ever before, and you’ve got yourself a chef’s kiss damn near perfect film. Not to mention Kiefer Sutherland was at his absolute best in this era (both in looks and performative capability, IMHO), and you can consider me certifiably obsessed. I’ve watched this film probably a thousand times, as it’s also one of my mom’s favorites, and I can never get enough. It surprises and delights me every time.
Watch it now on Amazon Prime Video.
If you want to watch these titles + the summer slasher series and revisit along with me (horror re-watch film club and chill, anyone?), let me know by contacting me via the email form below, or on any of my social media platforms! And, of course, happy spooky season (however you choose to enjoy it) to all.
Xoxo,
MM.