6. Children of the Corn (1984)
Few films capture the unsettling nature of rural isolation quite like Children of the Corn. Based on a Stephen King short story, the film follows a couple who find themselves stranded in a seemingly deserted town in Nebraska. They soon discover that the town’s children have formed a cult that worships a malevolent entity residing in the cornfields. The endless stretches of corn, once a symbol of summer abundance, become a labyrinthine nightmare from which there is no escape. The creeping sense of dread builds as the couple realizes just how deep the children’s devotion to their sinister god runs. This is one of those end of summer horror movies that perfectly encapsulates the transition into fall.
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7. Pet Sematary (1989)
Another Stephen King adaptation, Pet Sematary delves into the horrors that can lurk just beneath the surface of everyday life. The story follows the Creed family as they move into a new home in rural Maine, only to discover a mysterious burial ground in the woods behind their house. When tragedy strikes, the family learns the hard way that some things are better left buried. The film’s themes of loss, grief, and the consequences of defying the natural order are amplified by the eerie, autumnal setting. Pet Sematary is a haunting exploration of the dark side of human nature, making it a perfect watch as the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer—a staple among early fall horror movies.
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8. Let’s Scare Jessica to Death (1971)
Let’s Scare Jessica to Death is a psychological horror film that expertly captures the fragile line between reality and madness. The film follows Jessica (Zohra Lampert), a woman recovering from a nervous breakdown, as she moves to a remote farmhouse with her husband and a friend. The idyllic countryside soon turns nightmarish as Jessica becomes convinced that something sinister is at play. The film’s slow-burn tension, combined with its haunting imagery and eerie soundscape, creates an atmosphere of creeping dread that’s perfect for the end of summer. As the story unfolds, the viewer is left questioning what is real and what is a product of Jessica’s disturbed mind—a key element in the most effective end of summer horror movies.
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9. The Devil’s Rejects (2005)
Rob Zombie’s The Devil’s Rejects is a gritty, relentless descent into the dark heart of Americana. As summer draws to a close, the murderous Firefly family is on the run from the law, leaving a trail of carnage in their wake. The film’s sun-soaked, dusty landscapes are a stark contrast to the brutality of the story, creating a sense of unease that lingers throughout. The Devil’s Rejects is a brutal, unflinching portrayal of evil, where the lines between predator and prey are blurred. It’s a perfect film for those who like their horror with a side of grit and grime, capturing the last gasps of summer’s heat before the cold sets in.
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10. The Last House on the Left (1972)
Wes Craven’s controversial classic, The Last House on the Left, is a harrowing tale of violence and revenge set against the backdrop of a seemingly peaceful countryside. The story follows two teenage girls who are kidnapped and brutally assaulted by a gang of criminals. When the gang unknowingly seeks refuge in the home of one of the girls’ parents, the tables are turned in a brutal and bloody showdown. The film’s raw, unpolished aesthetic adds to its unsettling atmosphere, making it a disturbing exploration of the darker side of human nature. The Last House on the Left is a hard-hitting, intense experience that captures the lingering heat of summer and the coming darkness of fall, a crucial entry in any list of early fall horror movies.
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Each of these films embodies that unique, unsettling feeling that comes with the end of summer. As the warmth of the season fades and the shadows grow longer, these movies will keep you on the edge of your seat, perfectly capturing the creeping dread that the changing seasons bring.
What movies will you be watching to close out the summer season and gear up for Halloween? Join the NOFS Community on Discord and share your scares!
