When it comes to spooky season, nothing sets the mood quite like a good horror movie marathon. Whether you’re hosting a party or spending the night under a blanket with the lights off, knowing the best scary movies to watch on Halloween can turn an ordinary evening into a thrilling, scream-filled experience.
As of 2025, streaming platforms are overflowing with fresh horror releases and timeless classics. From slashers and psychological thrillers to supernatural chills and haunted house tales, there’s a perfect fright for every kind of horror fan. Let’s dive into the ultimate list of Halloween must-watches — old and new — that are dominating screens this year.
Why Scary Movies Are a Halloween Staple
Horror and Halloween have always gone hand in hand. For decades, audiences have turned to scary movies to experience the safe thrill of fear — a way to confront the unknown from the comfort of home.
Watching horror films during Halloween isn’t just about getting scared. It’s about excitement, storytelling, and tradition. Families, couples, and friends gather every October to rewatch their favorite frightful films. Streaming data from Netflix, Max, and Hulu show that horror viewership spikes by more than 70% during the final week of October.
In 2025, that trend continues stronger than ever, with both new horror hits and beloved classics dominating the streaming charts.
Classic Horror Films That Never Die
Some scary movies never lose their power to terrify. These timeless classics remain the foundation of every Halloween watchlist.
1. Halloween (1978)
There’s no better way to celebrate the holiday than by watching the movie that started it all. John Carpenter’s Halloween introduced Michael Myers, one of horror’s most iconic villains. From its eerie score to its suspenseful pacing, this masterpiece defines Halloween horror.
2. The Exorcist (1973)
Still considered one of the most disturbing films ever made, The Exorcist tells the story of a young girl possessed by a demonic force. Even 50 years later, it continues to shock audiences. The 2023 4K re-release has made it a streaming favorite again.
3. The Shining (1980)
Few performances are as chilling as Jack Nicholson in Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining. The film’s haunting visuals, unsettling atmosphere, and famous line — “Here’s Johnny!” — make it essential Halloween viewing.
4. Psycho (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho remains one of the most influential thrillers ever made. Its suspenseful buildup, shocking twists, and unforgettable shower scene set a standard for psychological horror.
5. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Freddy Krueger still haunts dreams 40 years later. Wes Craven’s classic slasher blends supernatural fear with memorable one-liners, making it a perfect mix of fun and fright.
These films laid the groundwork for modern horror and continue to deliver spine-chilling entertainment every October.
Modern Horror Favorites You Can’t Miss
The past decade has been a golden age for horror, producing bold, creative films that push the genre to new heights.
1. Get Out (2017)
Jordan Peele’s Get Out redefined modern horror with its mix of psychological tension and social commentary. It’s a sharp, unsettling, and brilliantly written film that still resonates with audiences.
2. Hereditary (2018)
Disturbing, emotional, and unforgettable — Hereditary cemented Ari Aster as one of the most daring horror directors of the 21st century. It’s not just scary; it’s deeply haunting long after the credits roll.
3. Talk to Me (2023)
This Australian supernatural hit became an instant favorite. It follows a group of teens who use a mysterious embalmed hand to contact the dead — until the ritual goes horribly wrong. The film’s 2025 sequel is currently in production, making now the perfect time to revisit it.
4. Barbarian (2022)
One of the most unpredictable horror films in recent years, Barbarian keeps viewers guessing until the very end. Set in an eerie Detroit Airbnb, it’s full of twists, tension, and commentary on trust and fear.
5. Smile (2022) and Smile 2 (2024)
The first Smile shocked audiences with its chilling simplicity — a curse passed through disturbing smiles. The 2024 sequel expanded the mythology, cementing the series as a Halloween-season staple.
These modern hits combine smart storytelling with truly terrifying moments, proving that horror is more alive than ever in 2025.
New Horror Movies to Watch in 2025
The year 2025 has delivered a fresh batch of terrifying films that horror fans won’t want to miss.
1. Longlegs (2024)
Starring Nicolas Cage and Maika Monroe, this film blends detective mystery with supernatural evil. Critics are calling it one of the most unsettling horror experiences of the decade.
2. The First Omen (2024)
Serving as a prequel to the 1976 classic, The First Omen explores the birth of evil in a haunting story set in Rome. It’s atmospheric, beautifully shot, and deeply disturbing.
3. A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)
This prequel expands on the origins of the alien invasion that silenced humanity. Lupita Nyong’o delivers a powerful performance in a story filled with fear and resilience.
4. The Watchers (2024)
Directed by Ishana Night Shyamalan, this eerie mystery follows a woman trapped in a forest with unseen watchers. Its slow-building suspense makes it perfect for a Halloween night watch.
5. Terrifier 3 (2025)
Released just weeks ago, Terrifier 3 brings back Art the Clown in a holiday-themed bloodbath. It’s extreme, shocking, and tailor-made for horror fans who crave gore.
These recent films have dominated social media buzz and horror forums throughout 2025 — making them must-watch titles for this Halloween.
Family-Friendly Halloween Movies
Not everyone wants jump scares and gore. For families and younger viewers, these spooky yet fun films offer the perfect Halloween alternative.
1. Hocus Pocus (1993)
The Sanderson Sisters, played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, bring laughs and magic every Halloween. Both the 1993 original and the 2022 sequel remain family favorites.
2. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)
The newest installment in the Ghostbusters franchise is full of humor, heart, and plenty of supernatural action. It’s a great pick for all ages.
3. Coraline (2009)
A stop-motion masterpiece that balances creepy visuals with a beautiful message about courage and family. Its atmosphere is perfect for a slightly spooky family movie night.
4. Monster House (2006)
This animated adventure follows kids who discover their neighbor’s home is alive — and hungry. Funny, clever, and perfectly eerie for Halloween.
5. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Tim Burton’s classic is both a Halloween and Christmas favorite. Its music, animation, and charm make it an annual tradition for many households.
Streaming the Best Scary Movies in 2025
The biggest streaming platforms have embraced the Halloween season with curated horror collections. Here’s where you can find the year’s best scares:
- Netflix: The Conjuring 2, The Nun II, Talk to Me, It Follows, and Hereditary.
- Hulu: The First Omen, Prey, Barbarian, and American Horror Stories.
- Peacock: Halloween Ends, Sick, The Purge, and Child’s Play.
- Max (HBO): The Exorcist, The Shining, Doctor Sleep, and Malignant.
- Paramount+: A Quiet Place, Smile 2, and Scream VI.
Tip: Netflix and Hulu both launched “Fright Nights 2025” playlists this year, offering new daily horror recommendations through Halloween.
Creating the Perfect Halloween Movie Marathon
If you’re building your own horror night, the key is pacing — balance classic scares with fresh frights. Here’s a suggested lineup for maximum effect:
- Start with nostalgia: Hocus Pocus or Ghostbusters to set the mood.
- Move to the classics: Halloween (1978) or The Shining.
- Add modern intensity: Talk to Me or Smile.
- End with a shocker: Longlegs or Terrifier 3.
Don’t forget to set the atmosphere — dim lights, candles, and your favorite snacks. Add a fog machine or pumpkin decor for an extra Halloween touch.
Why Horror Keeps Us Coming Back
There’s something universal about fear. Horror movies give us a safe way to experience it — to confront danger, darkness, and the unknown. They also bring people together, sparking laughter and screams in equal measure.
In 2025, filmmakers continue to use horror to explore modern anxieties — technology, isolation, and humanity’s darker side — while keeping the genre as entertaining as ever. Whether you prefer supernatural terror or psychological thrills, the best scary movies to watch on Halloween remind us that fear, at its best, is fun.
From spine-chilling classics to brand-new releases, Halloween 2025 offers horror fans endless choices. What are your favorite scary movies to watch on Halloween? Share your top picks and scariest moments in the comments below — and keep the screams coming all season long!