The Best Horror Movies To Watch RN

Halloween is a time for creativity, community, and a little bit of spooky fun! One of the best ways to celebrate is by transforming your home with festive decorations that set the mood to watch the best horror movies. Costume parties are a tradition, allowing everyone to showcase their imaginative outfits, whether it’s a spine-chilling ghost or a whimsical character. Don’t forget to indulge in seasonal treats, from pumpkin-flavored snacks to classic candy corn.

PREPARE FOR HALLOWEEN

For an extra thrill, gather friends for a movie marathon or a ghost story session around a bonfire (my personal favorite). Going to local events like haunted houses or pumpkin patches can also add to the festive spirit (this is a great list of things to do). Ultimately, the best celebrations combine creativity, connection, and a dash of fright, making an unforgettable Halloween experience!

Watching horror movies during Halloween is a cherished tradition that taps into the thrill of fear and the excitement of the season especially for a homebody like me. As the weather changes, these films create a perfect atmosphere for indulging in a lot of snacks. Plus, with a wide range of styles—from classic slashers to thought-provoking psychological horrors—there’s something to suit every taste.

From chilling ghost stories to unsettling psychological thrillers, these films are great for having an amazing weekend at home with my pups. Whether you’re a fan of classic slasher flicks, psychological thrillers, or supernatural scares, it’s the perfect time to get into horror films. Prepare to dive into a collection of films that promise to thrill your senses. Grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare for a frightful movie marathon!

The pope’s exorcist

The Pope’s Exorcist (2023), directed by Julius Avery, is a chilling horror film inspired by real-life events involving the Vatican’s exorcism practices. Starring Russell Crowe as Father Gabriele Amorth, the film follows the seasoned priest as he confronts demonic forces and uncovers a sinister conspiracy within the church.

House of wax

House of Wax (2005) is a suspenseful horror film that delivers a chilling blend of terror and intrigue. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, the movie stars Elisha Cuthbert, Chad Michael Murray, and Paris Hilton as a group of friends who encounter a creepy, deserted town featuring a museum of wax figures. As they explore, they discover that the wax figures are not just lifelike sculptures but are made from real people who have met grisly fates.

Black phone

The Black Phone (2022), directed by Scott Derrickson, is a gripping supernatural thriller that combines suspense with chilling horror. The film stars Mason Thames as Finney Shaw, a young boy who is abducted by a masked serial killer, played by Ethan Hawke. While imprisoned in a soundproof basement, Finney discovers a disconnected phone that allows him to communicate with the killer’s previous victims, who offer him clues to escape.

Insidious

Insidious (2010), directed by James Wan, is a haunting supernatural horror film that explores the terrifying consequences of astral projection. The movie follows the Lambert family, whose young son, Dalton, falls into a mysterious coma and becomes trapped in a sinister dimension known as “The Further.” As paranormal disturbances escalate, the family seeks the help of a psychic, played by Lin Shaye, to uncover the dark forces threatening their son.

The shining

The Shining (1980), directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on Stephen King’s novel, is a seminal psychological horror film renowned for its eerie atmosphere and unsettling imagery. The story follows Jack Torrance, played by Jack Nicholson, who takes a job as the winter caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel with his wife and son. As Jack descends into madness under the hotel’s malevolent influence, the film delves into themes of isolation, sanity, and supernatural terror.

Poltergeist

Poltergeist (2015) is a reboot of the 1982 horror classic, directed by Gil Kenan. This modern take reimagines the original story with updated special effects and a fresh cast, including Sam Rockwell and Rosemarie DeWitt as the parents of a young girl who is abducted by malevolent spirits from their new suburban home. As the haunting intensifies, the family seeks help from paranormal experts to uncover the dark forces at play.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre 

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003), directed by Marcus Nispel, is a chilling remake of the 1974 classic that revitalizes the iconic horror franchise for a new generation. The film follows a group of friends who, while on a road trip, encounter the deranged Leatherface and his murderous family in rural Texas. With its intense and graphic depictions of violence, coupled with a grim, atmospheric setting, the 2003 remake aims to capture the raw terror of the original while updating it with modern horror elements and a more polished production.

Get out

Get Out (2017), directed by Jordan Peele, is a groundbreaking horror film that blends social commentary with psychological suspense. The story follows Chris Washington, a young Black man who visits the family estate of his white girlfriend, Rose, only to uncover unsettling and sinister secrets about her family and their community. Through its innovative narrative and sharp satire, Get Out explores themes of race, exploitation, and cultural appropriation while delivering intense scares and thought-provoking insights.

The conjuring

The Conjuring (2013), directed by James Wan, is a spine-tingling horror film that draws on real-life events to deliver a chilling narrative. The movie follows Ed and Lorraine Warren, paranormal investigators portrayed by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, as they help the Perron family, who are experiencing terrifying supernatural disturbances in their rural Rhode Island home. The film’s success has led to a critically acclaimed franchise, cementing its status as a modern horror classic.

A Nightmare on Elm Street

A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010), directed by Samuel Bayer, is a reboot of the iconic 1984 horror classic. The film revisits the terrifying story of Freddy Krueger, a vengeful spirit who haunts and kills teenagers in their dreams, leading to real-life fatalities. Starring Jackie Earle Haley as the menacing Freddy, the remake updates the chilling concept with modern effects and a darker tone, while exploring the backstory of Freddy’s origins and his connection to the victims’ families. Though it pays homage to the original, the 2010 version adds its twists to the classic tale of nightmare-induced horror.

A Quiet Place

A Quiet Place (2018), directed by John Krasinski, is a gripping and innovative horror film set in a post-apocalyptic world where sound-sensitive monsters hunt and kill humans. The story centers on the Abbott family, portrayed by Emily Blunt and John Krasinski, as they navigate a life of silence to survive in a world where even the slightest noise can be fatal. The film masterfully builds tension through its minimalist sound design and intense, suspenseful scenes, highlighting the family’s struggle to protect their children while searching for a way to fight back against the monstrous threat. It is just amazing, a must-watch!

Orphan

“Orphan,” directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, is a psychological thriller that revolves around a couple who adopts a seemingly innocent 9-year-old girl named Esther after losing their child. As the story unfolds, Esther’s dark and disturbing behavior begins to unravel a series of shocking secrets.

It 

“IT,” directed by Andy Muschietti and based on Stephen King’s novel, is a horror film that delves into the terrors lurking in the small town of Derry. The story follows a group of children, known as “The Losers Club,” as they confront their deepest fears and a malevolent entity that takes the shape of Pennywise the Clown. With its blend of supernatural horror and poignant coming-of-age elements, “IT” masterfully balances scares with heartfelt moments, exploring themes of friendship, courage, and the power of confronting one’s fears.

Hereditary

“Hereditary,” directed by Ari Aster, is a haunting psychological horror film that explores the dark and unsettling aftermath of a family’s matriarch passing away. As the family grapples with their grief, disturbing secrets about their ancestry come to light, unraveling a sinister and supernatural legacy. The film is renowned for its intense atmosphere, disturbing imagery, and Toni Collette’s powerful performance as the grieving mother, all of which contribute to a chilling exploration of trauma and fate.

Midsommar

“Midsommar,” directed by Ari Aster, is a disturbing folk horror film that unfolds in broad daylight, setting itself apart with its unsettling contrast to traditional horror aesthetics. The story follows a group of friends who travel to a remote Swedish village to attend a rare midsummer festival. What starts as a seemingly idyllic retreat quickly devolves into a nightmarish descent as the group becomes entangled in the village’s disturbing pagan rituals.

The Ring

“The Ring,” directed by Gore Verbinski, is a chilling horror film that revolves around a mysterious videotape that causes anyone who watches it to receive a phone call with a cryptic message and then dies seven days later. The story follows journalist Rachel Keller, played by Naomi Watts, as she investigates the tape’s origins in a desperate attempt to uncover the truth and save herself and her loved ones from the same gruesome fate.

As fall rolls in and Halloween gets close, it’s the perfect time to dive into some great horror films and cozy date nights. Whether you’re in the mood for classics like Psycho and “The Shining, or newer gems like Get Out and Hereditary, there’s something to get your heart racing. Grab some friends for a spooky movie night or kick back solo with popcorn and enjoy the chills. Embrace the season and let these films bring the thrills—happy haunting!