Streaming platforms expand horror and thriller catalogs for Halloween

Streaming platforms are increasing their horror and thriller offerings in anticipation of the Halloween season. Popular titles currently available include the suspense thriller ‘Joy Ride’ starring Paul Walker, and the supernatural horror film ‘The Ring’.

Newer television releases include ‘Phony Tuesday’ on Disney Plus, ‘Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story’ on Netflix, and the ‘Friday The 13th’ spin-off ‘Crystal Lake’ on Stan. Other notable genre-bending series include ‘Yaga’ on Binge, which reimagines Slavic folklore, and the Apple TV hit ‘Widow’s Bay’, a horror-comedy set in a cursed New England hamlet.

On Netflix, the sea-creature thriller ‘Below’, starring Josh Hartnett, has recently reached the top of global and U.S. viewership charts. Psychologically, the popularity of these genres is attributed to the dopamine and endorphin rushes triggered by experiencing fear within a safe environment, which can provide a sense of catharsis and stress relief.