It is blazing hot right now, but it’s the perfect time for some chilling horror! Lucky for you, CATCHPLAY’s current “On the House” section is getting a frighteningly good makeover, with a lineup of horror movies that are perfect for the spirit of the upcoming season. From the heist thriller “Way Down”, to the sci-fi horror of “Color Out of Space,” each movie is carefully curated by CATCHPLAY+ to offer something truly special. So dim the lights, grab a warm blanket, and get ready to be entertained and unsettled by this collection of spooky yet spellbinding films.
1) Way Down (Trailer)
First up on our list we have “Way Down,” which is also referred to as “The Vault” in some regions. This thriller is directed by Spanish filmmaker Jaume Balagueró. The film follows a team of expert robbers as they attempt to pull off the biggest bank heist in European history, targeting the seemingly impenetrable Bank of Spain in Madrid. With thousands of passionate soccer fans flooding the streets for the World Cup final, and security forces closing in, the team of thieves have just a small window of time to execute their daring plan and make off with the legendary lost treasure.
In this film, Freddie Highmore stars as Thom (an engineering graduate), while Liam Cunningham plays Walter Moreland (the man responsible for assembling the film’s main heist crew). Famke Janssen serves as Margaret, and Sam Riley takes the role of James. “Way Down” blends the suspense and adrenaline of a classic heist film with the excitement of an international sporting event, as the team races against the clock under intense pressure. Race to CATCHPLAY+ now to watch this film while it’s still available on the house!
2) Color Out of Space (Trailer)
Known for his fabulous work in the horror genre, South African filmmaker Richard Stanley directed the sci-fi/horror hybrid film “Color Out of Space”, which is an adaptation of a classic H.P. Lovecraft short story. This film follows the Gardner family, who reside on a remote New England farmstead. Their peaceful existence is upended when a mysterious meteorite lands on their property, unleashing an extraterrestrial energy that begins to transform the land and mutate the family members.
Led by Nathan Gardner (portrayed by Nicolas Cage), the Gardener family must fight for their lives as the alien “color” spreads, blurring the lines between the natural and the supernatural. Blending elements of horror, cosmic dread and psychological terror, Stanley’s film is visually stunning and serves as a unique take on Lovecraft’s fictional novel. With its vibrant visuals and superb cast, “Color Out of Space” solidifies Stanley’s reputation as a master of modern horror.
3) Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (Trailer)
Our next film “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark”, is directed by Norwegian film director and screenwriter André Øvredal. Based on a book series by Alvin Schwartz with a screenplay adapted by the Hageman Brothers, this film is a chilling horror anthology that brings to life the nightmarish tales and unsettling illustrations from the beloved children’s book series “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark”. Set in 1968 America, the film follows a group of teenagers who discover a puzzling book in an abandoned house. As they begin to read the book’s stories, the teens soon realize the terrifying tales are coming to life and targeting them one by one…
With a foreboding tone and a host of terrifying creature designs, “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” masterfully translates the iconic book material for the big screen. Øvredal is known for his work on thrillers like “Trollhunter” and “The Autopsy of Jane Doe”, and he brings his signature style of horror and realistic human drama to this film as well. “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” delivers a spooky, suspenseful experience that will delight fans of the books, and introduce new generations to timeless tales of terror. If you are seeking a petrifying yet engaging horror experience, this film is practically calling your name and is currently available on!
4) Dark Waters (Trailer)
What would you do if you had to choose between doing what is right and helping people in danger, but in the process you had to jeopardize your own life? This is the dilemma faced by protagonist Robert Bilott in the 2020 legal drama “Dark Waters.” Bilott (fantastically played by the 4 time Oscar-nominated actor Mark Ruffalo), is a corporate defense lawyer who takes on an unexpected case against the powerful chemical company DuPont. After a farmer approaches Bilott about the deaths of his cattle, the attorney uncovers a dark secret— DuPont has been illegally dumping a toxic chemical known as PFOA into the local water source, endangering the health and lives of the entire community.
Driven by a sense of moral obligation, Bilott decides to take on the mighty corporation, even though doing so puts his own future, his family, and his very own life at risk. The internal struggle of a man who must weigh his personal welfare against his ethical duty to the greater good is a prominent theme in the film. “Dark Waters” is a gripping, high-stakes drama that forces the audience to consider what they would do in Billott’s shoes— how far would you go to stand up to unchecked corporate power and safeguard an endangered community, even if it meant risking your life?
5) The Courier (Trailer)
Rounding out our list of films is “The Courier”. This film follows an unnamed former special ops soldier who works as a courier (played by Olga Kurylenko). When she delivers a seemingly innocuous package to a heavily guarded safe room in London, she discovers to her horror that it contains a bomb intended to kill the sole witness, Nick Murch. Murch is sequestered there to testify against the wealthy but notorious crime lord Ezekiel Mannings (portrayed by Gary Oldman). Will ‘The Courier’ manage to rescue Murch? Or will they both be killed? Filled with edge-of-your-seat action and twisting plot, the film “The Courier” delivers an immensely entertaining viewing experience for all.
CATCHPLAY+ is treating viewers to a spooktacular streaming lineup of horror films— all 5 of these thrilling films are available to enjoy for free on the platform until September 30! We hope you’ll savor these spine-tingling cinematic gems as much as we do, and that they’ll get you anticipating the haunting delights of the upcoming season! Run, don’t walk, to CATCHPLAY+’s website now!
