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Holidays are a time when we embrace traditions, and Halloween is no exception. It's that time of year when we indulge in our love for classic horror movies, immersing ourselves in the chilling atmosphere and spine-tingling scares. While there are countless terrifying films to choose from, there's something special about revisiting the familiar favorites during this spooky season. We find comfort in the presence of iconic villains like Dracula, Michael Myers, Chucky, and Freddy Krueger, as well as the talented directors who have brought these characters to life, from the legendary James Whale and Stanley Kubrick to the contemporary voices of Jordan Peele and James Wan.
These movies have earned their place as the best Halloween films of all time because they tap into our deepest fears and anxieties. Whether it's the unsettling presence of creepy dolls or the looming dread that no matter how hard we try, we can never fully protect our loved ones, these films strike a nerve. Some of them are newer favorites that we know will endure because they come from the minds of our favorite horror storytellers. Others seamlessly blend the old and the new, injecting fresh entries, reboots, or remakes into beloved franchises. They encompass a wide range of horror elements, including witches, vampires, haunted houses, ghosts, and psychological terrors, making them the perfect choice for every October viewing. And who says horror is limited to a specific season? These movies can be enjoyed throughout the year, as fear knows no boundaries. Hope you enjoy these 10 Movies to get you into the Halloween Spirit.
It's worth noting that while a few selections on this list are family-friendly, the majority of them fall into the blood, guts, and gore category. If you're looking for something to watch with younger audiences, we have a separate list of scary movies for kids that offers more suitable options.
10
The Shining (1980)
The 1980 classic "The Shining" directed by Stanley Kubrick. A horror film ahead of it's time. Kubrick takes a Stephen King classic and makes it his own. Starring Jack Nicholson as Writer Caretaker Jack Torrence. That writers block can really stress you out.
9
Carrie (1976)
Another Stephen King adaption. Carrie stars Sissy Spacek as Carrie White. A young high school misfit being bullied by classmates and her religious mother at home, shows them her true powers. They played fuck around and find out. She was being bullied so is she even the evil one?
8
Pet Sematary (1989)
It would appear that Stephen King adaptations are many and seem to be great movies to get you into the Halloween season. After losing his son, a man stricken with grief buries his son in a cemetery that is said to bring life. But what comes back isn't the child he lost. After the original why not try the 2019 remake by the same name Pet Sematary (2019) .
7
The Evil Dead (1981)
Sam Raimi was playing with timelines and alternate takes in his Evil Dead series long before he reached the MCU. The Evil Dead, The Evil Dead II, and Army of Darkness all Starring Bruce Campbell as Ash. After finding the book of the dead, he must battle evil demons that possess everything around him. Check out our Friday Night Frights Review.
6
Terrifier (2016)
Terrifier stars David Howard Thorton as Art the Clown. Known for its low budget Franchise, its still big on blood, guts, and kills. It truly lives up to its name. The sequel Terrifier 2 only cost $250,000 to make but still raked in over $15 Million at the Box Office. Rumors are there is a 3rd movie on its way.
5
It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
It's just not Halloween if you don't gather the family to watch this season classic. The peanut gang gets spooky. Will the Great Pumpkin Show this year?
6
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
People that don't even watch horror movies, still know the name Freddy Krueger. One, two, Freddie's coming for you. This Wes Craven slasher stars Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger. Freddy is a disfigured Midnight Mangler. Preying on teens in their dreams, which kills them in reality.
5
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
This movie made famous the concept of "found footage" horror. This cult favorite follows a group of film students that get get lost in the woods looking into the local legend of the "the blair witch". And when you are done with that check out the 2016 follow up "Blair Witch".
4
Friday the 13th (1980)
Camp Crystal Lake has been closed for 20 years after some brutal unsolved murders. The new owners and seven counselors are getting ready to re open the property.
3
IT (2017)
Based off of Stephen Kings bone chilling novel of the same name. Before Art the Clown, Penny Wise the Clown was the terrifier of children. The disappearance of children in their small town, a group of kids fight together against an ancient evil known as Penny Wise the dancing clown. Make sure to follow it up with the 2019 IT: Chapter 2 .
2
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
After picking up a hitchhiker, 5 friends get lured to a house with the chainsaw wielding leather face and his psycho family. This film launched several sequels, reboots, and sequels to the reboots.
1
Halloween (1978)
This iconic John Carpenter film features the unstoppable Michael Myers. Myers played by Nick Castle, Escapes a mental institution fifteen years after killing his sister. He returns to Haddonfield to stalk his sister Laurie Strode played by the wonderful Jamie Lee Curtis. Will he kill again?
This is just my few faves. There is an abundance of Horror/Halloween movies to get you into the spirit of Halloween. Stay Spooky friends.
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