DarkMode/LightMode
Light Mode

Movies in theaters

 

Michael Myers (aka The Shape) in Halloween Kills
Michael Myers (aka The Shape) in Halloween Kills, directed by David Gordon Green

Halloween Movies To Watch: Scary Edition

Alexis Cosio

With the start of October, Halloween season has officially begun! I don’t know about you, but I’m so excited! Since it’s my favorite holiday, I like to watch a scary, Halloween-themed movie every day in October. I think it’s an awesome way to get into the spirit. When it comes to watching scary movies, I really enjoy doing it with friends. We try to predict who’s going to die first and like spooking each other while we watch.

However, everyone has a slightly different taste for the type of scary movies they like. This has led to me watching a large variety of horror movies with a variety of people. I’ve seen a decent amount of films spanning several genres (including paranormal, slasher, psychological, and more). Depending on what you’re looking for, there are tons of movies to pick from, but tension and anticipation remain constant.

If you like those spooky feelings and want some ideas for scary movies to watch, I’ve got some recommendations!

- Advertisement -

If you’d rather not be spooked, check out our not scary edition here.

Scary Halloween Movies to Watch: The Ring (2002)

The Ring is a supernatural horror film directed by Gore Verbinski. The movie’s premise is people who watch a cursed videotape turn up dead 7 days later. After the death of her niece, reporter Rachel Keller (Naomi Watts) watches the tape and learns she too only has 7 days to live. Because of this, Rachel goes on a mission to solve the mystery before her own possible demise.

One fan talked about how the movie was the first to actually scare her.

The Ring was the first horror movie I ever watched and, to this day, it’s left a huge impact on me. I saw this movie as a younger child and it kept me up for days. I rewatched it in college and found myself equally enthralled by the plot. While the concept of a cursed videotape might sound silly, this movie had me at each twist. I genuinely didn’t expect the ending at all. That iconic scene towards the film’s conclusion will leave you sleeping with the lights on for a long time!

If you haven’t seen The Ring, it’s available to stream on Paramount Plus.

- Advertisement -

Scary Halloween Movies to Watch: Sinister (2012)

A supernatural horror film directed by Scott Derrickson, Sinister follows a true-crime writer, Ellison Oswald (Ethan Hawke), who hasn’t had a hit in a decade. Desperate to find success again, he and his family move into a house where the previous occupants were murdered. There, Ellison finds films depicting the deaths of many other families. He becomes fixated and is determined to figure out what exactly happened. However, clues from the films hint at a supernatural being, and Ellison quickly realizes moving himself and his family into the house could have them meet their deaths.

Robert says Sinister is the scariest movie he’s ever seen.

I first watched Sinister in high school at the beginning of my own exploration of horror movies. The tapes of the families’ murders in this film are forever etched in my mind. I’ve watched Sinister with countless friends and it’s my favorite movie to see others react to.

There’s a sequel to Sinister as well and I personally enjoyed the way the movie changed the perspective. I’d definitely recommend both films, especially to watch with a group of friends.

- Advertisement -

Sinister is available to stream on Hulu.

Scary Halloween Movies to Watch: Cabin in the Woods (2012)

Cabin in the Woods is somehow described as fantasy, horror, and comedy. Directed by Drew Goddard, it follows 5 college friends (Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth, Anna Hutchison, Fran Kranz, and Jesse Williams) who are staying in a remote cabin for vacation. There, they fall victim to backwoods zombies who are being manipulated by scientists from an underground facility. As the body count rises, we learn there’s even more going on than anyone could ever expect.

Tanner loved every moment of it.

I watched Cabin in the Woods in college, but I know it was the start of a lot of peoples’ interest in horror films. Beyond the fact that I really like the actors in this film, I think the premise is both wild and intriguing. I’ve had a lot of really interesting conversations about the universe this film resides in because it’s unbelievable and captivating. I also think Cabin in the Woods is a good beginner horror movie for a lot of people because there are moments that are funny and give you relief from all the scary tension.

Cabin in the Woods can be streamed on Peacock.

Scary Halloween Movies to Watch: Get Out (2017)

Oscar winning Get Out is a psychological horror film directed by Jordan Peele. It follows Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) who’s dating a woman named Rose (Allison Williams). She invites him for a weekend trip to meet her family, the Armitages. The Armitages are overly accommodating and Chris views it as their discomfort and attempt to process his and Rose’s interracial relationship. As the trip continues, several unsettling discoveries lead Chris to a truth he never could have imagined.

Ellie is still reeling from this movie.

This movie is what got many of my friends interested in scary films as well as made Jordan Peele a huge name in horror. Get Out has so many twists and turns, and always leaves me rooting for Chris. I was genuinely at the edge of my seat in the theaters. If you liked Get Out, I’d also recommend Jordan’s other film, Us.

You can watch Get Out on Hulu.

Scary Halloween Movies to Watch: It (2017)

It is a coming-of-age supernatural horror film based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name. Directed by Andy Muschietti, the movie follows 7 outcasts (Jaeden Lieberher, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Sophia Lillis, Finn Wolfhard, Wyatt Oleff, Chosen Jacobs, Jack Dylan Grazer, and Nicholas Hamilton) who have to face their worst nightmare: a clown named Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård). Pennywise, who has the ability to shape-shift into anything you might fear, lives in the sewers and escapes every 27 years to prey on the town’s children. The 7 friends have to team up and face their own personal horrors to battle this murderous clown.

Naitik called it the spookiest clown movie.

After the release of It, I noticed a boom in horror fans. The movie has a pretty loyal fanbase and definitely sparked the interests of many. I personally found It really compelling. As someone who isn’t afraid of clowns, I think the film is chilling. However, I first watched the movie with a friend who IS scared of clowns and It terrified her! So be warned those who hate clowns!

I will mention that there is implied sexual abuse in this movie and if that’s something that you can’t watch, it might not be the movie for you. In the same vein, It Chapter Two opens with a brutal assault fueled by homophobia. In my case, I chose to skip over those scenes and didn’t find that it impacted my watching experience without that context.

It is available to stream on Hulu.

Scary Halloween Movies to Watch: Scream (1996)

Directed by Wes Craven, Scream is a satirical slasher film. It follows Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), whose mother was murdered 1 year ago. After receiving phone calls from a serial killer named Ghostface who dons a white-faced mask and a large black robe, Sidney and her friends must do whatever they can to try to stay alive. But it isn’t easy when Ghostface’s calls involve horror movie trivia, with the consequence of getting questions wrong being deadly.

One fan is starting October with this one!

This is another movie that’s iconic in horror. The Scream franchise has a cult following and there have even been 4 films, a TV series and a fifth movie expected to come out in 2022.

The first Scream movie is especially scary to me because, unlike The Ring or It, this could actually take place in real life! For a lot of horror movies, there’s a certain suspension of disbelief when watching them. But when it comes to Scream, a serial could actually terrorize people in a town! That is so scary to me.

You can watch Scream on Sling.

Scary Halloween Movies to Watch: Trick ‘r Treat (2007)

Trick ‘r Treat is an anthology horror comedy directed by Michael Dougherty. The film takes place in a fictional town in Ohio on Halloween. It has multiple interwoven stories with a nonlinear narrative where characters cross paths with one another. Trick ‘r Treat covers Halloween traditions and why they should be followed with the film’s connective tissue being Sam, an odd trick-or-treater in pajamas and a burlap sack, who enforces the “rules” of Halloween.

One fan described it as the “quintessential Halloween movie.”

This movie is nearly constantly brought up on social media this time of year. Whether it’s accessories, costumes, or memes, the character of creepy Sam and Trick ‘r Treat lives on my feed in October. People who have given me my favorite horror recommendations swear by this movie.

Thankfully, Trick ‘r Treat is available to stream on Hulu.

Scary Halloween Movies to Watch: Halloween franchise

Halloween is a large slasher franchise consisting of 11 films with the first moving coming out in 1978. The series follows Michael Myers, who was put in a mental hospital after the murder of his sister. He escapes to stalk and kill people in a town in Illinois with all of his killings happening on Halloween.

This franchise is epic and unforgettable. Michael Myers is an icon to the majority of horror fans. Plus, the fact that every movie takes place on Halloween makes it the perfect watch for the season.

This fan says it’s the best horror franchise.

The next installment, Halloween Kills, is set to be released in theatres on October 15th, but the other movies can be found across several platforms including Amazon Prime Video and Sling.

These horror movies are just a few recommendations and can be a good way to figure out what kind of horror movie you like most.

More Entertainment News Like This: Halloween Movies To Watch: Not Scary Edition

More Entertainment News Like This: The 30 Best Horror Films of All Time

More Entertainment News Like This: Prepare For Halloween Horror Nights With Our Horror Movies List

Hollywood.com is EVERYONE’S ticket to Hollywood. We focus on the GOOD in Hollywood, spotlighting the feel-good stories that matter about your favorite celebs plus new movies in theaters. Follow us on Instagram for early access.

- Advertisement -
Alexis Cosio
Alexis Cosio

Movies in theaters