Hereditary shocked audiences with its mix of family tragedy and supernatural terror. Toni Collette gives a powerhouse performance as a mother unraveling under the weight of grief and terrifying secrets. The film constantly subverts expectations, twisting from unsettling drama into full nightmare territory. It’s one of the most talked-about horror films of the last decade and a must-watch for genre fans. | © A24
The Faculty gives the alien invasion story a ’90s high school twist. A group of students, played by rising stars like Josh Hartnett and Elijah Wood, realize their teachers have been taken over by parasites. Kevin Williamson’s script leans into teen stereotypes while filling the story with clever genre nods and sharp dialogue. With strong performances and inventive creature effects, it’s a slick, fun throwback that still holds. | © Miramax Films
The Omen taps into primal fears with the chilling story of a young boy who may be the Antichrist. Gregory Peck and Lee Remick play parents slowly realizing that their adopted son Damien brings death wherever he goes. Richard Donner directs with a steady hand, balancing shocking set pieces with an atmosphere of dread. The film’s pacing, eerie imagery, and unforgettable score make it one of the most enduring supernatural thrillers. | © 20th Century Studios
The Thing begins with a dog running into an Antarctic research base, carrying a secret that will destroy the team from within. Kurt Russell leads a cast trapped in total isolation as paranoia and mistrust turn deadly. Rob Bottin’s groundbreaking practical effects bring the shape-shifting creature to life in some of the most shocking body horror ever filmed. The bleak setting, tense atmosphere, and unforgettable scares have made it a cult classic that still feels terrifying today. | © Universal Studios
Ghostbusters turns New York City into a haunted playground where three eccentric scientists-turned-entrepreneurs chase ghosts with proton packs. Bill Murray’s dry wit, Dan Aykroyd’s enthusiasm, and Harold Ramis’s logic make the team unforgettable. The film delivers iconic scares like the demonic fridge and the towering Stay Puft Marshmallow Man without losing its quick-fire comedy. It’s a supernatural adventure that captures both the humor and unease of the 1980s in one perfect package. | © Columbia Pictures
Michael Dougherty’s anthology ties together four creepy tales, all unfolding on one Halloween night. Each story has its own twist, but they’re linked by Sam, a small masked figure who enforces the holiday’s rules. Dylan Baker, Anna Paquin, and Brian Cox headline a cast that mixes dark comedy with real scares. Over time, the film has become a cult favorite and a go-to watch for the Halloween season. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
Stuart Gordon’s cult favorite pushes horror into outrageous territory with equal parts gore and dark comedy. Jeffrey Combs shines as Herbert West, a driven medical student obsessed with bringing the dead back to life. The film’s mix of shocking violence, twisted humor, and wild energy makes it impossible to take too seriously, and that’s the point. It’s a true camp classic that still stands as one of the most entertaining horror comedies of the ’80s. | © Empire International Pictures
Tim Burton’s stop-motion classic builds an unforgettable world in Halloween Town, filled with strange and lively characters. Jack Skellington, the restless Pumpkin King, steals the spotlight as he stumbles into Christmas and decides to make it his own. The mix of spooky charm and holiday wonder gives the film a unique energy that hasn’t aged a bit. It’s one of the most original animated movies ever made and a perfect seasonal watch. | © Touchstone Pictures
This anthology brings Rod Serling’s iconic TV series to the big screen through four directors, including Steven Spielberg and George Miller. The stories vary in strength, but the final two stand out: Joe Dante’s eerie tale of a boy with strange powers and Miller’s nerve-racking airplane segment with John Lithgow. Together, they capture the unsettling mix of horror and irony the original show was known for. Even with uneven parts, the film remains a fascinating tribute to classic genre storytelling. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
William Friedkin’s adaptation of William Peter Blatty’s novel remains the benchmark for possession films. Linda Blair’s performance as Regan is both shocking and heartbreaking, surrounded by a cast that grounds the supernatural horror in real emotion. The film blends disturbing imagery with quieter, human moments, giving the terror even more weight. It’s still the most influential demonic possession story ever put on screen. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
Jonathan Demme’s thriller is unforgettable for the chilling dynamic between Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins. As rookie FBI agent Clarice Starling, Foster delivers a determined and vulnerable performance, matched by Hopkins’ magnetic turn as Hannibal Lecter. Their uneasy partnership drives the hunt for another killer, mixing psychological tension with moments of pure dread. It’s a landmark crime-horror that redefined both genres and gave cinema one of its most iconic villains. | © Orion Pictures
Stanley Kubrick turned Stephen King’s haunted hotel into one of the most unsettling horror films ever made. Jack Nicholson’s descent as Jack Torrance captures the slow burn of isolation and madness, while Shelley Duvall and young Danny Lloyd ground the terror with raw vulnerability. The Overlook Hotel itself feels alive, from endless hallways to the eerie echo of Danny’s tricycle. It’s a chilling story of possession, paranoia, and the darkness waiting in silence. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
Mary Harron’s adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’s novel dives into the hollow world of Wall Street excess. Christian Bale delivers a chilling performance as Patrick Bateman, a wealthy banker whose polished exterior hides violent fantasies and unraveling sanity. The film blurs the line between reality and delusion, making it unclear whether his crimes are real or imagined. It’s a sharp satire of status, identity, and obsession in a culture built on appearances. | © Lionsgate Films
Robert Eggers reimagines the silent classic with a striking mix of Gothic detail and unnerving atmosphere. Bill Skarsgård’s Count Orlok is terrifying and strange, while Lily-Rose Depp and Willem Dafoe bring depth and energy to the story. The film leans into lavish set design, practical effects, and eerie cinematography that make every frame feel unsettling. It’s a fresh but faithful take on one of horror’s earliest legends. | © Universal Studios
Carrie takes Stephen King’s debut novel and turns it into one of the defining horror tragedies of the 1970s. Sissy Spacek is unforgettable as the shy teenager crushed by cruel classmates and a fanatical mother. When her telekinetic powers erupt on prom night, the film shifts from heartbreaking to terrifying in a single, devastating sweep. It’s still the most haunting King adaptation, balancing Gothic melodrama with pure horror. | © MGM
Getting into the Halloween spirit doesn’t always mean haunted houses or costumes – sometimes the best way is with the right movie. These 15 films cover everything from supernatural classics to cult favorites and modern scares. Whether you’re after eerie atmosphere, shocking twists, or just a good excuse to keep the lights on, this list has you covered.
