Whether you’re a fan of supernatural scares or psychological suspense, we’ve compiled this list of current and upcoming DGC Ontario productions that are sure to haunt your screens. Make sure to add these films and shows to your watchlist for spooky season!
Wayward
Created by and starring Canadian comedian Mae Martin, Wayward follows a group of teens trapped in a prison-like boarding school that harbours dark secrets, with Martin as a rookie police officer investigating strange events surrounding the school. Shot in Ontario, with several episodes helmed by DGC Ontario Directors Renuka Jeyapalan and John Fawcett, Wayward is an original, darkly comedic thriller that recently topped Netflix’s global TV category for English series. Read our interview with Renuka Jeyapalan on directing the high-stakes emotional tension in Episodes 3 and 4.
Frankenstein
A modern reconception of the classic monster story, Guillermo del Toro’s long-awaited Frankenstein film reimagines creation, consequence, and monstrosity. Frankenstein features creative contributions from some of del Toro’s most trusted collaborators, including Emmy Award-winning DGC Ontario Production Designer Tamara Deverell.
Watch Frankenstein during its limited theatrical run on October 17th and streaming on Netflix on November 7th.
It: Welcome to Derry
A prequel series to It, set in the 1960s, that explores the origins of Pennywise the Clown and the town of Derry’s long history of horror. The series sees the return of many creatives who worked on Director Andy Muschietti’s two-part reimagining of Stephen King’s classic novel, including DGC Ontario Production Designer Paul Austerberry, who won the Oscar for Best Production Design for The Shape of Water in 2018.
Watch It: Welcome to Derry beginning on October 26 on HBO/Crave.
Vicious
When Polly receives a mysterious box from a stranger, it comes with instructions to place three things inside: something you need, something you hate, and something you love. What begins as a strange ritual quickly unravels into a waking nightmare as she becomes trapped in a terrifying world. Director Bryan Bertino’s film, shot in Ottawa and starring Dakota Fanning, blends psychological dread with tense jump scares.
Watch Vicious on Paramount+ on October 10th.
John Wayne Gacy: Devil in Disguise
This limited series shot in Hamilton tells the chilling story of one of the world’s most notorious serial killers through the words of Gacy himself. Using a mix of narrative drama and archival footage, Devil in Disguise follows Gacy, those who were forever changed by his horrific crimes, and those who believe that the full truth remains concealed to this day.
Watch Devil in Disguise on October 16th on Amazon Prime Video.
The Black Phone 2
Four years after her brother survived a serial killer’s basement, bad nightmares haunt 15-year-old Gwen as she receives mysterious phone calls and sees disturbing visions of three boys being stalked at a winter camp.
The sequel was filmed in Toronto and Mississauga, weaving Ontario locations into the film’s eerie snow-covered atmosphere.
Watch The Black Phone 2 in theatres on October 17.
Deathstalker
A reboot of the cult 1980s sword-and-sorcery horror film, following a warrior’s brutal quest through a land filled with dark magic and monsters. Deathstalker was directed by DGC Ontario Member Steven Kostanski, who previously worked with the Canadian indie horror collaborative Astron-6.
Watch Deathstalker in theatres for a limited run on October 10.
Fear Street: Prom Queen
Set in the Fear Street universe created by author R.L. Stine, this ’80s throwback slasher follows a group of students preparing for prom while a killer stalks them one by one. DGC Ontario Art Director Michele Brady and Set Designer Emilie Poulin discuss their approach to “method designing” and reveal how they created one of the film’s most pivotal – and deadly – props.
Watch Fear Street: Prom Queen on Netflix.
Nosferatu
A remake of the 1922 silent film classic, this gothic horror centers on a young woman haunted by a mysterious vampire. Nosferatu features rich and period-accurate sets created by Production Designer Craig Lathrop, who has collaborated with Director Robert Eggers on each of his films and was nominated for an Oscar in 2025 for Best Production Design. Check out our interview with Craig Lathrop, who reflects on receiving his first Oscar nomination and the intensive process behind creating the intricate world of Nosferatu.
Watch Nosferatu on Amazon Prime Video.
Trap
M. Night Shyamalan’s Trap centers on a serial killer who becomes ensnared in a tense, high-stakes situation at a packed concert – a trap set up just to catch him. DGC Ontario Co-Sound Supervisors Jill Purdy and Dashen Naidoo crafted the film’s meticulous soundscapes, from the pulsing energy of the concert to suspenseful scenes that immerse the audience in Trap’s twists and turns. Find out how Jill Purdy and Dashen Naidoo brought this project to life sonically to achieve Shyamalan’s bold vision.
Ready Or Not
Shot at the iconic Casa Loma, Ready or Not follows a newlywed bride who discovers her in-laws’ deadly initiation ritual, turning her wedding night into a nightmarish game of survival. The upcoming sequel was also made with the talents of DGC Ontario Members, including Production Designer Adam Stern, who Wider Lens spoke to in 2020 as the first film was making massive waves.
Watch Ready or Not on Disney+.
Wednesday
Season 2 of DGC Ontario (Post Only) Production Wednesday recently dropped to massive acclaim, hitting Netflix’s Top Ten most popular streamed series in its first week. Hear from some of the DGC Ontario Members who helped bring Wednesday to life with Picture and Sound Editing that both reinvents and pays tribute to everyone’s favourite goth girl.
Humane
Directed by Caitlin Cronenberg, Humane takes a darkly comedic approach to a bleak near future amidst an environmental crisis that introduced euthanasia as a means of population control. When former news broadcaster Charles York summons his four adult children to dinner at his home, this dysfunctional family reunion devolves into something much more sinister. Check out our interview with Caitlin Cronenberg on making her first feature a fun thriller with something to say.
