The 5 Freakiest Horror Films Streaming This January

Now that we survived the holiday season, it’s time to treat ourselves to new horror movies. If you’re tired of people, places, and working with someone else’s schedule, you might be planning to hibernate this January. So, it’s lucky that we’re getting a bunch of new genre titles you can stream on your own time. Are you searching for an award-winning rape-revenge thriller with a gory outcome? Then Bystanders (directed by Dread Central’s Mary Beth McAndrews) hits VOD on January 21. Are you looking for psychological gems about to fly under everybody’s radar? Then Netflix is sneaking in a mysterious Lebanese title called The Sand Castle on January 24. Were you excited to see Brandy return to horror in 2024 but listened to everyone who told you to save your money? Well, The Front Room hits Max on January 3.

If your New Year resolution was to stay in more often there are actually plenty of interesting titles to help you do that. Check out the five titles I chose to highlight this month below! 

A Different Man (dir. Aaron Schimberg)

An actor undergoes a drastic medical procedure to change his appearance and soon discovers his new look leads to new problems. This new A24 comedic thriller with a tinge of horror stars Sebastian Stan, Adam Pearson, and Renate Reinsve and finally hits streaming this January. I caught this movie at Fantastic Fest and thought it was one of Stan’s best performances to date. However, Pearson stole the show for me, and I hope it leads to him getting more substantial roles. He’s effortlessly charming and lovable in a performance that should have garnered more attention. A Different Man is a little absurd but also very poignant as it drives home the message of how much better life is when you are comfortable in your own skin. It’s just the kind of unique tale we come to expect from A24, and I am so excited that more people will finally be able to see it for themselves.

A Different Man arrives on Max on January 17.

The Devil and the Daylong Brothers (dir. Brandon Mccormick)

Three brothers set out on a musical quest for vengeance against the father who sold their souls to the Devil. I’m not a fan of musicals, but I love that we get to start the new year off watching 2025 horror titles at home. Especially ones where people are on the way to throw down with their parents because that is relatable content. The Devil and the Daylong Brothers is billed as an action horror, so a satanic brawl might be in the cards if you also like a little chaos with your oxygen. This southern gothic tale also stars Keith Carradine and Rainey Qualley (sister of Margaret Qualley from The Substance). It’s not every day we get a Southern Gothic horror musical.

The Devil and the Daylong Brothers arrive on VOD on January 31.

The Nighttime World (dir. Gene Blalock, Sean Brien, Brandon Lescure, Adam Michaels, and Timothy Paul Taylor)

A podcaster receives a call from someone claiming to be a vampire. I’m a sucker for a horror anthology, so I’m happy I stumbled upon this upcoming horror title. According to the IMDB page, the film has an R rating and promises some bloody violence. This Lionsgate release consists of four “spine-chilling stories” helmed by four different filmmakers. I like anthologies with multiple directors because it is like speed-dating! You can figure out if you want to see what they can do with a feature. More importantly, many of us crave more vampire activity on this side of Nosferatu. So, it’s the perfect time to sink our teeth into new fang-wielding adventures. I have no idea what to expect from this, but I am glad I can log another new title from the comfort of my couch.

The Nighttime World arrives on VOD on January 28.

Red Rooms (dir. Pascal Plante) 

A model develops an unusual obsession with a high-profile murder trial. Red Rooms has finally finished its festival circuit and its limited theatrical run. After over a year of waiting, the movie will be on Shudder, where more people can access it and weigh in on the conversation. This upsetting slow burn will get under the skin of many viewers. It will also (hopefully) make a few people aware of their problematic contributions to internet culture. This movie gives viewers much to chew on as it swerves between psychological thriller and courtroom drama. It has something for almost everyone as it steadily climbs toward a surprising conclusion. Juliette Gariépy’s chilling performance is worth the time and subscription cost alone. Gariépy is bound to win over more fans now that the film is on the cusp of finding a larger audience.

Red Rooms arrives on Shudder on January 14.

Sleep (dir. Jason Yu)

An expectant mother has to figure out what is causing her husband’s terrifying nocturnal adventures before he harms himself or their small family. I saw Sleep almost a year ago, and the film has stayed with me the entire time. Jason Yu weaves a creepy (and unsettling) mystery that refuses to take any of the easy roads. Jung Yu-mi and Lee Sun-kyun give two standout performances, which makes it even more heartbreaking that this is one of Lee’s final performances. This horror title is chilling, engaging, and disturbing. It is also driven by a badass lady intent on getting to the truth, no matter how many people write her off. I love this movie and cannot wait to revisit it when it hits Hulu. I hope more people find it because it was seriously one of the best horror movies of 2024.

Sleep arrives on Hulu on January 21.

Let me know what new titles you are excited to stream this January at @misssharai.

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