Nine horror films to watch after 'Weapons'

One of the first films that came to mind after Weapons was The Witches. I know—it’s not exactly “horror” in the traditional sense. But as a kid? Terrifying. Witches hiding in plain sight, plotting to turn kids into mice? That’s nightmare fuel.

Based on Roald Dahl’s children’s book, the 1990 version hit harder than expected. My class had to read the book first, but nothing prepared me for the practical effects that revealed the witches’ hideous forms. Anjelica Huston as the Grand High Witch was unforgettable, and Rowan Atkinson (yes, Mr. Bean) playing the hotel manager added a sly comedic touch.

The 2020 version surprised me with Anne Hathaway’s sinister turn as the witch. Stanley Tucci, Octavia Spencer, Jahzir Bruno, Chris Rock, and Kristin Chenoweth round out the cast. Both versions are worth watching, the 2020 adaptation even comes with an alternate ending co-written by Robert Zemeckis, Kenya Barris, and Guillermo del Toro.

Companion (2024)

Where to watch: HBO Max

Produced by Weapons director Zach Cregger, Companion is a slick, unnerving sci-fi horror film that taps into our current anxieties about A.I. Jack Quaid stars as Josh, who owns a robot companion named Iris (Sophie Thatcher). At first, she seems like the perfect partner until these AI “friends” start doing their owners’ bidding in far darker ways. 

With good writing, strong performances, and plenty of curveballs to keep you off balance, you might actually find yourself rooting for the robots over the humans. It’s A.I. meets I, Robot if both decided to go full slasher, and the result is as fun as it is unsettling. With a B+ CinemaScore and plenty of critical praise, Companion is absolutely worth streaming.

28 Days Later (2003)

Where to watch: Rent or buy on major digital platforms

The frenzied, rage-filled “infected” in Weapons immediately reminded me of 28 Days Later . Danny Boyle’s 2003 zombie thriller was a breakout hit, grossing $82 million on just an $8 million budget, and it’s easy to see why. 

Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, and Brendan Gleeson deliver powerhouse performances, with Murphy’s stealthy, rain-soaked takedown scene standing out as a highlight. The “Rage” virus fuels the same relentless, unthinking aggression you see in Weapons’ possessed characters, moving with unstoppable fury and terrifying speed. Watching them, I couldn’t help but think of those iconic zombies, full of anger, unstoppable, and eerily human.

Hereditary (2018)

Where to watch: HBO Max, Hulu

Ari Aster’s Hereditary is one of the most unsettling, creepy, and unpredictable horror films in recent memory and one of his most successful to date. Like Weapons director Zach Cregger, Aster has a knack for blindsiding audiences with moments that shock, scare, and linger long after the credits roll. The story follows Annie Graham (Toni Collette, in a career-best performance) and her family, husband Steve (Gabriel Byrne), and son Peter (Alex Wolff)—as they navigate grief after a horrific car accident. 

Their mourning quickly unravels into a chain of chilling, supernatural events that blur the line between psychological breakdown and something far more sinister. Equal parts grief, drama, and nightmare fuel, Hereditary will have you plugging in a night light and watching your family a little differently. With an $87.7 million profit on a $10 million budget and several award nominations, it’s a must-watch; just maybe give yourself a two-day breather after Weapons before watching. 

IT: Chapter One & Two (2017 / 2019)

Where to watch: HBO Max

When the witch Gladys (Amy Madigan) appears in Weapons, whether lurking in the woods or suddenly on a wall, it’s impossible not to think of Pennywise from IT. Bill Skarsgård’s nightmare-inducing clown preys on fear much like Gladys does, stalking kids and adults alike with a presence that’s terrifying. Both films balance scares with moments of humor, giving viewers a breather between the gut-punch visuals, and both feature memorable imagery. Gladys’ pale skin, red lips, and creepy eyes almost mirror Pennywise’s iconic look, and if you put them side by side in their scariest poses, the resemblance is uncanny. 

Based on Stephen King’s 1986 novel, IT chapters one and two grossed hundreds of millions worldwide, with Skarsgård delivering constant chills while sprinkling in brief comic relief. Feeling nostalgic or brave? You can always revisit Tim Curry’s original Pennywise in the 1990 miniseries. 

Bring Her Back (2025)

Where to watch: Rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV / iTunes, Fandango at Home

Directed by the Philippou brothers (Talk to Me), Bring Her Back is pure skin-crawl cinema and easily one of the most unsettling horror films in recent memory. The story follows Laura (Sally Hawkins), a grieving mother so desperate to fill the void left by her dead daughter that she adopts Piper (Sora Wong), but her attempt at a second chance quickly turns sinister. Her brother Andy (Billy Barratt) tries to protect Piper, while her other adopted son, Oliver (Jonah Wren Phillips), begins to display increasingly disturbing behavior. 

Like Weapons, the film uses mind control as its central horror device, but here it’s even more intimate and far more chilling. The tension builds with every scene, making the hair on your arms stand up and your skin crawl, yet the performances and the drawn-out suspense make it impossible to look away.

Get Out (2017)

Where to watch: Hulu

You can’t talk about mind-controlled horror without mentioning Jordan Peele’s Get Out. His Oscar-winning debut might not have monsters, gore, or jump scares, but the terror comes from psychological manipulation and the complete loss of control. Daniel Kaluuya’s Chris is invited by his girlfriend Rose (Allison Williams) to meet her parents, only to slowly uncover a horrifying truth that turns his visit into a mind-bending nightmare.

Peele blends social commentary with pure suspense, creating a film that leaves you questioning how much of horror is about what we see and how much is about what we feel creeping in under our skin. The lives of those controlled in Get Out are changed forever, and while we may never know exactly what they endure, we can see their suffering. It’s a head-trip of a horror film that’s hard to forget, making it essential viewing after Weapons.

Barbarian (2022)

Where to watch: Netflix

Honestly, I recommend watching Barbarian before Weapons just to get a feel for Cregger’s storytelling style. The marketing teased a simple “two strangers, one Airbnb” setup, but the movie quickly morphs into something far more twisted.

With Georgina Campbell, Bill Skarsgård, and Justin Long, Barbarian delivers humor, misdirection, and enough WTF moments to keep you talking for days.

If Weapons left you wanting more mind-bending horror, this lineup will keep the chills coming. Watch them solo if you dare or with friends, so someone else can hold the popcorn when you jump.