What is it about January, specifically, that screams pure terror? 💀

It's no secret that the first month of the year can be deemed a "Dead Zone" for movies, with a lot of distributors choosing to release their less-anticipated films (read: underestimated genre flicks) following the star-studded holiday rush in hopes of burying them like a dead body in the snow. However, I would argue that trend is on the way out, with major studios like Paramount banking on big properties (ahem, Scream) in this space, even with certain segments of their target audience still scared (or physically unable) to go to a multiplex. 

But it's much more than just a grim reputation with Hollywood types that makes January one of the scariest times of the year. The month has an downright morbid vibe from Day 1, with folks forced to confront their waning mortality as they crossover from one year to the next, their inner demons slipping through the cracks in their already unsteady walls for an untimely visit. What's more, depending on where you are in the world, this period can come with a dramatic change in temperature as well, forcing you to literally chill out or be chilled (this Canadian should know). 🥶

In good news, there are plenty of winter-set horror movies out there ready to warm your black heart as you battle the beginning-of-the-year blues. I know I find myself rewatching classics like Misery and The Thing around this time, along with modern faves The Blackcoat's Daughter, Crimson Peak and Let the Right One In. Come to think of it, it's actually the perfect time to revisit Orphan, what with the long-awaited sequel just a few weeks away. 

So consider this your cue to make yourself a nice, hot beverage and fire up one of the most chilling and thrilling movies you can think of. After all...