It’s the official season of the macabre and the weird (let’s face it, Halloween is all year round for some of us), folks. Therefore, people are scrambling to assemble their watch lists for Halloween because some people like to stay in. And sure, I think watching Halloween (1978) every year as a tradition is a great way to spend the holiday. I also think that trying something new is great too, and that means a specific set of recommendations. What exactly? Cat and mouse horror movies.
Cat and mouse is one of those heart pounding subgenres in horror. Watching people be relentlessly pursued and have to hide from a threat is terrifying. And that’s more specifically if it’s executed properly. Adding one of the following films to your watchlist might make for a bloody good time. So kick back and get ready because these cat and mouse horror films are stressful (in the best way).
Also, have a safe and very creepy tail end of your October.
Them (2006)
Synopsis: A couple’s romantic weekend in a remote location turns sinister when they are terrorized by a hooded group of people.
In terms of French horror films, this is a lesser-known one. It’s not heavy on the gore or violence, but it’s very creepy because the threat is mysterious. And the motivation to hunt this couple isn’t personal in the slightest. In fact, the film never tries to legitimize why anything is happening. Them is the perfect film to throw on when you’re looking for vibes and something that’s persistently scary.
Where to stream: You might have to rent it.
Inside (2007)
Synopsis: A widowed pregnant woman is attacked in her home on Christmas Eve by a mysterious woman, who looks to steal her baby.
New French Extremity has given horror fans plenty to chew on and wince at. Inside is the prime example of that and it’s also the perfect cat and mouse film. It’s unrelenting, extremely violent and gory, and with Sarah (Alysson Paradis) being pregnant, it adds a vulnerable element. Inside isn’t for the squeamish whatsoever. So pressing play might not be in the cards for you if that’s the case.
Where to stream: Tubi.
P2 (2007)
Synopsis: Instead of going to a family Christmas Eve dinner, a businesswoman is kidnapped and eventually stalked in a parking garage by a security guard who is obsessed with her.
Underground parking garages aren’t utilized in horror as much as they should be. Thankfully, P2 makes excellent use of how that atmosphere would feel so separate from everyone else. P2 makes a deranged obsession the perfect playground for a cat and mouse premise. Angela (Rachel Nichols) isn’t the stupid mouse in this film; she’s the resourceful and rightfully panicked one. It’s a nerve wracking film that’s worth the watch.
Where to stream: Prime Video, The Roku Channel, Hoopla, Tubi, Pluto TV, and Freevee.
Eden Lake (2008)
Synopsis: One romantic getaway at a lake turns into a nightmare for a couple when they are chased by a group of violent kids.
The bleak tone of Eden Lake will leave you depleted by the time you finish the film. It’s a very pulse pounding cat and mouse with less than typical assailants. Eden Lake is unique in terms of the antagonists being children and teenagers. And the ending will make you sigh so incredibly deeply because of how hopeless the fleeing was in the first place. I absolutely recommend Eden Lake for anyone looking for well-crafted terror.
Where to stream: Prime Video, The Roku Channel, Hoopla, Tubi, Kanopy, and Freevee.
The Strangers (2008)
Synopsis: An emotional stay in a family vacation home becomes terrifying when a trio of masked individuals breaks in and toys with them.
As far as home invasion/cat and mouse horror goes, The Strangers is cited quite often by horror fans. This isn’t a film with intense gore and a high body count. Instead, The Strangers goes the route of building terror and suspense until you’re practically biting your nails. When there’s no personal vendetta against the protagonists, it makes what’s happening so much worse. And that’s a huge reason The Strangers is still effectively scary.
Where to stream: Max.
You’re Next (2011)
Synopsis: Instead of enjoying a family dinner in their upper class estate, a family is forced to fight off against animal masked assassins.
Superb is one word to describe You’re Next. The typical formula for a home invasion slasher is somewhat thrown out the window in this. And that’s what makes it a blast. You’re Next has one of the best modern final girls, interesting twists, and the gore is top tier. When the cat and mouse game is turned on the cats, it makes for an intriguing ride.
Where to stream: Netflix and NBC.
Hush (2016)
Synopsis: A deaf writer’s solitary escape into a home in the woods becomes a fight for survival when a crossbow wielding man tries to kill her.
Netflix originals aren’t always total misses and Hush proves that. A cat and mouse game is one thing. But when one character has a disability, the immediate assumption is that they won’t be able to evade their attacker. Hush stomps out that idea and allows for a disability to not render Maddie (Kate Siegel)’s ability to defend herself. Whether it’s an accurate depiction is another discussion in and of itself. Otherwise, Hush is well worth one watch, especially if you like Mike Flanagan’s films.
Where to stream: Prime Video, AMC+, and Shudder.
Revenge (2017)
Synopsis: After a young woman named Jen (Matilda Lutz) is sexually assaulted and left for dead, she surprisingly survives her injury after falling off a cliff, and seeks to enact revenge.
Before The Substance (2024) Coralie Fargeat gave us Revenge and it’s absolutely phenomenal. Revenge is part of the rape revenge subgenre, thus being a spin on the cat and mouse subgenre. The cats become the mice and it’s so satisfying for a viewing experience. There’s a lot of topical social commentary as well. If you’re into vivid imagery, intense action sequences, and a lot of stylish violence, Revenge will be the perfect watch for you.
Where to stream: Mubi and Shudder.
The Strangers: Prey at Night (2018)
Synopsis: Set after the events of The Strangers, the masked trio decides to terrorize a family of four who are staying in a trailer park for the night.
Sequels don’t always have to line up with the feeling of their predecessors. And that’s exactly what The Strangers: Prey at Night relishes in. This sequel trades in the slow burn atmosphere in exchange for an ‘80s inspired slasher. The cat and mouse follows a traditional formula with a determined and very human final girl. The Strangers: Prey at Night also has a stellar soundtrack that lends to the film. It’s a cat and mouse slasher that’s nothing more and nothing less. Nothing wrong with that!
Where to stream: Max.
Ready or Not (2019)
Synopsis: During her wedding night, a bride is forced to fight for survival when her in-laws hunt her as part of their deadly ritual.
It’s delightful to watch a cat and mouse horror movie that has an intriguing premise. Ready or Not perfectly blends dark humor, suspenseful moments, and gives us a badass final girl in Grace (Samara Weaving). The setting being in a large mansion and the surrounding area lends to how fun Ready or Not is. And it allows for plenty of moments where it does feel perilous for Grace as she’s literally hunted. Talk about in-laws from hell, right?
Where to stream: Hulu and Fubo TV.
Strange Darling (2024)
Synopsis: A one-night stand in Oregon turns into a cat and mouse game involving a serial killer and a string of murders.
Crafting something fresh in a horror film isn’t always easy, but Strange Darling does it so well. Strange Darling is a refreshing addition to the subgenre with plenty of twists, noteworthy performances from Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner, and sudden moments of violence. Saying anything else would be entering bad spoiler territory. This film is one of those that you need to experience for yourself. If you’re looking for a nonlinear and very twisty cat and mouse, Strange Darling will scratch that itch.
Where to stream: Currently it’s only available to rent.
Vanessa Maki is a queer Blerd, freelance writer, and artist. She has written for a variety of publications including Pink Advocate, Dread Central, The Mary Sue, Hear Us Scream and many more. She's a former regular contributor for Pink Advocate and The Mary Sue. Currently she's a contributor for But Why Tho? You can find her on Twitter and IG @theblackbuffy.
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