One of the good things about a lot of horror movies being similar is that it makes it easy for you to put two films together and watch them one after the other while retaining the same atmosphere and feel. Watching a slasher like Friday the 13th then following it up with a found footage like Paranormal Activity could feel a bit jarring and uneven. Personally I like to keep the atmosphere while binging horror, hence this list. Here are 10 double feature ideas for you to try out.
I will include the links for each movie on justwatch, on which you can change the country to suit your location, so you can find out where to watch it.
1. Silent Hill (2006) & The Dark (2005)
You may have heard of Silent Hill, since it’s based on the popular video game series. But I bet The Dark is drawing all kinds of blanks. If not, then I commend you for your knowledge of obscure films. Now I’m sure the concept of watching a Sean Bean character surviving a storyline is near impossible to imagine. Here I present two horror movies he lives through. That’s right, two. And they’re horror movies. How does he survive? Mainly by staying out of danger by letting his wife/baby-momma and daughters deal with the movie plots. In both films he pretty much stays home. The premises for both movies are fairly similar. Both centre around a mother looking for her missing child in an isolated location while facing all kinds of nasty threats. Granted Silent Hill has much cooler monsters, with the legendary Pyramid Head, but The Dark has some great use of captivating Welsh folklore and a memorable opening scene.
Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/silent-hill
Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/the-dark-2005
2. The Descent (2005) & Creep (2004)
Both of these films happen to be British with a strong female lead and similar looking antagonists. The Descent has been praised for its use of female driven cast and use of claustrophobia as it’s fear inducing setting. Creep, however, has unfortunately flown under the radar. Set in the London Underground, a young German woman is locked in and hunted by a psychotic and deformed killer named Craig. I know that may sound funny, but the visuals can be downright disturbing. And yes, I do plan on reviewing it at a later date.
Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/the-descent
Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/creep-2004
3. The Roommate (2011) & Single White Female (1992)
I already reviewed The Roommate last October and mentioned that the movie is an homage to Single White Female. It seems only right to watch them both in succession. Both centre around a female and her obsessive roommate who tries to steal her life. Both good watches.
Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/the-roommate
Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/single-white-female
4. The Strangers (2008) & Vacancy (2007)
Both movies centre around a fractured couple being tormented by a trio of masked killers (although Vacancy has two masked killers and an unmasked leader) in the middle of nowhere. Also both feature an Underworld protagonist and an Empire Records/That Thing You Do! actor. Unfortunately Vacancy hasn’t received as much attention as The Strangers, which is a shame since I love both equally.
Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/the-strangers
Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/vacancy
5. I Spit on Your Grave (1978) & The Last House on the Left (1972)
I saw I Spit on Your Grave years ago and still have it on VHS, as well as on Blu-Ray. The Last House on the Left, however, was a recent one for me. I only saw it a few months ago, but it reminded me heavily of the other movie with it’s use of the less popular “rape and revenge” horror subgenre that was popular in the 1970s. Both films have been known to be controversial with its themes and heavy use of violence for the sake of violence. They are also both set in Summer, so now’s a good time to get binging. Just remember, they’re pretty triggering and may very well test your limits, but I feel like both movies are important in some degree. Fun fact: the woman used in the poster for I Spit on Your Grave is none other than Demi Moore. Seriously, look it up.
Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/i-spit-on-your-grave-1978
Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/the-last-house-on-the-left-1972
6. The Blair Witch Project (1999) & The Last Broadcast (1998)
Now I know every horror fan has seen The Blair Witch Project, but what about The Last Broadcast? Another newer watch for me (last month) The Last Broadcast plays out like a true-crime documentary, rather that the straight up uncut footage from the student filmmakers of Blair Witch. Both movies are set in the woods and have that mid-90s feel.
Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/the-blair-witch-project
Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/the-last-broadcast
7. As Above, So Below (2014) & Catacombs (2007)
Full disclosure, I haven’t seen all of Catacombs yet, I need to go back and rewatch it. Both films are set in the claustrophobic catacombs of Paris. While As Above, So Below uses the found footage format and supernatural themes, Catacombs is a straight up film where a woman is being pursued by a killer. Even though they are different in their story presentation, the location is the same making it feel familiar. I’ll be honest, I want to watch Catacombs for P!nk, who I’m a fan of.
Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/as-above-so-below
Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/catacombs
8. The Collector (2009) & Saw (2004)
The Collector is an underrated gem as far as I’m concerned, with a fairly strong sequel (with another on the way, I’m so happy!). Originally pitched as a prequel to Saw, the movie was rejected and became its own entity. Featuring a sadistic killer who creates all kinds of over the top and extravagant traps, both movies really embody all elements of the torture porn subgenre that Saw helped to create.
Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/the-collector-2009
Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/saw
9. Orphan (2009) & Joshua (2007)
Time for a creepy child double bill that stars Vera Farmiga as the mother of both. Now don’t try and overthink what Esther really is, it still fits into the creepy evil kid category. Neither of these children are demonic or supernatural like Damien or Samara, but they are both jealous, conniving and dangerous. Orphan has become very well known in the horror community, particularly with its twist ending. Then 12-year-old Isabelle Fuhrman has been praised for her layered and complex portrayal of Esther. Joshua on the other hand is mostly unknown. I’ve found that with the exception of Damien and Isaac, most evil children tend to be girls. This one is interesting as it revolves around the manipulation of adults by a male child.
Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/orphan
Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/joshua
10. Home Invasion (2016) & Trespass (2011)
I’m not sure how well known either of these are. I found them on Netflix. Both centre around a home invasion at an isolated large house with a wealthy family inside. Home Invasion has the interesting premise of the protagonist being aided by her security company who are following her on her home security cameras. Trespass adds extra layers by having the antagonists watching the family over time and planning their invasion. Both films include added family drama and dynamics which have become a common trope in horrors and thrillers. Disobedient teenagers and dysfunctional marriages are constantly creeping into characterisations. I’m not at all saying that it’s a bad thing. Both have some great casting, even Nicholas Cage who can be pretty hit or miss these days. Fun facts: Home Invasion was produced by actor Shawn Ashmore, and Trespass was directed by the late great Joel Schumacher.
Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/home-invasion-2016
Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/trespass
So there are ten pairs of movies that go well together. I may look into doing another ten, but enjoy these for now.
Linsey Loves Horror 