Horror movies for Halloween: 10 tips to get some scares

Halloween is the perfect time for horror movie marathons, providing the ideal opportunity to get some scares and experience chills through entertainment.

To ensure you have a frightening and diverse list, we’ve gathered 10 Horror movies for Halloween ranging from timeless classics to new spine-chilling productions.

Whether you’re a fan of psychological horror, slasher films, or supernatural stories, these movies promise to keep you on the edge of your seat. Check out our suggestions and get ready for a night of pure terror!

1. Halloween (1978)

John Carpenter redefined the horror genre with Halloween, released in 1978. The film introduces Michael Myers, one of the most iconic killers in cinema.

He escapes from a psychiatric hospital and returns to his hometown of Haddonfield on Halloween night, where the killing spree begins.

What makes Halloween special is the constant tension that Carpenter creates, using a simple yet chilling soundtrack that he composed himself.

This film doesn’t rely on exaggerated effects but builds a disturbing atmosphere and features a villain who moves with terrifying calmness.

It’s a landmark in the slasher genre and remains relevant, with sequels and remakes.

2. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019)

Based on Alvin Schwartz’s popular book series, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is a great choice for those who enjoy horror mixed with fantasy. And it couldn’t be left out of our list of Horror movies for Halloween.

Produced by Guillermo del Toro and directed by André Øvredal, the film follows a group of teenagers who find a cursed book, whose stories come to life in a macabre way.

Each story in the film is visually disturbing, reminiscent of childhood nightmares, and the monsters have designs that could only come from del Toro’s creative mind.

Scary Stories is perfect for those seeking intense themes in a well-constructed plot that mixes mystery, fantasy, and horror.

3. Psycho (1960)

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, Psycho is an undisputed classic. The plot follows Marion Crane, who, after stealing a large amount of money, checks into the isolated Bates Motel, where she meets Norman Bates, the enigmatic manager.

The film is famous for its iconic shower scene and the surprising twist at the end. Psycho is one of the first films to deeply explore the psychological side of characters, offering a disturbing analysis of the human mind.

The suspense is carefully built, keeping viewers tense from beginning to end. Hitchcock created a true cinematic milestone, influencing generations of horror and suspense films.

4. Candyman (2021)

The new Candyman from 2021, directed by Nia DaCosta and produced by Jordan Peele, revisits the iconic villain who haunts Cabrini Green, an area of Chicago marked by social issues.

The plot follows Anthony McCoy, an artist who begins to explore the Candyman legend and gradually loses control of his sanity.

This film combines horror with contemporary social issues, such as racism and gentrification, providing a deep critique of the treatment of marginalized communities.

Beyond the scares and suspense, Candyman is a visually impactful work that offers a horror experience with deeper meaning.

5. Hereditary (2018)

Directed by Ari Aster, Hereditary has become one of the most talked-about horror films in recent years.

The story revolves around a family that begins to unravel after the death of the matriarch, revealing dark secrets and supernatural forces that haunt them.

Hereditary’s horror is deep and psychological, with an atmosphere and tension that build to shocking moments.

The film is full of symbolism and stunning performances, especially by Toni Collette, who delivers one of the most intense performances ever seen in the genre.

Get ready for a horror that plays with your mind and nerves.

6. It (2017)

Based on Stephen King’s novel, It tells the story of a group of children who face Pennywise, a demonic clown that feeds on the deepest fears of its victims.

Set in the town of Derry, the film balances scares with a moving story of friendship and overcoming fears.

Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise delivers a terrifying performance, and the cinematography turns everyday scenes into moments of pure terror.

Combining 80s nostalgia with an engaging plot, this is an excellent choice for those who enjoy horror films with a good dose of adventure.

7. As Above, So Below (2014)

This found footage film takes place in the mysterious catacombs of Paris, where a group of urban explorers seeks a hidden relic.

What begins as an exciting expedition soon turns into a nightmare as they enter a sort of hell. As Above, So Below stands out for its claustrophobia and the growing sense of despair.

The catacomb setting adds an extra layer of tension, and the plot mixes psychological horror with elements of alchemy and the occult.

It’s an intense experience for those who like horror that messes with the mind.

8. Hush (2016)

Hush, directed by Mike Flanagan, is a survival thriller that offers an interesting twist on the slasher genre.

The protagonist, Maddie, is a deaf writer living alone in an isolated house. Her peace is interrupted when a masked man appears, turning her life into a silent fight for survival.

The film stands out for its use of silence as a suspense tool. The absence of sound creates an atmosphere of tension that grips the viewer from beginning to end, and Kate Siegel’s performance as Maddie is intense and captivating.

Hush is a perfect choice for those looking for a psychological horror film with a fast pace.

9. The Witch (2015)

Directed by Robert Eggers, The Witch is a historical horror film set in 17th-century New England.

The plot follows a family who moves to an isolated farm and begins to be tormented by supernatural events, suggesting the presence of a witch in the nearby forest.

The film stands out for its dark atmosphere and historical details. Instead of simple scares, The Witch builds on slow-burn psychological horror, exploring themes of religion, fear, and paranoia.

It’s a film for those who appreciate a slower, more profound horror experience.

10. The Babadook (2014)

This Australian film, directed by Jennifer Kent, follows Amelia, a single mother struggling to cope with the loss of her husband while raising her son Samuel.

Things get worse when they come across a mysterious children’s book about a creature called the Babadook, which seems to come to life and haunt them.

The Babadook is both a horror film and a powerful representation of grief and depression. The monster, with its sinister appearance and threatening behavior, personifies Amelia’s unresolved fears and traumas, creating a terrifying and deeply emotional narrative.

It’s the kind of film that haunts far beyond its surface scares.

This list of 10 Horror movies for Halloween offers a wide variety of themes and narratives, ensuring that your Halloween is filled with tension and terror.

From timeless classics like Psycho and Halloween to new approaches like The Babadook and Hereditary, there’s something for everyone.

So, get ready for a spine-chilling marathon, and keep exploring our site for more terrifying movie tips and recommendations!

If you want more suggestions for your Halloween, also check out our content on the top Halloween costume trends for 2024!