I don’t have any BBQs or fireworks planned—I’ll be catching up on coursework and plugging away at a project (fun, I know). But you didn’t come here for productivity updates—you came for horror recs. So here’s a quick list of films to check out over the July 4th weekend!
Oh—and before we jump in, I just remembered: Black Sabbath’s final show with Ozzy is tomorrow, July 5th, in Birmingham. Yes, again, but with an amazing band lineup including: Metallica, Pantera, Guns n’ Roses, Slayer, Tool, Gojira, Halestorm, Gojira, Alice in Chains, Lamb of God, Anthrax, Mastodon, and many more! I’ll definitely be watching and posting a review soon. (and of course I had to get the tour shirt!
I was just in Birmingham, briefly in March, and was thinking about this event while there. I hope its a good one (it better be since I’m paying and watching lol) Back to the Beginning
🔥 Top Pick: Sinners
Streaming on: HBO Max This is easily one of the best horror films I’ve seen this year. I won’t spoil a thing—just go watch it. Atmospheric, brutal, and brilliant. If you only watch one movie this weekend, make it this one.
🦈 Jaws (1975 – 50th Anniversary!)
Streaming on: Peacock Yes, I’m Gen X. No, I’ve never seen Jaws. I mentioned last post that I’m not into shark horror, and I meant it. I’ve only seen Jaws IV because it was always on cable. But hey, it’s iconic and perfect if you’re a fan of aquatic terror.
🦠 The Bay
Streaming on: Tubi & Pluto TV Found footage-style horror about a parasitic outbreak during a July 4th celebration in a small coastal town. Super underrated, super creepy. Definitely worth a watch if you like viral outbreak horror.
🔪 I Know What You Did Last Summer
Streaming: Available to rent or buy Perfect time to revisit this late-90s slasher, especially with the sequel dropping later this month. If you’ve seen it already, it’s a good nostalgia trip. If not, now’s the time!
🧟♂️ Return of the Living Dead
Streaming on: Tubi One of my all-time favorite zombie movies. Even though it takes place on July 3rd… close enough! Campy, chaotic, and full of brains.
💊 The Evil in Us
Streaming: Check Tubi / Rent or Buy A group of friends celebrate the Fourth with some sketchy party favors… and chaos ensues. A solid indie horror flick that leans into infection/body horror.
🪖 Uncle Sam
Streaming on: Prime Video
“A vengeful soldier, killed in action during Operation Desert Storm, returns as a zombie to wreak havoc on the Fourth of July.” Yeah, I haven’t seen it either, but zombies and gore? Count me in.
🌕 Silver Bullet (Stephen King)
Streaming on: Pluto TV A classic werewolf flick set during the Fourth. I’ll admit—I’m not huge on werewolf horror, so this one’s still on my to-watch list. Let me know if I should finally give it a try!
🔥 2001 Maniacs
Streaming on: Fandango Free Based on the clasic film from Herschell Gordon Lewis. Not technically a Fourth of July movie, but thematically similar. Stars Robert Englund and Lin Shaye. Skip the sequel—it’s awful.
🇺🇸 Culture Shock
Streaming on: Hulu Part of Hulu’s “Into the Dark” series, this one’s set around Independence Day and deals with modern-day issues. I’ve heard great things and plan to watch it this weekend.
That’s the list—for now. I’m sure I forgot one or two, but these are some solid options for a horror-filled long weekend.
🎇 Which movie are you watching today or this weekend? Got any recs I missed? Let me know in the comments! Wishing you a fun, spooky, and safe Fourth of July!
🎸 And again, if you’re a metalhead like me, don’t forget Black Sabbath’s final show with Ozzy on July 5th. I’ll be watching, and yes—I’ll have thoughts.
