Beneath the cloak of night, where shadows dance and the air is thick with anticipation, lies a realm of entertainment that dares to venture where most would shy away. It’s a realm where horror isn’t just a genre; it’s a way of life. Welcome to Shudder, the haven for those who crave heart-pounding suspense, eerie tales, and macabre masterpieces.
In this guide, we unveil the secrets to accessing the best shows on Shudder from wherever you are on the map. So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare to embark on a global journey through the art of spine-tingling storytelling.
If you are into movies, check out Perpetrator and The Communion Girl. Want to watch Shudder in Canada? No problem.
Cursed Films
Shudder’s “Cursed Films” is a captivating show that delves into the eerie stories behind famous horror movies. In each of its five episodes, it uncovers the myths and tales surrounding Hollywood’s “cursed” horror film shoots. But don’t worry, it doesn’t get too supernatural.
Instead, it pays homage to troubled productions and movies forever tied to tragic events. Think about the untimely deaths of Poltergeist actresses Dominique Dunne and Heather O’Rourke or the creepy cameo of a real-life serial killer in The Exorcist.
Created by: Jay Cheel
Original network: Shudder
A Discovery Of Witches
If you’re still into supernatural love stories despite vampires being less in vogue on TV, then “A Discovery of Witches” is your jam. It’s based on Deborah Harkness’ All Souls trilogy and follows Diana Bishop, a historian and reluctant witch.
She stumbles upon a long-lost manuscript containing origin tales of witches, vampires, and daemons during her research. To protect herself from those after the book, Diana reevaluates her relationship with magic and embraces her powers with the help of the charming vampire Matthew Clairmont, played by Matthew Goode.
Their passionate romance ignites, but there’s a twist – ancient rules forbid supernatural beings from mingling with humans, making their love even hotter due to its forbidden nature.
Created by: Deborah Harkness
Stars: Teresa Palmer, Matthew Goode, Edward Bluemel, Louise Brealey, Malin Buska, Aiysha Hart, Owen Teale, Alex Kingston, Valarie Pettiford.
Eli Roth’s History of Horror
As part of the “AMC Visionaries” series, Eli Roth’s “History of Horror” does exactly what it says on the tin. Hosted by Eli Roth, a key figure in the intense American horror era, it’s like a guided tour through horror subgenres, featuring famous faces.
Episodes delve into themes like “zombies,” “slashers,” or “the demons inside,” making it a great introduction for those new to the genre’s history. But what truly shines are the guest appearances, like Jamie Lee Curtis discussing Halloween or Tony Todd sharing insights on Candyman.
It’s like comfort food for horror fans, a reminder that the genre holds a special place in many hearts, just like yours.
Created by: Eli Roth
Original network: AMC
Chucky
Think about it: what are you expecting from a Chucky TV series? If you’re looking for realistic dialogue, well-developed characters, and a tightly woven plot, this might not be your cup of tea. But if you’re in the market for a demon doll creatively and excessively dispatching a bunch of humans in ways that’ll have you laughing, cringing, and feeling queasy, then Chucky is your ticket.
It’s not that you can’t have both, but this campy horror show on USA and Syfy, based on the long-running Chucky franchise, is all about embracing the gleeful, gory fun, with a few quirks to keep in mind.
Created by: Don Mancini
Stars: Brad Dourif, Zackary Arthur, Alyvia Alyn Lind, Bjorgvin Arnarson
Original network: Syfy
Deadhouse Dark
“Deadhouse Dark” takes on the ambitious challenge of bundling six chilling stories under one thematic umbrella: the haunting terrors lurking in the darkest corners of the Internet. In each tale, we meet characters deeply entwined with the online world, whether through social media, live-streamed dashcams, dating apps, or other digital realms.
As these narratives unfold, malevolence rears its head, testing the courage of the protagonists with life-or-death situations they never saw coming. While it may have a few bumps along the way, “Deadhouse Dark” manages to be a mostly coherent and surprisingly satisfying addition to the horror anthology genre.
Created by: Enzo Tedeschi
NOS4A2
Adapted from Joe Hill’s novel of the same name, “NOS4A2” introduces us to Victoria McQueen (Ashleigh Cummings), an artist who discovers her newfound supernatural abilities. Victoria must harness her extraordinary gift to hunt down the sinister Charlie Manx (Zachary Quinto), a malevolent being who feeds on the souls of innocent children.
Adapting such a complex book to the screen is no easy task, but the show’s creators manage it admirably, constructing a rich and immersive world. Regrettably, the series met its end after just two seasons, but you can catch the entire journey on Shudder.
Cast: Ashleigh Cummings, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, Jahkara Smith
Created by: Joe Hill, Jami O’Brien
Creepshow
Back in 1982, the legendary George Romero and Stephen King joined forces to create something wild: the movie “Creepshow.” Drawing inspiration from ’40s and ’50s EC Comics, especially “Tales from the Crypt,” the film featured five separate horror stories, each packed with vivid comic book-style visuals, stellar performances (with Ted Danson, Ed Harris, and Leslie Nielsen), and plenty of gore.
Fast forward to today, Greg Nicotero’s revival of “Creepshow” on Shudder takes the anthology format even further. It dedicates entire episodes to individual tales of terror. The cast includes talents like Tobin Bell (known for the Saw franchise), Giancarlo Esposito (from The Mandalorian and Breaking Bad), and the indomitable David Arquette (famous from the Scream franchise).
Created by: Gregory Nicotero
The 101 Scariest Horror Movie Moments of All Time
If you’re ready for a deep dive into the world of horror cinema, Shudder’s “The 101 Scariest Horror Movie Moments of All Time” is a must-watch. This episodic series dissects the genre with unparalleled expertise. It features in-depth discussions about iconic and lesser-known horror films from around the world, presented by a diverse group of experts including directors, producers, actors, journalists, and scholars – all deeply passionate about the spine-tingling experiences on the silver screen.
While many critics rave about films like “It Follows,” “The Witch,” and “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre,” there’s something uniquely sincere and charming in the way the interviewees in Shudder’s “101 Scariest” express their love and fears for the creepiest movies they’ve ever encountered. It’s a journey that no horror enthusiast should miss.
Cast: Tony Todd, Gregory Nicotero, Keith David
Wrap Up
So there you have it – the best shows currently streaming on Shudder as of August 2023. Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or just looking for some spine-tingling entertainment, Shudder has you covered. Dive into these terrifying tales and prepare to be both thrilled and chilled. Happy streaming!