I have returned with more Netflix recs to help you get through September. This month, which I affectionately refer to as Halloween Eve, is the perfect time to check off some cute and chaotic horror. Heavy emphasis on the chaotic, obviously. That is what I do best, after all!
These five movies have nothing in common aside from the fact that I cannot recommend them enough, and I wanted to make it a streaming guide problem. These are some of the Netflix moments that I feel I do not get talked about nearly enough. Hopefully, you find a few chuckles and a lot of nightmares on this list that I made just for you. Let’s dig in!
The Best Movies to Stream on Netflix This Month
El Conde (2023)
Augusto Pinochet is a two-hundred-and-fifty-year-old vampire, and he happens to be the dictator of Chile. He is also tired and very ready to die. If satirical vampire horror comedies are your bag, then you need this movie. Pablo Larraín’s award-winning movie struck a chord with many folks during its festival run. I imagine those of us watching it in 2025 will find it hits even harder now that America is living under an orange menace again. However, no matter how awful everything is, at least we can still laugh at El Conde.
The Old Ways (2020)
A Mexican American journalist is held captive when she returns to her home country and breaks a serious rule. Can she convince the mysterious bruja who locked her away that she isn’t possessed by a demon? Or will the bruja convince her that her very soul is at stake? This 2020 movie had me cheering during lockdown. I love the themes of identity and stepping into your power when you accept all of the things that make you who you are. I also love watching Brown women get a moment in horror to throw down. If you haven’t seen this movie, then September is a great time to fix that. If you have, then it’s time to revisit it because it’s so damn good.
May the Devil Take You (2018)
When the patriarch of the family falls ill, one of his daughters visits his old villa in search of answers. What she discovers is a horrifying secret that she should have left buried. May the Devil Take You is one of those films that is upsetting in all of the right ways. If you want some anxiety and nightmares, then step on up! Timo Tjahjanto didn’t come to play with this Indonesian gem. Most of you will probably need to phone a friend when you are done screaming. If you are a completionist, May the Devil Take You Too is on Shudder. Nothing was going to be as good as the first movie, but she tried.
Vampires vs. the Bronx (2020)
A group of friends must protect their neighborhood from bloodsuckers. This movie is cute, funny, and utilizes vampirism to discuss gentrification. I lived my best life! I also think it pairs well with Attack the Block, although they are very different films. This movie also has Method Man being the hottest priest of the decade. That is just an important fact you should know before hitting play. So, there is a lot to love about this movie, and partly why I am always trying to get more people to see it. It sadly was one of the 2020 movies that many people overlooked because of the whole lockdown and shared depression situation we were dealing with.
Watcher (2022)
A woman moves to Bucharest with her significant other and immediately catches the eye of a serial killer. This moody and sophisticated moment has it all. Gaslighting men, worthless police, amazing outfits, a few WTF moments, and a bloody ending. It also has horror queen Maika Monroe playing the lead, who is in very real danger even if the men around her think she’s just lonely. More importantly, Watcher is an IFC Midnight and Shudder tag team session, so you know it’s a moment.
Those are the five movies I want to revisit this month on Netflix. As usual, let us know in the comments if you’re checking any of these out for the first time. Or, if you see the vision and have a few more to add to this horrifying list.