Horror movies are a crucial part of October festivities and if you are anything like me, you love binging scary movies during the fall. There’s nothing better than settling down on your couch and intentionally stressing yourself out.
In honor of the best time of the year, here is a list of some classic and modern horror films that are sure to spook you.
“The Corpse Bride” (2005)
Directed by Tim Burton, “The Corpse Bride” is a stop-motion animated film that follows Victor, a young man named who accidentally marries a deceased bride while practicing his wedding vows. I absolutely love this movie and it is a great choice for anyone who wants something spooky without being completely terrified. Anything Tim Burton is a must-watch.
“House of a Thousand Corpses” (2003)
The film was inspired by classic 70s slasher films like “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (1974), “Hills Have Eyes” (1977), and “Halloween” (1978). The film follows a group of travelers who encounter a murderous family while exploring roadside attractions. If you enjoy horror with plenty of gore, this one belongs on your watchlist.
When I first watched it, I was really weirded out, but at the same time I couldn’t stop watching it. I feel like it doesn’t get as much hype as it should in comparison to other Halloween movies. Also, it’s directed by Rob Zombie, so how could you not watch it?
“The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (2003)
My personal favorite is the 2003 version of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” starring Jessica Biel. It was a remake of the 1974 version and the fifth installment in the franchise. Set in the early 70s, the film follows five teens as they travel to a concert in Texas after departing and purchasing marijuana in Mexico. While driving through Texas, they pick up a distressed female hitchhiker who pulls the craziest move ever once inside their van. In an attempt to prevent spoilers, that’s all that can be said about the “move.” They end up stopping in a small town run by the Hewitts, who turn out to be an incestuous family of cannibals. Alongside them is their chainsaw-wielding kin, Leatherface.
I remember watching it in sixth grade and I was mortified. It’s one of those movies with a situation that you could actually find yourself in. Although it’s not set during Halloween, I don’t think you can have a horror marathon without Leatherface.
“Scream” (1996)
I love Skeet Ulrich and I love Matthew Lillard. Put them together in a horror movie, and you already have my attention. Directed by Wes Craven, the Scream franchise follows a group of teenagers who become the targets of a masked killer known as Ghostface. The film combines suspense, dark humor and plenty of twists while making fun of the horror genre itself. If you love slashers, but also appreciate a little comedy and a classic who-done-it, “Scream” definitely deserves a spot on your Halloween watchlist.
“Insidious” (2010)
Technically, “Insidious” is not a Halloween-themed movie, but it is still a must-watch for horror fans. The film follows a family whose son mysteriously falls into a coma and becomes connected to a demonic realm. The movie stars Patrick Wilson, who is best known for his recurring role as Ed Warren in “The Conjuring” franchise.
“The Conjuring” (2013 – 2025)
Starring Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, the series is based on cases the couple claimed to have investigated. The first film follows the Perron family as they experience increasingly disturbing paranormal activity in their Rhode Island farmhouse.
What makes these movies so terrifying to me is the atmosphere. The slow buildup and creepy background details make you feel like something is about to jump out at any second. I also love how the movies draw inspiration from supposedly real paranormal investigations. If you enjoy supernatural horror that makes you want to sleep with every light in the house on, this franchise is a must-watch.
“Halloween” (1978)
What would a Halloween horror guide be without “Halloween”? This classic slasher follows Michael Myers, who escapes from a psychiatric hospital and returns to his hometown to stalk teenager Laurie Strode. With its iconic soundtrack and one of horror’s most recognizable villains, “Halloween” helped shape the slasher genre. If you want to watch a movie that captures the feeling of Halloween night, definitely start here.
“The Shining” (1980)
One of the most highly recognizable films in pop culture, “The Shining” is a classic for a reason. Directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on Stephen King’s novel, the film follows a writer who becomes the winter caretaker of an isolated hotel with his family. As the isolation continues, strange occurrences and growing paranoia send him spiraling. Between the film’s continuous psychological tension and unforgettable scenes, “The Shining” proves that horror doesn’t always have to have jump scares.
“ParaNorman” (2012)
I remember watching “ParaNorman” when it first came out, and I was obsessed. It’s essentially a stop-motion version of “The Sixth Sense” (1999). It follows Norman, a young boy who can communicate with the dead and must save his town from a centuries-old curse.
As a history lover, I think one of the most interesting parts of “ParaNorman” is its connection to historical witch trials. The story takes place in a town that once put a young girl on trial for witchcraft she wasn’t guilty of, which adds a lot of depth to the animated film.
“The Evil Dead” (1981 – 2026)
“Evil Dead” is one of the best long-running horror franchises. The original film, directed by Sam Raimi in 1981, follows a group of friends who accidentally unleash demonic forces while staying in a remote cabin.
The sixth installment, “Evil Dead Burn,” was released this year, with “Evil Dead Rise” being released in 2023. As a long-time watcher of horror cinema, I can say that the 2023 release was one of the only times I have felt genuine fear while watching a scary movie. I would definitely advise skipping these if you are jumpy, asthmatic or struggle with anxiety.
“Coraline” (2009)
“Coraline” is undoubtedly one of the most popular Halloween and stop-motion films. It was directed in 2009 by Henry Selick and adapted from the 2002 dark fantasy novella “Coraline” by Neil Gaiman. The movie is produced using clay figures moved independently throughout the film to mimic animation. Though it’s not a personal favorite, it is hard to ignore the film’s influence.
“Hocus Pocus” (1993)
If you want something lighthearted to end the night, look no further than Hocus Pocus. Set in Salem, Massachusetts on Halloween night, the movie follows a group of kids as they try to stop three resurrected witches from stealing the souls of children and gaining back their youth.
It’s comedic, thrilling and also has one of the best renditions of “I Put a Spell on You” that I have ever heard (sorry, Nina Simone). “Hocus Pocus” is the perfect movie to end your Halloween marathon when you need a break from being terrified.
