13 Degrees of Screams: A Horror Movie Podcast

This week on 13 Degrees of Screams, we head back to Cabrini Green and dive into the haunting world of Candyman (2021). We break down the new lore introduced in the reboot/spiritual sequel, unpack whether the film’s expanded mythology strengthens or complicates the legend, and debate if Candyman’s rules actually make sense yet again.  Of course, we also ask the big question… does this movie live up to the iconic 1992 classic, or does it struggle to fill some very bloody shoes? Finally, we rate the film on our Scary Scale from 1 to 13! You can follow 13 Degrees of Screams on social media for additional content! https://www.instagram.com/13degreesofscreams/ https://twitter.com/13ScreamsPod https://www.tiktok.com/@13degreesofscreams

This week on 13 Degrees of Screams, we’re slicing into the Valentine’s Day slasher that mixes romance, humor, and a surprisingly tangled killer mythology. We dig into the film’s love‑meets‑mayhem formula — a killer who only strikes on Valentine’s Day, the supposed “sanctity” of the holiday, and the movie’s blend of gore and comedy. We also break down the central couple: their coffee‑shop meet‑cute, Ally’s emotional baggage, Jay’s questionable “fix the marketing campaign by going on a date” strategy, and whether they’re charming or just unrealistically perfect. Follow along as we discuss the Heart Eyes Killer's evolving mask design, the twist of multiple murderers, the darkly funny idea of a homicidal couple, and the unexpected kink‑driven motive behind the carnage. We talk standout kills, franchise potential, and why the public in this universe seems bizarrely eager to celebrate a holiday‑themed murderer. Finally, we wrap up with our ratings and decide whether Heart Eyes is a bloody Valentine worth sending.   You can follow 13 Degrees of Screams on social media for additional content! https://www.instagram.com/13degreesofscreams/ https://twitter.com/13ScreamsPod https://www.tiktok.com/@13degreesofscreams

This week, we dive headfirst into the tomato-splattered battlefield of Rotten Tomatoes! Are the movies we’ve covered truly THAT bad, or are the critics just being dramatic? From Weapons to Sinners, Companion to Better Watch Out, no film escapes judgment! Which movie has poor scripting and awkward performances? Which one is a shallow portrayal of guilt? And which film can do better?? Strap in for surprises and questionable scores as Stephanie tries to guess the movies! All the movies we covered in the second half of 2025 are up for judgement! Below is the list if you would like to play along! As Above So Below Scooby-Doo The Platform Night of the Demons The Gate The Monkey Companion I Know What You Did Last Summer Weapons We're All Going to the World's Fair Teen Wolf A Nightmare on Elm Street The Babysitter Hocus Pocus Halloween Ghost Heathers Sandman Gremlins Promising Young Woman The Lodge Sinners Better Watch Out You can follow 13 Degrees of Screams on social media for additional content! https://www.instagram.com/13degreesofscreams/ https://twitter.com/13ScreamsPod https://www.tiktok.com/13degreesofscreams Background music used in this episode by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

This week on 13 Degrees of Screams, we acknowledge our tethered in Jordan Peele’s Us, a 2019 film that took the idea of an average family vacation and turned it into a terrifying uprising. Joining the discussion is special guest and fellow YouTuber, Kaydra from Perplexity: A Mystery Podcast, bringing sharp insights, bold theories, and the tie between Us and Carl Jung’s Shadow Work. Together, we break down the symbolism, the social commentary, the unforgettable performances, and of course… the Tethered. Expect laughs, chills, and a few existential spirals as we explore what Us says about identity, privilege, and the shadows we try to outrun. If you love horror, deep dives, and unhinged tangents, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Follow along to see where Us falls on our scary rating scale!   You can find Kaydra from Perplexity: A Mystery Podcast wherever you get your podcasts or on her Youtube Channel https://www.perplexitymysterypodcast.com/    You can follow 13 Degrees of Screams on social media for additional content! https://www.instagram.com/13degreesofscreams/ https://twitter.com/13ScreamsPod https://www.tiktok.com/@13degreesofscreams

This week on 13 Degrees of Screams, we investigate the shadowy (and extremely blue) dummy infested world of Dead Silence. We unpack the film’s chilling atmosphere, the terror of dolls and dummies, and why this movie’s reputation isn’t the greatest. While many fans dismissed it, we might have had a very different experience! Is Mary Shaw secretly one of the genre’s most unsettling villains? Did the film deserve more love than it got? And how high does it climb on our scary scale of 1 to 13? Join us as we talk about all things Dead Silence. Just remember, beware the stare of Mary Shaw! You can follow 13 Degrees of Screams on social media for additional content! https://www.instagram.com/13degreesofscreams/ https://twitter.com/13ScreamsPod https://www.tiktok.com/@13degreesofscreams

This week on 13 Degrees of Screams, we pick up the receiver once again and dive into the chilling world of The Black Phone 2. We return to the Grabber’s shadowy legacy, ghostly phone calls, and a sequel that insists landlines are still the most dangerous technology ever invented. We ask the big questions: Does the sequel hold up to the hype of the original? Is the change to a more horror themed plot an upgrade to this storyline? In addition, we break down the the family's history with the Grabber, the shift to Gwen as the lead, and wonder if Finn is getting the attention he need to heal from his trauma.  As always, we wrap things up with our rankings, placing The Black Phone 2 somewhere on our scary scale of 1 to 13. Tune in to find out where this sequel lands! You can follow 13 Degrees of Screams on social media for additional content! https://www.instagram.com/13degreesofscreams/ https://twitter.com/13ScreamsPod https://www.tiktok.com/@13degreesofscreams

This week on 13 Degrees of Screams, we step past the yellow-marked borders and into the eerie world of The Village. We dig into this M. Night Shyamalan’s twist-filled tale and tall things twists! Were the reveals genuinely surprising or did you spot them a mile away? We wonder whether the village elders are protectors, manipulators, or something far more complicated as we unpack the ethics of secrecy and fear. And of course, we confront the creatures lurking in the woods: were they nightmare fuel or not-so-scary farces in red cloaks? As always, we close things out with our rankings, placing The Village somewhere on our scary scale of 1 to 13. Tune in to find out where this atmospheric thriller lands! You can follow 13 Degrees of Screams on social media for additional content! https://www.instagram.com/13degreesofscreams/ https://twitter.com/13ScreamsPod https://www.tiktok.com/@13degreesofscreams  

Ring in the new year with a killer countdown as 13 Degrees of Screams dives into the cult‑slasher oddity New Year’s Evil! In this episode, we break down the film’s punk‑rock attitude, its time‑zone‑hopping murder spree, and it's memorable but ill used mask. Come along as we analysis this seasonal horror with our classic brand of humor, discuss the killer's motives and speculate what's going on with Derek? Lastly, stick around to see where New Year's Evil winds up on our scary scale! You can follow 13 Degrees of Screams on social media for additional content! https://www.instagram.com/13degreesofscreams/ https://twitter.com/13ScreamsPod https://www.tiktok.com/@13degreesofscreams  

In this episode of 13 Degrees of Screams, we unwrap the holiday horror Better Watch Out. We dive deep into Luke’s twisted plans, break down how Ashley fought tooth and nail for survival, and speculate just how far things might have gone. How can an innocent crush lead to this?? As always, we put the movie to the test on our Scary Scale from 1 to 13, deciding exactly where this yuletide nightmare lands. To everyone watching and listening: thank you. Your support means everything to us, and we’re incredibly grateful to have you along for the ride. We’re fired up for what 2026 has in store and can’t wait to bring you even more screams and spooky fun! You can follow 13 Degrees of Screams on social media for additional content! https://www.instagram.com/13degreesofscreams/ https://twitter.com/13ScreamsPod https://www.tiktok.com/@13degreesofscreams  

This week, we’re discussing Sinners with paranormal podcast Believing the Bizarre! Join us as we discuss our first impressions, how MIchael B. Jordan played two dynamic individual twins, the music’s cultural significance and so much more. Listen along as we debate whether or not there should be a sequel? How does the vampire hive mind work? And is this even a musical? Tune in to find out and see where this movie falls on our scary scale of 1 to 13!   Find Believing the Bizarre wherever you get your podcasts! https://believingthebizarre.com/   You can follow 13 Degrees of Screams on social media for additional content! https://www.instagram.com/13degreesofscreams/ https://twitter.com/13ScreamsPod https://www.tiktok.com/@13degreesofscreams

Winter chills aren’t the only thing creeping in during this episode of 13 Degrees of Screams. We dive into The Lodge, a bleak and unsettling tale of isolation, manipulation, and psychological collapse. Join us as we unpack why the dad absolutely sucks, how the kids messed around and found out in the worst way possible, and the chilling influence of cults woven into the story. From family dysfunction to the fragile line between faith and madness, we explore what it really takes to mentally break someone down, and why this film leaves you questioning who the real villain is! And of course, stick around to see where The Lodge lands on our scary scale of 1-13! You can follow 13 Degrees of Screams on social media for additional content! https://www.instagram.com/13degreesofscreams/ https://twitter.com/13ScreamsPod https://www.tiktok.com/@13degreesofscreams  

Trigger Warnings: This episode discusses themes of sexual assault, trauma, manipulation, and violence. Listener discretion is strongly advised.   In this chilling installment of 13 Degrees of Screams, we dive into Emerald Fennell’s razor-sharp thriller Promising Young Woman. We’ll break down the film’s bold storytelling choices by casting “nice guys”, explore Cassie’s vigilante intentions and when she goes too far, and the film’s terrifying lesson around the bystander effect.  Stick around to see where Promising Young Woman falls on our scary scale of 1 to 13!   You can follow 13 Degrees of Screams on social media for additional content! https://www.instagram.com/13degreesofscreams/ https://twitter.com/13ScreamsPod https://www.tiktok.com/@13degreesofscreams

This week on 13 Degrees of Screams, we dive into the holiday horror-comedy classic, Gremlins! We break down the infamous Mogwai rules (and why they don’t make a lick of sense), explore the strange nature of these deceptively cute creatures, and highlight just how much danger they truly pose when things go wrong. Of course, we can’t forget to celebrate one of the film’s unsung heroes, Billy’s mom, who proves herself to be an absolute boss when facing down the gremlin invasion. As always, we wrap things up by rating Gremlins on our scary scale of 1 to 13! So grab your popcorn (but be sure to eat it before midnight), because this episode proves that even the cutest creatures can unleash the loudest screams. Tune in and see where Gremlins lands on our scary scale! You can follow 13 Degrees of Screams on social media for additional content! https://www.instagram.com/13degreesofscreams/ https://twitter.com/13ScreamsPod https://www.tiktok.com/@13degreesofscreams

In this special episode of 13 Degrees of Screams, we sit down with Matthew I. Schmidt — the writer, director, and editor behind the chilling indie horror film Mr. Sandman. Together, we dive deep into the horror genre, exploring Matt’s inspirations and interests, and the unique experience of filming right out of his own home. We also unravel the creepy concept of the dream world and how it shaped the unsettling atmosphere of his work. Plus so much more! A huge thank you to Matt for joining us and sharing his vision with our listener. Want to experience the nightmare for yourself? You can watch Mr. Sandman now, streaming free on Tubi. Check our Acres Films on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@acresfilmsproductions You can follow 13 Degrees of Screams on social media for additional content! https://www.instagram.com/13degreesofscreams/ https://twitter.com/13ScreamsPod https://www.tiktok.com/@13degreesofscreams  

In this episode, we’re tackling the razor‑sharp satire of the 1989 teen cult classic Heathers. From high school cliques to explosive dark humor, Heathers redefined teen movies with its biting commentary on popularity, peer pressure, and the dangers of fitting in. We break down the film’s unforgettable trio, explore its shocking themes, and discuss why this black comedy still resonates decades later. Tune in to see what's our damage as we rate its scream factor on our signature scale from 1 to 13! You can follow 13 Degrees of Screams on social media for additional content! https://www.instagram.com/13degreesofscreams/ https://twitter.com/13ScreamsPod https://www.tiktok.com/@13degreesofscreams

In this episode, we spin the pottery wheel and try not to get our hands dirty with Ghost (1990) — the romantic thriller that made us believe in love beyond the grave. Join Alex and Stephanie as they dissect this genre-blending classic, where con artists, mediums, and murder mysteries collide. From Whoopi Goldberg’s hilarious psychic antics to the chilling shadows of the afterlife, we explore what’s truly scary about this film and why having a funny medium tips the genre scale. Is Ghost more rom-com than horror? Tune in as we rate its scream factor on our signature scale from 1 to 13!   You can follow 13 Degrees of Screams on social media for additional content! https://www.instagram.com/13degreesofscreams/ https://twitter.com/13ScreamsPod https://www.tiktok.com/@13degreesofscreams

In this episode of 13 Degrees of Screams, we dive into the 1978 slasher that started it all—Halloween. With one of us experiencing the film for the very first time, we unpack reactions to John Carpenter’s masterpiece. From Laurie Strode’s emergence as the quintessential final girl to Michael Myers’ cryptic behavior, we explore what makes this film a genre-defining classic. Is Michael a soulless killer… or just a flair-for-drama kind of guy? Tune in as we dissect this theatrical menace behind the mask. And of course, see where it falls on our scary scale of 1-13! Happy Halloween everyone!  You can follow 13 Degrees of Screams on social media for additional content! https://www.instagram.com/13degreesofscreams/ https://twitter.com/13ScreamsPod https://www.tiktok.com/@13degreesofscreams  

In this spellbinding episode of 13 Degrees of Screams, we dive broom-first into one of the most iconic and perfect Halloween movies of all time: Hocus Pocus! Join us as we spotlight our brave protagonists and the deliciously wicked witches who steal the show: Sarah, Mary, and Winifred Sanderson! Are they the most powerful and evil witches of our time or far too easily thwarted? And yes, we discuss the feline enigma that haunts us to this day: Thackery Binx. How does a centuries-old boy-turned-cat speak in one scene and go mute in the next? Is it a spell? Or a huge plot hole? As always, we wrap things up with our scary scale rating—from a tame 1 to a terrifying 13. Will this movie cast a chilling spell or leave us cackling with delight? Tune in, scream along, and let’s continue with the spooky season! You can follow 13 Degrees of Screams on social media for additional content! https://www.instagram.com/13degreesofscreams/ https://twitter.com/13ScreamsPod https://www.tiktok.com/@13degreesofscreams  

On this episode of 13 Degrees of Scream, we dive headfirst into the neon-lit chaos of McG’s 2017 horror-comedy The Babysitter. What starts as a night of innocent fun for 12-year-old Cole turns into a blood-soaked battle for survival when he discovers his beloved babysitter Bee is part of a satanic cult—and he’s the next sacrifice. We unpack the film’s cheesy humor versus re-watchability, determine if Bee really cares about Cole, and what age is really too old for a babysitter?  And of course, we rate the dark comedy on our scary scale of 1 to 13. How scary can your friendly neighborhood babysitter really be? Let's find out! You can follow 13 Degrees of Screams on social media for additional content! https://www.instagram.com/13degreesofscreams/ https://twitter.com/13ScreamsPod https://www.tiktok.com/@13degreesofscreams

In this episode of 13 Degrees of Screams, one of us takes our very first plunge into Wes Craven’s iconic horror classic A Nightmare on Elm Street. We dive deep into the twisted dream world of Freddy Krueger and discuss his eerie powers and the blurred line between reality and nightmare. We also explore the haunting real-life inspiration behind the film: the tragic stories of Cambodian refugees who mysteriously died in their sleep. And of course, we rate the terror on our scary scale of 1 to 13. Just how scary is Freddy when you're watching for the first time? Tune in to find out… if you dare! Listen now and sleep with one eye open! You can follow 13 Degrees of Screams on social media for additional content! https://www.instagram.com/13degreesofscreams/ https://twitter.com/13ScreamsPod https://www.tiktok.com/@13degreesofscreams