Another year of the largest genre film festival in the U.S., appropriately known as Fantastic Fest, has drawn to a close. Eight days of programming that specializes in horror, fantasy, sci-fi, and action from around the world, all colliding in Austin, Texas. Filmmakers, industry, and fans all blend together at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar location for revelry and celebrating all aspects of genre film for a one-of-a-kind, yet exhaustive experience. This year, the fest’s 13th year, delivered a particularly strong line-up. There’s a ton of coverage to follow (here), but for you, dear readers, these are the 10 you should absolutely add to your watch lists:

Thelma

It’s easy to see why this is Norway’s foreign Oscar submission; Joachim Trier’s sci-fi romantic thriller is an absolute stunner in terms of visual aesthetic and haunting tone. While the core narrative, in which a young woman embarks on a journey of self-discovery, has familiarity to it, yet it’s Trier’s ability to handle complex emotions that’s so captivating. (Review)

When you can watch: Thelma releases in theaters on November 10, 2017.

Anna and the Apocalypse

A zombie musical set at Christmas should be all you really need to know to be sold on this one. An excellent soundtrack, talented upcoming cast, and a story that’s not afraid to go dark makes this one soar. Also as lovely and bittersweet is the story behind the making of the film. (Review)

When you can watch: TBD- this one is still seeking distribution.

Revenge

Coralie Fargeat delivers the most impressive debut with her subversion of the rape/revenge formula. Copious amounts of blood and the brutal sting of truth permeates her stylish breakout feature. The New French Extremity movement just gained a new classic. (Review)

When you can watch: Shudder snatched this one up for early 2018 release.

Gerald’s Game

Once considered unfilmable due to just how much of the narrative exists within the lead protagonist’s head, Mike Flanagan proves that anything is possible with the right person at the helm. Flanagan’s knack for spatial horror, and powerhouse performances by Gugino and Greenwood makes this Stephen King adaptation an instant classic. Oh yeah, and that moment. You know the one. (Review)

When you can watch: Now! This one is now streaming on Netflix.

The Killing of a Sacred Deer

Guaranteed to be a divisive, challenging film for many, Yorgos Lanthimos blends absurdist humor with Greek tragedy/mythology. The result is a strange, otherworldly horror mystery that builds in uncomfortable tension. Nicole Kidman and Colin Farrell bring their A-list talent to this twisted tale. (Review)

When you can watch: This one gets a wide theatrical release on November 3, 2017.

Tigers Are Not Afraid

Those that like their horror blended with fantasy and with a powerful message, this is one to keep an eye out for. Sharing a lot in common with the works of Guillermo del Toro, Issa Lopez delivers an emotionally devastating portrait of children left behind due to the drug wars in any border town. Part supernatural, part fantasy, and all truth, this one is not to be missed. (Review)

When you can watch: TBD- this one is still seeking distribution.

Haunters: The Art of the Scare

Jon Schnitzer spent years delving into the world of Haunts and found the beating hearts behind them. From a legendary scare actor to the warped mind behind an infamous extreme haunt, Schnitzer offers a unique look at a beloved Halloween pastime, offering chills, laughs, and tears along the way. (Review)

When you can watch: Now! This one is available on VOD and on Blu-ray as of October 3, 2017.

The Cured

David Freyne applies the zombie outbreak formula to the question of what would happen if the virus was actually cured. Deeply washed in political and social subtext, this character study far exceeds its low budget with great acting, haunting tone, and unsettling parallels to reality. (Review)

When you can watch: IFC has picked this one up for early 2018 release.

Vidar the Vampire

If you like your vampire myths delivered with a healthy dose of offensive entertainment, then this is for you. Look for a vampiric Jesus, stellar visuals, and boundary pushing humor. (Review)

When you can watch: TBD- this one is still seeking distribution.

Brawl in Cell Block 99

While we didn’t formally review this one, as it’s not horror, S. Craig Zahler’s follow up to Bone Tomahawk is so visceral in its approach to violence that genre fans will go nuts for this one as well. Genre mainstay Udo Kier delivers a chilling performance, but it’s Vince Vaughn that surprises. Extremely violent, this one should absolutely be on your radar, even if it’s not horror.

When you can watch: Now! Released theatrically on Friday, October 6, 2017.