With Halloween spirits rising, a movie is the perfect way to spice up the spookiest night of the year. Whether you’re looking for blood-curdling horror or something for the whole family, we’ve chosen the most hair-raising films to watch for Halloween. Each movie is given a terror rating out of 10.
Halloween (1978) – “Halloween” follows a group of teenagers as they attempt to avoid the bloodthirsty Michael Myers, a murderous escapee from a nearby mental health hospital. The film features a thrilling score and fast-paced action, with the iconic killer stalking the main characters and adding victims to his red ledger. The film’s cinematography places audiences in the victims’ shoes, making it all the more terrifying once they encounter the killer. Although the film’s horror stays true, it can feel slightly predictable. However, it’s notable that “Halloween” was the first movie of its kind, propelling the industry and inspiring future horror movies. Most horror movies took inspiration from this original classic, making it a must-see introduction to the horror genre.
Terror rating: 8/10
Misery (1990) – Stephen King adaptations deserve their own entire list, but “Misery” hits a psychological mark that few other films can replicate. The 1990 Academy-Award-winning film features a Best Actress performance by Kathy Bates and expertly captures the dread of Paul Sheldon’s entrapment after a near-fatal car crash leaves him stranded in the woods with the timeless Annie Wilkes. Wilkes forces both cringe and terror in her audience, which might be what makes her King’s favorite character out of all of his novels. Unlike most mainstream horror films, “Misery” doesn’t work too hard to scare you — it compels you to be terrified. There is no magical clown or elaborate jumpscare, but the slow, tedious torture of a man trying desperately to escape an unstoppable fate.
Terror rating: 9/10
Scream (1996) – If you’re a fan of horror and comedy, ”Scream” is the movie for you. It features a “whodunit” plot, with the main character, Sydney Prescott, attempting to find a secret killer within her group of friends. The movie features comedy almost as heavily as its horror, making several references to other horror icons and breaking the fourth wall by calling out the genre. While the movie incorporates comedic scenes, it stays true to its horror roots with gory kills and mysterious undertones. The Ghostface is a standout, the iconic masked murderer accomplishing his kills with terrifying mind games and thrilling chase scenes. “Scream” is only hurt by its seemingly one-dimensional characters and questionable character choices, making the grounded horror and violence seem disconnected from the character’s tones. Overall, the movie is perfect for an entertaining watch.
Terror rating: 9/10
Coraline (2009) – It’s no easy task to make a horror movie that also teaches a lesson. “Coraline” can give the whole family chills while showing kids the importance of appreciating what they have. If they don’t, they might just find themselves fighting demons in an alternate dimension. This 2009 stop-motion film features over 15,000 hand-crafted clay dolls, a 4-year labor of love by director Henry Selick, who described “Coraline” as “one of the great filmmaking experiences of my life.” From golden ghosts to skeletons on motorcycles to buttons sewn on eyeballs, “Coraline” offers viewers a classic ride into the world of slow-burn horror, all through the eyes of one curious 11-year-old girl.
Terror rating: 4/10
The Conjuring (2013) – “The Conjuring” is a masterclass in jumpscares that all directors should watch before they dare step foot in the horror genre. Following the innocent Perron family as they are marauded by evil spirits in classic haunted house fashion will have you jumping out of your seat in fear and rooting for the five Perron daughters. The movie was propelled by its claim of being based on a true story, which raised eyebrows but ultimately paid off in a $319 million revenue at the box office. Spiritual investigators Lorraine and Ed Warren add a chilling dimension to the supernatural forces. The film is perfect for fans looking for pure horror without the burden of gore. Once you’re done screaming, you can check out “The Conjuring 2,” and “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It” to dive deeper into the Conjuring Universe.
Terror rating: 10/10
A Quiet Place (2018) – John Krasiniski’s directorial debut, “A Quiet Place,” delivers one of the most nerve-wracking films of modern times. The film follows a world in which sound is death — a group of aliens have spread across the world, closely attuned to every sound around them. Any sound, from a twig snapping to glass crunching, could set a group of them charging for you. The movie is an unforgettable experience, leaving viewers literally holding their breaths with the characters. The sound design is a standout feature, with every noise inducing a cringe with fear. The film is unexpectedly heartfelt, with the protagonist Lee struggling to connect with his daughter. The film delivers heartbreaking scenes, terrifying sound design and a genuinely scary monster as the antagonist.
Terror rating: 8/10
Hereditary (2018) – “Hereditary” embodies a suffocating atmosphere that separates it from all the other demon-possession movies out there. Director Ari Aster originally resisted attaching the “horror” title, thinking it would take away from the movie’s profound plot, which he described as “a family tragedy that curdles into nightmare.” “Hereditary” follows the Graham family as they cope with the loss of their relative, when they attract the attention of agents of Hell. The film delves deep into psychological horror, with every frame of the film feeling filled with paranoia. “Hereditary” shook the horror world with a wide reception. Fans loved its creativity while critics reeled at its gut-piercing scares, claiming it was too disturbing for television. Depending on what you’re looking for, “Hereditary” might just be the movie for you.
Terror rating: 10/10
Bird Box (2018) – You might think things can’t get worse than not being able to make noise in “A Quiet Place,” but “Bird Box” takes nerve-wracking to a new level. In this post-apocalyptic nightmare, sight is death, and a pregnant Malorie Hayes is left to fend for herself against countless monsters and psychos trying to kill her, all without her eyes. The monsters are invisible, leaving viewers with the same suffocation as the characters. You will be forced to piece together bones crunching under cars and blood seeping through doors to try to comprehend the horror before you. Actress Sandra Bullock wore a real blindfold for much of the film, adding chilling reality to her stellar performance as a protective mother. Parts of “Bird Box” can be derivative of other films — it has a slightly stereotypical “And Then There Were None” plot line, and Bullock’s character is highly developed while others seem to only exist in the background. Despite its shortcomings, the movie’s wide reception has made it a staple in horror, definitely worth it if you’re looking for something mainstream.
Terror rating: 6/10
Us (2019) – Director Jordan Peele goes all out with “Us,” his second film after the critically acclaimed “Get Out.” The film follows the Wilson family as they encounter warped duplicates of themselves, intent on leading the world into a new age of chaos. Peele fully embraces the horror genre, featuring intense sequences, stunning cinematography and far more graphic violence. The film is further enhanced by its stunning score from Michael Abels, utilizing creepy choirs and flutes to give the film an airy and tense feel. Lupita N’yongo stuns in a dual performance as Adelaide, the Wilson family’s matriarch and Red, the psychotic leader of the twisted Tethered. “Us” delivers one of the most chilling and frightful viewing experiences in modern horror.
Terror rating: 8/10
Smile 2 (2024) – It’s rare for sequels to amount to much, but “Smile 2” takes all the horror from its predecessor and adds a punch that will change the way you think about saying “cheese.” The film follows tortured Grammy-winning artist Skye Riley as she fights for every last bit of her sanity against demonic forces inside her. Perhaps the most unique thing about “Smile 2” is its ability to synthesize emotion and horror — watching the film, you don’t know who to hate or who to cheer for. Every character suffers in their own bingable way. A stellar performance by Naomi Scott and an unforgettably creepy soundtrack only make things better — or worse. Watching “Smile 2” might ensure you never smile again. Or if you’re also possessed, you might start smiling and never stop.
Terror rating: 8/10
