Its Halloween! If you’re celebrating with friends, you’re probably busy getting ready finalising your spooky costume, but if you’re staying home this Halloween, you can still celebrate by watching scary movies! To refresh your memory on some of the most iconic and binge worthy horror films, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best and scariest Halloween films. So grab some treats and start watching!
Halloween (1987)
No shocker there; the most classic Halloween film of all time, and by far one of the best slasher films ever created. This captivating film might not be the scariest anymore, but it remains a genre renovator, making the slasher genre cool again. The film, which is followed by eight sequels, one of which only a year old, is bound to keep you occupied on Halloween day.
Scream (1996)
Light hearted, but still stabs at your nerves, Scream is a classic that will both have you deliberating the story, the narrative and the mystery elements, while also hiding behind your pillow during the intense, thrilling scenes that will keep your heart racing.
Hocus Pocus
Although not a horror film, Hocus Pocus is a legendary and a staple Halloween film. Some of the biggest Hollywood stars, like Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker, star in this silly comedy. The cast’s dynamic chemistry will have you giggling nonstop, and the film is guaranteed to get you in the Halloween spirit.
The Conjuring
In case you’ve been living under a rock for the past six years, you’ve probably already seen this modern classic. This terrifying movie tells the chilling true story of a family that goes through something most families don’t: a house haunting. With the Conjuring universe only growing bigger as the years go by, this is the perfect time to catch up and see what you’ve been missing. The movie is not only horrifying, but it’s also sentimental, with a heartwarming performance by household horror star, Vera Farmiga. The film adds an element of drama, which is missing from most horror films today.
IT (Chapters 1 & 2)
Stephen King’s classic story about murderous creature and clown, Pennywise, is taking the world by storm with its critically acclaimed remake. The first film shook people to their core back in 2017, and the sequel is doing even better, smashing the box office and terrifying people all around the world. If you hurry, you can still catch IT. Chapter 2 at the movies and experience the terror up close on the big screen.
The Ring
Don’t watch this film on a VCR, for your own sake. This 2000s tale terrified the older generation of their VCR tapes. The irrational fear that the horrendous villain Samara will pop out of the screen is still capable of scaring watchers out of even answering phone calls! The timeless film is still fresh and can be easily admired by generations to come.
I Know What You Did Last Summer
Starring 90’s scream queens, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Sarah Michelle Gellar, I Know What You Did Last Summer is a campy slasher film following a group of teenagers who fight for their lives against a vicious hook handed murderer who will stop at nothing to avenge himself from the rebellious teens.
Hereditary
Following the major success and critical acclaim of Witch and It Comes at Night, major production company, A24, made sure to make a statement in 2018 and released their most ambitious horror film yet. The result was a terrifying and emotionally daunting story that tugs at your heartstrings and forces you to see family and life from different perspectives.
Paranormal Activity
A frightening film from legendary director, Oren Peli, Paranormal Activity is not just another horror movie about evil spirits; it’s got a realistic feel to it because of the everyday home setting we’re all used to. The element of horror is not as obvious as it is in most movies, which leads the viewer to imagine all sorts of horrific situations, making for a truly chilling two hours. This is certainly one of our top Halloween movies. Watch this movie, just not alone.
Beetlejuice
Tim Burton is insanely talented when it comes to portraying morbid comical characters onscreen. Burton releases his snakes out of the bag, and Beetlejuice himself is the slimiest, creepiest snake of all. Played by Michael Keaton, he’s a filthy, bug-eating creature, dressed in something similar to a soiled official’s uniform. This amusing tale has a ghoulish twist that will surely keep the whole family entertained this Halloween.
The Nightmare before Christmas
As memorable as it is unconventional, Disney’s The Nightmare before Christmas is one of the most subversive Halloween movies made to date. From the spectacularly detailed and intricate design of Halloween Town, to the incredible Danny Elfman scores. It’s doubtlessly a bizarre amalgamation of two seemingly opposite holidays, but it is also innovative, clever, darkly romantic and endlessly entertaining. The spooky yet endearing essence of the whole movie effortlessly enchants every viewer. This family friendly movie is a staple Halloween classic the entire family should watch together. At its core, it’s a movie about losing, finding and redefining your inner self.
Casper the Friendly Ghost
Casper is a kind, friendly, young ghost who peacefully haunts a mansion in Maine. When Dr. James Harvey arrives to communicate with and help Casper and his fellow spirits, he brings along his teenage daughter, Kat, played by a young Christina Ricci. Casper quickly falls in love with Kat, but their budding relationship is complicated, not only by his transparent ghostly state, but also by his troublemaking apparition uncles and their mischievous antics.
