Now that October is here, I have to admit I am a huge scary movie fan! I absolutely LOVE cuddling up on the couch and getting the sh*t scared out of me (I may be singing a different tune when it is 3 am and I canโt sleep). Although I usually get TERRIFIED, I canโt help but read scary books & stories and watch all the creepy movies we can get our hands on.
With cooler weather and pumpkin patches everywhere, all you need is a good scary movie to really embrace the spooky holiday. This is the time of year you will start to see all the new scary movies advertising, but I have to say, they donโt make them like they used to.
So, I put together the Ultimate October Scary Movie List guaranteed to give you the creeps! Categorized below, you will find something for everyone.
Most of these movies are streamable on Netflix, Prime TV, Hulu, or On-Demand.
Happy Hauntings!
1. Halloween (1978) Michael Myers is the quintessential slasher, and the original โHalloweenโ remains one of the scariest films ever made. Follow Laurie Strodeโs battle against the masked killer on a chilling Halloween night.
2. The Exorcist (1973) Regarded as one of the scariest movies of all time, โThe Exorcistโ tells the horrifying tale of a young girl possessed by a demonic entity and the desperate attempts to save her.
3. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) Freddy Krueger haunts the dreams of teenagers in this iconic horror flick. The blend of supernatural terror and creative kills makes it a must-watch.
4. Psycho (1960) Alfred Hitchcockโs masterpiece โPsychoโ is a psychological thriller that still holds up. The infamous shower scene alone is enough to give anyone nightmares.
5. The Conjuring (2013) Based on true events, โThe Conjuringโ follows paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren as they help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse.
6. Hereditary (2018) A deeply unsettling film, โHereditaryโ delves into the horrors of a familyโs dark secrets and the supernatural forces at play. Itโs a slow-burn horror that pays off with a terrifying climax.
7. Get Out (2017) Jordan Peeleโs directorial debut is a brilliant mix of horror and social commentary. โGet Outโ tells the story of a young black man who uncovers disturbing secrets while visiting his white girlfriendโs family.
8. It Follows (2014) This modern horror film introduces a unique and terrifying concept: a supernatural entity that relentlessly pursues its victims. โIt Followsโ is a tense and atmospheric movie that keeps you on edge.
9. The Shining (1980) Stanley Kubrickโs adaptation of Stephen Kingโs novel is a masterclass in psychological horror. Jack Nicholsonโs portrayal of Jack Torranceโs descent into madness is unforgettable.
10. Black Swan (2010) โBlack Swanโ is a psychological thriller that delves into the dark side of ambition and perfectionism. Natalie Portmanโs performance as a troubled ballerina is both haunting and captivating.
11. Silence of the Lambs (1991) This thriller follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she seeks the help of imprisoned cannibal Dr. Hannibal Lecter to catch another serial killer. The mind games and tension make it a gripping watch.
12. Midsommar (2019) Ari Asterโs โMidsommarโ is a daylight horror that explores grief, cults, and human psychology. The bright setting contrasts sharply with the dark and disturbing events that unfold.
13. Poltergeist (1982) This classic ghost story revolves around a family whose home is haunted by malevolent spirits. The chilling effects and eerie atmosphere make it a standout.
14. The Ring (2002) After watching a mysterious videotape, people die within seven days. โThe Ringโ is a spine-chilling movie that brings a unique twist to the supernatural horror genre.
15. Insidious (2010) โInsidiousโ follows a family whose son falls into a coma and becomes a vessel for malevolent entities. The filmโs jump scares and creepy imagery are guaranteed to keep you up at night.
16. The Babadook (2014) This Australian horror film explores grief and mental illness through the story of a mother and her son haunted by a sinister presence from a childrenโs book.
17. The Blair Witch Project (1999) One of the most successful found footage films, โThe Blair Witch Projectโ follows three filmmakers who disappear while investigating a local legend. The realistic style and unsettling atmosphere make it a must-watch.
18. Paranormal Activity (2007) This low-budget horror hit uses found footage to tell the story of a couple experiencing increasingly disturbing events in their home. The tension builds slowly, leading to a terrifying conclusion.
19. REC (2007) A Spanish found footage horror film, โRECโ follows a TV reporter and her crew trapped in an apartment building during a viral outbreak. The claustrophobic setting and relentless pace make it a gripping watch.
20. Train to Busan (2016) This South Korean zombie film combines heart-pounding action with emotional storytelling. โTrain to Busanโ follows passengers on a train during a zombie outbreak, fighting for survival.
21. The Orphanage (2007) A Spanish supernatural horror film, โThe Orphanageโ tells the story of a woman who returns to her childhood home, now an orphanage, and encounters ghostly children. The film is both haunting and emotionally powerful.
22. Audition (1999) This Japanese horror film starts as a slow-burn drama but takes a shocking turn into disturbing horror. โAuditionโ is a must-watch for fans of psychological and body horror.
23. Shaun of the Dead (2004) This British horror comedy blends humor and horror perfectly. โShaun of the Deadโ follows a man trying to win back his ex-girlfriend while dealing with a zombie apocalypse.
24. The Cabin in the Woods (2012) A meta-horror film that plays with genre conventions, โThe Cabin in the Woodsโ is both scary and funny. It follows a group of friends who uncover the truth behind the horrors they face.
25. Tucker and Dale vs. Evil (2010) This horror comedy flips the genre on its head by making the supposed killers the heroes. โTucker and Dale vs. Evilโ is a hilarious and gory film about misunderstandings and stereotypes.
There you have it, the ultimate October scary movie list to keep you entertained and terrified all month long. Whether youโre a fan of classic horror, modern hits, psychological thrillers, supernatural chillers, or horror comedies, thereโs something on this list for everyone. So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready for a spine-tingling movie marathon. Happy hauntings!