Shudder continues to be the leading streaming service for horror fans. While last month’s new additions delivered love with a healthy splash of gore, March will spotlight French horror. Those that doubt French horror isn’t for them may be surprised. However, Shudder is also dropping plenty of other genre films to satisfy any type of horror fan. So, here are some of the best films coming to the streaming service in March 2022.
Shudder Kicks of March With Its Modern French Horror Collection
As mentioned above, March 2022 at Shudder will spotlight a subgenre of horror known as “New French Extremity.” Fancy talk aside, the subgenre basically encapsulates transgressive films by French directors at the turn of the 21st century. While often considered “taboo” for their high gore and violence, deeper messages lurk beneath these films, with many of them even critically acclaimed.
As part of the collection, Shudder will feature Livid (a movie previously unavailable in the U.S.), Inside, High Tension, Bastards, Trouble Every Day, Evolution, Frontier(s) and Martyrs. Because there are so many, it’s difficult to spotlight just one of the new additions. However, High Tension and Martyrs remain audience favorites. Livid also warrants a special shout-out as it was previously unavailable in the U.S. and significantly difficult for Americans to get their hands on. Directed by Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo, Livid is a supernatural horror film that is actually a follow-up to Inside, which is also dropping on Shudder this month.
All of the above French Collection movies are currently available to stream on Shudder now.
The Darkman Trilogy Brings Superheros Into Horror
The Darkman movies were birthed from the mind of Evil Dead‘s Sam Raimi. Before Raimi helmed 2002’s Spider-Man trilogy, the director proved superheroes make for good horror. The first film stars Liam Neeson as Peyton Westlake, a scientist who develops super-human abilities after a brutal attack and subsequent treatment for his injuries. At its heart, Darkman is a gothic tragedy punctuated by humorous moments. With the first film well-received by critics, it spawned two sequels Darkman II: The Return of Durant and Darkman III: Die Darkman Die. Like most sequels, the later films received less praise with each installment. They also lose Neeson, and Raimi takes a step back. However, for those that want the full Darkman experience, the trilogy is necessary viewing.
Sam Raimi’s Darkman and its sequels are available to stream on Shudder now.
The Town That Dreaded Sundown Spotlights the Phantom
The Town That Dreaded Sundown is something of a cult favorite. Stemming from the true story of the unsolved 1946 Texarkana Moonlight Murders, the film excited genre fans upon its 1977 release with some genuine chills. Its success later spawned a 2014 “meta-sequel” that both critics and audiences embraced. The Town That Dreaded Sundown sees the hooded killer stalk lovers’ lanes and plunge the small town of Texarkana into fear-induced chaos. While it isn’t a perfect movie, it’s certainly a classic. However, the documentary vibe and “the incredible story” claim got the movie in a bit of hot water. The controversy resulted in multiple lawsuits from the town of Texarkana and one of the real-life victim’s families. The actual Phantom killed eight people in or just outside of Texarkana. While the film takes artistic liberties, it got one thing right: unfortunately, the murders have yet to be solved.
The Town That Dreaded Sundown is currently available to stream on Shudder now.
Death Drop Gorgeous Delivers a Bonkers Queer Horror Story
As perhaps evident by its punny name, Death Drop Gorgeous is, well, kind of bad. But for some horror fans, that is exactly the type of movie they are looking for — fun bad. The film quickly becomes a slasher as a bartender and aging drag queen fight to survive the city nightlife and a masked killer targeting gay men. Death Drop Gorgeous can best be described as outrageous, trading subtly for over-the-top characters and snarky wit. It might be low-budget, but the film has the potential to become a queer horror cult favorite.
Death Drop Gorgeous is available to stream on Shudder now.
Triangle Delivers Horror on the High Seas
2009’s Triangle is an underrated horror flick that delivers a little bit of everything, including mystery and thrills. Directed by Christopher Smith (Creep), the film follows a group of yacht passengers forced to jump onto another ship due to strange weather conditions. While it can be erratic at times, Triangle delivers on its mysteries with ample fun.
To see what transpires on the yacht, Triangle heads to Shudder on March 14.
Tragedy Girls Is a Teenage-Centric Horror-Comedy
Directed by Tyler MacIntyre, Tragedy Girls is a 2017 horror-comedy that follows two death-obsessed teenage girls. To satisfy their appetite for the macabre, they run an online show about real-life tragedies, sending their small, mid-western town into chaos. At its core, Tragedy Girls is an indie movie that expertly blends humor, satire and camp, creating something pleasantly unique in the slasher subgenre. It’s been compared to Heathers but with a healthy dose of nihilism that holds a mirror up to society. That said, fans of the teen horror subgenre should be delighted by Tragedy Girls‘ twist on familiar genre tropes.
Tragedy Girls hits Shudder on March 14.
Extra Ordinary Is a Super Silly Horror-Comedy
2019’s Extra Ordinary is an Irish genre-splicing comedy that throws a little bit of comedy, fantasy and horror into a blender to create a ridiculously fun film. It follows Rose, a driving instructor with supernatural abilities, who must use her powers to save a young woman from a washed-up rock star who plans to reignite his fame via a Satanic pact. If the premise sounds absurd, it’s because it is. However, Extra Ordinary manages to strike the perfect balance between comedy and utter silliness.
Extra Ordinary hits Shudder on March 25.
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