Unveiling the Best of Showtime Horror Movies for 2023

Hey there, fellow movie lover! If you’re on the hunt for some spine-chilling films, we’ve got you covered. We’ve combed through Showtime’s vast selection and handpicked the best horror movies for you. Whether you’re into ghostly tales, creepy mysteries, or just love a good jump scare, our list has something for everyone. So grab your favorite snack, settle into a comfy spot, and get ready for some epic movie nights. Read on to discover the top Showtime Horror Movies you absolutely need to watch!

Pearl

Director: Tyler MacIntyre
Cast: Maya Hawke, Angela Bassett, Tonya Pinkins, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Colman Domingo
Run Time: 1 hour 32 minutes

Set against the haunting backdrop of 1918, Pearl paints a poignant tale of a young woman named Pearl. With her husband mysteriously missing, she’s drawn back to the memories and shadows of her family’s ranch. As she navigates this familiar yet eerie setting, the film unravels the dark past she tried to leave behind.

Fun Facts:

• Pearl’s intense monologue spans almost 8 minutes, containing seventeen different shots. One of these shots alone lasts an impressive 5 minutes and 36 seconds.
• Tandi Wright, who portrays Pearl’s mother, initially worked as the intimacy coordinator on X (2022). She was offered her role as Ruth just as the first film was wrapping up.
• Ever wondered about the film’s title? It’s steeped in biblical lore, referencing the story of Pearl, believed to have been birthed from one of Eve’s teardrops.

X

Director: Ti West
Cast: Mia Goth, Jenna Ortega, Martin Henderson, Brittany Snow, Scott Speedman, Owen Campbell, Kid Cudi.
Run Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Nostalgia meets nightmare in X. A group of young, enthusiastic filmmakers find a seemingly perfect remote farmhouse in Texas. Intent on producing an adult film, they soon discover they’re not alone. An enigmatic elderly couple casts a shadow over their project, turning their cinematic dreams into a slasher reality.

Fun Facts:

• Feeling the ’70s vibe? X is a tribute to classics like The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) and The Last House on the Left (1972).
• Plot twist: The scenes that feel so authentically Texan were actually shot in New Zealand.
• The title ‘X’ isn’t just cool—it’s a play on the Roman numeral for 10, a sly nod to the term “sexploitation.”
• Ever heard of ‘The House that Made Porn Famous?’ Well, that was the film’s initial title!
• The ending that left audiences gasping? Not the first choice—it was revised after test screenings.
• Music aficionados, Tyler Bates crafted the chilling score that accompanies this horror tale.

Better Watch Out

Director: Chris Peckover
Cast: Olivia DeJonge, Levi Miller, Ed Oxenbould, Patrick Warburton, Tom Yi
Run Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Christmas festivities take a sinister turn in Better Watch Out. The story revolves around a teenage babysitter who’s eagerly anticipating a quiet Christmas Eve. However, a group of unexpected intruders flips the night on its head, bringing terror instead of tinsel.

Fun Facts:

• Initially, the film went by the moniker ‘Safe Neighborhood.’
• Despite its American setting, the chilling scenes were shot down under in Sydney, Australia.
• The catchy title echoes the warning phrase ‘better watch out,’ hinting at the lurking danger in the film.
• A Christmas tree with a knife protruding from it adorns the film’s poster, setting the tone for the movie’s blend of holiday spirit and horror.
• Much like X, Better Watch Out also saw a change in its climax after test screenings. The original finale had a much darker outcome for Ashley.

Kill Me Now

Directors: Michael Ritchie
Cast: Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton, Steve Martin, Bill Macy, George Plimpton
Run Time: 1 hour 37 minutes

Kill Me Now delves into the emotional journey of a middle-aged couple grappling with despair. On the brink of taking a drastic step together, a series of unexpected events provides both comic relief and poignant reflections on life.

Fun Facts:

• Drawing from real life, the film finds its roots in the tragic tale of a couple who ended their lives together in a hotel room.
• Rock fans might spot a connection between the film’s title and ‘Kill Me Now’ by The Replacements.
• The vibrant city of Los Angeles and the picturesque Palm Springs in California served as the movie’s backdrop.
• With a budget of a whopping $20 million, it’s evident that no expense was spared to bring this narrative to life.
• Before settling on its current name, the film was christened ‘The Suicide Pact.’
• Marvin Hamlisch, the musical genius, lent his expertise to create the film’s evocative score.

You’re Killing Me

Director: Ingrid Jungermann
Cast: Ingrid Jungermann, Melanie Lynskey, Anna Camp, Oliver Platt, John Carroll Lynch
Run Time: 1 hour 28 minutes

Anxiety, paranoia, and dark humor converge in You’re Killing Me. The protagonist, a young woman, is consumed by the fear that her loved ones might be plotting against her. This psychological black comedy is a rollercoaster of emotions, offering both thrills and laughs.

Fun Facts:

• The movie draws inspiration from Jungermann’s personal struggles with anxiety and paranoia.
• Movie buffs might note the title’s nod to the 1990 film Kill Me Now, starring both Goldie Hawn and Diane Keaton.
• The iconic phrase from ‘The Sandlot’—’You’re Killing Me, Smalls’—was the film’s original title.
• Capturing the essence of the city that never sleeps, the film was shot in the bustling streets of New York City.
• Ryan Lott’s musical brilliance resonates through the film’s score.
• A successful Kickstarter campaign played a pivotal role in funding the film’s production.

Midsommar

Director: Ari Aster
Cast: Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, Vilhelm Blomgren, William Jackson Harper, Archie Madekwe, Ellora Torchia
Run Time: 2 hours 28 minutes

Journey to the idyllic Swedish countryside with Midsommar. A couple looking for a fresh start decide to partake in a local midsummer festival. Little do they know, the serene surroundings mask eerie pagan rituals that will test their relationship and sanity.

Fun Facts:

• Though set in Sweden, the movie was filmed in Hungary. The crew went the extra mile by importing Swedish soil and trees to capture the authentic ambiance.
• The title ‘Midsommar’ signifies the summer solstice, a momentous occasion for the Hårga, the film’s central pagan cult.
• The film’s end leaves room for interpretation, sparking debates on Dani’s fate—freedom from a toxic relationship or brainwashing by the Hårga?
• Critics and audiences alike lauded Midsommar for its captivating visuals, Ari Aster’s direction, and Florence Pugh’s stellar performance.

Men

Director: Alex Garland
Cast: Jessie Buckley, Rory Kinnear, Paapa Essiedu
Run Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Men delves into the psyche of Harper, a grieving woman seeking solace in the English countryside after her husband’s passing. As she confronts her trauma, the film delves deep into themes of the male gaze and its haunting effects.

Fun Facts:

• The title subtly refers to the biblical tale of Adam and Eve, hinting at the interconnectedness of all men.
• Showcasing his acting prowess, Rory Kinnear portrays a staggering eight distinct characters in the film.
• Geoff Barrow and Ben Salisbury teamed up to craft the film’s score, blending classical and folk elements.
• The serene English countryside, particularly near Salisbury, served as the movie’s backdrop.
• The ending is open-ended, prompting viewers to ponder Harper’s fate—has she overcome her trauma or remains ensnared in an abusive cycle?

Bodies Bodies Bodies

Director: Halina Reijn
Cast: Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, Pete Davidson, Myha’la Herrold, Chase Sui Wonders, Rachel Sennott
Run Time: 1 hour 32 minutes

When a hurricane traps a group of affluent young adults in a secluded mansion, they decide to play ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies,’ a party game. But this isn’t your regular game—it involves simulated murder. As boundaries blur, tension rises in this dark comedy horror.

Fun Facts:

• Echoing another horror flick, the title Bodies Bodies Bodies pays homage to the 1981 movie, Body Double.
• Originally crafted as a stage play, the script transformed to fit the silver screen.
• Dutch director Halina Reijn, known for the TV series Girlfriends, took the helm for this movie.
• Comedic talents Pete Davidson and Rachel Sennott add a unique flavor to the cast.
• Nathan Halpern is the genius behind the film’s atmospheric score.

Black Rock

Director: Katie Aselton
Cast: Lake Bell, Kate Bosworth, Olivia Thirlby, Morgan Saylor, Marcus Lyle Brown
Run Time: 1 hour 27 minutes

In Black Rock, a weekend getaway among three childhood friends quickly morphs into a nightmarish survival game. Set on a remote island off the coast of Maine, the trio finds themselves pursued by menacing strangers.

Fun Facts:

• Filming took place in the picturesque state of Maine, capturing the rugged beauty and isolation of the setting.
• The title, Black Rock, isn’t just for show—it represents the real Black Rock Island located off Maine’s coast.
• ‘The Weekend’ was the working title before the filmmakers settled on Black Rock.
• The director-writer duo, Katie Aselton and Mark Duplass, share more than just a professional bond—they’re married!
• Nathan Johnson composed the suspense-filled score that underlines the movie’s tension.
• Garnering praise for its gripping storyline and stellar cast performances, the movie grossed over $10 million, a significant return on its $5 million budget.

Wolf

Director: Mike Nichols
Cast: Jack Nicholson, Michelle Pfeiffer, James Spader, Christopher Plummer, Kate Nelligan
Run Time: 2 hours 03 minutes

Venture into the enigmatic world of Wolf, where the line between man and beast blurs. After a wolf bite, a man undergoes a terrifying transformation, grappling with newfound instincts and desires. This romantic comedy-drama offers a fresh spin on the werewolf lore.

Fun Facts:

• George Lucas initially envisioned Wolf as a dark comedy centered on a werewolf transformation.
• Hollywood legend Tom Hanks was the first choice for the role of Will Randall, though he declined the offer.
• Rick Baker, the special effects wizard, won an Oscar for his transformative work in this film.
• The title draws inspiration from Greek mythology, referencing Lycaon, a king Zeus cursed to live as a werewolf.
• While critics had mixed reviews, audiences lapped it up. The film raked in over $115 million worldwide, proving its commercial appeal.

Stream Your Horror Favorites!

Eager to watch “Pearl”, “X”, “Better Watch Out”, or “Midsommar”? FolksMedia is your go-to guide. This intuitive platform directs you to where these films and more are streaming, covering giants like Showtime, HBO, and others. With features like curated lists and instant playback, FolksMedia ensures your horror movie night is just a click away. Dive into FolksMedia now and let the chills begin!