Hey there, fellow Halloween aficionados! Do you live for the thrill of spine-tingling horror and the excitement of donning the coolest Halloween costumes for adults? Well, you’re in for a treat – and maybe a few tricks – as we dive into the top 20 scariest movies to watch this Halloween. Whether you’re a fan of blood-curdling scream-fests or black comedies with a sinister twist, we’ve got something for everyone. So, grab your favorite Halloween candy, dim the lights, and let’s explore the eeriest films that will have you sleeping with the lights on this October.
Top 20 Scariest Movie to watch this Halloween
1. A Quiet Place: Silence Speaks Volumes
Type of Scary Movie: Suspenseful Survival Horror
Who It Appeals To: Thrill-seekers who appreciate tension and a good dose of heart-pounding suspense.
Imagine a world where silence is the key to survival, and any sound could be your undoing. “A Quiet Place” delivers a unique and gripping experience. As you join the Abbott family, who must live in utter silence to evade mysterious creatures that hunt by sound, you’ll find yourself on the edge of your seat.
2. US: Your Worst Nightmare Come to Life
Type of Scary Movie: Psychological Horror
Who It Appeals To: Those who enjoy a mind-bending, psychological twist to their horror.
From Jordan Peele, the mastermind behind “Get Out,” “Us” introduces us to the unsettling tale of doppelgängers wreaking havoc on an unsuspecting family. This film takes the concept of “fear of the unknown” to a whole new level, making it a must-watch for any horror enthusiast.
3. Ready or Not: A Game of Survival
Type of Scary Movie: Dark Comedy Horror
Who It Appeals To: Those who like their horror with a dash of dark humor.
Picture a wedding night turned gruesome when a bride must survive a deadly game to appease her new in-laws. “Ready or Not” is a wickedly entertaining mix of comedy and terror, making it a fantastic choice for a Halloween movie night with friends.
4. Bodies, Bodies, Bodies: Unleash the Horror
Type of Scary Movie: Slasher Horror
Who It Appeals To: Fans of the classic slasher genre with a modern twist.
“Bodies, Bodies, Bodies” doesn’t hold back on the gore, delivering a good old-fashioned slasher film with a contemporary twist. If you love masked killers, gruesome murders, and a tense atmosphere, this one’s for you.
5. M3GAN: When Your Virtual Assistant Turns Evil
Type of Scary Movie: Techno-Horror
Who It Appeals To: Tech-savvy horror enthusiasts who appreciate the intersection of technology and fear.
What happens when an AI virtual assistant goes rogue? “M3GAN” explores this chilling concept, raising questions about the potential dangers of our digital companions. Perfect for those who can’t resist a good tech-based horror story.
6. Talk to Me: Ghostly Encounters and Unearthed Secrets
Type of Scary Movie: Supernatural Horror
Who It Appeals To: Fans of eerie ghost stories and uncovering hidden mysteries.
“Talk to Me” delves into the supernatural as a grieving mother attempts to communicate with her deceased daughter through a mysterious phone app. This one’s a haunting tale for those who love ghostly encounters and suspenseful revelations.
7. IT: Pennywise the Dancing Clown Returns
Type of Scary Movie: Supernatural Horror
Who It Appeals To: Fans of Stephen King’s spine-tingling stories and those who fear clowns.
Pennywise, the dancing clown, is back to terrorize the town of Derry. “IT” offers classic Stephen King horror with a modern twist. If you have a fear of clowns, you’ll want to watch this with the lights on.
8. The Shining: A Haunting Stay at the Overlook Hotel
Type of Scary Movie: Psychological Horror
Who It Appeals To: Fans of psychological horror with an affinity for eerie hotel settings.
Jack Torrance takes his family to the isolated Overlook Hotel to be its winter caretaker. As supernatural forces grip Jack’s sanity, the hotel becomes a nightmarish maze of horror. For those who love psychological tension and spooky hotel stories, “The Shining” is an absolute must-watch.
9. Psycho: A Classic That Still Shocks
Type of Scary Movie: Classic Slasher Horror
Who It Appeals To: Fans of iconic horror films with a taste for the classics.
“Psycho” is a cinematic masterpiece that continues to chill audiences. The Bates Motel and Norman Bates have earned their place in horror history, making this a must-see for any true horror aficionado.
10. The Thing: Trust No One in the Frozen Wilderness
Type of Scary Movie: Sci-Fi Horror
Who It Appeals To: Sci-fi fans who enjoy a healthy dose of suspense and paranoia.
In “The Thing,” a group of scientists in the Arctic unravels a terrifying secret when they encounter an alien shape-shifting organism. Paranoia and mistrust run rampant in this chilling sci-fi horror flick.
11. Saw: Do You Want to Play a Game?
Type of Scary Movie: Torture Horror
Who It Appeals To: Those who love twisted games, gruesome traps, and moral dilemmas.
The “Saw” franchise is infamous for its gruesome and elaborate death traps. If you have a taste for intense, gory horror and moral quandaries, this is a series that will have you squirming in your seat.
12. The Exorcist: A Tale of Possession
Type of Scary Movie: Supernatural Horror
Who It Appeals To: Classic horror enthusiasts and those who appreciate slow-building tension.
“The Exorcist” is the epitome of classic possession horror. It explores the battle between good and evil as a young girl becomes possessed by a demonic entity. If you prefer a slow-burn horror experience, this one’s a must-see.
13. Scream: Who’s Behind the Mask?
Type of Scary Movie: Slasher Horror
Who It Appeals To: Fans of the meta-horror genre and those who love a good “whodunit.”
“Scream” revitalized the slasher genre with its self-aware humor and mystery element. As you follow a masked killer taunting a group of high school friends, you’ll be guessing until the very end.
14. Prey: Stalked in the Wilderness
Type of Scary Movie: Survival Horror
Who It Appeals To: Those who appreciate the tension of being hunted in the great outdoors.
In “Prey,” a group of friends finds themselves hunted by a mysterious force while camping in the wilderness. If you enjoy the thrill of being stalked in nature, this one’s right up your alley.
15. The Hunt: A Deadly Game of Cat and Mouse
Type of Scary Movie: Dark Comedy Horror
Who It Appeals To: Fans of dark humor and political satire intertwined with suspense.
“The Hunt” takes dark comedy to the next level. It’s a politically charged satire where wealthy elites hunt “deplorables” for sport. If you appreciate a mix of humor and horror with a dash of social commentary, give it a shot.
16. Train to Busan: Zombies on a Bullet Train
Type of Scary Movie: Zombie Horror
Who It Appeals To: Zombie enthusiasts and those who enjoy heart-pounding action.
All aboard the nightmare express in “Train to Busan”! This South Korean zombie flick delivers non-stop thrills as passengers on a bullet train must fight to survive a fast-spreading zombie outbreak. If you like high-speed action mixed with undead terror, you won’t want to miss this one.
17. Hereditary: A Legacy of Fear
Type of Scary Movie: Slow-Burn Horror
Who It Appeals To: Fans of family-centered horror and unsettling atmospheres.
“Hereditary” is a slow-burning masterpiece that revolves around a family’s dark and disturbing history. This film relies on eerie atmosphere and a sense of impending dread to keep you glued to the screen, making it ideal for those who enjoy psychologically disturbing tales.
18. Halloween: The Night He Came Home
Type of Scary Movie: Slasher Horror
Who It Appeals To: Die-hard fans of the iconic Michael Myers and classic slasher horror.
“Halloween” is a legendary entry in the slasher genre, featuring the relentless killer Michael Myers. If you’re a fan of the classics and love the idea of a masked menace returning to his hometown for some Halloween havoc, this is a must-see.
19. Alien: In Space, No One Can Hear You Scream
Type of Scary Movie: Sci-Fi Horror
Who It Appeals To: Sci-fi lovers and those who enjoy the terrors of deep space.
“Alien” is a timeless sci-fi horror that blends tension, isolation, and the unknown into one spine-tingling package. The tagline says it all: “In space, no one can hear you scream.” If you’re a sci-fi enthusiast with a taste for fear, don’t miss this classic.
20. Texas Chainsaw Massacre: A Slice of Terror
Type of Scary Movie: Slasher Horror
Who It Appeals To: Fans of raw and unrelenting horror that doesn’t pull punches.
Leatherface is back, revving up his chainsaw for another brutal round in “Texas Chainsaw Massacre.” This is raw, unfiltered horror, and it’s not for the faint of heart. If you’re looking for a no-holds-barred, gruesome experience, this one’s for you.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it! Our top 20 scariest movies to get you in the mood for Halloween. Whether you’re into supernatural horror, slasher classics, psychological thrillers, or even dark comedies, this list has something to send shivers down your spine.
And speaking of Halloween, don’t forget to pair your movie night with the perfect Halloween costumes for adults. Whether you want to dress up as your favorite movie character or create a creepy costume of your own, a costume store has you covered. After all, what’s better than watching your favorite horror flick in full costume?
So, prepare to be scared, keep the lights on, and enjoy your spooktacular movie marathon this Halloween. Happy haunting!
Meet Dale Pruser, our fabulous blogger who lives and breathes costumes! With boundless enthusiasm and a knack for turning heads, she’s the perfect guide to unleash your inner alter ego. Dale’s 30+ years experience in the costume and cosplay industry, make her the go-to source for finding the perfect costume. Her passion and knowledge shine through her blog posts, where she shares helpful tips on finding the perfect costume, DIY hacks to make your outfit stand out, and even delves into the fascinating history behind some of the most iconic characters. Her writing is as vibrant and colorful as the costumes she adores. With a twinkle in her eye and a wardrobe bursting with creativity, Dale dives headfirst into the realm of costumes. She lives for those magical moments when you put on a costume and become someone entirely different—whether it’s a mighty superhero, a swashbuckling pirate, or a glamorous 1920s flapper.