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Hulu has earned a reputation as a streaming service that delivers cutting-edge entertainment, thanks to its original content such as “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “American Horror Story,” which have gained global popularity. Although Hulu is primarily known for its TV series, it has also excelled in producing distinctive original films, especially within the horror genre. The platform’s dedication to creating innovative horror movies is evident in recent successes like “Prey” and “No One Will Save You.” As we celebrate Huluween, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten best Hulu original horror movies to provide thrills and chills throughout October and beyond.
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The 10 Best Hulu Original Horror Movies
Grimcutty
John Ross’s Grimcutty delves deep into internet culture, taking inspiration from eerie online phenomena like ‘Momo’ and ‘Jeff the Killer’ to instill fear with a modern twist. The story follows Asha, a young aspiring ASMR YouTuber whose constant attachment to her phone raises concerns among her parents. Things take a darker turn when a murder occurs in their town, and rumors link it to an online trend impacting internet-obsessed youth, similar to the ‘blue whale game.’
Grimcutty offers a mix of elements, featuring a captivating creature design but stumbling in its portrayal of the subtleties of youth online culture. Nonetheless, the film delivers some genuinely terrifying moments and showcases impressive performances from its youthful cast, making it a recommended choice for horror enthusiasts of a younger generation.
Books of Blood
“Books of Blood,” a horror anthology directed by Brannon Braga and based on Clive Barker’s iconic book, diverges significantly from the source material, disappointing some fans who feel it doesn’t capture the essence of Barker’s writing. However, it has garnered praise for its eerie and dark atmosphere, making it worth a watch for enthusiasts of horror anthologies.
False Positive
The 2021 American horror film “False Positive,” directed by John Lee and featuring Ilana Glazer, Justin Theroux, and Pierce Brosnan, offers a uniquely surreal experience that has led to mixed reviews from both IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes audiences. While some viewers may appreciate its presence on our list, others may find it divisive. Nevertheless, its polarizing nature makes it an intriguing choice for those looking for something different.
In “False Positive,” we follow Lucy (played by Glazer), a woman struggling to get pregnant. Her husband (Theroux) takes her to a fertility clinic where she meets the charming Dr. Hindle (Brosnan). However, as the story unfolds, Lucy begins to suspect that there’s something much darker and unsettling about Dr. Hindle and his methods. Through the use of dream sequences and hallucinations, the film effectively conveys Lucy’s confusion and fear. “False Positive” delves into themes related to motherhood and women’s autonomy, making it a thought-provoking and unsettling cinematic experience.
Bad Hair
In the satirical horror comedy “Bad Hair” directed by Justin Simien, the story unfolds in the 1970s and centers around a young woman named Anna, played by Elle Lorraine. Anna, seeking to rectify a botched hair treatment that left her with a permanent scar, opts for a weave to enhance her appearance as a host for music videos. Little does she know that this weave takes on a life of its own and begins to exert control over Anna’s life.
The film skillfully addresses societal beauty standards through a cleverly written script and a fantastic ’70s-inspired visual style. “Bad Hair” has garnered predominantly positive reviews, thanks to its combination of campy elements and astute social commentary, making it a standout offering on the Hulu streaming platform.
Appendage
Appendage, a darkly humorous body horror movie, revolves around Hannah (played by Hadley Robinson), an aspiring fashion designer who stumbles upon a disturbing revelation: an unruly appendage growing from her body. This strange entity aims to dominate Hannah through verbal torment, gradually destroying her connections with others. Hannah’s prospects brighten when she discovers a support group and befriends Claudia (Emily Hampshire, known for her role in Schitt’s Creek). However, in the background, her ‘appendage’ continues to conspire against her.
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Hellraiser
Drawing inspiration from the works of author Clive Barker, the Hellraiser series is most renowned for the 1987 original film, directed and written by Barker himself. However, the franchise has had its share of disappointments, such as Hellraiser: Hellworld and the underwhelming Hellraiser: Judgment. While the series has always had its unique qualities, nothing quite matched the excellence of the 1987 original, until David Bruckner’s 2022 remake revitalized it.
With strong performances from Odessa A’zion and Drew Starkey, and a captivating portrayal of Pinhead by Jamie Clayton, the reboot follows a familiar storyline involving the discovery of a puzzle box that summons the cenobites. However, it distinguishes itself with a well-crafted script that pays tribute to the original while also expanding on the franchise’s lore and embracing its gory and violent nature. The film emerged as a remarkable and successful Hulu original release.
Little Monsters
How many genres can be combined in a single movie? “Little Monsters” can be aptly described as a blend of various genres, including post-apocalyptic, musical, action, comedy, and horror. What’s truly impressive is how director Abe Forsythe successfully fused all these elements to create a highly enjoyable, gory, action-packed, and charming musical. This film stands out as one of the most original and distinctive offerings on the platform.
The plot of “Little Monsters” revolves around a has-been musician, a children’s TV personality, and a kindergarten teacher who join forces to safeguard a small group of children in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. This offbeat and entertaining horror film has garnered praise for its unique premise and outstanding performances, particularly the role of Lupita Nyong’o as Miss Caroline.
No One Will Save You
No One Will Save You, a recent Hulu original directed by Brian Duffield, is a mostly dialogue-free film that combines elements of alien and home invasion genres. The movie has garnered both critical acclaim and a dedicated fan following. Kaitlyn Dever’s standout performance as Brynn, a reclusive seamstress dealing with the loss of her family, contributes to the film’s success. The movie creates a pervasive sense of mystery and foreboding, making it no surprise that it has become a major hit. To fully appreciate the experience, it’s best to go into it with minimal knowledge about the plot. For those who enjoy sci-fi horror, No One Will Save You is a must-watch.
Prey
For many years, the Predator franchise had been in a similar situation as the Hellraiser series, with the original being considered the best and subsequent installments merely providing decent entertainment. Dan Trachtenberg’s film “Prey” appeared to have found the right formula to revive the franchise by setting a Predator against a Comanche tribe. Notably, the film emphasized its commitment to authenticity by involving indigenous actors in its production and offering a Comanche language dub.
Packed with thrilling action, including a memorable final battle with the Predator, “Prey” became a massive success on Hulu. Now, fans eagerly await the possibility of a sequel, with hopes that the talented Amber Midthunder will return in some capacity to reprise her role as Naru.
Run
One of Hulu’s lesser-known original films stands out as its finest creation. “Run” is a unique horror movie delving into the rare topic of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy, a condition where one person derives validation from causing another person’s illness. This condition gained attention more recently with the Kowalski case, as showcased in the HBO documentary “Mommy Dead And Dearest” and the Netflix documentary “Take Care of Maya.”
Directed by Aneesh Chaganty, who would later direct “Searching” and “Missing,” this psychological horror thriller features outstanding performances from Kiera Allen and Sarah Paulson. Their mother-daughter relationship in the film is truly unforgettable, as the protector becomes a source of terror when the disturbing truth about their parasitic bond is unveiled.
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