As leaves start to fall and the days get shorter, it’s the perfect time to dive into the world of spine-chilling horror films. Whether you watch scary movies all year or are a first-timer, these ten must-see horror movies will set you in the spooky mood for an unforgettable Halloween.
Get ready for a thrilling ride as we rank these films from the least scary to the most bone-chilling! Now, it’s time to dive into each movie with a brief intro and find out where you can stream these chilling experiences!
No. 1: Krampus
Kicking off with a mix of horror and comedy, I present “Krampus.” This movie was directed by Michael Dougherty and co-written by Dougherty, Todd Casey, and Zach Shields, was released in 2015. The film earned a 66% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and grossed $61.5 million at the box office. It received positive reviews for its unique blend of holiday spirit and chilling folklore.
Krampus draws from a German Christmas tradition dating back to the 12th century. The story begins with a dysfunctional family bickering during the holidays, while the main character, young Max (Emjay Anthony), becomes disillusioned and turns away from Christmas. In response to this lack of festive spirit, Krampus—an ancient demonic force—awakens to punish those who have lost their belief in the holiday.
You can stream “Krampus” on Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV, Google Play Movies, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. The film has several versions, including a second edition that serves as a prequel.
No. 2: Trick ‘r Treat
“Trick ‘r Treat” is an American anthology horror film written and directed by Michael Dougherty and produced by Bryan Singer. Released in 2007, it was liked by 77% of Google users and praised for its great cast, dark humor, spooky details, and clever writing.
The film weaves together four horror stories connected by Sam, a trick-or-treating demon in orange footie pajamas with a burlap sack over his head. Sam appears in each story whenever a character breaks a Halloween tradition, such as wearing costumes while trick-or-treating, handing out candy, never blowing out a Jack O’Lantern before midnight, and always checking candy before eating it.
You can stream “Trick ‘r Treat” on Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Fandango at Home, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Apple TV.
No. 3: A Quiet Place Series
This film franchise is a post-apocalyptic horror series directed by John Krasinski, with a screenplay by Bryan Woods, Scott Beck, and Krasinski himself. Produced by Michael Bay, Andrew Form, and Brad Fuller, the first “A Quiet Place” was released in 2018, earning an impressive 96% on Rotten Tomatoes. It was praised for its strong performances and the innovative use of silence that highlights the film’s themes.
The story follows a family trying to survive in a world invaded by blind extraterrestrial creatures that hunt humans by sound. To stay alive, they must live in complete silence.
You can watch “A Quiet Place” on Paramount+, The Roku Channel, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Fandango at Home, Hulu, Sling TV, YouTube TV, and Apple TV.
A sequel, “A Quiet Place Part II,” was released in 2020, and a third film, “A Quiet Place: Day One,” is set to premiere in 2024.
No. 4: Carrie 1976
This movie was directed by Brian De Palma, produced by Paul Monash, and features a screenplay by Lawrence D. Cohen. The original “Carrie” was released in 1976 and earned an impressive 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It is praised as one of the best Stephen King adaptations with great acting and pacing.
The film stars Sissy Spacek as Carrie White, a shy teenage girl who is relentlessly mocked and bullied at school. After discovering her telekinetic powers, she seeks vengeance on her tormentors. Although a 2013 version was made, many fans believe the original is far superior.
You can watch the original “Carrie” on AMC+, YouTube TV, Amazon Prime Video, Fandango at Home, Google Play Movies, Philo, Sling TV, and Apple TV.
No. 5: The Babadook
Now halfway through the ultimate scary movie list, the scary-o-meter is rising! “The Babadook” is an Australian psychological horror film directed and written by former actor Jennifer Kent. Released in 2014, it received an impressive 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and was praised for its insightful exploration of grief and mental health, along with its authentic jump scares.
The story follows a single mother who is haunted by the violent death of her husband while also grappling with her son’s fear of a monster in their home. Together, they uncover a sinister presence lurking in the shadows.
You can watch “The Babadook” on Pluto TV, Roku Channel, Netflix, Philo, Amazon Prime Video, Fandango at Home, Apple TV, Sling TV, Plex, AMC+, YouTube TV, and Google Play Movies.
No. 6: The Insidious Series
Movie cover of the 1st Insidious. Courtesy of FilmDistrict, FilmFlex, Icon Productions, Alliance Communications, Momentum Pictures, IM Global.
The Insidious film franchise is a supernatural horror series directed and co-edited by James Wan, with a screenplay by Leigh Whannell. The first “Insidious” was released in 2010 and has an 87% approval rating from Google users.
It was praised for its well-executed jump scares, smart and artistic scares, and in-depth character development.
In the first film, a married couple’s son inexplicably falls into a comatose state, becoming a vessel for various demonic entities from an astral plane.
You can watch “Insidious” on Peacock, Hulu, YouTube TV, Google Play Movies, Fandango at Home, FuboTV, Sling TV, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video.
There are four more films in the series that continue the story.
No. 7: Resurrection
“Resurrection” is a psychological thriller, horror, and crime film written and directed by Andrew Semans. Based on the novel “The Returned” by Jason Mott, the movie was released in 2022 and has an 82% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics noted its strong parallels to Christianity, and its unsettling atmosphere, and praised the cinematography and soundtrack.
The film follows a woman whose carefully structured life is turned upside down when a figure from her past reappears, forcing her to confront a monster she has avoided for twenty years.
You can stream “Resurrection” on Hulu, Philo, Disney+, YouTube TV, Fandango at Home, AMC+, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, and Apple TV.
No.8: It Follows
“It Follows” is an American horror film directed and written by David Robert Mitchell. Released in 2014, it earned a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with praise for its great cast, strong acting, detailed script, and the unsettling pace of the story.
The film centers on a young woman who is pursued by an unknown supernatural force after breaking her chastity.
You can watch “It Follows” on Tubi, Peacock, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV, Apple TV, Netflix, AMC+, Philo, Sling TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango at Home.
No.9: The Exorcist series
“The Exorcist” is a supernatural horror film franchise directed by William Friedkin, based on the 1971 novel by William Peter Blatty. Released in 1973, it’s one of the most profitable horror movies ever, with a 78% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film is known for its strong characters and great cinematography, and it received 10 Oscar nominations.
The story follows a young girl who becomes possessed by a demon, and her mother’s fight to save her with the help of two Catholic priests.
You can watch “The Exorcist” on Max, Hulu, YouTube TV, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play Movies.
Five more movies are in the series, and the newest one will be released in 2026.
No.10: The Terrifier series
“Terrifier” is ranked as one of the scariest film franchises. Damien Leone wrote, directed, produced, and edited this American independent slasher film. The first movie came out in 2016 and has a 75% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It was called “disturbingly good” for its creepy performances, dark humor, and extreme gore.
In “Terrifier,” a crazy clown named Art stalks and tries to kill three women in a rundown apartment building on Halloween night.
You can stream the “Terrifier” on Tubi, Pluto TV, Sling TV, Plex, FuboTV, Peacock, Xumo Play, Fandango at Home, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play.
The franchise continued with “Terrifier 2” in 2022, and “Terrifier 3” is set to be released in 2024.
Conclusion
As Halloween approaches, these ten spine-chilling films are sure to set the perfect spooky mood. Whether you’re in the mood for horror with a twist of comedy, psychological thrillers, or classic supernatural scares, there’s something for everyone on this list. From the festive mischief of “Krampus” to the bone-crunching terror of the “Terrifier” series, each film offers a unique experience that captures the essence of the season.
So grab your favorite snacks, dim the lights, and prepare for a thrilling movie marathon. Whichever films you choose to watch, get ready for a mix of frights, laughs, and unforgettable moments that will make this Halloween one to remember. Happy viewing, and don’t forget to keep the lights on!
