The spooky season is finally upon us – and what could be a better way to embrace the Halloween spirit than by indulging in horror movies? They’ll tap into your deepest fears and haunt your nights with unforgettable scares.
So, dim the lights, grab a cozy blanket, and prepare to be immersed in a world of cinematic terror. We are bringing you the ultimate list of the best horror movies to watch this season.
7 must-watch horror movies to haunt your Halloween
Here are some of the best Halloween movies. They deliver a pulse-pounding experience, each with its own unique brand of terror.
1. The Exorcist (1973)
In the realm of horror movies, The Exorcist remains an undisputed classic. Released in 1973, this bone-chilling masterpiece revolves around a young girl who gets possessed by demonic forces after playing with an Ouija board. As she begins to exhibit strange behavior, her mother seeks the assistance of two priests to help her little girl.
Apart from its haunting music and timeless special effects, The Exorcist is mostly associated with Linda Blair’s iconic performance as 12-year-old Regan MacNeil. The movie also has some truly chilling scenes that will leave you on the edge of your seat, biting your nails in anticipation of what happens next. The popularity of this flick has also led to multiple sequels and even a TV series, many of which are available on popular streaming platforms.
Meanwhile, you can watch The Exorcist on HBO Max. However, if the streaming service is not available in your region, check out this guide on how to access HBO Max with PureVPN anywhere in the world.
2. Psycho (1960)
Another true Halloween classic, Psycho is a must-watch for those seeking genuine terror. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, this 1960 classic is the very definition of a game-changer in the horror genre.
This movie will take you on a twisted journey into the mind of Norman Bates, a shy motel proprietor and taxidermist with a strange relationship with his mother. While Psycho is known for its eerie score and unsettling atmosphere, it is also considered a masterclass in suspense and shock thanks to the iconic shower scene that laid the groundwork for modern psychological horror.
You stream Psycho on Peacock for a chilling Halloween movie marathon. In case the streaming platform is not accessible in your country, refer to this guide on how to watch Peacock outside the US with PureVPN.
3. Halloween (1978)
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Halloween is responsible for birthing an entire subgenre of slasher movies. Released in 1978, this classic slasher film introduced the world to Michael Myers, one of the most disturbing and cold-blooded fictional murderers in the history of cinema.
Halloween revolves around a sadistic killer in an expressionless who goes on a killing spree in his quiet hometown of Haddonfield on Halloween night. The film has several spine-chilling sequences and jump scares, making it a nail-biting experience from start to finish. Moreover, its minimalist soundtrack is also instantly recognizable. It sets an ominous tone that lingers long after the credits roll.
You can stream this indie slasher flick on AMC+ this Halloween season. However, if you live outside the US, here’s how you can access AMC+ with PureVPN regardless of your location.
Read more: Not so scary Halloween movies for kids
4. The Shining (1980)
Although it’s been three decades since its release, The Shining continues to haunt viewers with its eerie cinematography and dreadful sequences. Based on a best-selling novel by Stephen King, the movie revolves around the isolated Overlook Hotel and its troubled caretaker, Jack Torrance, trying to get over his writer’s block.
However, things begin to unravel when his young son starts getting disturbing visions, and a murderer begins terrorizing his family. This kicks off a psychological rollercoaster blurring the lines between reality and nightmare. The labyrinthine corridors depicted in the movie and the infamous “Here’s Johnny!” scene have now become iconic in the horror genre.
The Shining is undoubtedly a Halloween essential for those seeking a chilling cinematic experience. You can also stream it on Prime Video – but if the streaming site is not available in your region, make sure to check out our guide on how to watch Prime Video with PureVPN regardless of your location.
5. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Prepare to be enthralled and disturbed in equal measure with The Silence of the Lambs. It is one of the best scary movies to watch this Halloween. Released in 1991, this psychological thriller takes you deep into the minds of a brilliant but psychopathic serial killer and the FBI agent seeking his help.
Starring Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster in the iconic roles of Dr. Hannibal Lecter and Clarice Starling, The Silence of the Lambs is a masterclass in suspense and psychological horror. It revolves around a young FBI cadet who approaches a highly manipulative cannibalistic killer in hopes his insights would lead her to catch a murderer who is skinning his victims.
You can watch this incredible movie on HBO Max to make the holiday season a little spookier.
6. Scream (1996)
A must-watch for those who appreciate a blend of horror and dark humor, Scream is a teen slasher movie that brilliantly parodies the genre while delivering genuine scares. Released in 1996, the film is set in the small suburban town of Woodsboro, where a knife-wielding masked murderer begins stalking and killing high school students.
One of the main reasons behind the explosive popularity of Scream and the release of its multiple sequels is its sharp wit, clever writing, heart-pounding suspense, and flawless deconstruction of the tropes of horror movies. While the Ghostface killer uses the rules of horror movies to play a deadly game, the survivors use the same method to identify the killer.
You can watch the 1996 classic on Paramount+ this Halloween. If you’re not living in the US, you can use this guide to access Paramount+ in your region. It is also worth mentioning that the later sequels of Scream are also available for streaming on Netflix. In case you can’t find the titles in your region’s content library, check out how to access the Netflix US library with PureVPN.
7. The Nun (2018)
A worthy addition to the terrifying universe of The Conjuring, The Nun explores the dark origins of the demonic nun known as Valak. Set in a secluded abbey, the 2018 movie became an instant classic among fans of the genre for its gothic atmosphere and foreboding score.
The Nun starts with a young nun committing suicide in a small abbey in Romania. When the Vatican sends a priest and novice to investigate the matter, the duo comes across a haunting secret buried deep inside the stone walls of the abbey that not only tests their faith but also risks their souls.
If you are looking for the best horror movies that deliver a steady stream of spine-chilling moments, you should certainly add The Nun to your list of movies to watch this Halloween.
It is also available to stream on Hulu. Nevertheless, if you are unable to watch it in your region, you may want to look at our guide on how to watch Hulu in your country.
Wrapping it up
Halloween is the perfect time to immerse yourself in a marathon of the best scary movies. Whether you prefer horror films with supernatural elements or are a fan of gory slasher flicks, this list has something interesting for everyone.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your favorite Halloween treats and prepare for a cinematic journey into the heart of darkness.
Meanwhile, if you’re interested in learning more about how to use PureVPN for streaming, head over to the PureVPN Blog for detailed guides on the topic.
Read more: Best horror movies on Netflix for Halloween