Canadian subscription serviceCrave(once CraveTV) is one of the country’s top streamers, which isn’t so surprising considering it has a decent amount of content and what it does have is almost universally solid. This includes the streamer’s selection of horror films, which range from ’60s and ’70s classic creepers to more modern monster manias.
Crave’s content predominately comes from Warner Bros., so much of what’s seen here can also be found on Max in the US. So for those who want a cheaper service with most of the high-quality content, Crave is the way to go, especially for the horror aficionados of the world. These are the best horror films Crave has to offer, so grab the popcorn.
Updated on January 1st, 2024 by Ben Hathaway:This article has been updated with new entries of the best horror movies to watch on Crave right now.
20Final Destination (2000)
Final Destination
James Wong’s inventive horror movieFinal Destinationkicked off afranchise that has life to this day, which is ironic considering it’s all about death. While some may preferFinal Destination 2orFinal Destination 5, the original is the one with the most personality (and an unforgettable final scene forAmerican Pie’s Seann William Scott).
What Makes It Great?
Making death itself the adversary to the group of protagonists was a pretty brilliant way to flip the script onScream.Final Destinationestablished itself as a financially viable property that could splash the images of attractive young actors' faces on the poster just as it established itself as a franchise that could go wild with its death sequences. This first installment in the series set the tone at the perfect level of camp, setting the result apart from its peers.
19Aliens (1986)
Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), the sole survivor from the original Alien, is awakened after 57 years of drifting through space, her stories disbelieved by Company executives who tell her that the aliens' planet is now inhabited and colonized. When contact is suddenly lost with the colonists, Ripley returns to the planet with a squad of marines, an android (Lance Henriksen), and a Company executive (Paul Reiser) with a mission of his own. Once on the planet, no survivors can be found except for Newt, a little girl who awakens motherly instincts in Ripley just in time for the acid-blooded aliens to attack in what quickly becomes a one-sided battle for sheer survival.
James Cameron is the master of sequels that rival the quality of the original. But, unlikeThe Terminator, where he directed both of the first two installments, withAlienshe was stepping in for Ridley Scott, who had already kicked off the IP with one of the best haunted house (in space) horror movies of all time, if not thebest. WithAliens, Cameron expanded the property while also effectively altering its genre.
The originalAlienis about as straightforward as a horror film can get, butAliensis a genre-balancer that pulls off action sequences even better than it pulls off scares (which it does very well too). Whether it’s the Queen Xenomorph or the natural expansion of Ellen Ripley’s arc via her maternal nature with Newt, everything inAliensworks like a charm. But, do note that a STARZ channel subscription is required to watch Cameron’s classic.
18Krampus (2015)
Krampuswas director Michael Doughtery’s follow-up to his brilliant directorial debutTrick ‘r Treat. While it’s not as solid as that film, it’s equally memorable (thereby avoiding the problem faced by Dougherty’s subsequentGodzilla: King of the Monsters). Not to mention, it’s as inventive as can be and one of thebetter Christmas horror moviesto watch annually.
Three things helpKrampusstand out. The first is its wintry ambiance. In other words, it does a terrific job of making the audience believe this family actually is trapped in a house and their neighbors actually are dead. Second is the cast, with Toni Collette, Allison Tolman, Adam Scott, and a young Emjay Anthony all excelling in their respective roles. Third is the creature design, not just for the title villain but all of his hideous assistants.
17Get Out (2017)
Jordan Peele’s feature directorial debut,Get Out, became one of American horror cinema’s most well-respected entries practically overnight. With a brilliant script, star-making lead performance from Daniel Kaluuya, and brilliant work from Allison Williams,Get Outis many horror fans’ top pick forthe best of its decade. Kaluuya’s character, Chris, is heading to his white girlfriend’s family home, where he finds that despite their liberal appearance, her family is not as tolerant as it seems.
The twists in store for the audience ofGet Outare genuinely surprising in terms of the flow of its narrative, but what really solidifies their impact is the fact they’re all indictments of incongruous race relations in the United States. This debut for Jordan Peele is one of the best of recent years, and it’s no wonder that he has become one of the most important voices in the genre today. The viewer will be thinking aboutGet Outlong after the credits roll, which certainly can’t be said about the majority of horror films. Again, a STARZ channel subscription is required to watchGet Out.
16The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
cabin in the woods
Drew Goddard’sThe Cabin in the Woodsmanaged to be one ofthe most surprising films of the 2010s, regardless of genre. Not just because the final product was so far superior to the bland marketing, but because of the genuine shocks the narrative had in store for its viewers. It follows a group of teenagers who accidentally awaken a hoard of zombie killers at a secluded cabin getaway.
Every cast member seems fully on the level, with Richard Jenkins and Bradley Whitford having the time of their lives, while all the younger cast members successfully convey being both slasher fodder and smartly self-aware. Toss in a bonkers third act and Goddard’s directorial debut was an absolute winner. A STARZ channel subscription is required to watchThe Cabin in the Woods.
15The Conjuring (2013)
The Conjuring
Aclassic horror filmwith a unique dive into the supernatural genre,The Conjuringis a movie that offers a satisfying balance between the logical processes of two veteran ghost hunters and the suspense of danger. The plot follows Carolyn and Roger moving into a Rhode Island farmhouse with their five daughters in 1971. Soon after, they start experiencing unusual occurrences like waking up minutes past 3 am every night. The couple reaches out to Lorraine and Ed, who are investigators and they uncover a dark history behind the couple’s house. From crucifixions to UV forensics, this horror story finds ways to immerse the audience into the ghost-hunting world.
The film excels through its haunting elements, which are amazingly well done. The spooky visions of a witch-like creature, floating bodies, creepy closets, and strange noises are thrown into the movie to create an eerie atmosphere. The initial paranormal things experienced by the couple, coupled with the increased activity towards the end of the show after calling in the Warrens, make The Conjuringa must-watch horror film. While viewers should have access to Crave STARZ to watch the movie, it is worth it.
14The Black Phone (2022)
The Black Phone
Directed by Scott Derrickson and penned by C. Robert Cargill,The Black Phoneis a mystery horror film that follows the abduction of a 13-year-old boy, Finney. Taken by the Grabber, Finney is trapped in a dungeon, which is a soundproof concrete bunker, so screaming would not help. A disconnected phone rings on the wall, and Finney discovers he can hear the voices of the killer’s previous victims, who are dead set to ensure whatever happened to them won’t happen to Finney.
The Black Phonechecks nearly all the boxes of a good horror film: spirits lurking in the dark, jumpscares, slick visual effects, and outrageous characters, all in a story that resonates with the audiences' fears. The combination of the escape bids by Finney and the chilling tropes of a serial killer saga makes the movie feel like a dark cousin to the comic-book world, but full of supernatural elements that drive the story.
13The Shining (1980)
The Shining
Based on Stephen King’s novelof the same name,The Shiningremains one of the finest horror films. The movie tells the story of Jack Torrance, a patriarch who moves with his family after he lands the job of caretaker in an isolated hotel during the harsh winter climate. The hotel soon unleashes its sinister powers, and the Torrance family falls victim to the evil spirits in the secluded hotel.
The Shiningfeatures three of the biggest names ever in different art forms: Jack Nicholson as the protagonist, Stanley Kubrick as the writer, producer, and director, and Stephen King as the writer of the source material. The involvement of these A-list characters and the series of nightmare-inducing scenes that simultaneously cause agoraphobia and claustrophobia were sure to makeThe Shininga revered classic.
12American Psycho (2000)
American Psycho
American Psychois a 2000 psychological horror film directed by Mary Harron and stars Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman, an all-round yuppie stereotype. Patrick doubles as an investment banker and a serial killer who spends most of his time socializing with young men who work on Wall Street and eating in fancy restaurants. When he is not busy with his job or social engagements, he is busy fulfilling his homicidal desires
The slasher and horror elements in the film are clear reminisces of the eighties, adding to the movie’s likability. Patrick’s character is also well-developed, and the narcissistic nature of the rich men is criticized with full force. Coupled with the chase and killing scenes and intense build-up,American Psychois indeed an excellent horror movie worth watching. To enjoy the satirical film, viewers need the STARZ add-on.
11Barbarian (2022)
Barbarianis a feature film debut by writer and director Zach Cregger that starts with a lady who finds herself in a situation where anyone can be: a double-booked Airbnb. Tess has Keith as her unexpected housemate in one of the less salubrious suburbs in Detroit. Keith is a nice guy who offers the bed, sleeps on the sofa, and even ensures Tess sees him opening a wine bottle before offering her a glass. After Keith leaves the following morning, Tess makes a silly choice to explore the house’s basement, and she discovers a secret door, and she gets the urge to explore what’s behind it. Later, Keith accompanies her, and they discover a labyrinthine series of tunnels that house a strange creature.
The healthy amount of tension inBarbarianmakes the movie a suitably scary new horror. The film has no interest in settling down in one genre or scenario since the second act is more of a comedy surrounded by the terror Tess is going through. The film pushes genre boundaries and brings a refreshing take on the “haunted house” trope.
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