Stanisland Magazine

Prepare for a night of spine-tingling entertainment with our handpicked collection of the best Halloween movies, all rated for adults. These films are guaranteed to deliver thrills, chills, and unforgettable scares.

As the autumn season draws closer, the appeal of Halloween begins to rear its ugly head from the crypts of popular culture. That means there is a yearning for the frightful that often translates into a cosiness associated with candy, pumpkins, cobwebs and decor of the macabre kind.

Why do we like to be scared? Some may say it releases cortisol and adrenaline, which, can boost your energy and heighten awareness. Others may say, we don’t know. Whatever it is, our love of horror films can be a shared interest come October month. Some of the first chilling movies to pioneer terror on film such as “Nosferatu” (1922) and “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari,” are the cornerstone of the relationship between audiences and scary cinema.

The genre can offer the invigoration of jump scares to the downright psychological, leaving viewers with a sense of lingering dread for days after watching their chosen film. Whether you’re reading this article for yourself or to scare a loved one, consider your curiosity well and truly quenched. So, read on to get your scare on!

“The Shining” (1980)

Synopsis: In the off-season for the hospitality sector, a writer, along with his wife and son relocate to a hotel, haunted by a sinister presence only those with a gift can sense.

Why: This adaptation of Stephen King’s novel of the same name is a classic Stanley Kubrick flick, noted for the director’s impeccable vision, attention to detail and the mind games he plays on the audience. Many fan theories fuel discussion about the movie, and ultimately Jack Nicholson’s performance steals the show.

Reasons to avoid: Stephen King has famously told of his dislike for the movie, with several components of the novel ignored or embellished. If you’re a true King purist, then perhaps this is not for you.

“Halloween” (1978)

Synopsis: The psychopathic masked man Michael Myers has escaped from a psychiatric hospital and decides to return to his hometown of Haddonfield, Ill (a fictional settlement), where he begins to murder its locals, sending the local population into a state of disarray.

Why: John Carpenter’s directing style offers a distinctive tone through an atmosphere of tension and suspense. It is easy to pick out his films thanks to his unique mode of capture.

Reasons to avoid: None, the clue is in the title.

“Nightmare on Elm Street” (1984)

Synopsis: A group of teenagers face a relentless nightmare: they are hunted and killed by Freddy Krueger in their dreams.

Why: Wes Craven‘s creation, Freddy Krueger, haunts your dreams and reality, blending the lines between sleep and wakefulness. It’s a thrilling and imaginative twist on the slasher genre.

Reasons to avoid: A very tongue-in-cheek movie, it satisfies Halloween fans greatly, though is probably not everyone’s first pick selection due to it.

“The Witch” (2015)

Synopsis: In 17th-century New England, a Puritan family’s life unravels when their newborn vanishes and eerie events suggest supernatural forces at play.

Why: This atmospheric horror film immerses you in the paranoia of 17th-century New England. Its slow-burning dread and authentic historical setting make it a unique and chilling experience.

Reasons to avoid: There isn’t much to disavow for Halloween entertainment, though it has a slow build-up leading to the finale, one that will satisfy all. But you will need to be patient.

“Alien” (1979)

Synopsis: The crew of a spaceship encounters a deadly extraterrestrial creature that stalks and eliminates them one by one in the depths of space.

Why: Ridley Scott‘s sci-fi horror masterpiece introduces you to the terrifying, unstoppable force of the xenomorph. Its tense atmosphere and suspenseful moments make it a classic.

Reasons to avoid: Outer space adventure may not be the cup of tea Halloweeners relate to. Though it provides a great build-up, it is not a traditional horror movie.

“Let the Right One In” (2008)

Synopsis: A bullied young boy forges a unique friendship with a mysterious vampire girl, who helps him face his tormentors with supernatural assistance.

Why: This Swedish vampire film offers a fresh take on the genre, exploring the complex bond between a young boy and a vampire girl. It’s a tale of innocence and darkness.

Reasons to avoid: Some prefer the original, though it is a high-quality remake. Being set in winter, it may not give you the Halloween chills you’re seeking.

“Hereditary” (2018)

Synopsis: A family grapples with dark family secrets after the death of their secretive grandmother, unleashing malevolent supernatural forces that threaten to tear them apart.

Why: This modern horror classic is a slow-burning descent into familial trauma and supernatural horror. Toni Collette‘s performance is chilling and unforgettable.

Reasons to avoid: The build-up is unparalleled, though it comes undone with an all-guns-blazing finale. CGI is tastefully used but adds to its downfall.

“The Silence of the Lambs” (1991)

Synopsis: An FBI trainee seeks the assistance of the brilliant but psychotic serial killer Hannibal Lecter to capture another killer who is terrorizing the country.

Why: A psychological thriller featuring the iconic character Hannibal Lecter, this film is a gripping exploration of the mind of a serial killer.

Reasons to avoid: Though it may not be supernatural, it is a rather disturbing movie with a compelling script, though sits outside of a window looking into the Halloween room. But many do enjoy it for the occasion.

“The Babadook” (2014)

Synopsis: A single mother and her young son are plagued by a sinister presence that emerges from a disturbing children’s book.

Why: This Australian horror film delves into the psychological horror of grief and loss. It’s a haunting and emotional journey.

Reasons to avoid: It is not everyone’s cup of tea, though it could serve as a film to roll your eyes to.

“The Conjuring” (2013)

Synopsis: Paranormal investigators are summoned to help a family terrorized by a malevolent spirit that has taken over their new home.

Why: Based on real-life paranormal investigations, this film is a spine-tingling experience that will make you question the existence of the supernatural.

Reasons to avoid: Filled with jump scares and CGI effects, it may not offer the realistic experience one may be hoping for. Though it could serve as a film to tie you over as you search for the one. Its inclusion within this list is largely based on the fact it has a huge fandom, though we personally believe this is a film left that may please all to 50%.

“The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (1974)

Synopsis: A group of friends embarks on a road trip that takes a gruesome turn when they encounter a family of cannibalistic killers in rural Texas.

Why: Tobe Hooper‘s low-budget classic is a gritty and visceral experience that sets the standard for slasher films.

Reasons to avoid: None. It is a straight-up slasher movie with elements that appeal to all. There are perhaps even facets of a supernatural quality, but that is something that lays with the writer.

The winners

“The Ring” (2002)

Why You Should Watch the Remake:

“The Ring” isn’t just another horror movie; it’s a chilling journey into the realm of fear. Originally a Japanese masterpiece known as “Ringu,” crafted by the visionary Hideo Nakata, it was reborn in an American incarnation under the skillful direction of Gore Verbinski. This remake manages to preserve the spine-tingling essence of the original while infusing it with a Western twist. Here’s why you absolutely can’t afford to let it slip through your fingers:

A Fresh Twist on the Curse: This remake ingeniously reimagines the cursed videotape at the heart of the narrative, elevating its eeriness to new heights that will send shivers down your spine, especially if you’re a Western viewer.

Visually Haunting: Prepare to be haunted by the film’s imagery, including the unforgettable well and the ghastly ghost girl. These visuals are etched into your memory like a recurring nightmare.

Naomi Watts’s Captivating Performance: In the role of the tenacious investigative journalist, Naomi Watts delivers a tour de force performance that adds layers of complexity to the storyline. Her portrayal is nothing short of mesmerizing.

A Masterclass in Atmospheric Horror: “The Ring” skillfully weaves an eerie atmosphere and suspenseful pacing, crafting a palpable sense of dread that will linger with you long after the closing credits have rolled.

Technology’s Dark Side Unveiled: Beyond its scares, “The Ring” delves into a fear deeply rooted in our modern world – the terror of technology and the chilling consequences of tampering with the supernatural. Remarkably, this theme remains profoundly relevant even today.

In summary, “The Ring” isn’t just a movie; it’s an experience that will haunt your thoughts and stay with you, making it a must-see for anyone who dares to journey into the shadowy realms of psychological horror.

Dracula (1992)

Why You Should Watch the Remake:

Bela Lugosi‘s portrayal of Count Dracula in the iconic 1931 film “Dracula” is the stuff of legends. It set an enduring standard for the character, and while numerous remakes and adaptations have emerged over the years, one particular rendition stands out due to its distinct approach:

Enter “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” (1992), masterfully directed by none other than Francis Ford Coppola. This cinematic gem boldly reimagines the Dracula mythos, and here’s why it absolutely demands your attention:

Gary Oldman’s Mesmerizing Transformation: Prepare to be spellbound by Gary Oldman’s performance as Count Dracula. He flawlessly embodies both the seductive and monstrous facets of the character.

A Visual Feast: The film’s opulent production design and exquisite costumes transport you into the dark, Gothic world of Dracula, immersing you in its eerie beauty.

A Tale of Love and Loss: “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” delves deeper into the tragic love story at the core of Dracula’s existence, exploring profound themes of love, loss, and immortality.

A Stellar Ensemble Cast: The movie boasts an ensemble cast that includes talents like Keanu Reeves and Winona Ryder, infusing depth and complexity into the characters who orbit Dracula.

True to the Source: This adaptation remains loyal to Bram Stoker’s original novel, infusing the film with an unmistakable authenticity that sets it apart.

These two cinematic masterpieces, “The Ring” and “Bram Stoker’s Dracula,” breathe fresh life into classic horror narratives while paying homage to their timeless origins. Whether you’re drawn to the eerie world of cursed videotapes or the eternal allure of vampires, these films offer a captivating new lens through which to experience these enduring tales of fear and fascination.

And now, let’s talk Halloween. These R-rated Halloween movies promise an intense and spine-tingling cinematic journey that’s not for the faint of heart. So, dim the lights, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, and brace yourself for a heart-pounding Halloween experience. Happy haunting!