alloverprintshirt From old classics to new favorites, we have every flavor of horror .
When October rolls around, it gets dark early, there’s a chill in the air and it always seems like a good time to throw on a classic scary film. But there are also so many to choose from. Here, we’ve got your roadmap through decades of horrors with a list of the best Halloween movies ever. Next time you’re looking for a movie fright at home, I mean movie night at home, just choose any off this list and you should be good to go.
So, what kind of thrill are you in the mood for halloween shows on netflix? Some of these are classic monster movies, giving us our first film glimpses of icons like Dracula, the Wolfman or the Invisible Man. Others kicked off horror franchises that have tons of sequels — some that are either still going strong or being rebooted today. Others are more indie/art house horror movies, the ones that scare you more by what they don’t show. And for scary movies for kids (or wimps), there are a few horror-comedies (and even a rom-com) that you can enjoy together as a group (but if you need a list that’s not-so-scary, check out the best scary movies for kids here).
Now, just remember to check that you’ve locked all the doors before you go to sleep afterward.
The Invisible Man (2020)
Although it’s the newest addition to this list, The Invisible Man has earned its place among the classic that bears its name. Leigh Whannell, one of the Saw creators, manages to wring intense drama while focusing mostly on the Invisible Man’s victim, instead of the monster itself.
Us (2019)
A brilliant invention from Jordan Peele, this allegorical horror features a family who discover their violent doppelgängers while on vacation. The only thing scarier than a monster is … yourself.
A Quiet Place (2018)
This inventive post-apocalyptic thriller takes place in a world where even the slightest sound can spell your imminent death. Real-life lovebirds Emily Blunt and John Krasinksi play the parents in this tale of how we can never really keep our children safe. After many pandemic delays, A Quiet Place Part 2 came out earlier this year.
Halloween (2018)
If you’re looking for something a little more modern, this remake of the 1978 thriller gives the tried-and-true series a refresh with its original star, Jamie Lee Curtis. Director David Gordon Green re-focuses the series on the Strode women, and the way they react to the return of Michael Myers. Another Green Halloween film, Halloween Kills, is due out this year.
Hereditary (2018)
An absolutely terrifying paranormal horror — featuring Toni Collette in impeccable form as the Graham family matriarch — Hereditary is what you watch if you don’t want a wink of sleep on Hallow’s Eve.
It (2017)
Since Pennywise the Clown is one of the most popular Halloween costumes, it’s only fitting that the 2017 remake of Stephen King’s bone-chilling story makes the cut.
Get Out (2017)
Jordan Peele’s masterpiece, which uses racism as a vehicle for supernatural horror, is an absolute must-see. You’ll be thinking about this one long after you turn the lights out.
The Witch (2015)
This movie, about a family rejected by their Puritan church and sent to live away from the safety of their community, has a rhythm and a cadence all its own. It may not hit you with jump-scares, but it’ll get under your skin.
The Conjuring (2013)
When paranormal investigators are called to search an isolated farmhouse, they think they can handle the less-than-horrifying hauntings there. But, if we know anything from halloween shows on netflix of yore, it’s that spirits should never be underestimated. This is based on the real-life exploits of paranormal researchers Ed and Lorraine Warren, and a third installment in the franchise just came out this year.
The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
Both an entry within and a satire of the horror genre, this fascinating film features classic tropes — college students trapped in a cabin, zombies, werewolves and evil rituals — but cleverly turns them each on their head.
Shutter Island (2010)
A trip to a remote island with Leonard DiCaprio might sound tempting, until you reach the terrifying insane asylum at the heart of this mind-boggling Martin Scorsese drama.
Coraline (2009)
Follow young explorer Coraline through a door into an alternate dimension, where she meets characters who seem much like those in her real life … but maybe a little off (even as they promise her everything she wants). Even though it’s made for children, Coraline’s creepy button eyes will make even adults a lil’ unsettled.
Paranormal Activity (2007)
One of the creepiest things ever is the unknown, and you never really know what you’re doing when your asleep. This movie stars when a couple starts filming themselves after they go to bed, because they’d been experiencing strange things. It only gets more intense from there.
