Let the Right One In — Hulu
Original Release — December 12, 2008
Some of the most awkward years of our lives can occur in our teenage years. Starting with middle school, a lot of things begin to change and you just begin to figure out who you might be as an individual. In Let the Right One In, Oskar is experiencing just that. A bullied, quiet 12-year-old, Oskar lives alone with his mother in their native Sweden. One day, a girl Oskar’s age — Eli — moves in and becomes both his neighbor and friend. However, as the pair become closer, Oskar learns of Eli’s darker side. It’s up to you to find out, is Eli’s bloodlust friendly or sinister?
Image Source: IMDb
Poltergeist — HBO Max
Original Release — June 4, 1982
An all-time classic horror film, Poltergeist is a must-watch for anyone that considers themselves a film buff or fan of the horror genre. Written by the legendary Steven Spielberg and starring Craig T. Nelson, Poltergeist follows a California-based family — Nelson’s Steve, his wife Diane (JoBeth Williams), and three children, Dana, Robbie and Carol Ann — who seemingly communicate with ghosts through their TV. Five-year-old Carol Ann ominously states “they’re here,” as a ghost attempts to snatch her from her parents bedroom. After first appearing harmless, the ghosts abduct Carol Ann and set off sheer panic within the Freeling house.
Image Source: IMDb
Dawn of the Dead — Peacock
Original Release — March 19, 2004
I think we can all agree that there are far too many remakes floating around. There have been a lot of instances where the remake fell flat and proved to be unnecessary. Thankfully, 2004’s Dawn of the Dead did its predecessor (1978) justice. This Zack Snyder version may not be for everyone, but the accomplished director does a fine job. Sarah Polley plays Ana, a Milwaukee woman whose husband is attacked by their zombie neighbor. Once Ana realizes her neighborhood is now a walking nightmare, she and the rest of the unaffected humans come together to fight the zombie army.
Image Source: IMDb
Hush — Netflix
Original Release — April 8, 2016
One of the most utilized horror tropes revolves around home invasion. Whether it comes in the form of a slasher film like Scream or Friday the 13th, or in a pure psychological assault like The Strangers, audiences have been exposed to the real-life fear of a home invasion time and time again. In Hush, director Mike Flanagan once again taps into this angle — but to great success. Kate Siegel stars as Maddie Young — a horror writer who happens to be deaf. On one fateful night, Maddie’s friend Sarah comes over — only to be attacked by a masked man. In an attempt to save herself, Sarah runs to Maddie’s house and unknowingly leads the killer directly to the residence. The masked figure now has a new target, can Maddie make it through the night?
Image Source: IMDb
Pet Sematary — Hulu
Original Release — April 5, 2019
2019’s Pet Sematary represents the rare movie remake that outshines the original. A story written by the incomparable Stephen King, Sematary was first adapted to the big screen in 1989 and it wasn’t a success. The remake follows the original story — A married couple (Jason Clarke and Amy Seimetz) and their two children move from Boston to Maine. The family quickly discovers the surrounding woods are not normal. From mysterious masked children roaming the forest to a burial ground being discovered amongst the trees, there is nothing comforting about their new home. When tragedy strikes the family, things begin to spiral out of control. If you watch this movie with popcorn in your lap, be prepared to bring out the vacuum.
Image Source: IMDb
Paranormal Activity — Amazon Prime
Original Release — October 16, 2009
When Paranormal Activity arrived in theaters in 2009, we had no way of knowing the next mega-franchise was introducing itself. The film introduces us to a couple, Katie (Katie Featherston) and Micah (Micah Sloat), who have just moved into their new home. Almost immediately, Katie and Micah start to experience supernatural events. When these spirits start to become dangerous, the two set up a camera system throughout the house in hopes of confirming their suspicions. The resulting footage jarred audiences for months after watching. A true legend of the horror genre, Paranormal Activity is a must-watch every Halloween.
Image Source: IMDb
Jeepers Creepers — Amazon Prime
Original Release — August 31, 2001
Jeepers creepers, where’d ya get those peepers?
Jeepers creepers, where’d ya get those eyes?
If you are like me, those lyrics always weirded you out. If that is true for you, you will absolutely despise those lyrics after watching Victor Salva’s Jeepers Creepers. Starring Justin Long and Gina Philips, Creepers takes off after siblings Darry (Long) and Trish (Philips) witness a mysterious figure dumping a human-sized bag down a pipe in the ground. Darry and Trish decide to explore the Church at which the bag was dumped — only to discover a truly horrific scene. The siblings’ decision to snoop around was a poor one, as the Creeper himself takes joy in hunting the two down. If you’re ready for a thrill ride, check this out ASAP.
Image Source: IMDb
It Follows — Netflix
Original Release — March 13, 2015
It Follows is one of the best horror films in years. The premise is simple but unique — a woman named Jay sleeps with her boyfriend for the first time, and now she is cursed because of it. Sounds weird, right? While it is strange, the film itself is riveting. After sleeping with her boyfriend, Hugh, for the first time, Jay is saddled with a death curse — one that travels from victim to victim, going after those who have had sex with the ‘infected.’ The film is absolutely terrifying.
Image Source: IMDb
Alien — Hulu
Original Release — June 22, 1979
Over 40 years after its release, Alien remains an incredible film. Directed by Ridley Scott, this science-fiction horror epic is grand in every imaginable way. From its writing, to its visual and special effects, to its sets, to its stars — namely John Hurt, Sigourney Weaver, Veronica Cartwright, and Tom Skerritt — Alien is a near masterpiece. Stuck in the middle of space aboard starship Nostromo, the astronauts receive a distress call from an alien spaceship…one they should not have answered. Alien is a gripping two-hour watch, one that will have you screaming and watching through your fingers. Horror at its best.
Image Source: IMDb
Zombieland — Peacock
Original Release — October 2, 2009
While it is understandable to want to watch only scary movies during October leading up to Halloween, it is also okay to throw some humor into the mix — 2009’s Zombieland is a perfect example. Spinning the zombie genre on its head with numerous gags and moments of laughter, Zombieland excels thanks to a tremendous cast and smart script. The film is led by the great Woody Harrelson, The Social Network‘s Jesse Eisenberg, Best Actress winner Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin, and Bill Murray. A longtime fan favorite, Zombieland finally produced a sequel in 2019 titled Zombieland: Double Tap.
Image Source: IMDb
Hocus Pocus — Disney+
Original Release — July 16, 1993
Did you really think we wouldn’t include Hocus Pocus? Approaching its 30-year anniversary, Hocus Pocus is a classic Halloween treat. Nostalgia reigns supreme when it comes to this film. Centered around Max Dennison (Omri Katz), his little sister Dani (Thora Birch) and Max’s crush, Allison (Vinessa Shaw), Hocus Pocus introduces us to three powerful witches whom Max unfortunately brought back to life. The witches — played by Sarah Jessica Parker, Bette Midler, and Kathy Najimy — are on a quest to become immortal. In an attempt to do so, they trap Dani. Can Max help his little sister or will the witches live forever? Bonus!!! Hocus Pocus 2 is now streaming on Disney+, as well.
Image Source: IMDb
Halloweentown — Disney+
Original Release — October 17, 1998
If you grew up loving Hocus Pocus, you probably loved Halloweentown just as much — if not more. As Halloween nears, a teenage girl named Marnie begins to realize that she has special powers. Her mother is adamant that her powers don’t exist, yet Marnie is still a believer. When her grandma — played by Debbie Reynolds — shows up unannounced, the true journey begins. Marnie and her brother, Dylan, secretly follow their grandma and wind up in Halloweentown. A dark force has taken over the town, can the young witches and their grandma save the rest of the citizens?
Image Source: IMDb
The Shining — HBO Max
Original Release — June 13, 1980
This one needs no introduction. The Shining is an iconic film led by an equally iconic director (Stanley Kubrick) and actor (Jack Nicholson). If you haven’t seen this film, this should be the first movie from this list that you put on your television. Nicholson’s performance is nearly impeccable, as is the gloriously haunted hotel which the film largely takes place. Do yourself a favor, turn on The Shining when you are done with dinner tonight.
Image Source: IMDb
Scream 4 — Paramount+
Original Release — April 15, 2011
If the horror genre had its own Mt. Rushmore, Wes Craven would be on it. In addition to creating the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise, Craven was the mastermind behind the Scream films. In 2011, the last entry of the franchise directed by Craven hit theaters — Scream 4. Starring series regulars Neve Campbell (Sidney Prescott), David Arquette (Dewey), and Courteney Cox (Gale Weathers), and introducing new faces in Emma Roberts and Hayden Panettiere, Scream 4 saw Ghostface once again embark on a killing spree. His main target? Still Sydney Prescott. This slasher flick is an improvement on Scream 3, and set the stage nicely for Scream 5.
Image Source: Business Insider
Carrie — Amazon Prime
Original Release — November 16, 1976
What happens when the bullied becomes the bully? In the case of young Carrie White, terrible things occur. The star of Stephen King’s Carrie, this young woman endures a very tough high school experience. Carrie is often picked on — the focus of cruel jokes and malicious taunts. However, as the bullying intensifies, strange things start happening around Carrie. The teen comes to the realization that she has supernatural powers and begins to act out against her tormentors. After watching this film, you will never look at prom the same way.
Image Source: IMDb
Ready or Not — Hulu
Original Releases — August 21, 2019
You would be hard pressed to find an adult that didn’t play hide and seek as a child. Whether you played with your parents, siblings, or friends, hide and seek was an easy, safe game. For that reason, Ready or Not becomes all the more creepy. Samara Weaving plays the role of Grace — a young woman who just married the man of her dreams at his family’s estate. Sounds simple, but it is anything but. Her husband’s family has a dark tradition — the bride must hide from the family as they hunt her down with various weapons in an attempt to kill her. While the film is dark in nature, Ready or Not also has a comedic tone throughout.
Image Source: IMDb
Casper — Amazon Prime
Original Release — May 26, 1995
Not every Halloween themed film has to be scary, just ask Casper the Friendly Ghost. This kid-friendly edition had a simple premise — a teenager (Christina Ricci) and her father (Bill Pullman) head to a haunted mansion to communicate with Casper and his fellow spirits. Once there, Ricci’s Kat quickly finds herself with an admirer — Casper. As Casper’s love for Kat grows, the relationship is stressed due to the fact that he is a ghost…a ghost dating a human? Sure. This is a nice light-hearted movie for you and your kids to watch together.
Image Source: IMDb
Saw — Peacock
Original Release — October 29, 2004
Terrifying? Yes. Enthralling? Indeed. Disgusting? You bet. Game-changing film? Without a doubt. When Saw arrived in theaters just ahead of Halloween in 2004, people couldn’t stay away. Despite all of its gore and cringe-worthy moments, Saw is a tremendous adventure. Its diabolical story is incredibly smart and will keep you guessing until the very end. Quite simply, Saw changed the horror landscape for the better.
Image Source: IMDb
Get Out — Amazon Prime
Original Release — February 24, 2017
Jordan Peele hit a home run with his first feature film. Starring Daniel Kaluuya as Chris and Allison Williams as Rose, Get Out is a tale about a couple’s weekend getaway gone awry. Chris and Rose travel to Rose’s parent house and things immediately appear off. An interracial couple, Chris first assumes that the family’s uncomfortable demeaner is do to the fact that he isn’t white. Instead, Chris quickly comes to learn that the family has far more sinister plans. There is a reason why this film earned four nominations at the Academy Awards — including Jordan Peele’s Oscar win for Best Screenplay.
Image Source: IMDb
Veronica — Netflix
Original Release — August 25, 2017
Why does anyone mess with a Ouija board? Seriously, nothing good comes from tempting the spirits that may or may not be roaming the room you’re in. Veronica is another film that explores the potential evil that can emanate from an innocent Ouija board experience. After Veronica and two of her friends play with the board, Veronica is tormented by an evil force. This film doesn’t rely on over-the-top frills or gimmicks to make its point. Instead, Veronica will scare the daylights out of you by playing to your simplest primal fears.
Image Source: IMDb
IT — Netflix
Original Release — September 8, 2017
Clowns are the absolute worst and there is no clown worse than Pennywise. Another adaptation of a Stephen King novel, IT centers around a group of seven kids growing up in Derry, Maine. When a young boy — Georgie — goes missing, a sequence of terrible events plagues Derry and the group of friends. Pennywise is a shape-shifting alien of sorts who emerges every 27 years to feed on Derry’s youth. Can these seven children survive the summer and take down the killer clown, or will they become victims of Pennywise’s latest meal?
Image Source: Pinterest
The Blair Witch Project — HBO Max
Original Release — July 30, 1999
Look at the fear in that face. Pure, unadulterated fear. The Blair Witch Project captivated America in the summer of 1999. Filmed entirely on handheld cameras, Blair Witch‘s documentary style of filming only amped up the fear factor. The acting was so believable that some people actually convinced themselves the events of the film were real. The Witch in the woods became something adventurous fans sought out to find. More than 20 years after its release, Blair Witch has held up and is still just as scary as it was upon its debut.
Image Source: IMDb
The Conjuring — HBO Max
Original Release — July 19, 2013
The duo of Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson has become a mainstay on the horror scene, but perhaps no movie has played to their talents more than The Conjuring. James Wan’s film is inspired by real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. In the film, Ed (Wilson) and Lorraine (Farmiga) are called to the home of the Perron family — a married couple with five kids. The Perrons are tormented at their home and it is up to the Warrens to figure out why and stop the scares. The Conjuring is not only a good horror film, but a great movie in general.
Image Source: IMDb
Coco — Disney+
Original Release — November 22, 2017
Another masterpiece from Disney’s Pixar, Coco follows a boy named Miguel. Miguel has dreams of becoming an incredible musician, but his family has been against music for generations. As his journey progresses, Miguel finds himself in the Land of the Dead. A beautiful film to look at, Coco shines light on a beautiful culture and also touches upon strong themes including family and — of course — life and death.
Image Source: IMDb
Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire — Disney+
Original Releases — October 13, 2000
This classic Disney Channel Original will never get old. What do you do when you realize your mom is dating a vampire but she is oblivious to it? When two kids set their mother (Carolina Rhea) up with a potential suitor (Charles Shaughnessy), all appears to be going well until the third sibling — eight-year-old Taylor — realizes the man is a vampire. Once Taylor convinces his siblings that is the case, the three enlist the help of a famed vampire hunter to stop Dimitri (Shaughnessy) from hurting their mom. Will the three kids and their recruited hunter be able to save mom?
Image Source: IMDb