Technology

GET A FREE $10 BEST BUY GIFT CARD: Purchase a $100 digital Macy's gift card and get a free $10 Best Buy gift card.

Opens in a new window Credit: Macy's / Best Buy $100 digital Macy's gift card + $10 Best Buy gift card $100.00 at Best Buy
$110.00 Save $10.00 Get Deal

Regardless of the savings, scoring something for free is exciting. Getting free credit at a store that sells almost every electronic available is especially exciting. If you happen to shop at Macy's and Best Buy, you'll want to check in on this deal.

As of Jan. 20, a $100 digital Macy's gift card purchased from Best Buy comes with a free $10 Best Buy gift card. To score this deal, you'll need to be logged into your Best Buy account, which is free to create.

For anyone who said department stores are gone hasn't been to Macy's lately. The retailer is a one-stop-shop for tons of essentials like clothing, shoes, furniture, linens, cosmetics, and more. Macy's also happens to hold some incredible sales throughout the year. You can use the $100 gift card either in store at any Macys location at Macy's online storefront. Plus, it never expires.

Once you purchase the Macy's gift card, Best Buy will send along the Best Buy e-gift card to the email address you indicated when placing the order. After that, you'll be able to cash in on a $10 savings on your next purchase at Best Buy.

Happy (free) shopping!

Everyone, including Sony, is moving away from the PlayStation 4, and for good reason—it's old. But an "incident" with my PS5 caused me to revisit this last-gen console, and I discovered it has plenty of life left in 2025 and beyond.

Kodi version 21.2, called Omega, has been released. This update mainly focuses on fixing bugs instead of adding new features. It addresses several problems in the media center app.

Hours after TikTok was pulled in the United States, Meta seized the opportunity and unveiled a new Edits app. It's intended to be a replacement for CapCut, the editing app by TikTok owner ByteDance, as well as TikTok's built-in video editor.

GET $1,700 OFF: Jan. 20th, the Samsung 77-inch S84D Series OLED Tizen TV is on sale for $1,599.99, saving you 52%, or $1,700 off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 77-inch S84D Series OLED Tizen TV $1,599.99 at Best Buy
$3,299.99 Save $1,700.00 Get Deal

If you've long dreamed of bringing Hollywood to life in your own home, this dream screen is the TV to do it. A massive 77-inches gives you all the real estate you'll need to enjoy blockbusters in sparkling OLED, and video game action at blisteringly fast frame rates.

Currently, the Samsung 77-inch S84D Series OLED Tizen TV is available from Best Buy's Four Day Sale for $1,599.99 — a savings of $1,700, or 52% off.

SEE ALSO: Best TVs under $500: Low-budget, high-quality TVs in every size

Pantone validated, this Samsung screen displays true-to-life color. Watch classics like In the Mood for Love from the Criterion Collection with color grading just how the director meant it to look.

Rich OLED 4K upscaling brings TV and classic movies into the contemporary resolution, with deep HDR blacks.

Right now, the Samsung 77-inch S84D Series OLED Tizen TV is 52% off at Best Buy's Four Day Sale, get it for $1,599.99 and save $1,700.

In contemporary games, a screen refresh time can make all the difference. This Samsung 77-inch TV aces competitive gameplay with a 120Hz refresh rate and proprietary Motion Xcelerator Turbo technology.

Inauguration Day has begun, and so have the fashion critiques.

Melania Trump arrived at the ceremony on Monday wearing an outfit by American designer Adam Lippes, according to fashion website WWD — but what everyone is talking about is the incoming first lady's hat, the work of American designer Eric Javits.

Tweet may have been deleted

The wide-rimmed hat, a dark navy with a white ribbon, partially shields Trump's face, and immediately evoked a sharp reaction. Some users on X admired the look:

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Others, however, harkened it to fictional characters Zorro, a masked vigilante, and Carmen Sandiego, a criminal mastermind:

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There were also comparisons to the Babadook, the titular horror character of Jennifer Kent's 2014 film (combined with the Quaker Oat man...)

Melania looks like a combination of the Babadook and the Quaker Oats man

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— Mark Joseph Stern (@mjsdc.bsky.social) January 20, 2025 at 11:03 AM

Given that the hat obscured Trump's face, there was also speculation that the sartorial choice would fuel conspiracy theories about a "fake" Melania:

Tweet may have been deleted

As today goes on, the conversation is sure to steer away from fashion and towards whatever executive orders Donald Trump will sign on day one of his second term as president.

With the announcement of the new NVIDIA 50-series of GPUs, we get a new feature known as "Multi-Frame Generation" or MFG which promises to increase framerates into the stratosphere. However, considering these additional frames are AI-generated, what's the real point of MFG?

SAVE $130: The Shark Pet Plus cordless stick vacuum (Raspberry) is just $199.99 at Amazon, down from the list price at Shark of $329.99. That's a 39% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Pet Plus cordless stick vacuum (Raspberry) $199.99 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $130.00 Get Deal

Some of us have incredibly talented pets. Dogs that can let us know exactly what treat they want or cats that pretty much reply when asked a question. Unfortunately, none of us own pets that have figured out how to vacuum up the fur they shed. Fortunately, another animal has come along to clean up pet hair — it's a Shark, and it's on a deep discount today.

As of Jan. 20, the Shark Pet Plus cordless stick vacuum in the Raspberry colorway is on sale at Amazon for just $199.99. That's a 39% discount and a savings of $130 compared to the listed MSRP at Shark of $329.99. Keep in mind it may come with delayed shipping from Amazon.

Designed with a self-cleaning brush roll, the Shark Pet Plus uses powerful suction to rid your home of unwanted pet hair and dander. Suitable for both hard floors and carpet, the Shark's lightweight design is a huge plus when it comes to ease of use and maneuverability.

SEE ALSO: Rate your favorite smart home gear for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card

This model uses an anti-allergen seal with HEPA filtration to keep the air in your home cleaner when using the vacuum, preventing dust and debris from getting tossed back into the air.

Not only is the vacuum lightweight, it can transform into a handheld model for cleaning window sills, tight spots behind furniture, or cleaning out the car in the garage. The stick also bends, making it easier to clean under furniture.

Overall, the Shark Pet Plus gets about 40 minutes of runtime before it'll need to recharge. The included extra large dust cup, however, might not need to be emptied after each use since it can hold up to 0.34 quarts.

With today's deal at Amazon, you can score a lightweight and efficient stick vacuum at an impressive discount. Instead of paying the list price of $329.99, the Raspberry colorway option of the Shark Pet Plus cordless stick vacuum is on sale for just $199.99. For pet owners, that means you'll save $130 that can be spent on treating your pet like the royalty they are.

GET $210 OFF: Jan. 20th, get this Samsung HW-B650/ZA 3.1 Channel Soundbar and subwoofer combo for $189.99 at Best Buy's Four Day Sale and save $210, or 53%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung HW-B650/ZA 3.1 Channel Soundbar $189.99 at Best Buy
$399.99 Save $210.00 Get Deal

After a good projector or TV screen, a solid soundbar or speaker set is the next most important piece of tech to add to your home theater. (Music nerds would argue that the sound comes first.) If you're looking to upgrade with a nice set of speakers, don't miss this Samsung soundbar deal.

Currently, the Samsung HW-B650/ZA 3.1 Channel Soundbar is on sale for $189.99 at Best Buy's Four Day Sale — get it now and save 53%, or $210. The sale is in full swing, with eyebrow arching deal prices on a huge array of items.

SEE ALSO: Get $15 off Apple AirPods 4 with Best Buy's Deal of the Day

This soundbar combo features three channels, paired with a wirelessly connected bass subwoofer. The soundbar uses Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X technology to create the illusion of surround sound (vertical as well as horizontal), by smartly bouncing the sound around your room.

Virtual 3D sound isn't the only advanced processing this speaker set can carry out. The center speaker is built to make vocals as clear as possible. Use Voice Enhanced mode to make dialogue extra-crisp, improving clarity.

Right now, get the Samsung HW-B650/ZA 3.1 Channel Soundbar Combo for $189.99 at Best Buy and save $210 (53%) while the Best Buy Four Day Sale continues.

When you want to add even more speakers, this soundbar is simple to pair with other Samsung speakers.

Smart speakers offer much more than just a means to stream your favorite audio content. They can serve as smart home hubs and as a means to organize your daily schedule, making them an invaluable resource to tap into.

Digital stores are one of modern gaming's greatest conveniences, but I've only recently started to buy digital games after actively avoiding them for years. Here's why I finally changed my mind.

TL;DR: Live stream Paul vs. Zverev in the 2025 Australian Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Australian Open quarter finals are where things get serious. Every remaining game is absolutely massive, including Paul vs. Zverev. A place in the semi finals is up for grabs for two players who have yet to win a Grand Slam.

If you want to watch Paul vs. Zverev in the 2025 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Paul vs. Zverev for free

The 2025 Australian Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now, including Paul vs. Zverev.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025 Australian Open by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia

4. Visit 9Now

5. Watch the 2025 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Paul vs. Zverev without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Australian Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on 9Now, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Paul vs. Zverev in the 2025 Australian Open for free with ExpressVPN.

While there's a robust global market of smartphone manufacturers, in the U.S., most people are probably rocking something made by Apple, Samsung, or Google. Those companies all make totally fine flagship phones, but if you want an alternative, OnePlus 13 might be the one for you.

The latest handset from OnePlus is, if nothing else, proof that the Chinese company can hang with the big boys. To be fair, plenty of previous OnePlus phones have more or less proven that too, but the case has never been more convincing than it is now. The $899 OnePlus 13 gives you nearly everything you'd want from a modern flagship, including excellent performance, a pretty display, some AI features if you're into that sort of thing, and one of the best smartphone batteries I've ever seen.

OnePlus 13: Specs

Starting at $899, here's what you get when you shell out for a OnePlus 13:

• 6.8-inch display

• Snapdragon 8 Elite processor

• 12GB RAM

• 256GB internal storage

• 6,000mAh battery

Put simply, it's a big flagship phone with big flagship specs. The Snapdragon 8 Elite processor is top-of-the-line, and is making its U.S. debut with OnePlus 13. It is widely expected to also power the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S25, so OnePlus technically beat Samsung to the punch here. For some extra cash you can bump the RAM up to 16GB or the storage up to 512GB, but unfortunately, there's no 1TB option for the true storage sickos out there.

While OnePlus uses a proprietary operating system called OxygenOS, it was originally based on Android, and thus will be familiar to anyone who regularly uses Android phones. The latest OxygenOS build is clean, lacking in some of the up-front bloatware that used to plague these phones.

OnePlus 13: Display It's a good display. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

One thing you'll notice immediately upon picking up a OnePlus 13 is that the display is very nice. Its 3168x1440 resolution is sharp as hell, and its 4,500 nits of peak brightness make it a pleasure to look at in direct sunlight. The refresh rate is dynamic, oscillating between 1 and 120Hz to provide peak smoothness while preserving battery where it can.

There's not much more to say about the display, really. It has everything you'd want from a flagship smartphone display. Considering my iPhone 16 is priced only $100 cheaper than OnePlus 13 and doesn't offer anywhere near as much in terms of resolution or refresh rate, I'd say OnePlus has settled onto a good value here.

OnePlus 13: Design

Design is one area where I find OnePlus 13 to be a little questionable.

That doesn't really have anything to do with the way it looks, though. While a 6.8-inch display means it's a very large phone and thus will not be great for anyone with smaller hands, it's at least stylish to the eye. It's got a big, cool-looking rear camera module designed by the Swedish company Hasselblad, which is no longer awkwardly attached to the side of the phone by a big clamp-looking thing like it was on the last couple of OnePlus devices. It's a free-floating camera module now, oriented to the left side of the phone, near the top of the rear end.

It looks cool, but I don't love the way it feels. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

As for colors, your options are Midnight Ocean, Arctic Dawn, and Black Eclipse. In simpler terms: Dark blue, white, and black, respectively. OnePlus provided me with an Arctic Dawn model, and I do think it looks spiffy.

My issues with the phone's design are almost entirely to do with OnePlus's choice to use a microfiber vegan leather texture on the phone's rear side. I'll admit that this is a cool idea in theory. I've never used a phone that feels like this in the hands, and I'm sure plenty of people will like it. For me, though, it just feels kind of...greasy? There's no actual moisture, but the leathery texture always makes it feel like it's on the verge of slipping out of my hands, as if my fingers are sweaty, even when they're not.

OnePlus 13: Performance

Thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor powering the OnePlus 13, I can't really think of anything negative to say about the phone's performance profile.

When it comes to daily use (which, for me, mostly manifests as social media and streaming music or videos), everything runs smoothly. Apps open and load quickly and I detected no amount of slowdown when trying to do a lot at once. I also appreciate that the phone never became warm on me, even while doing somewhat intensive battery testing.

If you want a more analytical approach to performance appraisal, the Geekbench 6 benchmarking software was also kind to OnePlus 13. Its multi-core CPU score was 9,092, which is more than 2,000 points higher than the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, which came in at 6,782. That Snapdragon 8 Elite processor is the real deal.

OnePlus 13: Battery life You won't need to use the charging port all that often. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

Having said all of that, by far the most impressive thing about the OnePlus 13's performance is its battery life. It lasts so long that testing it for this review was actually more difficult than it usually is for smartphones.

I think you could easily start one day at 100 percent battery and make it well into the afternoon of the next day without plugging in if you wanted to. Evidence: I was able to do that. This thing simply refuses to die, unless you do what I did and loop an HD video in full screen until it dies. Using that method, I was able to wring 24 hours of continuous playback out of the OnePlus 13. Incredible.

If that's not enough, it also charges unbelievably fast, provided you use the included cable and wall adapter. Just half an hour of charging will probably get you through a full day.

OnePlus 13: AI features

Yes, the OnePlus 13 brings some AI features to the fold that weren't present in previous OnePlus devices. Full disclosure: I hate most of the things we call "AI" these days. I made it clear when I reviewed the Google Pixel 9 last year that "magic" text and photo editing tools that use generative AI actually cheapen the experiences of written communication and photography. Unfortunately, OnePlus packed in a handful of AI features that are more or less identical to what I was talking about back then.

For instance, you can have AI clean up or reformat text in your notes or text messages. Ho-hum. Every phone can do that now, plus you should really be able to write your own text messages if you're an adult. Circle to Search is also here, which is one of the few AI features that is actually useful and practical.

Left: Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable Right: Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

Most of the AI features are in the realm of photo editing. You can circle or highlight objects in photos to have objects erase them, just like on Pixel phones. This worked OK in my brief testing, though it inexplicably couldn't remove an object that should have been easily removable in one photo. "Magic Unblur" supposedly removes motion blur from photos, but I had a hard time getting it to make much of a difference.

The same goes for "AI Detail Boost," which is supposed to sharpen images and make them look better. When I tried this, the end results were nearly indistinguishable from the original photos. Your mileage may vary. I don't necessarily want to sound like a Luddite, but the increasing encroachment of these features that make everything look too perfect and fake doesn't make me feel good.

OnePlus 13: Cameras

The aforementioned Hasselblad camera array on the rear end of the OnePlus 13 includes a trio of lenses, in the wide, ultrawide, and telephoto variety. All three measure in at 50MP, which is nice and simple.

In practice, photos taken on the OnePlus 13 using default settings look fine. You'll have to excuse how grey and gloomy New York City was during the testing period. I found that shots generally looked sharp and pretty, if a little unnaturally vibrant compared to what my eyes were actually seeing at times.

It was nasty outside. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

The zoom lens is able to produce impressive levels of clarity from far away, though I would point out that you can see the software fudging some details if you look closely enough.

Zoomed all the way in. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

One issue, which is consistent with my experiences using previous OnePlus phones, is that nighttime shots often look like they have studio lighting on them or something. They're simply too bright for my taste. Yes, you can see what's happening in them better than you could prior to software-enhanced nighttime photography, but it doesn't look anything like what I saw with my eyes.

Too bright IMO. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

Still, aside from that, it's a good set of smartphone cameras. Macro photography allows you to get high amounts of detail on small objects, for instance.

Macro is cool. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

And, as always, portrait mode can create a nice bokeh effect when you need it.

Good boy. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable OnePlus 13: Final thoughts

By most of the metrics that matter, OnePlus 13 is an excellent smartphone. For $899, you get a vibrant display, AI features that at least have some parity with the competition, one of the best smartphone batteries ever, and top-level performance.

Personally, I wouldn't call the OnePlus 13 cameras a selling point on their own, even though they're perfectly fine. Beyond that, I don't love its vegan leather back texture, and I still have major qualms with all of the AI creep in our lives. But if you need a new Android (or Android-like) phone and want to get out of the Apple/Google/Samsung bubble, this is probably the way to do it.

Robot vacuums have come a long way, but they still seem to have trouble with lots of things around the house. Physical obstacles, pathing issues, and user error can all minimize the effectiveness of a robot vacuum, so here are some tips to combat those shortcomings.

Apple is reportedly (and finally) set to bring the more buzzy Apple Intelligence features to its Mail app on Mac.

Though Apple's AI has been rolling out tools for iPhone and iPad users with the launch of iOS 18.2, not all Apple Intelligence features have been extended to Macs — though some were included with macOS Sequoia 15.2 launched in December.

Now, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the company is set to expand its AI capabilities to the Mail app in macOS 15.4 — that's the April-rumoured software update after macOS 15.3, which is expected to launch in late January, early February.

"The Mac will get the upgraded Mail app that uses AI to prioritize messages and sort content into different inboxes," Gurman wrote in his "Power On" newsletter on Sunday. "Right now, iPad and iPhone users are able to tap into the feature — which is terrific — but Mac customers have been left behind. That changes with macOS 15.4, I’m told."

SEE ALSO: MacOS Sequoia 15.2: New features you need to try

The most current version of Apple Intelligence lets users do a whole bunch of things in the Mail app including using Writing Tools to draft messages, composing email responses with Smart Reply, receive summaries of lengthy email threads, and more. Some of these were available with macOS Sequoia 15.2, but Gurman's report suggests the tools that prioritise messages and sort emails into inboxes will now be added — yes, Gmail's had that last one for years.

Featured Video For You iOS 18: 8 cool new features you can try right now, including Apple Intelligence

But it's not the only additional (and coveted) Apple Intelligence feature the company is reportedly bringing to Macs, with Gurman writing that Genmoji, Apple's AI-generated emoji, will be arriving soon, as well as the updated, more capable version of Siri.

"For the first time, Apple is bringing its Genmoji custom emoji to the Mac — following their debut on the iPhone and iPad," wrote Gurman. "The company will add more features by April with iOS 18.4 and macOS 15.4. The big addition at that time will be the new Siri digital assistant, which will be able to better tap into personal information and use the App Intents technology to more precisely control apps."

The report comes a day after Apple pulled its AI-generated news summaries feature, following a series of blatantly false headlines.

Want to know what else you can do with Apple Intelligence on your Mac? Mashable's got you covered — but you might need to turn it on first.

Destructible environments in games are nothing new, though their popularity has fluctuated over the years. Despite never becoming fully mainstream, they're finally making a comeback and transforming online multiplayer.

Australians know bloody good horror. The country's been an unsung hero of the genre for an age, most notably rising on the Ozploitation crest of the Australian New Wave in the '70s and '80s — after the R rating was introduced in Australia. (If you haven't seen the documentary Not Quite Hollywood, do yourself a favour.) But even in the last few decades, it seems Australian filmmakers are intent on reminding horror fans of the country's screen legacy, with the likes of Talk to Me, The Babadook, Lake Mungo, and more terrifying audiences with a uniquely Aussie flair.

Beer-drenched psychological nightmares in Broken Hill, hauntings and possessions in suburban Adelaide, creature features that eat up stunning Top End cinematography, and found footage terrors under Sydney's CBD — there's a massive array of horror movies coming out of Australia, each more strange, disturbing, and innovative than the last. There are horror-comedies that blend zombies with Taylor Swift, monster movies that unpack generational trauma, and the beginning of one of the most successful (and most squirm-inducing) horror franchises of all time.

SEE ALSO: Pick the perfect horror movie for tonight with Mashable's 'What to Watch' picker

Some of the best Australian horror films, including those of the Australian New Wave like The Devil's Playground and Lady Stay Dead, aren't currently streaming online; instead they're only available at film libraries or when shown at film festivals in one-offs. So we haven't included those here, even though they're absolute gems, and we'll keep updating this list. In the meantime, here, in no particular order, are 34 excellent Australian horror films that'll mess you up — and where you can watch them online (you might have to use a VPN for some of them).

Before we start, I would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which these films were made. I would also like to pay my respects to Elders past and present. Sovereignty was never ceded.

1. Wake in Fright Donald Pleasence is unsettling as the menacing Clarence "Doc" Tydon. Credit: Moviestore / Shutterstock

Small outback towns could have done without Wake In Fright. Based on Kenneth Cook's novel, this defining 1971 Australian New Wave film is probably one of the first people think of when you say "Australian horror" (even if director Ted Kotcheff is Canadian). A deeply sinister tale of a teacher (Gary Bond) who finds himself in debt and spiraling in a booze-soaked town in rural New South Wales, Wake In Fright would define the Australian landscape of horror in the '70s. Donald Pleasence is deeply unsettling as the menacing Clarence "Doc" Tydon, and the film's infamous kangaroo hunting scene is still controversial (real kangaroos were hunted and killed in this awful, frantically filmed sequence).

Filmed on-location in Broken Hill, the small town and its surrounds become the stuff of nightmares thanks to Brian West's brazen cinematography, John Scott's maddening score, and Anthony Buckley's intentionally chaotic editing. And if you've ever wanted to ditch booze, this film might do it for you.

How to watch: Wake In Fright is now streaming on Plex in the U.S.; not currently streaming in the UK or Australia.

2. The Babadook BA-BA-DOOOOOOOK... Credit: Matt Nettheim / Causeway / Smoking Gun Prods / Kobal / Shutterstock

If you're having a conversation about Australian horror movies and The Babadook doesn't come up, I'll eat my very tall, very creepy hat. Jennifer Kent's now-iconic feature debut, based on her 2005 short Monster, this exceptional, terrifying film has become synonymous with modern Australian horror. An elegant, poignant, and frankly terrifying analysis of loss, not to mention one of the most impactful monster movies of the 2010s, The Babadook will scare the hell out of you with its titular top-hatted creature — one who became an unofficial mascot of Pride outside the film.

Of course, Kent's next film The Nightingale is another type of horror in itself.

How to watch: The Babadook is now streaming on Shudder in the U.S. and Australia, and on Netflix in the UK.

3. Next of Kin

Tony Williams' moody, haunting, 1982 psychological horror is an Australian cult classic for a reason. Jackie Kerin is marvellous as the pragmatic Linda Stevens, who inherits her late mother's stately retirement estate, Montclare, and the cast of lively senior characters within it. But there's something strange going on within the halls, and more than a few family secrets. It's got the essence of The Shining with its prolonged hallway meandering, disturbing surrealism, and bathroom-based horrors, and there's significant Hitchcock about it with all those dolly zooms. But the film will get under your skin with its own brand of horror; Gary Hansen's impeccable cinematography makes for a terrible feast (there's a slow motion hallway run with Kerin that is the stuff of legend) and Max Lemon's editing is unrelenting. Plus, a young John Jarratt (Wolf Creek) plays Linda's flame Barney, and he's a face that'll come up a lot in this list.

How to watch: Next of Kin is now streaming on Screambox via Prime Video in the U.S. and on Shudder in the UK and Australia.

4. Talk to Me YouTubers RackaRacka hit a six with their feature debut. Credit: Courtesy of A24

Teenagers carrying out rituals to contact the dead may have been done before, but YouTubers Danny and Michael Philippou (aka RackaRacka) put their own horrifying spin on the genre in Talk To Me. This Aussie shocker is a waking nightmare wherein a group of teens use an eerily lifelike hand statue to open a door to "the other side" — with serious consequences if they don't break their hold before 90 seconds has passed.

"In the end, Talk to Me is a terrifically scary horror movie, thanks to powerful performances, creepy creature designs, a splash of blood and gore, and practical effects that'll blow your mind and chill your spine. Like its sister in Sundance 2023's Midnight slate, Birth/Rebirth, Talk to Me is the rare horror trip that knows just when to end — with a wallop," writes Kristy Puchko in her Mashable review. "If you're looking for some freaky frightening fun, be sure to reach out and touch this one."* — Sam Haysom, Deputy UK Editor

How to watch: Talk to Me is now streaming on Paramount+ via Prime Video in the U.S., and on Netflix in the UK and Australia.

5. Razorback BEHOLD! Credit: Russell Mulcahy UAa Films / Western Film Prod.

It's the legendary monster boar movie of the '80s with some of the best opening and ending sequences in creature feature horror. Based on Peter Brennan's 1981 novel, Razorback is a surreal, tusked nightmare brought to life by Highlander director Russell Mulcahy and written by Everett De Roche (Patrick/Roadgames).

Set in the small New South Wales town of Gamulla, the film follows several people tormented by a massive razorback hog, primarily wisened boar hunter Jake Cullen (a sublime performance by Bill Kerr). When animal rights campaigner Beth Winters (Judy Morris) visits the town on assignment, she's not exactly welcomed by all the locals, some of whom make the titular beast seem like a fluffy toy. When Beth goes missing, the race is on for her husband Carl (Gregory Harrison) to find her in this dangerous landscape.

Director of photography Dean Semler's post-Mad Max 2 cinematography (including a POV boar cam) is perfection, Icehouse co-founder Iva Davies is behind the film's menacing score, and pre-The Matrix special effects designer Bob McCarron created one hell of a four-hoofed villain. You have to see that ending. 

How to watch: Razorback is now available to rent/buy on Prime Video in the U.S. and the UK, and is streaming on Shudder in Australia.

6. Little Monsters Won't somebody think of the children? Oh Lupita Nyong'o does. Credit: Universal

This indie horror comedy directed by Abe Forsythe is one of the strangest on this list, and one of the most surprising. Here's the pitch: a school excursion to a small family fun park is disrupted by zombie mayhem, as the park i's conveniently located beside an inexplicable U.S. Army base doing dodgy tests on humans. Lupita Nyong'o is in the lead as a ukulele-playing kindergarten teacher, tasked with keeping her adorable class of pint-sized children uneaten and unaware of the danger they're in. But she's not alone, being accompanied by one of the kids' uncles, Dave (Alexander England), and a touring kids entertainer (Josh Gad). There's a lot of cute musical numbers, Taylor Swift appreciation, and gruesome zombie moments — a zombie whose attempt to eat an echidna unscathed is a visual I will not forget soon.

"Going into Little Monsters, you might be expecting a fairly standard zom-com with an irreverent Antipodean twist and cute kids, like Shaun of the Dead meets Black Sheep tinged with Kindergarten Cop," wrote Mashable's former Australia Editor Caitlin Welsh in her review. "What you actually get is an emotional trojan horse, drawing you in with goofy gore and familiar genre beats before hitting you with a surprisingly affecting story about how being responsible for small humans is actually scarier than any monster."

How to watch: Little Monsters is now streaming on Prime Video in the U.S. and on Now TV in the UK, and is available to rent/buy on Prime Video in Australia.

7. Thirst Chantal Contouri leads this twist on the vampire movie. Credit: Fg Film / Kobal / Shutterstock

A cult of vampires who believe drinking blood is "the ultimate aristocratic act" lies at the heart of Thirst, a 1979 gem. Directed by Rod Hardy and written by John Pinkney,, the film centres on Kate Davis (Chantal Contouri), whose family legacy sees her kidnapped into a rich commune, where they drive golf carts, ride in helicopters, and casually drink the blood of the living people trapped on their "farm". Kate tries to resist fate and shun the bloodthirsty call of the vampire, and Contouri gives an excellent performance, as Kate slips slowly into macabre madness through cold, scientific "conditioning". Thirst essentially uses the vampire genre to unpack unprocessed childhood trauma, and there's some excellent set pieces, including a cursed blood shower. Yes, there are some deeply unsexy sex scenes, but we'll forgive them.

How to watch: Thirst is now streaming on Tubi in the U.S., on Shudder via Prime Video in the UK, and on Prime Video in Australia.

8. Wolf Creek "Nothing like rain water from the Top End." Credit: True Crime / Best Fx / Kobal / Shutterstock

One of the nastiest horror films of the 2000s, Wolf Creek has become synonymous with modern Australian horror. When I first saw this film at the cinema at 17 in 2005, I wasn't really the same after it. Written and directed by Greg McLean, it smashed the box office, making $30 million globally with a $1 million budget. But it wasn't without controversy when it first released, as McLean based the screenplay and his villain on real murders by killers Ivan Milat and Bradley John Murdoch.

Essentially, the film might make you never want to take a road trip again — though it strangely boosted tourism. Backpackers Liz, Kristy, and Ben (Cassandra Magrath, Kestie Morassi, and Nathan Phillips) make an unknowingly perilous stop at Wolf Creek National Park en route to Cairns, where they're captured by cackling killer Mick Taylor (a now iconic performance by longtime horror actor John Jarratt — yes, he's in this one!). There's a sequel, a TV series, and plans for a third film, but this is the nightmare that started it all.

How to watch: Wolf Creek is now streaming on Tubi in the U.S. and on Stan in Australia, and is available to rent/buy on AppleTV+ in the UK.

9. Lake Mungo 

A terrifying 2008 gem of a film, Lake Mungo is superb documentary-style psychological horror. Written and directed by Joel Anderson and told in docufiction style, the film centres around the mysterious drowning of Alice Palmer (Talia Zucker) in the small town of Ararat. Police videos, home movies, surveillance footage, news reports, and interviews with Alice's family and friends make up this deeply compelling film, which moves into potentially supernatural territory pretty damn quickly. The performances are so good you'll forget it's fiction and there's some pretty spooky footage on hand here.

For Mashable, writer and editor Jenni Miller described Lake Mungo as a film that "perfectly captures the everyday horrors of grief and the bone-deep sadness that lingers among the living. It's not fun per se, but it feels necessary — especially in a society in which we bury our grief along with the dead rather than grapple with the realities of loss."

How to watch: Lake Mungo is now streaming on Prime Video in the U.S. and on streaming on Shudder in the UK and Australia.

10. Relic Emily Mortimer leads this exceptional horror by Natalie Erika James. Credit: AGBO / Signature / Kobal / Shutterstock

Director Natalie Erika James explores the darkness of dementia and unprocessed trauma in Relic, a deeply unsettling and moving horror that uses the supernatural to examine Alzheimer's. Set in rural Victoria, the film sees protagonist Kay (Emily Mortimer) and her daughter Sam (Bella Heathcote) called to the remote home of Kay's mother, Edna (the legendary Robyn Nevin), who is in need of care. Darkness literally and metaphorically invades Edna's house as her mind deteriorates, becoming a haunting, sinister shell of memory and paranoia. With a moving and terrifying screenplay by James and Christian White, and tense cinematography from Charlie Sarroff, Relic manages to visualise the fears of a changing mind. 

How to watch: Relic is now streaming on Shudder in the U.S., on BBC iPlayer in the UK, and on Stan in Australia.

11. The Tunnel

A nail-biter of a found footage horror that functions as a fictional documentary, The Tunnel is a deeply clever film that plays the long game — and it's somehow only 70 minutes. What begins as a team of investigative journalists led by Natasha Warner (Bel Deliá) digging into missing persons in disused tunnels under Sydney ends as a nightmare, with the production team building cold hard dread through reflective interviews, CCTV footage, and the crew's own terrifying, torch-lit filming. Directed by Carlo Ledesma, and written, edited, and produced by Enzo Tedeschi and Julian Harvey, The Tunnel features tremendously convincing performances from Deliá, Steve Davis, Andy Rodoreda, and Luke Arnold. You'll dread every single turn of the camera, and Sasha Zastavnikovic's sound design is simply terrifying. 

The film was released in 2011 in cinemas, on DVD, on cable TV, and for free on BitTorrent simultaneously, with the filmmakers selling each frame of the film for $1 on a crowdfunding site. "Yep, it was given away to watch and share for free online, making it probably one of the only films in history to be able to legitimately claim a piracy rate of zero," reads the film's still-live website. "The end result was an explosion of viewership around the globe for the humble Australian film, amassing over 25M views and downloads across the internet."

Plus this one gets points for being an Australian horror movie set in a city — it’s a rarity! 

How to watch: The Tunnel is now streaming on Shudder.

12. Black Water The majority of "Black Water" looks like this. And it works. Credit: David Nerlich / Andrew Traucki Territorial Film Developments

There are a lot of croc movies out there (including Rogue up next), but don't discount Black Water on account of that. It's a brutal survival film written and directed by Andrew Traucki (who also did The Reef) and David Nerlich. Relatively low budget with a tiny cast and deeply convincing visual effects, Black Water is sadly based on a real tragedy. In the film, Grace (Diana Glenn), her sister Lee (Maeve Dermody), and her husband Adam (Andy Rodoreda) take a sporadic boat tour through a mangrove swamp in northern Australia's crocodile country, and end up stuck in a tree being hunted by a colossal, calculating saltwater croc. The young cast do an impressive job with this situational nightmare, spending most of the film clinging to the mangrove branches, keeping their feet aloft, and coming to terms with dwindling hope.

How to watch: Black Water is streaming on Hoopla in the U.S., is available to rent/buy on Amazon Prime in the UK, and is streaming on Brollie in Australia.

13. Rogue  "Rogue" and "Black Water" are very different. Credit: Moviestore / Shutterstock

Filmed before Black Water with a much bigger budget, Rogue was reportedly based on the same real events (and in this film, it feels like a very loose basis). Written, directed, and produced by Wolf Creek's Greg McLean, Rogue is another type of beautifully-shot tourist nightmare, making it more of a Jaws of the Top End — complete with a need for a bigger boat. A river tour finds themselves at the peril of a massive crocodile when they investigate a distress signal — it wasn't ideal for the Nostromo crew, and it's not ideal here. The cast does some serious work between escape attempts: Sam Worthington shines as the obnoxious but extremely useful Neil, Stephen Curry is a delight as a major camera show-off, John Jarratt (yep, he's here!) plays a grieving widower, a tiny Mia Wasikowska plays a teen with her parents, and Radha Mitchell plays their noble captain with her dog Kevin. But the lead, surprisingly, is Michael Vartan as an American travel writer looking for a big, sharp-toothed scoop. He finds it.

How to watch: Rogue is now streaming on Starz in the U.S., on Freevee in the UK, and on Stan in Australia.

14. Late Night with the Devil "But first, some messages..." Credit: IFC Films and Shudder

If you like your horror lean and mean, you must see this '70s-set indie from Australian writers/directors Cameron Cairnes and Colin Cairnes (aka the Cairnes Brothers).

David Dastmalchian, a character actor who's unnerved us in The Boogeyman and Prisoners, headlines here as Jack Delroy, a talk show host who is so determined to best Johnny Carson's ratings that he invites an allegedly possessed girl to be a guest on his Halloween special. Part showbiz satire, part found-footage horror, Late Night with the Devil uses a low-fi look and keenly creepy effects to create a throwback tale of terror that is rank with fresh blood. While the film's been criticized for its use of AI, its scares are so satisfying that it earned praise from none other than the master of horror himself, Stephen King. So, take a cue from our review: "Tune in and hang on. Dastmalchian and his demon are coming for you."* —Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

How to watch: Late Night with the Devil is now streaming on Hulu in the U.S. and on Shudder in the UK and Australia.

15. Saw A defining moment for 2000s horror. Credit: Evolution / Saw Prods Inc / Kobal / Shutterstock

While the Saw series has become synonymous with the torture porn variety of horror (not really my cup of tea), the original film is a superb, deeply cruel puzzle wrapped in a serial killer mystery inside the most horrible bathroom of cinema. It's another film I was rattled by as a teenager, in 2006, and would never really see horror the same way afterwards. The concept is simple: two men (played by Saw filmmaker Leigh Whannell and Cary Elwes) wake up shackled in said decrepit room with nothing but their wits and a rusty hacksaw. Unimaginable decisions must be made to survive this "game" created by sadistic serial killer John "Jigsaw" Kramer (Tobin Bell). 

Filmmakers James Wan and Whannell infamously tried to get funding for the original Saw in Australia, then took it to the U.S. after no Aussie studios would take a bite. But Lionsgate did after Saw debuted at Sundance and now it's one of the most successful horror franchises of all time — we're up to Saw X at this point. Just a little cautionary tale for any Australian studios not taking locally made horror seriously.

How to watch: Saw is now streaming on Max in the U.S., on Netflix in the UK, and and on Stan in Australia.

16. Upgrade Logan Marshall-Green plays an unstoppable revenge machine. Credit: Blumhouse

One of the only tech-based horror films on this list, Upgrade is a deeply Mashable movie. Saw co-creator Leigh Whannell wrote and directed this underrated cyberpunk revenge gem. Logan Marshall-Green is a compelling lead as Grey Trace, a tech-hating man who loses his wife in a vicious assault — and becomes paralysed. Convinced by mysterious inventor Eron Keen (a deeply creepy Harrison Gilbertson) to have a unique chip implanted in his body, Grey regains use of his limbs. But he doesn't just regain his regular human abilities, he's now an unstoppable revenge machine. And (of course) there's more than a few catches.

How to watch: Upgrade is now streaming on Netflix in the U.S., on Now TV in the UK, and is available to rent/buy on Prime Video in Australia.

17. Sissy Credit: Arcadia

A glorious newer horror gem from director-writers Hannah Barlow and Kane Senes, Sissy brings Black Mirror energy to a slasher drenched in blood, bubbly, and social media influencer juice. Anchored in violent childhood playground trauma, Sissy is led by eponymous protagonist Cecilia (a spectacularly nuanced performance from The Bold Type's Aisha Dee), a self-help influencer, who'd rather keep her past — and embarrassing schoolyard nickname — buried. Running into her childhood best friend Emma (Barlow), she finds herself invited to a hen's weekend away at the property of an unwelcome blast from the past (Emily De Margheriti). Cecilia struggles to maintain the facade, and frankly, isn't feeling these negative vibes intruding in her "safe space," you know? The perfect movie marathon partner to Bodies Bodies Bodies, Sissy quite literally bludgeons influencer culture with some shockingly gory sequences, the body count climbing as quickly as Cecilia's likes.* — S.C.

How to watch: Sissy is now streaming on Shudder.

18. You'll Never Find Me  A lot with a little. Credit: Shudder

The directorial debut of Indianna Bell and Josiah Allen, You'll Never Find Me does a lot with a little: two actors, one trailer, and the darkest, stormiest night. A tale of power, vulnerability, and mind games plays out when a woman (Jordan Cowan) shows up at a man called Patrick's (Brendan Rock) isolated trailer seeking shelter from the deluge. But who is she? Who is he? Do they know each other? Who has the upper hand here? You'll be kept guessing at every turn in this clever horror thriller.

Mashable's Sam Haysom described the film in his review as a "a masterclass in tension, trapping us in a dingy room with its troubled leads and ratcheting up the suspense with lingering close-ups, oppressive sound design, and a script that keeps you guessing until the final moments."

How to watch: You'll Never Find Me is now streaming on Shudder.

19. The Cars That Ate Paris Look at that thing. Credit: Saltpaan / Afdc / Royce Smeal / Kobal / Shutterstock

One of the strangest films you'll see in an age, Peter Weir's Australian New Wave classic The Cars That Ate Paris eludes description (but we'll try). You'll be enticed by the film's poster images of a silver car bedecked in giant spikes, but Mad Max this is not. Instead it's a creepy tale of the town of Paris (it was really filmed in Sofala), where the locals don't take too kindly to visitors. Traveller Arthur Waldo (Terry Camilleri) sees it all first-hand, and it's deeply weird stuff. It's almost a comedy, almost a thriller, almost a horror, almost an action, and absolutely worth your time.

How to watch: The Cars That Ate Paris is now available to rent/buy on Apple TV+.

20. Daybreakers  Dream team: Willem Dafoe, Ethan Hawke, Claudia Karvan. Credit: Lionsgate / Kobal / Shutterstock

Writer-directors Michael and Peter Spierig's Daybreakers may have a predominantly Hollywood cast, but this Australian-American production fits the bill for this list. Vampires rule the world in this 2009 gem, with the creatures of the night rolling around town in blacked out cars. Problem is, they rule a little too hard, so there's a blood shortage, one that sees Ethan Hawke's vampire hematologist Edward (yes, Edward) working on a synthetic alternative, with ruthless overlord Charles Bromley (Sam Neill) breathing down everyone's necks. But Edward's literally derailed, finding his way into a group of humans including Australian icon Claudia Karvan and meeting former vamp Elvis, played to perfection by Willem Dafoe.

How to watch: Daybreakers is now streaming on AMC+ in the U.S., on Plex in the UK, and on Stan in Australia.

21. The Wyrmwood movies "Bonkers" doesn't cut it. Credit: Guerilla Film / Kobal / Shutterstock

If you’re after midnight screening-worthy grindhouse horror, Wyrmwood is for you. The Wyrmwood films, Road of the Dead and Apocalypse, are absolute chaos, drenched in blood, brutal sound effects, and deadpan humour. Made by the filmmaking Roache-Turner brothers, Kiah and Tristan, the two films are characterised by frantic close-ups and sickening zooms that bring you way too close to the action for comfort, overwhelming fish-eye lens use, a sharp script, and a lot of gore.

The first film, Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead, is a low budget zombie movie that delivers 90 minutes of screeching madness. It centres on siblings Brooke (Bianca Bradey) and Barry (Jay Gallagher), who separately come face to face with the outbreak in horrific circumstances. On the road to locate Brooke, Barry teams up with the hilarious Benny (Leon Burchill) and straight-talking Frank (Keith Agius). Brooke spends the film in a nightmare situation, imprisoned by a sadistic doctor, while her brother gets to ride around Mad Max vigilante style fighting zombies. But she gets her revenge. And as for the sequel, Wyrmwood: Apocalypse, which picks up immediately after the first film, we're talking bigger budget, old and new characters (with welcome additions in Shantae Barnes-Cowan, Tasia Zalar, and Luke McKenzie), and more high octane horror madness. There isn't one scene in these movies that's not covered in blood. 

How to watch: Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead is now streaming on AMC+ in the U.S., on ITVx in the UK, and on Stan in Australia.

Wyrmwood: Apocalypse is now streaming on Tubi in the U.S., on Plex in the UK, and is available to rent/buy on Apple TV+ in Australia.

22. BeDevil

Tracey Moffatt's surreal 1993 ghost story trilogy BeDevil is the artist's debut feature that premiered at Cannes. Weaving three ghost stories into one strange and undefinable nightmare, BeDevil embodies Moffatt's signature style, also seen in her revered short Night Cries: A Rural Tragedy, with hyper-real sequences, extremely saturated colour, and an unsettling score to send you off kilter. Australian legend Jack Charles stars in "Mr. Chuck", the story of a swamp presence that haunts a young boy on Bribie Island, who reflects on it decades later in staged documentary interviews. In "Choo Choo Choo Choo" Moffatt herself plays Ruby Morphet, whose family are haunted on their property in Queensland. And in "Lovin' the Spin I'm in", a Torres Strait Islander couple meet a tragic fate.

Geoff Burton’s striking cinematography, Wayne Le Clos’ erratic editing, Stephen Curtis’ dramatic production design, and Carl Vine’s bonkers score, all combine with Moffatt's vision to create a truly one of a kind creation — and it was the first feature film directed by an Australian Aboriginal woman. Plus, the choreography comes from future Bangarra Dance Theatre artistic director Stephen Page with his late brother, acclaimed dancer Russell Page, performing.

How to watch: BeDevil is now streaming on Ovid in the U.S., and streaming on SBS On Demand in Australia.

23. Monolith "One on-screen actor, one location, and a budget of less than half a million." Credit: Well Go USA

Micro-budget Monolith follows a disgraced journalist trying to revive her career with a podcast delving into the unexplained. But when a story about mysterious black bricks lands in her inbox, she finds herself getting sucked into something she genuinely can't make sense of.

"It almost sounds like a challenge: Can you make a feature length movie with only one on-screen actor, one location, and a budget of less than half a million?" I wrote in my review for Mashable. "Written by Lucy Campbell and shot by Matt Vesely, eerie sci-fi mystery Monolith exists within these potentially tricky parameters. Almost the entire movie takes place in a modern, isolated house in the rolling Adelaide Hills, South Australia, following a disgraced journalist (Lily Sullivan) as she yarn-balls a weird global enigma for her new podcast series. The film could easily have been a dismally failed experiment, but Monolith's logistical restrictions actually help it shine, adding a claustrophobia and sense of realism that only heightens the core mystery."

Once you've watched the movie, see if you agree with our interpretation of the ending. — S.H.

How to watch: Monolith is now streaming on Prime Video in the U.S., on Now TV in the UK, and on Binge in Australia.

24. Roadgames A true, weird gem. Credit: Moviestore / Shutterstock

It's more of a thriller than a horror, but Richard Franklin's Roadgames deserves a spot on this list because it's creepy and legendary. Stacy Keach gives one hell of a performance as Patrick Quid, who drives a truck (but don’t call him a truck driver) across Australia. He spends his drives talking to his dingo companion Boswell and amusing himself with his harmonica. Driving across the Nullabor with a truck full of meat to deliver to Perth, Patrick realises he's on the trail of a sadistic serial killer. Along the road he picks up hitchhiker Pamela Rushworth (Jamie Lee Curtis) and his hunt intensifies — and the lines between reality and hallucination begin to blur. 

How to watch: Roadgames is now streaming on Prime Video in the U.S. and on Brollie in Australia.

25. The Loved Ones Xavier Samuel goes through it in this 2000s film. Credit: Screen Australia / Kobal / Shutterstock

A messed up tale of Misery-like violent obsession, body horror, teen angst, and incest, The Loved Ones is a nasty little bastard. Grieving teen Brent (Xavier Samuel) is held captive and tortured by teen psychopath Lola and her extremely creepy father after he turns down her invitation to the school dance. A glittering, disco ball-topped, blood-drenched party from hell, Lola's home dance is pure evil that gets worse and worse. The Loved Ones came out a few years after the storm of torture porn films like Saw and Hostel were dominating box offices, and director Sean Byrne inflicts a lot of nasty body horror in his feature debut. McLeavy is truly unhinged as our Carrie-meets-Annie Wilkes-inspired villain Lola, and Samuel has a tough job as Brent, spending most of the film unable to scream or move. You'll never listen to Kasey Chambers' "Am I Not Pretty Enough?" the same way.

How to watch: The Loved Ones is now streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S., on ITVx in the UK, and on Stan in Australia.

26. Snowtown A punishing watch. Credit: Screen Australia / Warp X Australia / Kobal / Shutterstock

As bleak as it gets. Alongside Hounds of Love, these are two punishing, brutal movies I can't really recommend watching, but they've become so ingrained in the Australian horror narrative I thought I'd include a nod.

Based on the real, horrifying murders committed in the '90s in Adelaide, Snowtown (also stylised as The Snowtown Murders) is a deeply chilling, slow burning horror that comes here with a major content warning. These are extreme roles for the actors playing serial killers John Bunting (Daniel Henshall), Robert Wagner (Aaron Viergever), and James Vlassakis (Lucas Pittaway); Henshall's portrayal in particular is the stuff modern day nightmares are made of.

How to watch: Snowtown is now streaming on AMC+ in the U.S., on BFI Player in the UK, and is available to rent/buy on Apple TV+ in Australia.

27. The Royal Hotel Kitty Green spans the genres with "The Royal Hotel." Credit: NEON

A psychological horror-thriller, The Royal Hotel is another nightmare in the outback that fuses genres to deeply stressful effect. Directed by The Assistant's Kitty Green, the film sees American backpackers Liv (Jessica Henwick) and Hanna (Julia Garner) hitting the road and finding work in the local pub of a mining town — the film was shot in the town of Yatina, South Australia, north of Adelaide. They just want to make some money to keep their trip going, but they're plunged into a tense pit of threat by the locals. Writing for Mashable, critic Siddhant Adlakha describes the film as "a concise, nail-biting movie about the world as experienced by women, and the aggressive (and often unspoken) impositions that define the male spaces around them."

How to watch: The Royal Hotel is now streaming on Hulu in the U.S., on Now TV in the UK, and on Binge in Australia.

28. The Moogai Beware "The Moogai". Credit: Elise Lockwood

Jon Bell's impactful, heartbreaking psychological horror film The Moogai is one of the newer films on this list, out in 2024. An expansion of Bell's short of the same name, the film uses the supernatural creature feature format to examine generational trauma, specifically the lasting impact of the Australian government's forced removal of Aboriginal children from their communities known as the Stolen Generations. The Moogai itself is a Bundjalung term for a spirit or entity who steals children — and as the film describes, "A spirit whose primary aim is to do exactly what the white Australians have done for decades." Shari Sebbens delivers an impeccable performance as Sarah, a woman tormented by the Moogai and terrified of losing her children to it — and it's understandable, the character design here is the stuff of nightmares.

How to watch: The Moogai had a cinematic release in 2024, with streaming details TBC.

29. Picnic at Hanging Rock A haunting Australian classic. Credit: David Kynoch / Picnic / Bef / Aust Film Commission / Kobal / Shutterstock

Though it's not a true story, author Joan Lindsay's eerie tale, Picnic at Hanging Rock, has become a bit of an Australian myth, made further iconic through Peter Weir's moody, hypnotic film. The story goes that on Valentine's Day, 1900, a group of private school girls went for a picnic excursion at Hanging Rock near Mount Macdeon, Victoria — and not everyone returned. Disappeared without a trace. And that wouldn't be the end of the disturbing events. Weir's classic Australian New Wave film isn't shock horror, more a slow burning exercise in trance-like dread and unsolved mystery. You'll go to sleep with that eerie Romanian panpipe score rattling through your head, dreaming of straw hats and parasols. Plus, John Jarratt's in this one! 

How to watch: Picnic at Hanging Rock is now streaming on Max in the U.S. and on Shudder in the UK, and is available to rent/buy on Apple TV+ in Australia.

30. Ghost Ship Tiny Emily Browning! Credit: Warner Bros / Kobal / Shutterstock

Hands down, Ghost Ship boasts one of the best opening scenes in a horror film. Directed by Steve Beck and written Mark Hanlon and John Pogue, this 2002 film should not be dismissed among its more schlocky 2000s peers. In the middle of the Bering Sea, passengers on Italian cruise ship MS Antonia Graza meet a grisly demise in the '60s. Decades later, a salvage crew investigates, and finds some passengers never really left — and have no intention of letting their new shipmates leave. The cast is a banger: Gabriel Byrne, Karl Urban, Julianna Margulies, Isaiah Washington, Alex Dimitriades, and a young Emily Browning.

How to watch: Ghost Ship is now available to rent/buy on Prime Video in the U.S., and is streaming on Netflix in the UK and on Stan in Australia.

31. Cargo A twist on the zombie apocalypse genre. Credit: Matt Nettheim / Netflix

If you love the devastating human stories of zombie tales like The Last of Us, you might like Cargo. Set in a post-apocalyptic South Australia amid a violent pandemic (but released before the COVID pandemic), Martin Freeman leads this horrible journey through the stunning Flinders Ranges. Directors Yolanda Ramke and Ben Howling developed Cargo from their viral short film, which was a 2018 Tropfest finalist (Australia's major short film festival). It's a moving story of survival and what we'll do for our loved ones, even in the most hopeless reality.

When an inexorable tragedy strikes married couple Andy (Freeman) and Kay (Susie Porter), Andy is racing the clock to get his baby daughter Rosie somewhere safe. On the way Andy finds help in unexpected places, but not everyone's so accommodating. Freeman is exceptional, playing a man at the mercy of inevitability, and is well supported by a strong, small cast including David Gulpilil, Simone Landers, Susie Porter, Natasha Wanganeen, Kris McQuade, Anthony Hayes, and Bruce R. Carter. Cargo notably makes impactful points about colonial poisoning of and disrespect for the land itself, with the majority of the zombie-handling done by the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land.

How to watch: Cargo is now streaming on Netflix.

32. Boar

Taking villain cues from Australian classic Razorback (also in this list, of course), Boar is a gloriously grisly horror set in a small town called Kandanga. John Jarratt (yep!) successfully sheds the Wolf Creek creep for a beer-swilling, shit-talking widower channelling Razorback's Jake Cullen, on the hunt for a massive wild hog on the rampage. Two bickering old blokes (Jarratt and Roger Ward as Blue) four sheets to the wind are the best hope the town has.

Writer-director Chris Sun's script is genuinely funny with uncomfortable characterisation at points (there’s a fair bit of casual sexism and homophobia in the script). The film also sheds the ‘70s love for pitting Australian towns as realms of Wake In Fright-level villains; the people of Kandanga are just regular folks who genuinely care about each other — and former WWE star Nathan Jones and soap star/singer Melissa Tkautz deliver standout performances. As Mashable's Sam Haysom put it, "Any film that features a hippo-sized monster pig going up against a former WWE wrestler has to be a little bit tongue-in-cheek."

How to watch: Boar is now streaming on Shudder.

33. Birdeater The bucks weekend from hell. Credit: Umbrella Entertainment

The elevator pitch for Birdeater is pure horror in itself: a woman joins her fiancé at his all-male bucks weekend (for everyone outside Australia, that's a stag do or bachelor party). From the minute sinister Nice Guy Louis (Mackenzie Fearnley) suggests his girlfriend Irene (Shabana Azeez) join his mates for the weekend, things are off. Directors Jack Clark and Jim Weir pay more than homage to Wake In Fright here, expertly suspending you in unease for two hours, drenched in beer, toxic masculinity, and deep dread. Clark's sparse, impactful script slowly reveals horrible truths about the characters' relationships and past actions. It's a cruel game of manipulation and gaslighting and it'll be more than awkward for everyone in the morning.

How to watch: Birdeater is now showing in U.S. cinemas and is available to rent/buy on Apple TV+ in Australia.

34. Run Rabbit Run Spooky stuff with Sarah Snook. Credit: Netflix

Psychological horror requires a strong lead, and thankfully they don't get much stronger than Succession star Sarah Snook. In Daina Reid's tense nightmare, fertility doctor Sarah (Snook) struggles to cope with the increasingly odd behaviour of her seven-year-old daughter Mia (Lily LaTorre). I know what you're thinking: Unnerving kids are almost as well-worn a horror trope as mask-wearing serial killers. The good news, though, is Reid does an excellent job with the subgenre, taking a well-written script from Hannah Kent and layering in an uncanny atmosphere with a deeper journey into repressed childhood trauma. The clues are all there for us to unpack, but the reveal at the end still provides a solid gut-punch, and the journey to get there is filled with excellent acting and ratcheting tension.* — S.H.

How to watch: Run Rabbit Run is streaming now on Netflix.

UPDATE: Jan. 20, 2025, 12:20 p.m. UTC This article was first published on Oct. 24, 2024 and has been updated with current streaming and release details.

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Access free live streams of the 2025 Australian Open by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia

4. Visit 9Now

5. Watch the 2025 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Gauff vs. Badosa without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Australian Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on 9Now, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Gauff vs. Badosa in the 2025 Australian Open for free with ExpressVPN.

SAVE $15: As of Jan. 20, Apple's AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancelation are on sale at Best Buy for $164.99 as part of its Deal of the Day. This is $15 off their list price of $179.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $164.99 at Best Buy
$179.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal

Best Buy's Deal of the Day always has a nice little selection of discounted treats for shoppers, and today's deals are no different. If you've had your eyes on the new Apple AirPods 4 with active noise cancelation, they're currently included among the Deal of the Day discounts with a very nice price tag of $164.99.

This saves you $15 off their list price of $179.99. Not to mention, you get three months free of Apple Music with your purchase which is an excellent bonus. You only have through the rest of the day to take advantage of this deal, so act fast to secure this discount on the AirPods 4 with ANC before they return to their normal price.

SEE ALSO: Rate your favorite smart home gear for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card

These earbuds are worth every penny as well, especially with ANC. In our review of these sleek new earbuds, Mashable's Kimberly Gedeon praises the noise cancelation, saying "The active noise cancellation is elite, allowing me to immerse myself into the honeyed soundwaves that emanate from the AirPods 4." She also says that "The AirPods 4 are, without a doubt, the best in-ear earbuds I've ever tested in a long while."

Don't miss out on this very limited-time deal on the Apple AirPods 4 with active noise cancelation at Best Buy.

Looking for even more Apple deals? Thankfully, there are quite a few to check out right now. Some of our favorites include this discount on the Apple AirPods Pro 2 at Amazon and the AirPods Max with USB-C are also on sale at Best Buy right now.

The feeling of existing in a messy space can create a sense of uneasiness. Clutter is not just restricted to the physical space around you, it can even impact your iPhone. Here are a few tricks that can help you quickly clear out the mess.