As the leaves start to fall and October creeps in, there’s no better way to set the mood for Halloween than by queuing up a scary movie. Whether you’re into paranormal chills, psychological suspense, or campy classics, here are a few films worth revisiting, for this upcoming spooky season.
The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025)
The Conjuring movies are definitely some of the scariest movies I’ve ever viewed. If you’ve followed the series, you know it’s definitely all about building tension, spooky cases, and the paranormal investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren. Last Rites will be the final installment of this franchise, diving into one last terrifying case involving unexplained entities and a community left questioning what’s real and what’s not. This one’s perfect if you want a mix of classic haunted-house scares with a mysterious story that keeps you guessing until the end.
Weapons (2025)
This new film is already turning heads for its unsettling story: at exactly 2:17 a.m., all the children in Mrs. Gandy’s class mysteriously vanish, except for one. The tension is immediate, and the kind of slow-burning horror that makes you question every little sound around you. It’s the kind of film that’s perfect for watching with a group of friends, to be spooked at the same moments together.
The Scream Franchise
The Scream movies are basically Halloween staples at this point. Ghostface’s combination of clever kills and their dark humor has made this franchise timeless. Watching the original and catching up on the remakes, is a great way to see how slasher films have evolved while still giving you the classic scares.
Beetlejuice (1988) & Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)
Even though it isn’t necessarily “horror” I had to add this classic. Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice is a classic for its offbeat humor, weirdly charming ghosts, and iconic visual style. And with the new sequel recently released, you can revisit the original and see how the story has expanded for a modern audience.
Talk to Me (2023)
One of the most talked-about horror releases of the last couple of years, Talk to Me centers on a group of friends who discover how to contact spirits using a mysterious embalmed hand. It’s short, sharp, and terrifying, with jump scares that actually land and a story that keeps you guessing.
Halloween (1978)
The OG slasher. Michael Myers’ first appearance basically invented the classic Halloween horror vibe, suburban streets, tension that builds with every scene, and a killer that never stops. Even decades later, this film still delivers scares and has influenced almost every slasher that came after it.
It (2017 & 2019)
Stephen King’s Pennywise has been terrifying kids (and adults) for decades, and these two recent films bring the story to life in a way that’s both chilling and surprisingly emotional. From the first movie introducing the Losers’ Club to the second following them back to Derry, these films are perfect for anyone who loves a mix of nostalgia and modern scares.
All Hallows’ Eve (2013)
The Terrifier movies are definitely for fans of more graphic horror. All Hallows’ Eve introduces Art the Clown, the terrifying character who inspired Terrifier. It’s intense, creepy, and exactly what you’re looking for if you want something that pushes the limits of college horror night.
Other Must-Watch Horror Films
- The Exorcist (1973) – One of the scariest films of all time, still holding up decades later.
- The Shining (1980) – Jack Nicholson’s performance alone is enough to give you chills.
- A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) – Freddy Krueger makes dreams into nightmares.
- Friday the 13th (1980) – A classic camp-based slasher that started a franchise.
- Hereditary (2018) – Modern horror done right, slow-building and terrifying.
- Get Out (2017) – A mix of horror and social commentary that’s smart, suspenseful, and unforgettable.
- Pearl (2022) & X (2022) – Recent cult hits from A24 with intense gore and drama.
- Smile (2022) – Sometimes the scariest thing is a grin you can’t trust.
In summary
Whether you’re planning a movie night with friends or bold enough for a solo scare, One of the best ways to get into the Halloween spirit is by watching a scary movie. There’s plenty to stream or catch in theaters this fall season.