Mike Flanagan’s Ultimate Horror List: 10 Must-See Movies

If you've ever been captivated by the haunting brilliance of The Haunting of Hill House or the chilling adaptation of Doctor Sleep, you already know that Flanagan has an extraordinary talent for creating stories that get under your skin. But did you know he's also a passionate horror fan with a great taste in the genre?

From his personal list of favorites of Letterboxd, we've picked 10 gems that are either criminally underrated or absolute must-watches for any horror fan.

1. ‘Fréwaka’ (2024)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Fréwaka has 96% from critics.
• On IMDb, Fréwaka is rated 6.1/10.

A student's dark past starts to mess with her head in the most unsettling ways. As her world spirals out of control, you'll feel like you're right there with her, experiencing every moment of confusion and fear.

Flanagan himself recommended it “for fans of slow-burn, atmospheric horror. Aislinn Clarke is definitely a director to watch.”

Available on: AMC+, Philo, Shudder.

2. ‘Thirst’ (2009)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Thirst has 81% from critics and 74% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Thirst is rated 7.1/10.

Thirst follows a priest who volunteers for a risky medical experiment, but it turns him into a vampire. It's a stylish and unique take on vampire mythology that's both disturbing and touching. Park Chan-wook's direction is masterful as always.

Available on: Microsoft Store, Fandango At Home, Amazon Video, Apple TV.

3. ‘1408’ (2007)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, 1408 has 79% from critics and 61% from the audience.
• On IMDb, 1408 is rated 6.8/10.

John Cusack plays a skeptical writer who checks into a supposedly haunted hotel room just to debunk it. Big mistake! Room 1408 turns into his personal nightmare factory, messing with his mind in the most terrifying ways possible. It's one of the best Stephen King adaptations that doesn't get enough credit.

Available on Plex and Fawesome for free.

4. ‘Dark City’ (1998)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Dark City has 77% from critics and 85% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Dark City is rated 7.6/10.

John Murdoch wakes up with no memories in a city where it's always night. As he tries to figure out who he is, he discovers the creepy truth: mysterious beings are experimenting on humans, changing the city and people's memories every night. It's visually stunning with an atmosphere that'll get under your skin.

Available on Kanopy and Plex for free.

5. ‘Don’t Look Now’ (1973)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Don’t Look Now has 93% from critics and 76% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Don’t Look Now is rated 7.1/10.

After losing their daughter, a couple heads to Venice, where they encounter two sisters, one claiming to be psychic and in contact with their dead child. The film's unsettling atmosphere will stick with you long after watching.

Available on Kanopy for free.

6. ‘30 Days of Night’ (2007)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, 30 Days of Night has 50% from critics and 56% from the audience.
• On IMDb, 30 Days of Night is rated 6.6/10.

In a remote Alaskan town where the sun disappears for 30 days each winter, a pack of bloodthirsty vampires sees it as the perfect hunting ground. The people must find a way to last until daylight returns. It's a fresh take on vampire lore, with some genuinely scary moments.

Available on: Microsoft Store, Fandango At Home, Amazon Video, Apple TV.

7. ‘Oddity’ (2024)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Oddity has 96% from critics and 78% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Oddity is rated 6.7/10.

After her twin sister's mysterious death, a blind woman uses an antique talking doll to communicate with the spirit world. This search for answers quickly turns into a fight for survival against something dark and ancient.

“[It’s] one of the best of the year, for sure, and confirmation that Mc Carthy is the real deal,” Flanagan wrote.

Available on: Hulu, AMC+, Philo, Shudder; Hoopla for free.

8. ‘The Ruins’ (2008)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, The Ruins has 51% from critics and 30% from the audience.
• On IMDb, The Ruins is rated 5.9/10.

A group of friends vacation in Mexico and explore an archaeological site that turns into a nightmare. The ancient Mayan ruins they discover are covered with carnivorous vines. This underrated gem delivers body horror that will make your skin crawl.

Available on: Philo, Shudder.

9. ‘V/H/S/Beyond’ (2024)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, V/H/S/Beyond has 90% from critics and 56% from the audience.
• On IMDb, V/H/S/Beyond is rated 5.8/10.

The latest installment in the found-footage anthology series takes the scares to a whole new level. If you're a fan of the V/H/S franchise, this one doesn't disappoint. And it might even be the most bonkers one yet.

Available on: AMC+, Philo, Shudder.

10. ‘Werewolves Within’ (2021)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Werewolves Within has 86% from critics and 80% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Werewolves Within is rated 6.0/10.

When a snowstorm traps the quirky residents of a small town together, they start thinking that one of them might be a werewolf. This horror-comedy is more fun than frightening, but it's got charm for days.

Available on Kanopy for free.