Ultimate October Scary Movie List: from kids to adults, something for everyone

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 can’t sleep). Although I usually get TERRIFIED, I can’t 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 don’t 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!

October Scary Movie Classic Horror Films

1. Halloween (1978) Michael Myers is the quintessential slasher, and the original “Halloween” remains one of the scariest films ever made. Follow Laurie Strode’s battle against the masked killer on a chilling Halloween night.

2. The Exorcist (1973) Regarded as one of the scariest movies of all time, “The Exorcist” 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 Hitchcock’s masterpiece “Psycho” is a psychological thriller that still holds up. The infamous shower scene alone is enough to give anyone nightmares.

October Scary Movie Modern Horror Hits

5. The Conjuring (2013) Based on true events, “The Conjuring” 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, “Hereditary” delves into the horrors of a family’s dark secrets and the supernatural forces at play. It’s a slow-burn horror that pays off with a terrifying climax.

7. Get Out (2017) Jordan Peele’s directorial debut is a brilliant mix of horror and social commentary. “Get Out” tells the story of a young black man who uncovers disturbing secrets while visiting his white girlfriend’s family.

8. It Follows (2014) This modern horror film introduces a unique and terrifying concept: a supernatural entity that relentlessly pursues its victims. “It Follows” is a tense and atmospheric movie that keeps you on edge.

October Scary Movie Psychological Thrillers

9. The Shining (1980) Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel is a masterclass in psychological horror. Jack Nicholson’s portrayal of Jack Torrance’s descent into madness is unforgettable.

10. Black Swan (2010) “Black Swan” is a psychological thriller that delves into the dark side of ambition and perfectionism. Natalie Portman’s 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 Aster’s “Midsommar” is a daylight horror that explores grief, cults, and human psychology. The bright setting contrasts sharply with the dark and disturbing events that unfold.

Supernatural Chillers

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. “The Ring” is a spine-chilling movie that brings a unique twist to the supernatural horror genre.

15. Insidious (2010) “Insidious” follows a family whose son falls into a coma and becomes a vessel for malevolent entities. The film’s 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 children’s book.

Found Footage and Mockumentary Horror

17. The Blair Witch Project (1999) One of the most successful found footage films, “The Blair Witch Project” 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, “REC” 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.

International Horror

20. Train to Busan (2016) This South Korean zombie film combines heart-pounding action with emotional storytelling. “Train to Busan” follows passengers on a train during a zombie outbreak, fighting for survival.

21. The Orphanage (2007) A Spanish supernatural horror film, “The Orphanage” 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. “Audition” is a must-watch for fans of psychological and body horror.

Horror Comedies

23. Shaun of the Dead (2004) This British horror comedy blends humor and horror perfectly. “Shaun of the Dead” 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, “The Cabin in the Woods” 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. “Tucker and Dale vs. Evil” is a hilarious and gory film about misunderstandings and stereotypes.

Conclusion

There you have it, the ultimate October scary movie list to keep you entertained and terrified all month long. Whether you’re a fan of classic horror, modern hits, psychological thrillers, supernatural chillers, or horror comedies, there’s something on this list for everyone. So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready for a spine-tingling movie marathon. Happy hauntings!