Best slasher movies on OTT that will scare the bejesus out of you

Slasher films are synonymous with a unique blend of suspense, gore, and relentless antagonists. The genre which has elevated maniacally murderers like Freddy and Jason to dreaded super villians has carved a special niche and a veritable following of cinema enthusiasts. From the eerie, masked figures that haunt our nightmares to the chilling soundtracks that send shivers down our spines, slasher films have a way of gripping audiences and never letting go. Whether it's the iconic killers like Hannibal Lecter, Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees or the unsuspecting victims who find themselves caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse, these films have a timeless appeal that continues to captivate new generations of horror and thriller enthusiasts. In today’s List Hain Toh Hit Hai, we will revisit the dark, twisted corridors of cinematic terror and discover the masterpieces that have defined slashers that we’ve all grown to know and love.

American Psycho (2000)

American Psycho is a 2000 satirical psychological horror film directed by Mary Harron, co-written with Guinevere Turner, based on Bret Easton Ellis's 1991 novel. The film stars Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman, a New York City investment banker and serial killer. American Psycho also features Willem Dafoe, Jared Leto, and Reese Witherspoon in supporting roles. It satirises 1980s yuppie culture and consumerism through a blend of horror and black comedy. Despite a tumultuous pre-production involving the director being changed and casting disputes, it premiered at Sundance in 2000, grossing $34 million on a $7 million budget. The film has since gained cult status and renewed interest in the 2020s through meme culture.

American Psycho is available to stream on- Amazon Prime Video.

X (2022)

X is a 2022 American slasher film written, directed, produced, and edited by Ti West. Starring Mia Goth in dual roles as Maxine and the elderly Pearl, the film features Jenna Ortega, Martin Henderson, Brittany Snow, Owen Campbell, Stephen Ure, and Scott Mescudi. Set in 1979, it follows a crew filming a pornographic movie on a rural Texas property, only to be terrorised by the homicidal elderly couple. Announced by A24 in November 2020, filming took place in New Zealand from February to March 2021. Premiering at SXSW on March 13, 2022, and released on March 18, it received positive reviews. It initiated a series with a prequel, Pearl, released in September 2022, and a sequel, MaXXXine, set for release in July 2024.

X is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

Saw (2004)

Saw, directed by James Wan, marks the inception of the spine-chilling Saw film series. Penned by Leigh Whannell from a story co-created with Wan, the movie stars Whannell alongside Cary Elwes, Danny Glover, and Monica Potter. The plot unfolds around the enigmatic Jigsaw Killer, who subjects victims to harrowing "games" testing their will to survive. The narrative weaves a web of suspense, particularly in the gripping tale of two captives played by Whannell and Elwes facing a life-or-death ultimatum in a decrepit bathroom. Despite mixed reviews, the film's innovative approach captivated audiences, propelling it to box office success and kickstarting a lucrative horror franchise.

Saw is available to stream on Netflix.

Psycho (1960)

Psycho is a landmark 1960 American horror film directed and produced by Alfred Hitchcock. Adapted from Robert Bloch's novel, the screenplay by Joseph Stefano centers on Marion Crane, an embezzler who encounters the mysterious Norman Bates, proprietor of a secluded motel. As the story unfolds, a private investigator, Marion's lover, and her sister delve into her disappearance, unraveling chilling secrets. Initially divisive, the film gained acclaim for its direction, atmosphere, and performances, particularly Anthony Perkins and Janet Leigh. Regarded as a cinematic masterpiece, Psycho revolutionised the genre, setting new standards for suspense and psychological terror.

Psycho is available on rent on Amazon Prime Video

Hannibal (2001)

Hannibal is a 2001 American psychological horror crime thriller, directed by Ridley Scott and based on Thomas Harris's 1999 novel, serving as a sequel to The Silence of the Lambs. The story follows FBI agent Clarice Starling's pursuit of the infamous cannibalistic serial killer Hannibal Lecter, with Anthony Hopkins reprising his iconic role alongside Julianne Moore as Starling and Gary Oldman as the sinister Mason Verger. Released a decade after its predecessor, the film broke box office records, grossing over $351.6 million worldwide, despite receiving mixed reviews. While praised for its performances and visuals, some critics found it lacking compared to its predecessor.

Hannibal is available to stream on Jio Cinema.,

Final Destination (2000)

Final Destination is a 2000 American supernatural horror film directed by James Wong, who made his directorial debut with this one. The screenplay, written by Wong, Glen Morgan, and Jeffrey Reddick, is based on a story by Reddick. Starring Devon Sawa, Ali Larter, Kerr Smith, and Tony Todd, the film follows a teenager who experiences a premonition of a plane explosion, leading him and his classmates to escape. However, they soon realise that Death is determined to reclaim their lives. Originally conceived as a spec script for The X-Files, the film garnered mixed reviews but found success at the box office, spawning a franchise with multiple sequels, novels, and comic books.

Final Destination is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

Rosemary's Baby is a 1968 American psychological horror film directed and written by Roman Polanski, based on Ira Levin's novel. Mia Farrow stars as a Manhattan newlywed who suspects her neighbours belong to a Satanic cult and are scheming against her unborn child. The cast includes John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon, and Sidney Blackmer. Shot primarily in Los Angeles, the film explores themes of paranoia, women's liberation, and the occult. It was both a critical and commercial hit, earning over $30 million in the US and winning Ruth Gordon a Best Supporting Actress Oscar. Regarded as one of the finest horror films of all time, it has been selected to be preserved by the Library of Congress in 2014.

Rosemary’s Baby is available to stream on Apple TV+.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

The Texas ChainSaw Massacre is an iconic American independent horror film directed by Tobe Hooper. Co-written with Kim Henkel, the movie stars Marilyn Burns, Paul A. Partain, and Gunnar Hansen as the iconic antagonist, Leatherface. Set in rural Texas, it follows a group of friends who encounter a family of cannibals while visiting an old homestead. Marketed as based on true events, the film served as a commentary on the political climate of its time. Made on a shoestring budget of under $140,000, it became a box office success, grossing over $30 million domestically.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is available to stream on Netflix.

Written by Apurva Dutta

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