Halloween is all about horror movies. While Black characters haven’t always had the best luck in the genre, we’ve experienced a resurgence lately. Jordan Peele, Lee Daniels and Nia DaCosta are some of the filmmakers bringing Black voices to horror. We’re also seeing stars like Andra Day, DeWanda Wise, Jacob Anderson and Keke Palmer breathe new life into these stories. We know you’re looking for thrilling, unpredictable scary movies and series to watch for Halloween, so we saved you the trouble of aimlessly scrolling through your streaming apps. Before we trade in spooky season for the holidays, check out some fan favorite Black horror movies and TV series.
Suggested Reading
Imaginary – Starz, Prime Video, Google Play, Apple TV
DeWanda Wise must save her daughter from the truth behind her childhood imaginary friend. Spoiler alert: the stuffed bear is not as cute as it looks. And the trailer turns a classic Temptations love song into a super creepy ballad.
Scare Tactics – Peacock
The prank show returns with Jordan Peele as one of its producers, so you know it’s way more messed up this time. People play horrifying pranks on their friends, then laugh at their trauma. If you make me think our Airbnb is haunted, we are no longer friends and you’re walking home.
The Deliverance – Netflix
This buzzy Lee Daniels movie is absolutely bonkers and hilarious, but it’s also very creepy. It’s a lot fun and perfect for a spooky season movie night.
FROM – MGM+
This extremely creepy series chronicles the residents of a small town who are trapped by mysterious, deadly monsters. As the citizens try to survive their ordeal and unravel secrets, they deal with increasing tensions. Do not watch this one with the lights off.
The Blackening – Starz
This hilarious film effortlessly blends horror tropes with an examination of Blackness. You might be too busy laughing to be scared.
Black Mirror – Netflix
What makes “Black Mirror” so terrifying is that a lot of its stories are totally plausible. Seriously, how many videos of robot dogs have you seen on social media?
Talk to Me – Paramount+ with SHOWTIME
These kids will never learn to not play the weird, old game they find in the basement of a creepy house.
Get Out – Peacock
There may be no film on this list scarier for Black folks than “Get Out.” Jordan Peele brillinatly explores all our worst fears about white people while Lil Rel Howery acts as the audience’s voice.
Us – Peacock, Hulu, Disney+
It’s Lupita Nyong’o’s creepy voice that gets us in Jordan Peele’s scary identity tale.
Nope – Starz
The Jordan Peele trilogy wraps up with his weird alien story that we’re still trying to completely figure out. Watch all three back to back to back and plan to stay up all night.
Swarm – Prime Video
Dominique Fishback puts the fanatic in fan as the biggest admirer of a very familiar pop star named Ni’Jah.
His House – Netflix
Guilt and grief are so palable they’re seen as actual ghosts in this story of African refugees trying to make a new life in England.
Blade Trilogy – Prime Video, Google Play, Apple TV
If you’re still excited about Wesley Snipes big return as the DayWalker in “Deadpool & Wolverine,” now is the time to back and check out the original movies.
Tales From the Hood – Peacock
This very ‘90s film features three extremely scary stories set against the backdrop of an unusual funeral home.
Bones – Tubi
Snoop Dogg wants revenge on those responsible for his murder, and he’s a compelling, scary figure.
Anne Rice’s Interview With the Vampire – amc+
In this adaptation of the popular Anne Rice books, Jacob Anderson’s Louis adds so many fascinating layers to the character, he’s finally not being overshadowed by the far more flashy Lestat.
Lovecraft Country – Max
Courtney B. Vance, Jurnee Smollett and Jonathan Majors lead a captivating combination of race and the supernatural in the Jim Crow south. We’re still holding out hope for a Season 2.
Candyman (1992) – Peacock
Tony Todd was typecast as the mysterious stranger after his unforgettable turn here. He single handedly terrified an entire generation of moviegoers.
Candyman (2021) – Prime Video
When you’re going to remake a classic, it’s all about the casting. We thought no one could live up to Tony Todd’s frightening legacy, but Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is both captivating and scary. We know we should look away, but we can’t.
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