By Michael McKee
Correspondant
During the much-loved spooky season, it is often appropriate to watch horror movies and shows, read classic horror literature or play horror games. While these are wonderful ways to spend October, it is important not to overlook online content creators who make excellent videos for people to watch for the Halloween season. With all this in mind, it might be interesting to explore some of these Youtubers to get a better understanding of their underrated and undervalued content.
Dead Meat
Dead Meat was started in 2017 by main host James A. Janisse with its flagship series “The Kill Count.” In the series, Janisse recaps a movie, usually a horror movie, while making jokes, giving behind-the-scenes details, providing his own thoughts and opinions, and of course, counting kills.
Because of the series’ heavy focus on comedy, it has become an accessible way for those who would otherwise be repulsed by scary movies to make their way into the world of horror. Since its inception, “The Kill Count” has expanded to include coverage of TV Shows, Video Games, Music Videos and more. Janisse has also brought on his wife, Chelsea Rebecca, and main editor, Zoran Gvojic, as occasional co-hosts and they do a great job in their roles. Their comedic sensibilities and passion are plain to see in their delivery.
“The Kill Count” has recently published its 500th episode, an excellent retrospective on the show’s entire history that proves it’s better than ever, and fans can’t wait to see where things go next. Dead Meat also features programs such as “THEY TALK,” “Production Tales from Hell,” “The Dead Meat Podcast,” “Dead Meat Horror Awards,” “Dead Meat Horror Royal Rumble,” and others.
Pastra
Pastra has become a familiar face to YouTube horror-heads, thanks to their festive horror persona and passion for the genre. They have covered creepypastas, horror games and a variety of other topics.
Some of their best videos include their Jeff the Killer re-write, Scarecrow analysis and zombie movie marathon.
EmortalMarcus
One of the premier rising trends of modern-day internet horror is analogue horror, where horror is expressed through old technology, which adds to its unnerving atmosphere. If one were to go looking for a way to get easy access to every single analogue horror series, EmortalMarcus’ channel is the place to go.
EmortalMarcus has extensive summaries of just about every analogue horror on the internet, which can allow viewers to see what series look interesting and go find for themselves. If viewers don’t wish to watch the aforementioned series then they can tune into EmortalMarcus’ convenient and accessible summaries.
Wendigoon
Wendigoon has become well known for his long and in-depth videos covering conspiracies, analogue horror, true crime, horror films, video games and Christian lore with a laid-back and casual persona that viewers find easy to engage with.
MeatCanyon
It is hard to mention Wendigoon without mentioning his frequent collaborator, MeatCanyon. MeatCanyon is an animator who has created Lovecraftian horror takes on relevant topics such as Elon Musk, streamers and has even created the horror-comedy web-series “Melvin’s Macabre." He is well known for his comedic sensibilities and distinct unsettling art style.
Atrocity Guide
Atrocity Guide is well known for her coverage of internet mysteries and historical anomalies that she discusses with intelligence and depth. Through her substantive coverage, she is able to bring attention to these otherwise obscure topics.
Jacob Geller
Jacob Geller can be described as a thinking man’s YouTuber. He mainly covers video games, especially horror video games, however he also provides insight into other topics. Geller delves deeper into horror of the cosmic and psychological varieties, and has made excellent analysis videos on Jewish identity in Wolfenstein, the portrayal of torture in Call of Duty and the lack of accountability at Nuremberg. Every video has something to offer.
Friendly Space Ninja
Friendly Space Ninja is best known for his TV show reviews, however his clear interest in horror shines through his horror show reviews. He has also done more in-depth spooky analysis videos about creepy books and the manga “Monster.” A big part of his videos’ creep factor is his use of editing and sound to create an uneasy tone.
Crypt TV
Crypt TV is an entertainment company founded in 2015 to produce horror content. Crypt’s productions are incredibly professional, featuring great effects and amazing monsters, with the best part being that all of their content is free to watch on YouTube. They have made iconic horror series such as “The Look-See,” “Sunny Family Cult” and “Mordeo.”
Fredrik Knudsen
Fredrik Knudsen’s channel explores the strange and bizarre mysteries and occurrences of history, specifically through his series “Down the Rabbit Hole.” His sober narration and in-depth research provide his material substance and depth, making him well worth a watch for those looking for creepy content.
Overly Sarcastic Productions
Overly Sarcastic Productions is a channel that uses an accessible and sarcastic tone to explain classic literature, mythology and history. While not a horror-specific channel, their seasonal Halloween specials are modern-day internet classics and pure nostalgia for anyone lucky enough to grow up learning from them, making this channel well worth mentioning.
With all these great YouTubers discussed, it is important to remember this list doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of horror YouTube. It also doesn’t even come close to beginning to cover horror content on the rest of the internet, such as the excellent stories on the nosleep subreddit.
Those who want to find these countless other creators only need to go looking, settle in with their stories and enjoy their Halloween!
