Movies
‘Lisa Frankenstein’ How Did We Collectively Overlook This Movie?

2024 was pretty damn swamped with horror. Longlegs, Heretic, Nosferatu, I Saw the TV Glow…even over halfway into 2025, fans are still catching up on every horror flick they might have missed last year. Early on, though, we were given one of the best horror-rom-coms of the 21st century…and no one seemed to really care. Did people stop liking fun? It seems to be the only explanation for why this movie did not catch on more. Directed by Zelda Williams and written by the legendary Diablo Cody, Lisa Frankenstein was designed to be a cult classic, and should be remembered as one.
A Vibrant 80s Aesthetic That Screams Originality
One thing to note about this movie right off the bat is how unapologetically itself it is. The film is an absolute vibe, boasting an original aesthetic. There is so much 1980s nostalgia saturating the mainstream (cough, cough, Stranger Things), so it could be hard to imagine why we need another tongue-in-cheek horror-comedy set in the era. Lisa Frankenstein takes a completely original approach to the 80s. Its fashion and music concern themselves with the alternative, new wave-ish, goth-y side of the decade. It does not glorify what was big and popular, but rather picks it apart in ridiculously kitschy designs.
The film feels like a mix of Tim Burton’s brightest, suburban aesthetics, mixed with the grittier side of 80s culture and music. It is a bit of a, dare I say it, Frankenstein’s monster of a wavelength. With such striking originality, it’s hard to say why exactly the film did not find its way into viewers’ hearts.
The Bride of (Lisa) Frankenstein
The leads in the film are both phenomenal. Kathryn Newton is funny and full of life as the protagonist, who feels like a more light-hearted version of Wednesday Addams. Cole Spruce is phenomenal as the creature, playing an old-school, lovable monster. They truly play the movie as equal parts Edward Scissorhands and Juno. Speaking of…
Diablo Cody’s Cinematic Universe: A Horror-Comedy Legacy
What really puts this film on the next level is its writing. The film is written by the legendary Diablo Cody, creator of classics such as Jennifer’s Body and Juno. The film continues her legacy of teen-centric stories, combining drama, comedy, and, more often than not, bloody horror. Her originality shines through in this film without a doubt, with the humor evoking a distinctly mid-2000s indie flick feel.
Additionally, in an interview with Deadline, Diablo Cody said, “…this movie [Lisa Frankenstein] takes place in the same Universe [Jennifer’s Body]. Jennifer’s Body is of course revered as a classic horror-comedy, blending brutal supernatural lore with a ton of humor. That movie has a much higher fan base than Lisa Frankenstein, however, Cody has confirmed that these films share the same Universe. This alone should give fans of the genre another chance to consider this movie. Plus, with news of a potential Jennifer’s Body 2, Lisa Frankenstein could potentially be part of what one day may be an iconic trilogy.
A Deeper Love Letter to Art and Creation
For all the pomp and frills of teen dramedy, romcom-ishness (new word!) and bloody horror, Lisa Frankenstein has some more to say than what meets the eye. The movie is not just a romance between Lisa and The Creature. It is a romance between Lisa and art itself.
Lisa’s character is an artist from the beginning, sewing and designing her own art and fashions, fascinated by the art surrounding her. She has a passion for art and art history, and desires to create. In a sense, through her sewing and construction, The Creature is an art piece. The movie is literally a romance between her and the act of human creation.
In one of the movie’s best sequences, Lisa has a dream sequence in which she is married to the bust of The Creature, and the room is decorated like George Méliès’ A Trip to the Moon. This iconic short film from the turn of the 20th century remains one of the most impactful and inspirational films ever made, helping to pioneer narrative storytelling in film. By referencing and paying homage to this movie, Lisa Frankenstein draws a throughline between Lisa’s creation and the creation of art as a whole. This is a movie that understands its place in film history and appreciates the importance of creation on both a Divine and human creative level.
Movies
The Best Horror You Can Stream on Shudder in October 2025

Shudder has officially entered the Halloween chat this year, so the other streamers can hang it up. The app is adding the entire Rec franchise and a nice chunk of Alfred Hitchcock’s work. Fans can watch Psycho, The Birds, Vertigo, and Rear Window on the same streamer this Halloween season. However, my eye is on this year’s Fangoria Chainsaw Awards. It is always a night that brings all my favorite horror people together because most of us watch it live and post about it in real-time. It is what I assume people do at other award shows, where horror is often overlooked. I do not care enough to prove that theory by watching awards where people don’t win chainsaws, though. Anyways, here are five movies I’m excited to get cozy with this October.
The Best Movies to Stream on Shudder This Month
V/H/S/Halloween (2025)
The popular franchise is unleashing a collection of Halloween-themed wicked tales this time. No matter how you feel about found footage or this series, it’s hard to not get excited every time a new installment drops. Who among us can resist the pull of six frightening stories shoved into an unsettling anthology? It also gives us the chance to speed date a handful of filmmakers who want to terrify us. So, it makes sense that it is becoming a yearly tradition. This Shudder Original is also coming hot and fresh from Fantastic Fest. So, if you missed the festival, you can still partake in some of the nightmare fuel at home.
You can watch V/H/S/Halloween on October 3rd.
When A Stranger Calls (1979)
A man terrorizes a babysitter and decides to further traumatize her seven years later. I watched a lot of horror movies as a kid, but this was the one that made me realize scary movies are supposed to be scary. The first act of this film is stressful. It is also probably the reason my phone is always on do not disturb. Carol Kane is an amazing final girl who becomes the final woman in this unsettling story. It also has amazing performances from the late Charles Durning and Tony Beckley, who tragically died way too young. I dare you to watch the first act while you’re alone with the lights off.
You can watch When A Stranger Calls on October 6th.
Invader (2024)
A woman suspects foul play when her cousin goes missing in Chicago. However, her investigation leads to something beyond her wildest imagination. I need answers to all the questions this movie’s premise is throwing at me. Because it’s about 70 minutes long, I cannot be too mad at whatever this turns out to be. I would have given up way more time to see why what looks like a home invasion seems so mysterious. So, if you are trying to watch a bunch of horror movies this season, this is a quick one coming to an app near you. Everybody, tell Shudder thank you!
You can watch Invader on October 6th.
OTHER (2025)
A woman returns to her childhood home after her mother’s death to find the house has extensive surveillance and an evil presence. I want to know how the sinister vibes and technology are connected because I am nosy. I also love horror movies that promise family secrets are getting uncovered. After all, nothing is scarier than families. More importantly, this movie got past me, so I did not hear anything about it until making this streaming guide. So, I need to fix that the second it lands on Shudder. It also looks good, so I’m stepping into this movie feeling like it’s going to be a great time.
You can watch Other on October 17th.
Hell House LLC: Lineage (2025)
Vanessa Shepard finds herself haunted after surviving unspeakable horrors at the Abaddon Hotel years earlier. She soon realizes that her nightmares and visions are trying to tell her something she could have never imagined. When this franchise is good, it’s very, very good. Which is why it earned five movies and is one of the franchises we think about when we think of Shudder. While I do not like this fifth and final film, I am sad it was not in theaters long enough to give Hell House LLC fans closure and to allow them to finally see a chapter on the big screen. So, I’m happy this Shudder Original is arriving on Halloween Eve. I also look forward to the discourse once it has more eyes on it because I’m messy.
You can watch Hell House LLC: Lineage on October 30th.
So, that’s why my TV will be parked on Shudder this month. There are plenty of titles that give me an excuse to stay home and mind my own business. Y’all have fun out there because I don’t need to go outside with a lineup like this.
Let us know what scary shenanigans you are planning to get into on the app this October. Also, Happy Halloween from the alleged lady always telling you what to watch!
Movies
The Best Horror You Can Stream on Netflix in October 2025

I have decided that this month is dedicated to horror shows I enjoyed binging on Netflix. Is this because I have been thinking about rewatching Marianne since I added it to August’s streaming guide? Yes. Is it also because Halloween month is the perfect time to curl up with shows about dead people and cursed things? Also, yes. So, I plucked five titles from the streamer that I do not talk about enough. I am also making that your problem, as I encourage you to watch each of these. While Netflix might not have the scariest library in the game, they do have some gems that are perfect binges for this cozy time of year. Let us dive in and find your next series, shall we?
The Best Movies to Stream on Netflix This Month
All of Us Are Dead (2022)
A zombie outbreak leaves high school students trapped in their school. If you are a horror fan, then you know that nothing hits quite like a South Korean zombie tale. Which is why these 12 episodes are a journey that I wish everyone would take. These kids who hate each other being forced to work together to survive is high-level drama. The betrayal, the death, and the tension lead to some of the most chaotic TV you might see this month. More importantly, if you dig the show, Netflix has greenlit it for a second season. So, you are not late to the party, but arriving right before the second beer run.
Dead Boy Detectives (2024)
Two spirits chose to opt out of the afterlife and stay on Earth to solve supernatural crimes. Dead Boy Detectives was everything I ever wanted in a series, and I am still salty it was cancelled. So, I hate that we do not see where these lovable characters would end up in a second season. I want more well-written intersectional horror, and I want it now. Because men are awful, I have to point out that this is based on a Neil Gaiman comic book. So, it is sticky if you are (understandably) wishing him well in hell and not wanting to engage with anything inspired by his work. I was never a fan of his stuff, which is how I know this writer’s room worked their asses off on this adaptation. These eight episodes were the main reason to keep Netflix last year, and the show deserved a longer season (and life).
Interview with the Vampire (2022- Present)
A vampire shares his very long story with a cynical journalist. I almost skipped this show because the movie put me to sleep so many times as a kid. This series is my favorite Anne Rice adaptation, so I am glad I tuned in. It is sexy, smart, and sophisticated. It is a decadent, bloody little treat with one of the most talented casts on TV at the moment. This is the perfect time to check it out, as Netflix just added the second season in September. Now subscribers can experience the love, lust, and loss like the rest of us before the third season arrives.
Kingdom (2019-2020)
When the king goes down, the prince must take the throne and protect his subjects from a plague. If you like zombies and period-piece horror, then open Netflix and hit play now. I checked this show out because I saw Bae Doona (Sense 8) was in the cast. By the time the two seasons were over, I was a different person, and I am welcome. I do not know who we need to talk to about getting more South Korean historical horror shows, but get them on the phone ASAP. This series has drama, mess, and violence. I might need to rewatch this, too, instead of just telling other people to check it out.
Tomorrow and I (2024)
A four-part anthology exploring the intersection of futuristic technologies and Thai culture. At first glance, this seems like Thailand’s version of Black Mirror, but Tomorrow and I is definitely her own weird thing. It became one of my favorite shows of last year, and not nearly enough people watched it. As usual, Netflix dropped an international banger in silence. So, people have to stumble upon it or hear about it from the streets. It is a shame because it is one of the better sci-fi horror anthologies we have gotten in years. This beautifully complicated show explores the human condition and examines Thailand’s political landscape. The whole season is worth watching, but the last episode is the one that dealt the most psychic damage. So, save the finale for when you want to have your entire day ruined and feel your feelings.
Let us know if any of these Netflix binges are in your immediate future this Halloween season. You can also let us know which shows you are digging that did not make this list. We are nosy that way. Happy Halloween month!