The Midnight Mimic – A Short Scary Story

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Best Of Featured Indie Horror Creation Indie horror writers
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In the small town of Black Butte, nestled between twisted pines and winding rivers, a legend whispered in the chilling night breeze. A black cat, with eyes as dark as the abyss, roamed the quiet trails. This cat was no ordinary feline; it was a harbinger of terror, a creature that hungered for more than just mice.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the streets emptied, and the townsfolk locked their doors. It was then that the black cat emerged from the shadows. Silent as a wraith, it slinked through the darkness, its eyes gleaming with an unnatural hunger.

The first victim, a weary traveler named Samuel, felt the cat’s icy gaze upon him as he navigated the dimly lit streets. Footsteps quickened, but no matter how fast he moved, the cat followed, its obsidian form weaving through the night like a wisp of malevolence.

As the clock struck midnight, the cat pounced, its fangs sinking into Samuel’s flesh. A guttural scream pierced the stillness, but it was soon replaced by an eerie silence. The cat, now sated, melded seamlessly into the shadows.

As dawn painted the sky in hues of orange, the black cat transformed into a perfect replica of Samuel. A doppelganger, complete with his memories, quirks, and secrets. The mimicry was so flawless that even Samuel’s closest friends couldn’t discern the imposter.

For a day, the cat walked among the townsfolk, wearing the borrowed skin of its victim. It played its role with unsettling precision, attending events, chatting amicably at the Aspn lounge, and even sharing meals with Samuel’s family. The mimicry was so convincing that no one suspected the ghastly truth beneath the facade.

When night fell again, the black cat shed its borrowed identity like a snake shedding its skin. The process was gruesome, a grotesque transformation that left behind the lifeless shell of its former prey. The cat, now hungry for another taste, set its sights on a new victim.

Fear spread through Black Butte like a contagion. Whispers of the midnight mimic echoed through the once-cozy town, and every black cat became a harbinger of dread. No one knew who would be the next target, and the once-tranquil streets now harbored a lurking terror that stalked its prey under the veil of night.

The legend of the black cat persisted, a ghastly tale told in hushed tones by those who dared to wander the streets after dark. Black Butte, once a haven of peace, became a town haunted by the ghostly specter of the midnight mimic, a creature that hungered for the essence of humanity, leaving only echoes of the lives it devoured.

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HORROR CONVENTIONS 2024

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Featured Horror News Indie Horror

Greetings, fellow horror aficionados! Grab your garlic necklaces, sharpen your stakes, and make sure your flashlight batteries are fresh because we’re about to dive headfirst into the spine-chilling circus that is the Horror Conventions of 2024. If you thought your Aunt Mildred’s haunted porcelain doll collection was terrifying, just wait until you step into a convention hall filled with creatures that go bump in the night and cosplayers who take “creepy” to a whole new level. Join me, and all our weird friends, as we navigate the haunted landscape of this year’s frightful festivities. It’s time to embrace the darkness, but remember to keep an eye on your shadow—it might be attending its own panel discussion.

JANUARY 2024 HORROR AND COMIC CONVENTIONS:

Horror

  1. Days of the Dead Atlanta, 26-28, Atlanta, GA https://www.daysofthedead.com/atlanta/

Comic

  1. Fan Expo New Orleans, 5-7, New Orleans, LA https://horrorcons.com/event/20536/fan-expo-new-orleans-2024
  2. Fan Expo Portland, 12 – 14, Portland, OR https://fanexpohq.com/fanexpoportland/
  3. Albuquerque Comic Con, 19-21, Albuquerque, NM https://albuquerquecomiccon.com/

FEBRUARY 2024 HORROR AND COMIC CONVENTIONS:

Horror

  1. Creep I.E. Con, 2-4, Ontario, CA https://horrorcons.com/event/21216/creep-i-e–con-2024
  2. The Fandemic Dead, 9-11, Atlanta, GA https://comic-cons.xyz/event/the-fandemic-dead-atlanta-georgia/
  3. Mad Monster Party Carolina, 16-18, Concord, NC https://madmonster.com/c24/

Comic

  1. MegaCon Orlando, 1-4, Orlando, FL https://horrorcons.com/event/21233/megacon-orlando-2024
  2. AggieCon, 2-4, College Station, TX https://fancons.com/events/info/21653/aggiecon-2024
  3. Alaska ComicCon, 3-4, Fairbanks, AK https://www.alaskacomicon.com/
  4. Simi Valley Toy and Comic Fest, 4, Simi Valley, CA https://www.rostercon.com/en/event-convention/simi-valley-toy-and-comic-fest-2024
  5. Farpoint, 9-11, Hunt Valley, MD https://farpointcon.com/
  6. Con Nooga, 23-25, Chattanooga, TN http://www.connooga.com/
  7. Pensacon, 23-25, Pensacola, FL https://www.floridacomiccons.com/event/pensacon-2024/

MARCH 2024 HORROR AND COMIC CONVENTIONS:

Horror

  1. Ret-Con, 1-3, Cary, NC https://horrorcons.com/event/21391/ret-con-2024
  2. TransWorld Halloween Con, 7-10, Louis, MO https://www.haashow.com/
  3. Stranger Con, 15-17, Burbank, CA https://eventsinamerica.com/events/stranger-con-2024-2023-2024/sports-entertainment/films/kbgy9nop7rhwvbhy

Comic

  1. MoCCa Arts Fest, 16-17, New York, NY https://www.moccafest.org/
  2. WonderCon, 29-31, Anaheim, CA https://www.comic-con.org/wc/

APRIL 2024 HORROR AND COMIC CONVENTIONS:

Comic

  1. Fan Expo Cleveland, 12-14, Cleveland, OH https://fanexpohq.com/fanexpocleveland/

MAY 2024 HORROR AND COMIC CONVENTIONS:

Horror

  1. Crypticon Seattle, 3-5, Seattle, WA https://crypticonseattle.com/
  2. Franken Con, 10-11, Alcoa, TN https://www.frankencontn.com/
  3. Texas Frightmare Weekend, 17-19, Irving, TX https://texasfrightmareweekend.com/

Comic

  1. Fan Expo Philadelphia, 3-5, Philadelphia, PA https://horrorcons.com/event/21570/fan-expo-philadelphia-2024
  2. Kids Con New England, 11, Concord, NH https://kidsconne.com/
  3. Corecon, 23-26, Fargo, ND https://boothsquare.com/events/corecon/editions/corecon-2024/a560ad27-6925-4d93-9443-63587a57e7d1/
  4. Comicpalooza, 24-26, Houston, TX https://www.comicpalooza.com/
  5. Phoenix Fan Fusion, 24-26, Phoenix, AZ https://www.phoenixfanfusion.com/
  6. Stoker Con, May 30 – June 2, San Diego, CA https://www.stokercon2024.com/

JUNE 2024 HORROR AND COMIC CONVENTIONS:

Horror

  1. Living Dead Weekend: Monroeville, 7-9, Monroeille, PA https://horrorcons.com/event/21847/living-dead-weekend-monroeville-2024
  2. Horror on Main, 28-30, Harrisburg, PA https://horrorcons.com/event/21829/horror-on-main-2024

Comic

  1. Fan Expo Dallas, 7-9, Dallas, TX https://horrorcons.com/event/21749/fan-expo-dallas-2024
  2. Fan Expo Boston, 28-30, Boston, MA https://horrorcons.com/event/21885/fan-expo-boston-2024

JULY 2024 HORROR AND COMIC CONVENTIONS:

Horror

  1. Idaho Horror & Pop Con, 12-14, Garden City, ID https://www.idahohorror.com/
  2. Midsummer Scream Halloween and Horror Convention, 26-28, Long Beach, CA https://mp3sandnpcs.com/home/midsummer-scream-announces-2024-dates
  3. Motor City Nightmares, 26-28, Novi, MI https://www.eventbrite.com/e/motor-city-nightmares-2024-tickets-737512799637

Comic

  1. Fan Expo Denver, 4-7, Denver, CO https://horrorcons.com/event/21750/fan-expo-denver-2024
  2. Fanboy Expo, 12-14, Knoxville, TN https://fanboyexpo.com/
  3. Florida Supercon, 12-14, Miami Beach, FL https://www.floridasupercon.com/

AUGUST 2024 HORROR AND COMIC CONVENTIONS:

Horror

  1. Maryland Pop and Horror Con, Pikesville, MD https://marylandpopandhorrorcon.com/

Comic

  1. Fan Expo Chicago, 16-18, Rosemont, IL https://horrorcons.com/event/21895/fan-expo-chicago-2024

SEPTEMBER 2024 HORROR AND COMIC CONVENTIONS:

Horror

  1. Horror Fiesta, 14, Peoria, IL https://horrorcons.com/event/22072/horror-fiesta-2024
  2. Tidewater Horror Convention, Norfolk, VA https://tidewaterhorrorconvention.com/

OCTOBER 2024 HORROR AND COMIC CONVENTIONS:

Horror

  1. Spooktobercon, 4-6, Fairmont, WV https://horrorcons.com/event/21286/spooktobercon-2024

Comic

  1. Dallas Fan Festival, 18-20, Irving, TX https://fanexpohq.com/dallasfanfestival/
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The Creepiest Apps for True Horror Enthusiasts

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Best Of Featured Reviews

In a time where technology and horror intersect, the thrill of the unknown has found a new home in our phones. For those of us who thrive on the spine-tingling, heart-pounding experiences, the world of horror apps offers an entirely different dimension of chills and thrills. From horror social media apps, streaming apps, to some great horror app games we’ve delved deep into the eerie abyss of the app stores to bring you a curated list of the best horror apps for true horror enthusiasts.

Social Apps

This category has had a rough ride lately with Twitter (Now X) having an identity crisis and AI bots not having a clue what the difference is between people talking about horror and people being horrible. Two apps standout in their ability to let the horror community be who they are talking about movies, books and all things creative horror without confusing the issues of real life horrors.

Slasher App

Slasher app screenshots showing how it is the Best horror app for social media

Slasher was built for horror fans! Now you can enjoy a friendly community with no censorship of bloody or gory special effects and makeup! Want to connect with other horror fans? Slasher makes it possible to make connections faster than any other social platform! The people behind Slasher are horror fans too! Available on Iphone, Android, and Desktop

You can find us there @puzzlebox

r/Horror

The horror subreddit on Reddit is a virtual haven for fans of all things macabre and spine-tingling. This thriving community is where horror enthusiasts, both casual and die-hard, come together to share and discuss their love for the genre. From chilling stories and terrifying urban legends to eerie photos and spine-tingling artwork, the horror subreddit is a treasure trove of everything that goes bump in the night. Users can post their own original horror content, engage in discussions about favorite horror films, books, and games, and seek recommendations for the best scares in the genre. With a diverse and passionate user base, the subreddit serves as a communal campfire for those who relish the thrill of fear and enjoy delving into the darkest corners of the human imagination. Whether you’re a horror writer looking for inspiration or a horror film fanatic seeking hidden gems, Reddit’s horror subreddit is the perfect place to embrace the darkness.

Horror Movie Apps

Shudder

Shudder is the ultimate streaming platform for horror aficionados, catering to those who crave a constant dose of spine-tingling and chilling content. This specialized app offers a vast and ever-expanding library of horror films, series, documentaries, and original content, making it a go-to destination for all things terrifying. From classic horror masterpieces to cutting-edge, exclusive releases, Shudder curates a diverse selection to satisfy every horror enthusiast’s appetite. With its dedication to the genre, Shudder ensures that subscribers can experience horror in its many forms, from supernatural to psychological, providing a nightmarish journey that’s both thrilling and horrifying.

Screambox

Screambox horror app screen shot showing many horror movie titles

Screambox is a dedicated streaming service designed to terrify and delight horror fans. This platform curates a vast collection of horror films, TV shows, and original content, offering a one-stop destination for all things eerie and spine-tingling. With a wide range of horror sub-genres, from classic slashers to supernatural thrillers, Screambox caters to every taste in the horror world. It’s the perfect haunt for those who seek a constant supply of scares and a diverse array of fear-inducing content, ensuring that subscribers can experience the best and darkest offerings in the horror genre. Screambox is known to have original content you cannot find elsewhere. It’s a Scream!

Shout TV

Shout TV’s horror offerings are a spine-tingling treasure trove for fans of the genre. With a vast collection of classic and cult horror films, as well as hidden gems and iconic series, Shout TV is your go-to source for all things chilling, macabre, and favors the campy side of horror.

Horror App Games for Phones

Simulacra

Ever wondered what would happen if you stumbled upon someone’s lost phone and discovered a series of unsettling messages and videos? Simulacra puts you in the shoes of the person who found that phone. This interactive, found-phone-style horror game delivers a deeply immersive experience, blurring the line between reality and fiction.

Into the Dead 2

For those who love the adrenaline rush of a good zombie apocalypse, Into the Dead 2 is your ultimate companion. This first-person runner game throws you into a world overrun by the undead, and your only goal is to survive. The haunting sound design and relentless zombie hordes make for an intense mobile gaming experience.

Night Book

screenshot from the horror app night book featuring a spooky face

Is a spine-tingling interactive horror experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional storytelling. It immerses players in a harrowing tale that takes place during a fateful night of translation work. As the protagonist, you must make choices that impact the unfolding narrative, but be warned: the consequences of your decisions are often far from predictable. The game’s live-action sequences and stellar performances by the cast add a level of realism that intensifies the sense of dread. With its gripping story, eerie atmosphere, and multiple branching paths, “Night Book” keeps you on the edge of your seat, making it a must-play for horror enthusiasts seeking an immersive and chilling interactive experience.

Dead By Daylight Mobile

brings the relentless terror of the popular multiplayer horror game to your fingertips. In this mobile adaptation, players can immerse themselves in the heart-pounding asymmetrical gameplay that pits survivors against a relentless killer. The mobile version faithfully captures the essence of the original, offering the same spine-tingling suspense, dark atmospheres, and heart-pounding chase sequences.

The game allows you to step into the shoes of both survivors and killers, each with their own unique abilities and objectives. The thrilling cat-and-mouse game play, coupled with a wide array of locked characters, perks, and customization options, ensures that “Dead by Daylight Mobile” offers a captivating and chilling experience for fans of the horror genre on the go. Whether you’re escaping the clutches of a merciless killer or hunting down your prey, the mobile version of Dead by Daylight delivers the horror experience you’ve been craving.

Five Nights at Freddy’s

Five nights at freddy's horror app screenshot featuring a scary animatronic bear

No list of horror apps would be complete without mentioning the infamous Five Nights at Freddy’s. This classic indie game has spawned multiple sequels and spin-offs, and it remains a must-play for fans of animatronic-based terror. As a night security guard at a creepy pizza place, you’ll need to survive against the animatronics’ murderous tendencies.

Granny

Granny is a heart-pounding mobile horror game that throws players into the nightmarish depths of an old, decrepit house, where the eponymous character, Granny, lurks. The game’s premise is simple but intensely chilling: you must escape Granny’s clutches and navigate a maze of dark, creaky rooms filled with secrets and puzzles. With a limited number of days to escape, players must maintain stealth, solve puzzles, and avoid being caught by the relentless Granny, who is always one step behind. The eerie ambiance, jump scares, and suspenseful gameplay make “Granny” a cult classic among mobile horror game enthusiasts. With its intense atmosphere and constant sense of dread, it’s not for the faint of heart, providing a thrilling and terrifying experience for horror aficionados looking for a good scare on their smartphones.

Conclusion

For horror enthusiasts, the realm of mobile apps offers a diverse array of experiences, from heart-pounding games to immersive narratives and augmented reality nightmares. Whether you’re into jump scares or prefer a slower, cerebral approach to horror, there’s an app out there to satisfy your craving for the macabre.

So, as you embark on your digital journey into the unknown, remember to keep your phone charged, the lights off, and your courage intact. The best horror apps are here to test your limits and plunge you into a world where the darkness holds secrets waiting to be discovered. Enjoy your descent into the depths of terror!

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What is the Scariest Saw Movie?

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Featured Saw Franchise

How to Decide the Scariest Saw Movie of the Franchise?

The Jigsaw killer is almost always entertaining..some believe even based on a real killer. The facts remains true that there are traps, story lines and characters which are scarier than others throughout the various movies.  Thus, there is naturally a ‘scariest Saw movie’ and a ‘least scariest Saw movie’ in the franchise.  Determining the fear felt in a Saw movie boils down to a few important factors including:

  • Could one imagine being in the victim’s shoes?
  • Are the traps horrifying enough?
  • Do many victims meet their certain demise?
  • Is there enough pressure on the victims to be felt by the audience?
  • Are other victims dangerous to the protagonist(s)?
  • Is there any chance of survival?
  • Is the environment also dangerous?
  • Is the music and ambiance in the Saw movie scary enough?

These factors all make a difference in how scary a Saw movie is, as well as many other factors.

Jigsaw and Saw Movies Ranked In Order of ‘Most Scary’

There are nine Saw movies in the Franchise, including the latest Jigsaw (2017) movie, and the spinoff Spiral in 2021. With another Saw movie coming out soon it’s a good time to rank them in the order of “scariest.” Horror Enthusiast has ranked the movies from scariest to least scare factor as noted below…

Saw (2004)

image from the original and scariest saw film of a man on the floor crawling for his phone

#1 Scariest Saw Movie

As many Saw movies as there may have been, it is always hard to beat the innovative genius behind the original movie. Saw (2004) provides a psychological terror that had previously never been felt in the horror genre.  There was a “what if it were me” kind of feel to the movie and the audience became extremely empathetic towards the victims.  Because there were truly only two main characters, their story line could be involved, allowing the two men trapped in a room to slowly unravel the mystery.  The entire movie was a test for these characters…whereas other movies feature many tests.  Saw is ultimately the greatest psychological thriller of them all and firmly secures its rank as the scariest Saw movie of all time!

Saw II (2005)

2nd Scariest

The second scariest movie in the franchise is also the second movie. Saw II (2005) featured a poisonous house and super dangerous victims all responsible for coexisting and working together. The story line was so carefully sewn together as to keep the audience enthralled without overdoing it.  With a regular flow of empathetic horror and the pure shock of perfectly timed, periodic deaths, Saw II solidly earns its place on the list! It was also the best performing Saw movie in the United States.

Jigsaw (2017)

3rd Scariest

Jigsaw is underrated by fans.  Critics are hard on this film probably due to prejudice of the previous film’s title and story line insinuating it would be the ‘final chapter’ in the franchise. The truth is, however, Jigsaw is plenty scary and showcases some pretty realistic acting.  The mechanical engineering was believable and the ambiance was right to get pretty close to the fear felt in the second movie, Saw II (2005).

Saw III (2006)

4th Scariest

The story continues in an entertaining fashion. The traps are still creative, the characters are still developed just enough without overdoing it and the audience remains captivated.  As an added bonus, the movie also performed strongly at the box office too!  This was the best performing Saw movie, at the international box office, and the second best performing Saw movie at the United States box office (next to Saw II).

Saw IV (2007)

5th Scariest

Saw IV is the first movie in the franchise that starts to see a true drop in audience. It also becomes more about traps and the story line seems too in depth.  Many fans seem to claim that they do not enjoy the story as much at all. Even with a good twist, it’s still not as scary as the better half of the franchise.

Saw 3D: The Final Chapter (2010)

6th Scariest

No doubt that 3D movies are really cool. The special effects can be radical, however, 3D movies typically wind up being all about the visual effects and nothing more.  The story line felt a little lacking and the emphasis truly was only on 3D effects, rather than the terror that can be found in a single well-designed trap.  This movie was most expensive to produce and performed at the far low end of the Saw-revenue scale.  Given most of it was not scary at all, it has also earned a solid 6th place on the scariest list!

Saw V (2008)

7th Scariest

Saw V was okay, however, it drags the cast from the previous Saw movie through another grind and seems to underperform in all categories.  It did not do as well at the box office as its prequels and it is far from scary.  This movie ranks in at 7th scariest Saw movie in the series.

Saw VI (2009)

8th Scariest

Saw VI feels like it is dragging on and the traps feel redundant.  Most fans seem to care very little about the story line and this film greatly underperforms at the box office.  That said, it ends up being more about the torture and less about the fear, making this the least scariest Saw movie in the franchise.

Spiral (2021)

9th Scariest

This spin-off features a new Jigsaw copycat killer who targets corrupt police officers. While it introduces fresh elements, it lacks the consistent scariness of the earlier films, focusing more on suspense and crime thriller elements.

The Best Saw Movie For Scares

Illustration of the Jigsaw killer from the saw horror films

The Saw movies never seem to lack luster and they are always innovative.  It is never a bad decision to see a Saw movie. However, just like any other franchise and all competition: there is always a best and a worst. In the case of ‘Scariest Saw Movie Ever Made’, the original Saw movie takes the cake…hands down. The remaining Saw movies are wonderfully done in themselves, however, they are merely riding the tailcoats of the original masterpiece.

There is nothing like a good psychological scare like the one that lives in the original film.

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Puzzle Box Presents Scary Urban Legend Video Series

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Featured Haunted Places

Prepare to embark on a spine-tingling journey into the unknown as we unveil the darkest mysteries lurking within the shadows of urban legends. Today, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our scary Urban Legends short documentaries an electrifying video series that delves deep into the terrifying and enigmatic stories that have haunted our imaginations for generations.

Premiere video from the scary urban legends series from Sept 20th, 2024

In our series of spooky and unsettling urban legends viewers will be transported to the eerie heart of the scariest urban legends, where myths come to life and nightmares are born. Each episode of this gripping series will unravel the sinister tales of cursed objects, vengeful spirits, hauntings, and unsolved mysteries that have sent shivers down the spines of countless individuals. With a blend of expert research, bone-chilling reenactments, and discovered material with those who have encountered these legends firsthand, we promises an immersive experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Get ready to question reality and discover the truth behind the stories that have haunted our collective consciousness for years.

The first video “The Cropsey Maniac Urban Legend” premiered on youtube Sept 20th. Don’t miss your chance to join us on this hair-raising adventure into the world of urban legends. Brace yourself for the unexpected, and prepare to have your darkest fears brought to life as we uncover the chilling mysteries that have captivated and terrified us for generations.

You can follow our channel to get updates on the upcoming and new videos as they come out each month. Coming in October we have The Ghost Ship Jenny and The Beast of Bladenboro. Get ready to dive into the history of these legends and the different theories of what is happening in these dark corners of our world.

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