It’s that time of year when you want to watch all of the spooky movies. It’s starting to get dark a little sooner, the night air is beginning to have a crispness that gives you goosebumps, and for some reason, you want to watch movies that will leave you scared.
It could be because Halloween is in October, so naturally, there’s a spooky vibe. I’ve put together a compilation of fun, scary, and creepy movies (in no particular order) and where to find them so that you can get them added your movie queue.
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1. Practical Magic
Practical Magic (1998) is one of my all-time favorite movies to watch in October. It’s fun, it’s suspenseful, it’s romantic, and it will make you wish that you were a witch.
2. Hocus Pocus
Keeping with the fun vibe, Hocus Pocus (1993) is a classic. It’s hilarious with an all-star cast. It’s more on the kiddie side, but very nostalgic if you grew up watching this movie.
3. Halloween
Halloween (1978) is a classic slasher movie that takes place on (you guessed it) Halloween. If you have not seen this movie, it’s a must-watch. I would suggest watching one and two in order.
4. The Strangers
The Strangers (2008) will make you want to lock your doors and hide under your covers. It’s incredibly suspenseful and dark and all too real. Seriously, you may want to watch this one with a friend.
5. IT
IT (2017) is based on a book by Stephen King, so you know it’s going to be creepy AF. This movie is also a remake of the 1990 TV series IT. Both will have you jumping, but I prefer the newer film. I’m pretty confident that if you watched this movie as a child, you hate clowns.
6. Scream
Scream (1996) is an all-time classic movie. This movie came out when scary movies weren’t all that great. However, this movie took a new spin on thrillers with its original storyline. It elevated spooky movies in the 90s.
7. Sleepy Hallow
Sleepy Hollow (1999) is that classic story about Ichabod Crane that we all heard as a child. This film is more on the mellow side (so appropriate for kiddos), but a good movie none the less.
8. The Craft
If you were a teenager in the 90s, you owned The Craft (1996) on DVD and would watch it on repeat. It gives you all the angsty teenage vibes mixed with witchcraft. If you haven’t seen it in a while, I’m sure it will bring up a bit of nostalgia.
9. Pet Sematary
Pet Sematary (1989) is another classic movie based on a story by Stephen King. I do recommend the original over the remake (although the acting is questionable), but because I love the classic horror movie vibe. And let me tell you, talk about creepy.
10. The Shining
Keeping on the Stephen King train, The Shining (1980) is also on our list to watch this month. This movie is another classic that will have you clutching onto your blanket and thinking, “what the hell.”
11. Beetlejuice
Beetlejuice (1988) is a movie perfect for all ages, full of cool outfits and incredible characters. Seriously, it’s an ideal movie night film. So grab your popcorn, candy, and favorite blanket and get ready.
12. Rosemary’s Baby
Talk about creepy, Rosemary’s Baby (1968) is an older but must-watch film. If you like old spooky movies, this one must be on your list. It’s suspenseful and straight-up weird.
13. US
US (2019) is an original horror/thriller film that is a recent addition to my list. Seriously, be ready for twists and turns throughout the movie. Oh, and don’t look out the window while watching this movie (eek!).
14. Carrie
Carrie (1976) is yet another movie based on a Stephen King novel. I think everyone has seen the iconic scene of Carrie covered in pigs blood at prom. This movie is another one of those classics that will never get old.
15. Poltergeist
Poltergeist (1982) is just an all-around creepy and odd film. I think part of the spookiness is all of the crazy rumors that surrounded the film, which is enough to give you goosebumps.
16. It Follows
It Follows (2014) is a unique and suspenseful film that I don’t think gets enough credit. Although made in 2014, it has an old horror/thriller vibe to it, which makes it unique. Another plus, it’s a lesson in having safe sex (watch, you’ll know what I’m talking about).
Closing Statement
I probably could have added about 20 other spooky movies to this already incredible list. So grab your favorite movie snack, lock your doors, look under your bed, and snuggle up because you’re about to watch a month’s worth of terrifying movies.
Let me know in the comments if there’s a movie that you think that I missed on this list.
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Cute list but let me enlighten you. Can’t get more classic then Friday the 13th and a nightmare on elm St. Also if you’re looking for spooky the conjuring and insidious need to be on that list. Classic and spooky calls for black Christmas and when a stranger calls. And why not mention silence of the lambs… The only spooky movie to ever win best picture 😘🎤🧟♀️🔪
I debated adding The Conjuring and Insidious to this list because I agree that both movies are so good and scary. Friday the 13th is my all-time favorite slasher franchise, but to me, that’s a movie that you watch in the summertime (since they’re at summer camp) rather than October. Although A Nightmare on Elm St is a classic, it’s never really been one of my favorites. If I had a list of 20, it might be on the list. And Silence of the Lambs, great movie, but I put that in the thriller/crime genre rather than scary/spooky. Thanks for your input, I love hearing other people’s opinions, especially on movies.