Halloween: The Best Horror Films for a Scary Good Time

Whether you’re looking for tongue-in-cheek humour or a gory good time, our list of lesser-known and well-known horror films will get you pumped for Halloween

There are way too many Halloween movies to choose from, and recent ones feel too crisp, shiny and ultra 4K. You know what I mean. Horror should be unpolished and raw, with an air of fun to it, and your plate should be filled with variety. There’s plenty on the menu, so don’t debase yourself to a state where Blumhouse Pictures is your only option. Here’s your itinerary for the spooky season.

Cheesy, Easy Watches

Most people go for jump-scare movies, but sometimes a little cheese works for the big night, or nights leading up to it. Why not start the night with a few easy watches, like some atmosphere and crafty creatures? Here’s our list of funny nasties:

House (1985): A horror writer’s aunt dies, and he inherits her haunted house. When he visits, he relives a traumatic past before taking on some pretty ghoulish creatures.
Tales from the Crypt (1989): An HBO television anthology of short stories built for the Halloween season. It’s a campy, matter-of-fact, so-bad-it’s-good show.
Bad Taste (1987): Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings Trilogy) goes low-budget in a film that sees a township disappear following an alien invasion. The cheese? These intergalactic visitors hunt humans for their fast-food chain in another gorefest of practical effects and body horror. Jackson leans so heavily into the absurd that it’s laughable in an adorably horrific way.
Night of the Demons (1988): A group of teenagers decide that the best course of action for their big Halloween night is to party in a haunted abandoned house. You can guess what happens next… exactly.

Comically Dark

Sam from Trick ‘r Treat is considered to be one of the most iconic characters associated with Halloween.

The Mortuary Collection (2019): With an appearance from Jacob Elordi and Clancy Brown as the funeral director, The Mortuary Collection is a feature-length film with a series of short, easy-watch horror and supernatural stories. A better choice for those seeking a balance between gore and an easy watch.
Creepshow (1982): Penned by Stephen King in his debut screenplay, the entire project is directed by George A. Romero (Dawn of the Dead). It features several stories, from a creature under the stairs to a germaphobe whose fears come true?
Trick ‘r Treat (2007): A fan favourite that continues to be mentioned among the top ten of Halloween essentials. The film follows several interconnected stories of monsters, secrets and more, and remains a cult success, featuring its iconic character Sam.

Classy

The Ring (2002): Follows journalist Rachel (Naomi Watts) as she tries to uncover the cause of her niece’s mysterious death. But as she digs for answers, an unspeakable horror overcomes her and everyone she interacts with in one of Gore Verbinski’s finest works. A cinematographic masterpiece.
The Shining (1980): “Here’s Johnny!” Starring Jack Nicholson, this is a film that needs no introduction; Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s The Shining innovates on a level few filmmakers can replicate. Famous for annoying King for taking the story in a direction he did not approve of, it also birthed a host of conspiracy theories thanks to Kubrick’s compelling attention to detail.
The Changeling (1980): Directed by Peter Medak and starring George C. Scott, this Canadian horror flick follows John Russell, a New York-based composer, who relocates to a house in Seattle after a tragic family incident but gets more than he bargained for.

The Changeling (1980) – Official trailer.

Comedy

Idle Hands (1999): With appearances from Jessica Alba, Seth Green and Vivica A. Fox, the story follows a hilarious turn of events as a teenager finds out his right hand has a bloodthirsty personality.
Slither (2006): Primitive extraterrestrial creatures land on planet Earth seeking hosts to continue their race. But when they cross paths with Nathan Fillion, they realise humans don’t give up so easily.
Scary Movie (2000): Despite the changing times, the Scary Movie films remain some of the most referenced horror satires and influences to this day.

Honorary Mention

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)

I was genuinely surprised when I finished What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? The film, starring Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, is a startling story filled with some horrific moments that all build slowly from the beginning of the film. An early 1960s movie, it’s shot entirely in black and white, adding to its traumatic atmosphere. There is no way this can be remade in its original state. All those involved deserve a standing ovation here and there.

What you need and considerations

Overall, there’s an enormous amount of Halloween fodder for your amygdala to go overboard, and your funny bones to lose control over. The best way to make your night one to remember is to focus on a set of films that agree with your personality.

Streaming services to check: Shudder (free 7-day trial), Netflix, Prime Video, Paramount+, Disney+, HBO Max.

Do you like your films to resemble a Halloween costume party, a basic ghosts-and-ghouls tale, intrigue or fear? Either way, there are plenty to choose from, but if you want some tried-and-tested feature films, you can still roll with the classics. See our list below.

The Exorcist (1973)
Evil Dead II (1987)
Halloween (1978)
Jeepers Creepers (2001)
Ginger Snaps (2000)
Pet Sematary (1989)
Pumpkinhead (1988)
IT (1990)
Alien (1979)
Friday the 13th (1980)

Stanisland Magazine