By Jason Benavides – Here we are on another Friday the thirteenth, the second of 2026. For a lot of people this date is just another day but for me it’s all about hockey masks and machetes. I’ve grown an affinity for the horror genre over the years and I thought I’d share some additional film frights to check out…if you dare (insert evil laugh).

The list could go on forever so in recognition of everyone’s favorite unlucky day here are thirteen great horror movies set mostly in a 24-hour timeframe.

Please note that I’m no movie expert, just someone left unsupervised for long periods of time as a kid with a TV and no parental controls.

“Happy Death Day” (2017, slasher, dark comedy)

A college student is murdered on her birthday but wakes up caught in a time loop, repeating the day until she can find her own killer and maybe learns a few things about herself in the process.

“The Cabin in the Woods” (2011, horror, dark comedy)

An exploration of classic horror tropes finds a group of teens alone in the woods fighting for their lives against a stacked deck. No spoilers, but the number of Easter eggs makes it worth a rewatch or two.

“Sinners” (2025, horror)

Set in 1932 Mississippi, a diverse group of juke joint patrons face racial oppression and supernatural forces while trying to survive the night. Michael B. Jordan delivers a fantastic dual role as the twins “Smoke” and “Stack.”

“The Descent” (2005, horror)

A tight-knit group of adventure-seeking women find themselves spelunking down an uncharted network of caves where claustrophobia isn’t the only thing to be afraid of.

“Train to Busan” (2016, Korean horror, thriller)

A divorced father and his daughter board a train from Seoul to Busan when they find themselves in the middle of a zombie outbreak, fighting for survival along with the other passengers.

“Ready or Not” (2019, thriller, dark comedy)

A bride’s big day becomes a horrid night of survival as she tries to outwit and outlast her in-laws in a deadly game of “hide and seek.”

“The Strangers” (2008, psychological horror)

A couple staying at a vacation home have their night interrupted by a knock at the door and are terrorized by masked intruders in a time before Ring cameras. Don’t open the door! They opened the door.

“Abigail” (2024, horror, dark comedy)

Tables are turned on kidnappers as a seemingly innocent young ballerina bites back. You don’t want this tiny dancer holding you close.

“The Purge” (2013, dystopian horror)

In a future America, all crime is legal for one night each year, whether it’s stealing a pack of bubble gum or straight-up murder. The film deals with numerous uncomfortable moral decisions.

“The Mist” (2007, horror)

Based on the Stephen King novella, a father and son get trapped inside a grocery store due to a strange mist that envelops the town. The ending deviates from the original novella, but the heart-wrenching ending was praised by King himself.

“The Evil Dead” (1981, supernatural horror)

The introduction to Ash Williams and his ensuing battle against Deadites, a demonic spin on the undead. The Evil Dead franchise launched actor Bruce Campbell into cult status.

“[REC]” (2007, Spanish horror)

Shot in the found-footage style, the film follows emergency workers along with a reporter and her cameraman who respond to a call, finding themselves inside a building that quickly turns terrifying.

“Devil” (2010, supernatural thriller)

Strangers are trapped in an elevator and suspect the Devil is among them. Produced by M. Night Shyamalan of “The Sixth Sense” fame, this movie is more tension-filled thriller than horror.