Osgood “Oz” Perkins might be the son of Psycho actor Anthony Perkins, but he has made a name for himself as a director. His latest movie, The Monkey, adapts one of Stephen King’s lesser-known short stories. However, it’s far from the only horror movie in Perkins’ filmography.
Perkins got his start in Hollywood as an actor, debuting in 1983’s Psycho II alongside his father. While he’s played roles in hits like Legally Blonde and Not Another Teen Movie, he is best known for his writing and directorial work. The Blackcoat’s Daughter marked his directorial debut and earned a “Certified Fresh” badge on Rotten Tomatoes. Perkins’ brand of moody horror continues to impress critics. If you want to delve into filmography, here’s where to watch the best Osgood Perkins movies, ranked based on critic and audience reception.
Longlegs
Longlegs delivers a story akin to The Silence of the Lambs. FBI Agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe) sets out to find an elusive serial killer (Nicolas Cage) plaguing Oregon. There’s a reason Longlegs remains Neon’s highest-grossing movie of 2024. Outlandish Nicolas Cage performance aside, the movie excels at blending psychological and supernatural elements to an unsettling degree.
The Monkey
The Monkey adapts one of Stephen King’s lesser-known short stories from 1985’s Skeleton Crew. Perkins sits at the writing and directorial helm, delivering a gory, dark comedy about a cursed cymbal-clapping monkey toy. Unlike Perkins’ other movies, The Monkey does something of a left turn by branching away from atmospheric horror and delving headfirst into pulpy fun for the better.
The Blackcoat’s Daughter
Penned and directed by Perkins, The Blackcoat’s Daughter follows two students, Kat (Kiernan Shipka) and Rose (Lucy Boynton), whose time at an isolated prep school gets upended after crossing paths with a mental institution escapee (Emma Roberts). As far as directorial debuts, Perkins starts with a bang, establishing that atmospheric unease that would become a trademark of his future films. If anything, The Blackcoat’s Daughter suffers from being slightly “undercooked.”
I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House
I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House delivers a solid haunted house story reminiscent of a Shirley Jackson novel. The ghost story kicks off after Lily Saylor (Ruth Wilson) takes a job as a live-in nurse for Iris Blum (Paula Prentiss). What transpires is a slow-burn supernatural tale with a divisive reception. While some dub I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House an underrated gem, others criticize the payoff.
Gretel & Hansel
Gretel & Hansel retells the Brothers Grimm’s famous fairy tale about a witch intent on devouring two lost siblings. The movie takes a sharp supernatural turn, using only the fairy tale’s skeleton to construct its plot. While the cinematography is undeniably gorgeous, the plot lacks pizazz. Gretel & Hansel marked Perkins’ first step back from the script, and his absence is felt.
Where to watch the best Oz Perkins movies streaming online
Check out our list below to find the best Oz Perkins movies available to stream online in the US.
