20 Must-Watch Halloween Movies to Spook you Throughout October

Spooky season is the perfect time to settle in with your favorite cozy creature comforts—a warm cup of tea, a plush blanket, and of course, the best Halloween movies you can squeeze into an epic movie marathon. The ultimate lineup has to cater to everyone’s tastes: nostalgic family flicks, eerie gothic tales, and blood-pumping slasher classics for the die-hard horror fans.

But with so many great options, how do you craft the perfect fall movie binge? What’s the right amount of Stephen King—if there is such a thing? Fear not, fellow fiends: Here is a comprehensive list of the 20 best spooky, sweet, and scream-worthy Halloween films to get you through October.

How many can you conquer before November rolls in?

1. The Strangers (2008)

Glenn Watson

After a rough night for James (Scott Speedman), who is rejected by his girlfriend Kristen (Liv Tyler), the situation takes a sinister turn. A mysterious woman appears at their summer house, asking strange questions. What follows is a nerve-shredding home invasion thriller that will have you jumping at every knock on the door.

2. The Blair Witch Project (1999)

Artisan Entertainment

The movie that divided horror fans, The Blair Witch Project is a found-footage classic about three students lost in the woods, searching for a local legend. The real terror comes from what you don’t see, as the film builds to an unsettling climax.

3. It Follows (2014)

This modern horror masterpiece takes the classic "sex equals death" trope and flips it on its head. After a mysterious encounter, Jay (Maika Monroe) is stalked by a supernatural entity. The only way to escape? Pass it on. Stylish, eerie, and undeniably creepy.

4. Crimson Peak (2015)

Kerry Hayes

While not traditionally terrifying, Guillermo del Toro’s gothic romance Crimson Peak is a visual feast. Set in a crumbling manor filled with ghosts, it’s a haunting love story wrapped in eerie ambiance, with a standout performance from Jessica Chastain.

5. Night of the Living Dead (1968)

George A. Romero’s seminal zombie flick is a game-changer for the genre. The claustrophobic setting and social commentary, alongside the terror of the undead, make this a must-watch for Halloween.

6. The Cabin in the Woods (2011)

This horror-comedy reinvents classic tropes by taking a familiar setup—college kids in a creepy cabin—and turning it into a meta-exploration of the genre itself. Funny, clever, and packed with surprises.

7. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Disney Enterprises, Inc

For a family-friendly option, revisit this stop-motion classic. Jack Skellington’s discovery of Christmas Town and his attempt to blend Halloween with holiday cheer is perfect for spooky, nostalgic fun.

8. Coraline (2009)

Don’t let the animation fool you—Coraline is downright chilling. This eerie stop-motion film about a young girl discovering a sinister parallel world will have you rethinking those button-eyed dolls.

9. Blood and Black Lace (1964)

Mario Bava’s giallo horror film is a stylish thriller that blends murder mystery with impeccable cinematography. The film’s lush visuals and brutal murders make it a hallmark of Italian horror.

10. The Love Witch (2016)

This stunning tribute to 1960s Technicolor films follows a modern-day witch using magic to seduce men. Filled with vibrant visuals and feminist commentary, it’s a must-watch for those who appreciate style with their scares.

11. Salem’s Lot (1979)

Stephen King’s vampire tale comes to life in this eerie TV miniseries. With plenty of creepy moments and a slow-burning terror, it’s a lesser-known gem from the horror master.

12. Ginger Snaps (2000)

A horror movie that uses werewolves as a metaphor for puberty, Ginger Snaps is a bloody and emotional coming-of-age story with great performances from its two lead actresses.

13. Ringu (1998)

The original Japanese horror that started the "cursed video" craze, Ringu is a slow-burn chiller with one of the most iconic horror scenes of all time. Forget the American remake—this is the one that’ll have you looking over your shoulder.

14. The Changeling (1980)

A tale of loss and a haunted house, The Changeling is a beautifully crafted ghost story that combines emotional depth with genuine scares.

15. Possession (1981)

Part psychological horror, part supernatural nightmare, Possession is one of the most intense films you’ll ever see. Sam Neill and Isabelle Adjani deliver powerhouse performances in this disturbing tale of a marriage gone horribly wrong.

16. The Omen (1976)

This classic devil-child horror film delivers chilling performances and one of the most iconic scores in horror history. Gregory Peck’s turn as a father trying to save his child—and the world—from a demonic fate is unforgettable.

17. The Shining (1980)

Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel is a masterclass in atmospheric horror. Jack Nicholson’s descent into madness is terrifying, making The Shining one of the scariest films ever made.

18. Get Out (2017)

Universal Pictures

Jordan Peele’s socially conscious horror film about race relations is as thought-provoking as it is terrifying. Daniel Kaluuya stars as a man uncovering dark secrets during a weekend with his girlfriend’s family.

19. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Wes Craven’s iconic slasher introduced the world to Freddy Krueger. With creative kills and a terrifying villain, this film remains a Halloween staple.

20. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

Bettmann Archive

A slow-burn psychological thriller that explores themes of control and autonomy, Rosemary’s Baby is a horror masterpiece that stays with you long after the credits roll.