Fall, the best time of the year: When the cute sweaters and boots come out, the smell of pumpkin spiced lattes is in the air, and scary movies play on repeat. I celebrate Halloween the entire month of October. The whole month is filled with as many horror movies as I can get on my Netflix queue.
Halloween is for thrills and there’s literally nothing better than sitting down to a good scary movie. If it’s scary, then I’ve watched it. I love them old, I love them new, and I love the ones that make you sleep with the lights on. Here are 10 scary movies that will surely give you a fright this Halloween — and bonus, any of these would be the perfect addition to any Halloween party!
1. Halloween (1978)
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Duh! Nothing says “Halloween” quite like some Michael Myers. I know this is an older movie, but Jamie Lee Curtis is such an awesome scream queen (pun intended). This is where Jamie got her stardom, which ironically is very similar to her mother, Janet Leigh. Janet was the star of another horror movie…
2. Psycho (1960)
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You knew I was going to go here. There is nothing creepier than someone spying on you, especially if it’s Norman Bates. Alfred Hitchcock made everyone who saw this movie scared to take a shower for years after its release. Plus, you can find out where Jamie Lee Curtis got those screaming lungs from.
3. The Exorcist (1973)
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It gives some kind of chills when you hear a little girl talk in a voice that is not her own — or when you see a little girl spin her head all the way around vomit on a priest just for fun. This movie will produce some nightmares, and may never be beat as the scariest movie of all time.
4. The Conjuring (2013)
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This is a more recent movie, but it’s based in the ‘70s. This movie has a very Amityville feel, and rightfully so — it’s said to be based on true events. The Conjuring is one of the best newer horror movies I’ve seen in a long time. The Conjuring 2 might be available to rent by this Halloween, so add that one to your scary movie watch list, too.
5. Trick or Treat (2007)
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This movie has five short stories that are interwoven together. It has a few surprises, and right when you start to laugh about it, it creeps you the f*ck out. Although it’s lesser-known, Trick or Treat is a must for every Halloween and will bring you tales of terror.
6. Evil Dead (1981)
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You got a handful of people in a cabin in the woods, a book made out of flesh, and demons being unleashed. This movie has a following, and I’m in it. The main character, Ash (played by Bruce Campbell), isn’t hard on the eyes either. You can also see Bruce reprising his role as Ash in a Starz series, Ash vs the Evil Dead. And it’s worth the watch.
7. The Strangers (2008)
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This movie didn’t get a lot of hype when it came out, but it had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. It’s tense, it makes you jump, and you can’t take your eyes off the crazy. You might need to leave the lights on with this one. (Or don’t, it’s more fun that way.)
8. Insidious (2010 – 2015)
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This movie franchise deserves some good horror movie street cred. I will admit the second one is better than the others, but all three are worth the watch. These movies blend together so great, pick up where the last one left off, and even explain little things that you probably hadn’t noticed before. I recommend watching all three back to back. Fingers crossed we’ll be delighted with a fourth installment.
9. Dawn of the Dead (2004)
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When this movie starts, it doesn’t take long before you’re stress-biting your nails from all the tension and scares. These aren’t your slow-walking zombies, so it’s a good, fast-paced, flesh-eating ride. When it comes to zombie movies, this movie is on the top of the list for frights — so good luck with your nightmares.
10. Drag Me to Hell (2009)
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This is a Sam Raimi (Evil Dead) film. It’s got plenty of scares and fun. This is one of those movies where you don’t expect much going in, and you leave satisfied that you watched a good horror flick whether or not you like Justin Long. This one is sure to not disappoint.