Halloween isn’t complete without a marathon of spine-chilling, hair-raising movies to set the perfect eerie mood. Whether you enjoy supernatural hauntings, psychological terrors, or good old-fashioned slasher flicks, there’s a spooky film for everyone.
From modern-day masterpieces to genre-defining classics, we’ve curated a list of the best spooky Halloween movies that will keep you on the edge of your seat all night. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be terrified by these 13 frightening films.
13. Malignant (2021)
- Metacritic Score: 51
- Release Date: September 10, 2021
- Director: James Wan
- Top Billed Cast: Annabelle Wallis, Maddie Hasson, George Young
- Where to Watch: Peacock
James Wan’s Malignant delivers a mind-bending horror story about Madison, a woman plagued by terrifying visions of murders that are somehow happening in real time. As she delves deeper into these visions, she uncovers shocking truths about her past and the strange connection she shares with a mysterious killer named Gabriel. Malignant stands out for its daring twist that pushes the boundaries of the genre, making it one of the most polarizing and talked-about horror films in recent years.
12. Insidious (2010)
- Metacritic Score: 52
- Release Date: April 1, 2011
- Director: James Wan
- Top Billed Cast: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Lin Shaye
- Where to Watch: Peacock
In Insidious, a family moves into a new home, only to experience increasingly disturbing supernatural occurrences. When their son inexplicably falls into a coma, they discover malevolent entities from another realm are using him as a gateway to our world. To save their child, they must venture into a frightening dimension known as "The Further." With its eerie atmosphere, jump scares, and iconic use of astral projection as a plot device, Insidious has already cemented its status as a modern horror classic.
11. Ready or Not (2019)
- Metacritic Score: 64
- Release Date: August 21, 2019
- Director: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett
- Top Billed Cast: Samara Weaving, Adam Brody, Andy MacDowell
- Where to Watch: Hulu
Ready or Not follows Grace, a newlywed who joins her in-laws' eccentric and wealthy family for what seems like an innocent wedding night game of hide-and-seek. However, things take a sinister turn as Grace soon realizes her new family isn’t playing for fun—this is a deadly ritual where her life is the ultimate prize. With its clever script, satirical take on wealth, and gruesome yet comedic moments, Ready or Not offers a refreshing spin on the survival horror genre.
10. The Conjuring (2013)
- Metacritic Score: 68
- Release Date: July 19, 2013
- Director: James Wan
- Top Billed Cast: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Ron Livingston
- Where to Watch: Max
The Conjuring follows real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren as they help a family plagued by dark forces in their rural farmhouse. The film’s scares are rooted in classic haunted house horror, with an emphasis on atmosphere and tension rather than cheap thrills. The Conjuring reinvigorated the haunted house subgenre with its expert pacing, chilling visuals, and memorable scares. It’s an absolute masterclass in building dread, making it one of the best spooky movies and a must-watch for horror fans.
9. The Shining (1980)
- Metacritic Score: 68
- Release Date: May 23, 1980
- Director: Stanley Kubrick
- Top Billed Cast: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd
- Where to Watch: Max
Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s classic novel is a true masterpiece of psychological horror. The Shining follows Jack Torrance, an aspiring writer who takes a job as the winter caretaker of the remote Overlook Hotel. As isolation sets in, Jack slowly descends into madness, putting his family in grave danger. With its slow build and eerie setting, the film creates an atmosphere of dread that crescendos into one of the most iconic final acts in horror-movie history.
8. The Descent (2005)
- Metacritic Score: 71
- Release Date: August 4, 2006
- Director: Neil Marshall
- Top Billed Cast: Shauna Macdonald, Natalie Mendoza, Alex Reid
- Where to Watch: YouTube
The Descent follows a group of women on a caving expedition that turns into a nightmarish fight for survival when they encounter strange, deadly creatures lurking in the dark caverns. As their situation worsens, the claustrophobic tension intensifies, driving them into psychological turmoil. The film expertly combines visceral horror with psychological dread, creating one of the most terrifying cave-diving experiences ever captured on film. There's a good reason it also made our list of the best monster movies of all time!
7. Deliverance (1972)
- Metacritic Score: 80
- Release Date: July 30, 1972
- Director: John Boorman
- Top Billed Cast: Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty
- Where to Watch: Prime Video
Deliverance may not be a traditional horror film, but it’s one of the most suspenseful and nerve-wracking movies of all time. The story follows four friends who embark on a canoeing trip through the Georgia wilderness, only to be terrorized by violent locals. Their fight for survival becomes a nightmare as the wilderness turns against them. The primal fear of being hunted, paired with the film’s exploration of survival and masculinity, makes Deliverance a deeply unsettling film that lingers long after the credits roll.
6 . A Quiet Place (2018)
- Metacritic Score: 82
- Release Date: April 6, 2018
- Director: John Krasinski
- Top Billed Cast: Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Millicent Simmonds
- Where to Watch: Paramount+
In a post-apocalyptic world, a family must live in complete silence to avoid being hunted by creatures that attack based on sound. A Quiet Place is a heart-pounding thriller that relies on tension rather than gore, as the family’s every move must be silent, or they risk certain death. The film’s unique use of sound—or the lack thereof—creates a terrifying atmosphere that sets it apart from other horror films. Its emphasis on family survival makes it not only a scary film but also an emotionally resonant one.
5. The Exorcist (1973)
- Metacritic Score: 83
- Release Date: December 26, 1973
- Director: William Friedkin
- Top Billed Cast: Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Linda Blair
- Where to Watch: Max
The Exorcist is a supernatural horror film about a young girl possessed by a malevolent entity and the two priests who attempt to save her. The film’s depiction of demonic possession, combined with its unsettling atmosphere, has made it one of the scariest movies of all time. Widely considered the gold standard for horror, The Exorcist set the bar for supernatural terror. Its groundbreaking special effects, chilling performances, and iconic scenes have left an indelible mark on the genre.
4. The Witch (2015)
- Metacritic Score: 84
- Release Date: October 18, 2015
- Director: Robert Eggers
- Top Billed Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie
- Where to Watch: Prime Video
Set in 1630s New England, The Witch follows a Puritan family banished to live on the edge of a dark, ominous forest. As tensions rise and strange events occur, the family becomes increasingly paranoid, fearing that the eldest daughter, Thomasin (Anya Taylor-Joy), might be a witch. The Witch is a slow-burn masterpiece that dives deep into themes of religious paranoia and isolation. The film’s authentic period setting, eerie atmosphere, and unsettling performances make it a standout in psychological horror.
3. The Babadook (2014)
- Metacritic Score: 86
- Release Date: November 28, 2014
- Director: Jennifer Kent
- Top Billed Cast: Essie Davis, Noah Wiseman, Daniel Henshall
- Where to Watch: Netflix, AMC+
In The Babadook, a widowed mother struggles to care for her troubled son, who becomes convinced that a sinister creature from a mysterious book is haunting them. As the mother begins to experience terrifying visions herself, the line between reality and madness blurs. The Babadook masterfully blends psychological horror with a heartbreaking exploration of grief and trauma. Its chilling atmosphere and metaphorical depth make it a standout among modern horror films.
2. Hereditary (2018)
- Metacritic Score: 87
- Release Date: June 8, 2018
- Director: Ari Aster
- Top Billed Cast: Toni Collette, Milly Shapiro, Gabriel Byrne
- Where to Watch: Hulu
Ari Aster’s Hereditary is a disturbing tale about a family unraveling after the death of their matriarch. As strange events start to plague the family, they uncover dark secrets about their lineage and the malevolent forces targeting them. Toni Collette delivers a powerhouse performance as the grief-stricken mother, Annie, whose descent into madness drives the film. With its haunting imagery, complex emotional depth, and shocking twists, it has redefined what horror can be in the 21st century.
1. Halloween (1978)
- Metacritic Score: 90
- Release Date: October 25, 1978
- Director: John Carpenter
- Top Billed Cast: Jamie Lee Curtis, Donald Pleasence, Tony Moran
- Where to Watch: Xumo Play, AMC+
John Carpenter’s Halloween is a genre-defining slasher film that introduced the world to one of the most iconic horror villains of all time. The film follows Michael Myers, an escaped mental patient who returns to his hometown to kill on Halloween night. Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) becomes his main target, leading to a terrifying cat-and-mouse chase. Its minimalist style, combined with John Carpenter’s eerie score, makes it one of the best spooky movies for annual Halloween viewing.
Enjoy Some Family-Friendly Scares With the Murder Mystery Dinner Train
Now that you’ve got your list of the best spooky Halloween movies, all that’s left is to set the mood. And while a movie marathon is a classic way to enjoy the holiday, how about taking your Halloween thrills up a notch this year?
The Murder Mystery Dinner Train offers an immersive, spine-tingling experience that pairs perfectly with the Halloween spirit. Step into the world of mystery, suspense, and fun, all while indulging in a delicious five-course meal aboard a historic train in Fort Myers, Florida. With interactive shows, surprising twists and turns, and plenty of laughs along the way, it’s a one-of-a-kind adventure for thrill-seekers and mystery lovers alike.
Book your ticket today and get ready for a hauntingly good time that rivals even the most chilling movie marathon!
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