5 of the scariest horror movies ever to watch on Halloween night

As a seasoned horror enthusiast who’s spent countless Halloweens huddled under blankets while watching the scariest movies known to mankind, I wholeheartedly endorse this list for those seeking a truly spine-tingling experience. From the modern chills of “Sinister” to the timeless terror of “The Exorcist”, each movie on this list is guaranteed to leave you questioning your sanity and checking under the bed before turning out the lights.

Isn’t it hard to believe that Halloween night has arrived so quickly? Each Halloween, I indulge myself by watching multiple horror films back-to-back. However, instead of repeating the same movies every year, I prefer to switch things up and choose different ones.

If you’re in search of some truly spine-tingling films for tonight, this list should prove useful. These horror movies are genuinely terrifying, so I wouldn’t advise watching them with children who might end up being traumatized for quite some time (unless that’s your intended outcome).

Sinister (2012)

A popular horror film that can seem like a realistic depiction of violence, it’s not surprising that Sinister was once considered the scariest movie ever made in a study. Interestingly, the script for this chilling film was sparked by writer C. Robert Cargill’s nightmare following a terrifying experience watching another horror classic, The Ring. Consequently, Sinister came into existence.

Director Scott Derrickson skillfully creates suspense, yet it’s the sound design that truly makes “Sinister” chilling and terrifying. This is complemented by the eerie Super 8 films that significantly contribute to the movie’s focus. It’s challenging to fathom the thoughts of writer Cargill when he came up with the concept for this film, which revolves around a true-crime author who shifts his family into a home with a troubled history.

The Exorcist (1973)

1973’s “The Exorcist,” directed by William Friedkin and adapted from William Peter Blatty’s novel, is often regarded as one of the most terrifying movies ever made – or even the most frightening. This enduring horror film deserves its status as a classic for numerous reasons.

1970s viewers might struggle to fully grasp the intense fear this movie instilled at its initial release, as the notion of demonic possession was more prevalent then, causing genuine apprehension among people. The idea of a child like Regan being possessed by demon-like entities was particularly unsettling. It wasn’t just the storyline that sent shivers down their spines; _The Exorcist_ stood out for its time due to explicit scenes such as Regan’s disturbing outbursts, her head spinning, vomiting green slime, and numerous jarring jump scares.

When Evil Lurks (2023)

Without a doubt, one of the most gruesome and severe horror films I’ve watched lately, hailing from Argentina on Shudder, is definitely not for those with delicate sensibilities. This movie is deeply graphic, centered around a small town overrun by malevolent spirits.

In this movie, these entities take control over people, transforming them into what the locals refer to as “The Corrupted.” Once a demon is brought forth, it becomes extremely challenging to eliminate it. The possession occurs so swiftly that the only means of survival is to flee for your life. No one is immune in this film; it’s a shockingly intense and petrifying ordeal.

Oddity (2024)

One standout among the top horror films of 2024 is the underrated gem, ‘Oddity.’ This Irish production, penned by writer-director Damian Mc Carthy, centers around a blind shopkeeper and medium who delves into the mysterious circumstances surrounding her sister’s questionable death.

To start with, it’s mentioned that a patient at the psychiatric hospital where Darcy’s husband works allegedly murdered her twin sister. However, Darcy (Carolyn Bracken) suspects there might be hidden truths in this account, which leads her to visit her deceased sister’s home for self-investigation. She receives some help in this endeavor from a life-sized mannequin.

The Vanishing (1988)

Regarding the 1988 Dutch film, although its conclusion may be debated, it remains widely recognized as one of the scariest. The narrative is straightforward, focusing on a young couple on vacation in France who experience a terrifying incident at a gas station. When the woman mysteriously disappears, her boyfriend, Rex, embarks on a fruitless quest to find her.

Three years on, Rex continues his search for her, and is taken aback when a teacher allegedly has information about her disappearance one day approaches him. The impact of The Vanishing lies in its uncanny realism. Unlike many horror films that rely on graphic violence to frighten viewers, this movie uses human nature and tension to achieve the same effect.

More terrifying movies to watch on Halloween

Hellraiser
Hostel
Saw
Terrifier
The Nightmare on Elm Street
Halloween
Rosemary’s Baby
The Shining
Doctor Sleep
Barbarian
Hereditary

2024-10-31 15:25