What Is Shudder?
Shudder is a relatively new streaming service (beta started in 2015 and it officially launched in October 2016) with content specifically tailored to fans of horror.
Shudder streaming is owned and operated by AMC Networks.
As is the case with most streaming platforms, Shudder is available on just about every device under the sun: iPhone, Android, Amazon Fire, Android TV, Apple TV, Roku, Xbox One, Chromecast, and more.
Shudder is also accessible in just about any web browser, so if you’re worried about having a device on which to binge hours and hours of horror content, you have nothing to worry about.
Shudder is cheaper than most streaming services, starting at just$4.75/mo. It comes with ano-risk 7-day free trial, so you can test out the content and see if it seems like something that’s worth your money.
Shudder’s Quantity of Content
An important factor to consider when signing up for a streaming platform (especially with how many are out there to choose from nowadays) is how much stuff you’ll be able to watch.
After all, if you’re going to plunk down money every month, you’re going to want to have a lot of stuff to choose from.
In terms of quantity, Shudder offers a good amount, but it’s obviously not at the level of something broader like Netflix or Hulu.
There are tons of movies on Shudder to choose from. As of this writing, I counted a total of 326 movies available, which is quite a bit of horror to take in.
In fact, if each movie averages 90 minutes in length, that’s approximately 489 hours of content just in the movies section.
Shudder also offers a few TV shows and anthologies that’ll add a bit more to the value of your subscription.
Between series and podcasts, there are more than 30 options to choose from. Some shows are nonfiction as well, so if you’re looking for something in that realm, Shudder has you covered.
As for original content, Shudder is still building its library there, but it does quite a few exclusives and originals that you can only get through Shudder.
Unfortunately, for shows and anthologies, it doesn’t release the episodes in a bingeable format, instead opting for a more traditional schedule of releasing new episodes weekly (presumably to keep you subscribed longer).
Shudder’s Quality of Content
As is the case with the horror genre as a whole, the quality of content is hit-and-miss on Shudder.
Of the movies mentioned above, quite a few of them are what you’d consider “B” movies that feature fairly low budgets. That’s not to say you can’t get some entertainment out of movies like this; just don’t expect hundreds of Hollywood blockbusters.
With that said, there are plenty of classic and staples of the horror genre available on Shudder.
Some examples includeHalloween,Halloween 4, andHalloween 5, withHalloween 2notably missing. More examples includeHellraiser 1,Hellraiser 2,Night of the Living Dead, andThe Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
There are lots of important horror franchises that aren’t represented on Shudder, presumably due to licensing issues.
For example, you won’t find anyFriday the 13th,A Nightmare on Elm Street, orChild’s Playmovies. Not having these really hurts the service, as it’s not a one-stop-shop for all of your horror needs without them.
The originals and exclusives are hit and miss (granted, I haven’t seen all of them). Most of them feel pretty low-budget, althoughNOS4A2has the look and production value of something you’d expect to find on traditional TV.
Related:Scary horror movies without much blood or gore
Should You Sign Up to Shudder?
Shudderdoes have a lot of exclusive and original shows and movies that you won’t find on any other service.
And while they’re not all great, gems likeNOS4A2andCreepshowmake the price of admission worth it.
When you add in the options to explore all of the other exclusive films and the relatively low price of admission, Shudder is definitely worth it for hardcore horror fans.
