Prime Video is one of the best streaming services when it comes to horror. The platform recently added one of my favorite Halloween movies inspired by Stephen King, and I also put together a roundup of the best Halloween titles to stream during spooky season because there’s just so many.
Thanks to the recent integration of its old free streaming service, Freevee, into the main app, Prime Video now offers a huge range of free movies without needing a subscription. One title that immediately caught my eye was 2005’s “The Descent.” Just seeing the poster brought back flashbacks to the first time I watched it, especially the shockingly unexpected ending.
Now widely considered a cult favorite in the genre, “The Descent” still manages to get under my skin even after multiple viewings. Following a group of flawed characters as they fall victim to creatures in a claustrophobic cave system makes for a gripping story, and it remains the perfect pick for Halloween given its intense setting.
If you’re looking for something genuinely scary to watch for Halloween, here’s why “The Descent” deserves a spot on your Prime Video watchlist.
What is ‘The Descent’ about?
A year after a tragic accident, Sarah (Shauna Macdonald) joins her group of adventurous friends including Juno (Natalie Mendoza), Beth (Alex Reid), Rebecca (Saskia Mulder), Sam (MyAnna Buring), and Holly (Nora-Jane Noone) for a caving expedition in the Appalachian Mountains.
The women descend into what they believe is a previously explored cave system, only to discover they’ve entered an uncharted one. When a tunnel collapses and seals their exit, panic sets in as they realize they’re trapped deep underground with no way to call for help.
It soon becomes clear they are not alone in the dark. Something lurks in the shadows, a creature that hunts by sound and thrives in the pitch black, forcing them to fight for survival in the depths below.
‘The Descent’ is a gripping survival story
Horror has always been my favorite genre and it was the one that first introduced me to the world of movies, so I’ve naturally grown quite desensitized to scares. There aren’t many horror flicks that genuinely frighten me anymore as most now provide tension and a great story. But “The Descent” is one movie that still makes me uncomfortable to this day, because no matter how many times I watch it, it evokes a different kind of fear each time.
In fact, part of why “Alien” is my No. 1 franchise is the claustrophobic tension and the idea of an unseen threat lurking in the shadows, picking off the weakest characters first. That’s also why I’m drawn to the premise of “The Descent.” It follows a group of close friends who come face to face with an incredibly frightening threat with absolutely nowhere to run, which makes the idea of caving feel so inherently terrifying.
“The Descent” is actually such a visceral movie that I can practically smell, hear, and feel what it would be like to be trapped in the cave system. Director Neil Marshall has crafted not just a gripping story for genre fans, but a full-on horror experience that doesn't go easy on your senses. In the dark, claustrophobic scenes, you can almost feel the bitter, damp air on your skin, and during the truly bloody moments, your brain tricks you into thinking you smell metal. It’s pretty wild.
The production design in “The Descent” is incredible, and the camera work really adds to the feeling of being trapped in a space that’s even smaller, damper, and more oppressive than it should be. Even now, the creature designs are just as scary, mixing together vampiric tropes and gargoyle-looking features that venture into uncanny territory.
Marshall’s writing also gives us a group of female characters who feel real, fully formed, and layered with their own histories and relationships. Not to mention these characters are brought to life by a talented cast.
Plus, the movie isn’t shy about making you squirm, and you might find yourself desperate to get back into the sunlight and open air once it’s over.
Watching “The Descent” has essentially become a Halloween tradition for me. By the end, I guarantee your jaw will be on the floor (or you'll still be hiding behind your hands). It's important to note that the movie actually has two endings depending on which version you choose, one for the U.S. release and one for the U.K. release (which I saw first) and both are just as good and equally shocking.
Stream ‘The Descent’ for free on Prime Video
I’m really glad this British-produced gem has gained the recognition it deserves since its 2005 release. The story is packed with twists and turns that keep you on edge even when the horror pauses for a moment, making it a gripping piece of work that rattles your nerves without ever leaving your brain behind.
Best of all, it’s streaming for free on Prime Video, so you don’t need a subscription. You can just dive straight in and experience the terror for Halloween. It’s a 99-minute rush of pure tension and horror done right.
Stream "The Descent" for free on Prime Video now.
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