Halloween is the perfect occasion to dive into a horror movie marathon. If you're the type to stay home, away from the typical festivities, we've got 10 of the best movies in the genre for you.
We've intentionally left out some classics like The Exorcist, Frankenstein, Rosemary's Baby, and Psycho to bring you some great movies that might be less well-known but are unmissable.
The Definitive List of Movies You Must Watch This Halloween
Get your sofa ready, grab a blanket, and prepare your popcorn. Here we go!
1. Halloween (1978)
Well, we did include a classic. What better way to start this list than by presenting the legendary Michael Myers? A masked killer who escapes from an asylum and returns to his hometown to terrorize its residents. A hallmark of the slasher genre that remains essential for any Halloween marathon and has more modern installments featuring the iconic villain.
Available on: Amazon Prime Video
2. Alien (1979)
Ridley Scott reinvented the science fiction genre with "Alien". When the crew of the spaceship Nostromo encounters an extraterrestrial threat, no one is safe. With its tense atmosphere and iconic xenomorph, this movie remains a cornerstone of the genre. Although this is the movie that starts the saga, there are seven more films in case you want more.
Available on: Disney, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Rakuten TV, and Google Play Movies
3. The Shining (1980)
If it's not the best horror movie ever, it's hard not to find it in a top 3. Based on Stephen King's novel, Stanley Kubrick created a masterpiece of psychological horror. The story follows Jack Torrance - in a historic performance by Jack Nicholson - a writer who stays with his family in a mountain hotel while writing his next book. A situation that complicates... until it explodes.
Available on: Max, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Rakuten TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube
4. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
You might not have seen it yet, but you know the name Hannibal Lecter. Anthony Hopkins brought this brilliant but terrifying serial killer to life in a psychological thriller that will keep you glued to the screen from start to finish. The story follows Clarice Starling, a young FBI agent who seeks Lecter's help to capture another killer. The rest, as they say, is history.
Available on: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Rakuten TV
5. Ju-On: The Grudge (2002)
An option with a different style of horror. When little Toshio stops going to class, his teacher Mr. Kobayashi decides to visit his home. The boy is alone, in absolute chaos. His parents aren't around, so the teacher assumes they went shopping. But there are more things in the house than meets the eye, and the family is not a normal family.
Available on: Rakuten TV
6. The Orphanage (2007)
Spanish cinema might not be known for its horror movies, but this film by J.A. Bayona breaks the norm. Laura moves into the orphanage where she grew up to open a residence for disabled children. After her son disappears, she contacts spirits and becomes convinced that they can help her find him. A combination of horror with a deep emotional story that keeps this 2007 film very much alive.
Available on: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, MITELE, and Rakuten TV
7. Insidious (2010)
Despite being a 2010 movie, it is already a staple in any movie ranking. From the director of Saw and The Conjuring, James Wan offers a refreshing take on supernatural horror. The plot follows a family that moves into a new house and discovers their son has been possessed by demonic entities. With a creepy atmosphere and unexpected twists, it is a must-watch for any Halloween marathon.
Available on: Rakuten TV
8. Get Out (2017)
It's clear that Jordan Peele is a comedy genius, but nobody expected him to create one of the best psychological thrillers of recent years. Chris, a young African American, meets his girlfriend's parents in what promised to be a pleasant weekend in the countryside, but as the hours pass, a series of discoveries lead him to uncover an unimaginable truth. Awarded the Oscar for best screenplay in 2017, it will not disappoint you.
Available on: Netflix and Amazon Prime
9. Hereditary (2018)
Hereditary is considered a unique work due to the large number of images that seem to connect with something deep and dark. A disturbing psychological thriller that explores grief and mourning through a story full of unexpected twists that culminate in an absolutely brilliant ending. A masterpiece of the genre directed by Ari Aster, who a year later would prove to be one of the best directors in the genre with Midsommar.
Available on: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Rakuten TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube
10. Hubie Halloween (2020)
Time to ease the tension. We close the list with this horror-comedy starring Adam Sandler as Hubie Dubois, a man ridiculed in his town who must save Halloween from a real threat. With a humorous touch and a bit of suspense, it is a perfect choice for those looking for a breather between so many scares.
Available on: Netflix
Energy Sistem sound equipment for your home
You can make the experience even better by adding an Energy Sistem home sound system to your TV. Discover them all and enjoy a terrifying marathon on Halloween!
