5 Shudder Picks For September: Must-Watch Horror Movies

(originally written on cafecrashdown.com)

Hey there, ghouls, gals, and all you creepy creatures of the night! Welcome back to Cafe Crashdown, the only place where your coffee’s as dark as your soul, and our horror picks are dead on! I’m Kayla, your hostess with the most-ess…terrifyingly good taste in movies.

As the leaves fall and the nights grow longer, it’s the perfect time to cozy up with a blanket, some popcorn, and a few blood-curdling screams. Halloween is just around the corner, and AMC’s Shudder is packed with thrills, chills, and spine-tingling scares to fuel your September movie marathons. Whether you’re into classic creeps, indie frights, or modern slashers, I’ve got five killer films that will make your month shudder-tastic!

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the dark. Here are my top 5 Shudder picks for September!

1) Salem’s Lot (1979)

If you love classic vampire tales, Salem’s Lot is a must-watch. Directed by Tobe Hooper and based on Stephen King’s chilling novel, this 1979 miniseries follows author Ben Mears as he returns to the eerie town of Salem’s Lot, only to discover a sinister, ancient evil lurking.

What sets Salem’s Lot apart is its slow-burning horror, with plenty of atmosphere. The decaying Marsten House symbolizes the creeping dread that grips the town, and Kurt Barlow, the terrifying vampire, will send shivers down your spine. If gothic horror with rich storytelling and well-developed characters is your thing, this is the perfect way to kick off your September horror binge.

2) Luz (2018)

Next, we have Luz, a surreal German horror film that will haunt your thoughts long after you’ve finished watching. Directed by Tilman Singer, this experimental film blends psychological horror and supernatural possession in a way that leaves reality and hallucination intertwined.

The grainy 16mm aesthetic and haunting synth score add to its retro 70s horror vibe, while it’s minimal dialogue and claustrophobic setting amp up the tension. If you’re a fan of arthouse horror that makes you think—and squirm—Luz is an unforgettable experience.

3) Evil Dead Trap (1988)

For those who prefer more intense and visceral horror, Evil Dead Trap delivers a brutal punch. Directed by Toshiharu Ikeda, this 1988 Japanese horror film follows a TV reporter investigating a mysterious snuff film. What she uncovers at an abandoned factory is pure nightmare fuel.

Inspired by Italian giallo and Japanese horror, Evil Dead Trap is gory, disturbing, and packed with inventive kills. But beneath the bloodshed lies a thought-provoking commentary on voyeurism and media consumption. If you’re a fan of extreme horror with psychological depth, this one’s for you.

4) Deadstream (2022)

Switching gears to something a bit lighter (but still spooky), Deadstream is a horror-comedy that blends scares and laughs creatively. Directed by Joseph and Vanessa Winter, this 2022 film follows disgraced internet personality Shawn Ruddy as he livestreams a night in a haunted house, only to face real terror.

A satire of influencer culture, Deadstream pokes fun at the lengths people will go for online fame while delivering some genuinely spooky moments. The found-footage style, combined with practical effects, keeps the scares fresh. If you enjoy horror comedies like The Evil Dead, Deadstream is a must-watch.

5) Vicious Fun (2020)

Last but not least, we have Vicious Fun, a 2020 horror-comedy that lives up to its name. Directed by Cody Calahan, this film throws a horror critic into a support group for serial killers, and the results are bloody fun. Packed with 80s slasher vibes, neon-soaked visuals, and dark humor, it’s a wild ride for any horror fan.

With nods to classic slashers and plenty of over-the-top gore, Vicious Fun doesn’t hold back on thrills—or laughs. If you love meta-horror with sharp wit, this is your go-to pick for September.

Honorable Mention: Horror’s Greatest

For those who want more than just movies, Horror’s Greatest is a new docuseries on Shudder that’s an essential watch for any horror buff. This series explores the history of horror, diving deep into iconic films and the legacy of the genre’s most influential filmmakers.

Each episode is packed with fascinating insights, making it the perfect binge for newcomers and seasoned horror fans alike. Whether you’re into silent-era classics or modern scream-fests, Horror’s Greatest has something for everyone.

There you have it—my top 5 Shudder picks for September!

Whether you’re in the mood for some vintage vampire terror, mind-bending possession, or a wild, bloody ride, these films will make your Halloween season start with a scream.

Have a favorite Shudder film I didn’t mention? Drop it in the comments below—I’m always on the hunt for the next great horror fix. And if you enjoyed these spooky vibes, don’t forget to smash that like button, hit subscribe, and keep the horror alive with us at Cafe Crashdown.

Stay spooky, my friends!