One of the best things about Halloween month (which all adults call October) is that it coincides with the official start of cozy weather. When the leaves start falling and Rite Aid offers ghost and skeleton costumes, what better way to scare yourself than to hide in a blanket or throw on a 12-inch with a seasonal beverage (Pumking Ale, anyone?) and watch a scary movie? Even better.
To celebrate Halloween, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the best scary movies to watch next month.
Case(2024)
Writer-director Coralie Fargeat recently told Askew, “At every age, we discover that we have issues that make us feel like monsters.” That’s certainly true in the film she directed, which has a demonic aspect. Be warned: There’s bloodshed ahead!
I Saw the Light on TV (2024)
While writer-director Jan Schonbrun’s funny and thought-provoking film about two teenagers addicted to the late-night TV show Pink Opaque isn’t as scary as some of the other movies on this list, it is genuinely disturbing.
Trap (2024)
Nobody has plot twists like M. Night Shyamalan, and this film — in which the director’s daughter Saleka plays the Taylor Swift-esque pop artist “Lady Raven” — has somehow become a prime example of his ability to get everyone talking about horror.
Long Legs (2024)
Nicolas Cage, Maika Monroe and Blair Underwood star in this 1990 thriller about an FBI agent who gets embroiled in a mystery while trying to catch a serial killer.
Maxine (2024)
Set in the wake of the 1985 Los Angeles Nightcrawler murder case, “A24” stars Mia Goth as an aspiring horror actress and peep show star who enters the set of her first real film, a growing nest of lawlessness.
Tarot Cards (2024)
This supernatural horror film considers what might happen if all the figures in a deck of tarot cards came to life and began tormenting a group of college friends. Fun to watch!
M3GAN (2023)
Not since the early days of Jordan Peele’s Get Out has a horror movie captured the zeitgeist like M3GAN, and this Saturday Night Live sketch proves it. Come to see roboticist Allison Williams play the lead, stay to see the weird robot doll dance.
On sale (2023)
Oliver Parker’s directorial debut is based on Jewish folklore about the demonic Abizul, which, believe it or not, is a perfect fit for a horror movie set in a Hasidic funeral home in Brooklyn.
Rabbit Run (2023)
Succession fans are going to go crazy over this movie, in which Sarah Snook (aka Shiv Roy!) plays a fertility doctor whose young daughter’s strange behavior prompts the reappearance of ghosts from the past.
Talk to Me (2023)
Zoe Trax, Miranda Bird, Joe Otto and others star in this Australian horror film about a group of friends who discover they can use the preserved hand of a mysterious corpse to connect with someone from the other world. It’s a tale of spirit connection. Good news for fans of the film: there will be a sequel.
Zombies Zombies (2022)
OK, so this is more comedy horror than actual horror, but it’s still definitely worth watching just to hear Rachel Sennott’s immortal line: “Your parents are upper, middle, and upper class.” (Plus, it’s based on a story by Christine Lupunian, so it has literary flair.)
Don’t Worry Honey (2022)
It’s not quite a horror movie, but the twists revealed in this heavily censored film certainly place it at least in the “scary” category. Florence Pugh plays a happy housewife whose reality is even bigger than this Harry Styles thriller directed by Olivia Wilde, which initially paints a more complex picture.
Vicela: Bone Girl (2022)
In this Spanish language horror film, a young woman who is about to give birth to her first child is cursed by an evil force. To be honest, if you’re pregnant, watching this movie is probably not the best choice (unless you’re really scared).
Invitation Card(2022)
Family trauma is a theme in this horror film. It tells the story of a young woman who meets her long-lost family for the first time after her mother’s death and discovers that they bring with them some very dark and scary secrets.
No (2022)
In Jordan Peele’s neo-Western sci-fi horror film No, Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer play siblings who try to prove the existence of UFOs when they encounter a strange alien species called the “Jean Jacket” blood creature.
Moti (2022)
This incredibly hilarious horror film stars Mia Goth as a 1918-era young woman who’s on the verge of insanity and will stop at nothing in her quest for stardom.
Skin Care Products(2022)
This Canadian experimental supernatural horror film tells the story of two young children who wake up to find their father missing and their house with doors and windows missing, where things get even scarier. The film gained attention on social media when it was first released, although it was later released in theaters.
Nighthouse (2021)
In a haunted house by a lake in upstate New York, a grieving widow (played by the incomparable Rebecca Hall) meets her dead husband and enters a marriage that leaves her completely bewildered. Directed by new horror director David Bruckner, this film features incredibly scary scenes.
Saint Maud (2021)
It tells the story of an introverted hospice nurse, played by Morfydd Clark, who is hired to care for famous dancer Amanda (Jennifer Ehle, who is dying of cancer). In a desolate, dank British seaside town, an episode of religious fervor turns to violence and culminates in one of the best endings in recent horror films.
Jhund (2021)
A locust keeper in the south of France is a single mother trying to raise two kids and make ends meet – so why not go bloodthirsty and try insect farming? This highly modern and complex thriller takes the blood-sucking locust horror genre to its extreme.
Titanium(2021)
Raw director Julia Ducournau won the coveted Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival for this horror-meets-horror drama starring Agatha Roussel.
The Invisible Man(2020)
Elisabeth Moss stars in this horror film about a woman who is convinced she is haunted by the invisible ghost of her abusive boyfriend.
Promising Young Woman(2020)
Is this rape-revenge film starring Carey Mulligan as a vigilante seeking revenge for the death of her best friend basically a found-footage horror movie? No, but it certainly has enough suspense to get your heart racing.
La Llorona (2019)
This Guatemalan horror film directed by Jarlo Bustamante focuses on a fictional dictator on trial for a brutal genocide who is ultimately tortured by black magic and demonically possessed victims until he confesses. The gravity of the crimes committed cannot be overlooked.
The Hut (2019)
It’s an icy chamber piece about two kids spending the winter holidays in a cabin with their father’s mysterious new girlfriend, Grace (Riley Keough). Directed by Austrian duo Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala, The Lodge is a slow-burn genre film that uses the pressure of a steel vice.
Midsummer(2019)
In this psychological thriller, a strange Swedish death cult attempts to lure a group of terrified American students into its trap.
Are You Ready (2019)
Ninety minutes of absolutely ridiculously horrific chaos. Samara Weaving plays a bride named Grace, who marries into a family with prodigious board game wealth. The wedding takes place at the family estate and culminates with a formal family initiation – a deadly hide-and-seek in which the family uses guns, crossbows, axes and more to find Grace.
Hum (2019)
Nobody makes horror movies like Peele, and Us is no exception, with a family terrorized by a horde of lookalikes.
Prerna(2018)
This British horror film starring Dan Stevens and Michael Sheen is set in 1905 and tells the story of a tramp who sets out to rescue his sister from a cult.
Hereditary (2018)
If you’re still hungry for Ari Aster’s work after A Midsommar, check out this 2018 horror-tragedy film in which Toni Collette shines.
Maleficent(2018)
Florence Pugh stars in this horror film about a group of people who discover supernatural powers and are tasked with a very real mission.
A Quiet Place (2018)
This post-apocalyptic sci-fi horror film follows John Krasinski and Emily Blunt as they try to save their family from the apocalypse.
What Keeps You Alive (2018)
Premiering at SXSW, this Canadian psychological horror film directed by Colin Minihan tells the story of a young couple celebrating their wedding anniversary at a remote cabin, but their trip goes awry.
Get Out (2017)
Daniel Kaluuya and Allison Williams give unforgettable performances in this Jordan Peele film that will make you think twice about meeting their parents.
Ghost Story(2017)
David Lowery’s supernatural drama is more of a dark meditation on grief and the ever-shifting sands of time than horror… but, as its title suggests, it won’t be in your Halloween movie marathon, feeling out of place.
This(2017)
After watching this movie you will never look at Joker the same way.
Origins(2016)
This emerging horror film from Julia Ducournau is not for the faint of heart. It’s about a young vegetarian veterinary student who begins to crave the taste of meat after eating it for the first time, but only if you have a strong stomach (or are willing to close your eyes for a few key moments). Watch.
The Witch(2015)
Before she became Emma Woodhouse or Beth Harmon, Anya Taylor-Joy Thomasin was a 17th-century New England girl suspected by her family that she was a witch.
What We Do in the Shadows (2015)
Starring Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement, What We Do in the Shadows follows a group of ancient vampire roommates as they try to adapt to life in the 21st century. It’s scary and funny at the same time.
The Babadook (2014)
It’s a well-crafted, deeply disturbing exploration of motherhood, grief and guilt, with genuine horror lingering long after the final scene.
Citizen 4(2014)
This 2014 documentary about the National Security Agency spying scandal is scarier than many fictional films.
The Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014)
Written and directed by Anna Lily Amirpour, the film has been called “the first Iranian vampire Western” and features an anti-hero vigilante named “The Girl” who uses her vampire identity to wander the streets alone at night. Amirpour said, “A vampire is many things: a serial killer, a romantic, a historian, a drug addict – all rolled into one.”
It Follows (2014)
This horror film with a clearly feminist bent follows a group of teenagers who suffer a deadly curse because of their sexual relationships.
Eyeballs(2013)
This psychological thriller takes the horror level up a notch by telling the story of a young woman who becomes convinced that an antique mirror is haunting her family.
Possession(2013)
Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga play real-life paranormal investigators (or “demonologists”, if you prefer that term) Ed and Lorraine Warren in this horror film set in a 1970s Rhode Island home.
Driving (2011)
While most people would classify Drive as a thriller, it’s definitely scary at times.
Meri Awaaz(2011)
If you fear the worst cultism, avoid watching this film directed by Brit Marling — or think of it as exposure therapy.
All Good Things (2010)
How scary are Ryan Gosling’s movies? Turns out, very scary. Kirsten Dunst’s acting is worth watching.
Black Swan(2010)
Although the story takes place in the beautiful world of ballet, on a deep, dark psychological level it is horrifying.
Jennifer’s Body (2009)
Is it a show? Sure, but this Megan Fox/Amanda Seyfried dark comedy is a cult classic for good reason.
Mist(2007)
Starring Thomas Jane, Marcia Gay Harden, and Andre Braugher, this Stephen King adaptation follows a small group of people living in Bridgton, Maine, as they search a supermarket for supplies following a storm story, while they begin to notice strange occurrences on the beach. Warning: The movie is actually even darker than the book.
Teeth(2007)
The scariest thing about this body-horror, message-laden film is its abstinence-only sex teachings. The film tells the story of a young Christian woman who finds fangs growing in her vagina.
The Orphanage(2007)
In this gothic supernatural horror film from J.A. in Bayonne, a woman brings her family to the orphanage where she grew up and is surprised to find that her young son has made a new invisible friend.
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
Guillermo del Toro’s dystopian fantasy is both terrifying and beautiful, and suits its Franco-era Spanish setting.
Hard Candy(2005)
In this gripping, highly suspenseful psychological thriller, a young girl becomes overly cautious and obsessed with an adult man (whom she suspects is a sexual predator) who flirts with her online.
Wax Museum(2005)
Is this movie technically good? No. Are Paris Hilton and Chad Michael Murray in it? Yes, for that reason alone, this horror film about a group of teens trapped in a creepy wax museum is a must-see – if for no other reason, then at least for bad movie nights.
Saw (2004)
If you’re into that sort of thing, bleed to the max. If you don’t like that sort of thing, avoid it at all costs.
Signal (2002)
After watching this, you will start seeing aliens and Joaquin Phoenix on the rooftops of buildings.
Bewafaa(2002)
Richard Gere and Diane Lane star in a love story that explores the lengths people will go to for revenge.
Ginger (2000)
This Canadian supernatural horror film is a quirky movie that tells the story of two teenage sisters whose relationship reaches new heights when one of them transforms into a werewolf shortly after she starts menstruating. Hey, at least the script was written by a woman, right?
Requiem for a Dream(2000)
This complex portrayal of the hell of drug addiction will be etched in your mind after watching the film.
What a Lie (2000)
Amber Valletta looks a lot like Michelle Pfeiffer in this movie, so it’ll make you pause every time you wipe down your bathroom mirror.
The Sixth Sense (1999)
In this classic film directed by M. Night Shyamalan, a child played by Haley Joel Osment sees ghosts (“I see dead people!”).
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
The Torchlight documentary that begins with “found footage” is still scary in 2022.
Halloweentown (1998)
This Disney Channel original movie is about a time when teens are on the verge of becoming pop stars. Truly worth rewatching!
Practical Magic (1998)
Watch this 90s movie and you’ll want to become a witch too. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman play witch sisters caught between love, death and magic.
Lin Gu (1998)
The Lord of the Rings is certainly scary, but the Japanese original is scarier on a deeper psychological level.
Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996–2003)
If you liked the sexy Sabrina reboot, revisit the weird original. You won’t be disappointed.
The Process(1996)
A new girl with a troubled past arrives in Los Angeles and befriends three students who are less popular but are much more interesting than they appear.
Scream(1996)
Wes Craven is running for president! Is there any more indelible horror movie image than the pitiful, terrified image of Drew Barrymore with her phone to her ear in this ultra-meta-horror film?
Casper(1995)
No, this isn’t any millennial mattress brand; Christina Ricci’s co-brand has sparked thousands of debates over whether even a lovable person like Casper can turn Casper into a ghost. Get ready to reconnect.
Double, Double, Toil and Trouble (1993)
There were Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen movies before “The Row,” and “The Row” is one of Olsen’s most compelling dramatic films.
The Magician(1993)
Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker (as Samantha of the Sanderson Sisters) give this film a Halloween vintage element.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
The best of both holiday worlds – you can see it now and in December! It’s a little spooky, but mostly cute.
Candyman(1992)
Bernard Ross’ classic gothic supernatural horror film centers on a Chicago graduate student who becomes aware of the legend of the “Candyman,” the ghost of an African-American artist and the son of a slave.
Twin Peaks: Fire Walking with Me (1992)
The film combines all the psychological horror and weirdness of David Lynch’s original Twin Peaks series with a level of horror imagination that ABC would never have shown.
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992)
Complete your next movie night with this 90s psychological thriller in which a vengeful grandmother tries to ruin the life of her former boss.
Silence of the Lambs (1991)
You’ll never think of lamb (or fava beans or Chianti) the same way again after watching this classic horror film, starring Jodie Foster as an FBI investigator who uses her knowledge about one serial killer to try to catch another serial killer.
The Egyptian(1990)
This Stephen King classic film stars Kathy Bates, one of the most obsessive horror fans of all time.
Fatal Attraction (1987)
A classic film of the 1980s: Michael Douglas and Glenn Close play a lost (married) businessman and a lover who refuses to leave quietly. The rabbit scene is as disturbing as you may have heard.
45 Women (1981)
Abel Ferrara’s classic film tells the story of a quiet seamstress who goes on a rampage of revenge after being attacked twice in the same day on the streets of New York.
The Shining (1980)
An influential family stays at a remote hotel, but discovers that #SponCon isn’t as cool as people thought (just kidding). An aspiring writer and alcoholic (Jack Nicholson!) accepts a position as off-season custodian at a historic hotel, bringing his wife (Shirley Duvall!) and son with him. Things go wrong quickly.
The Watcher in the Woods (1980)
Don’t let the fact that it’s a Disney movie fool you – this Bette Davis film will definitely scare you.
The Amityville Horror Movie (1979)
More houses, more murders, this time in 1979, starring James Brolin. What’s even more shocking is that this story is based on a real house.
The Sinking of the Ship (1978)
Watership Down, this psychedelic animated film about an endangered rabbit, is keeping many people up at night due to their fear of rabbits.
Aah(1977)
The 2018 Guadagnino remake gets all the attention, but the original 1977 film about a haunted dance academy is also worth your time.
Carrie (1976)
The original “Mean Girls” was just pig blood. This movie is really a teenage outcast’s nightmare.
Jaws(1975)
Getting into the ocean again after watching Steven Spielberg’s classic film is enough to instill a lifelong fear of the ocean in generations of movie fans.
Young Frankenstein (1974)
Mel Brooks’ “Young Frankenstein” features Gene Wilder, Peter Boyle, Marty Feldman, Cloris Leachman, Teri Garr, Madeleine Kahn and more, and a highly entertaining script that completely transforms Mary Shelley’s classic story.
The Exorcist(1973)
This is a horror movie with a real-life history that’s even scarier.
Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
Rosemary’s Baby is unmatched in terms of pure psychological terror, but don’t let Mia Farrow and John Cassavetes’ evil neighbors ruin New York City for you.
Wait Till Darkness (1967)
Audrey Hepburn plays a blind woman who stops intruders by turning off all the lights in her apartment. The audience is put in her position and only understands what is going on by hearing the sounds of the people trying to kill her running around the house.
The Birds (1963)
Yes, there are scenes of violent horror: birds clawing out people’s eyes and children being chased, though these pale in comparison to Freddy Krueger’s latest nightmare. But the scares present in “Birds” are far more serious.
Psycho(1960)
Is there a more famous or frightening bath scene in any movie? Alfred Hitchcock created a wonderful horror film with Psycho, using clever camerawork and a great performance from Anthony Perkins to create stunning effects.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
Arguably the definition of American horror cinema (at least until the 1970s), this Cold War-era film centering on an alien invasion of “pod people” will forever serve as the blueprint for the physical snapshots on screen.
Dracula’s Daughter (1936)
This classic black-and-white vampire horror film stars Gloria Holden as Maria Zaleska, the vampire daughter of Count Dracula, and is known for its lesbian background, which is reason enough to see it.
Freak(1932)
This pre-Code horror film from 1932 is still scary after all this time.
Nosferatu (1922)
A pioneer in the horror genre (particularly vampires), F.W. Murnau’s Nosferatu: Symphony of Horror was a hit upon its premiere in 1922 and was critically acclaimed for its moody visuals and poetic script. Decades later, Roger Ebert commented: “It’s the story of Dracula before he was buried alive, filled with clichés, jokes, TV sketches, comics and more than 30 other films.”
