Top 10 Spooky Movies to Watch This Halloween Night

Halloween is here, bringing the perfect excuse to indulge in spine-chilling movies that will keep you on edge. Whether you’re into ghost stories, psychological horror, or classic scares, here are top 10 spooky movies guaranteed to make your Halloween night unforgettable. Prepare for some frights, thrills, and unforgettable scenes.

The Conjuring (2013)

James Wan’s The Conjuring has become a modern horror classic, popularizing the haunted-house genre with its spine-tingling scares. Based on real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, the movie explores the supernatural terror faced by the Perron family after moving into their secluded farmhouse. With jump scares and eerie sound design, The Conjuring provides chills and thrills that never let up.

The film’s use of suspense and clever pacing keeps you at the edge of your seat, with scenes like the “clapping game” proving unforgettable. The Conjuring has a classic horror feel, making it a must-watch for Halloween. Its success even inspired an entire cinematic universe of horror, which speaks to its undeniable impact on modern horror.

Hereditary (2018)

Hereditary is a haunting masterpiece that takes family drama to terrifying new levels. Directed by Ari Aster, it follows the Graham family as they unravel dark secrets after the death of their matriarch. With eerie atmospheres, unsettling visuals, and powerhouse performances, particularly by Toni Collette, Hereditary redefines psychological horror by making every frame feel like a dreadful revelation.

What sets Hereditary apart is its unique combination of supernatural horror and family trauma, offering scares that linger long after the credits roll. The film’s blend of realism and shock tactics builds dread in ways rarely seen, ensuring viewers are left thinking about it for days—if they can get a good night’s sleep, that is.

Get Out (2017)

Jordan Peele’s Get Out blends social commentary with horror, creating a unique and unsettling thriller. The story follows Chris, a young Black man, who visits his white girlfriend’s mysterious family. As the tension builds, Chris uncovers shocking secrets, revealing the sinister intentions lurking beneath their seemingly friendly facade.

With its sharp social critique and tense storytelling, Get Out earned critical acclaim and became an instant horror classic. Peele masterfully uses suspense and discomfort, crafting a movie that’s as thought-provoking as it is terrifying. The horror here is as much psychological as it is situational, making it a perfect addition to any Halloween lineup.

It Follows (2014)

It Follows presents an unconventional horror premise: a mysterious entity that relentlessly pursues its victims at a slow but steady pace. The movie follows Jay, who finds herself cursed after a seemingly innocent encounter, forced to always be on the move to avoid the monster that only she can see.

The concept itself is nightmarish, tapping into the universal fear of being followed. Director David Robert Mitchell keeps the suspense high, and the dread steadily builds throughout. With its retro vibe and creepy visuals, It Follows is a terrifyingly unique take on supernatural horror and perfect for a Halloween fright night.

The Shining (1980)

Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining remains a gold standard in horror, with its iconic scenes, eerie atmosphere, and Jack Nicholson’s unforgettable performance. Based on Stephen King’s novel, it follows writer Jack Torrance as he descends into madness while staying in the isolated Overlook Hotel with his family. The hotel’s supernatural forces and Jack’s unraveling mind make for a terrifying psychological thriller.

From the infamous “Here’s Johnny!” scene to the chilling visuals of twin girls in a hallway, The Shining is packed with moments that have permeated popular culture. Its layered storytelling and unsettling visuals make it a must-watch for Halloween, as viewers can always discover something new with each re-watch.

The Witch (2015)

The Witch is a slow-burn horror set in 1630s New England, following a devout family exiled to a remote farm at the edge of a dark forest. Strange occurrences and growing mistrust lead them to believe that a supernatural evil is haunting them. Director Robert Eggers creates a chilling atmosphere through historical accuracy, eerie cinematography, and psychological horror.

The movie’s creeping sense of dread and paranoia builds to a shocking climax, making The Witch an unforgettable viewing experience. Its disturbing imagery and unsettling soundtrack make it a haunting addition to any Halloween movie list, especially for fans of atmospheric horror.

Halloween (1978)

No Halloween movie list is complete without John Carpenter’s Halloween, the quintessential slasher film that introduced the world to Michael Myers. Set in the fictional town of Haddonfield, Illinois, it follows Michael’s murderous spree on Halloween night as he stalks babysitter Laurie Strode. Carpenter’s use of eerie music and clever camera work builds tension without relying on gore.

What makes Halloween a classic is its simplicity and focus on pure suspense. Myers’ masked presence, moving silently through the shadows, creates an iconic terror that has stood the test of time. This is a perfect pick for a classic scare on Halloween night.

Paranormal Activity (2007)

Paranormal Activity popularized the found-footage genre with its minimalist approach to horror. The film centers on a young couple who begin to experience disturbing paranormal occurrences in their home. Using security cameras, they try to capture the supernatural events, leading to terrifying encounters and a suspenseful climax.

What makes Paranormal Activity so effective is its realism; the grainy footage and home setting make the horrors feel alarmingly close to home. The slow buildup and sudden scares have made it a Halloween favorite, perfect for anyone looking for a spooky night filled with suspense and ghostly frights.

The Babadook (2014)

In The Babadook, a children’s book turns into a terrifying nightmare for single mother Amelia and her son, Samuel. As the monster from the book seemingly comes to life, Amelia struggles with her own grief and mental health, blurring the line between reality and imagination. Director Jennifer Kent crafts a disturbing and thought-provoking horror that lingers well beyond the screen.

What makes The Babadook truly spooky is its exploration of unresolved trauma and parental fears. The monster serves as a symbol of Amelia’s buried grief, creating a horror experience that’s deeply psychological and unsettling. It’s a haunting movie perfect for those looking for an emotional horror story on Halloween.

A Quiet Place (2018)

Imagine a world where making even the smallest sound could mean certain death. A Quiet Place, directed by John Krasinski, thrusts viewers into a post-apocalyptic reality where alien creatures hunt anything that makes noise. The movie follows a family’s desperate struggle to survive in silence, creating a tense, almost unbearable atmosphere.

What makes A Quiet Place so terrifying is its use of silence and sound, which intensifies every scare and makes you hyper-aware of every rustle and whisper. It’s a suspenseful ride that’s best enjoyed in a dark room, preferably with the volume turned up to feel every heart-pounding moment.

Also Read: The Top 5 Greatest Movie Spies