11 scariest horror movies to watch at Halloween this year

As a seasoned horror enthusiast with over three decades of chilling experiences under my belt, I must say this curated list is a treasure trove for any self-proclaimed aficionado of fear. The selection offers a fascinating blend of classic and contemporary horrors that cater to various tastes and preferences.

Looking for the scariest horror movies to watch at Halloween?

Don’t be afraid, or perhaps get excited – here are some thrilling horror movies that could make your weekend extra spooky (or fun), according to our team at Digital Spy.

As a gamer, I’ve come to realize that what makes a horror movie truly terrifying can be incredibly diverse and unique to each individual viewer. Some folks get easily startled by jump scares in movies like The Conjuring, no matter how predictable they might be. On the other hand, there are those who prefer a more subtle chill, finding fear in the deeper, quieter atmospheres that create an eerie ambiance. Interestingly, some moviegoers even find horror elements in non-horror films, as their personal experiences and fears transcend the boundaries of the horror genre.

Although there may be differences in our preferences, we can agree on the chilling aspect of several horror movies mentioned here. Ranging from timeless classics such as “The Exorcist” to contemporary terrors like “Talk to Me”, there’s a good chance that at least one of these films has given you quite a scare. Regardless if they have or haven’t, these movies are outstanding pieces of cinema that remain captivating even after Halloween.

Some standout horror films that have been recently unveiled include “The First Omen,” a chilling prequel to the classic “The Omen”; “Immaculate,” a horrifying tale featuring Sydney Sweeney in a religious setting; and the mind-bending, critically adored “Late Night With the Devil” and “Longlegs.

For Halloween this year, some options should work just fine, but if you’re in search of the most terrifying films ever created, continue below.

Remember to grab your popcorn and hug the ones you love before pressing play.

This Spanish found-footage movie is not only highly original, but also absolutely terrifying.

It’s likely because everything appears incredibly lifelike, as it’s intended to resemble actual footage from a television show that happened during a zombie outbreak.

In this rendition, Manuela Velasco’s character, reporter Ángela Vidal, accompanies a team of firefighters responding to an urgent call at a Barcelona building. However, they soon find themselves under attack by an elderly woman, leading to a terrifying outbreak of an infection within the building’s residents. To prevent the virus from spreading further, they are forced to remain isolated within the building.

Paco Plaza, director of the chilling and top-notch film “Verónica” (streaming on Netflix UK), and Jaume Balagueró transform this concept into an edge-of-your-seat ordeal.

Watch now: Amazon | iTunes | Microsoft Store

If you are going to watch just one horror movie this Halloween, let that be Talk to Me.

It’s on Netflix UK, so there’s no excuses, only cowards!

The film chronicles a team of adolescents employing an enigmatic mummified hand to interact with the supernatural realm. Briefly, they let a ghost possess them, but break the link by taking away the hand and extinguishing the candle.

Yet, as Mia (Sophie Wilde) disregards the rules to reach out to her late mother, the situation in Talk to Me becomes precarious and unpredictable. The conclusion of this film left us utterly astonished.

In 2023, among the year’s scariest cinema offerings, this Australian movie is likely to linger in your thoughts long after viewing.

Watch now: Netflix UK

Ari Aster’s first movie was nothing short of surprising.

Hereditary” portrays an unusual family experiencing a period of mourning, yet coping in distinct manners. Annie (Toni Collette), however, appears to be unraveling as she becomes increasingly fixated on a dollhouse, while her offspring, Alex Wolff and Milly Shapiro, come to terms with the peculiar legacy they’ve inherited.

Without a doubt, the chilling masterpiece “Hereditary” is an essential watch in horror cinema from the past ten years. Whether you’re planning a Halloween movie night or seeking a spine-tingling experience any other time, this film will leave you spellbound. Before the releases of “Midsommar” and “Beau is Afraid,” Aster already succeeded in making us question our sanity – quite literally!

If you still have questions after watching, check our explainer of Hereditary.

Watch now: Amazon | iTunes

Are you up for a taste of Japanese horror cinema? The movie “Audition” is particularly chilling within this collection, although its intense violence doesn’t fully manifest until the climax.

Under the guidance of renowned horror director Takashi Miike and adapted from the novel penned by Ryu Murakami, the narrative unfolds around Aoyama, a widower embarking on an unusual path towards new relationships.

With assistance from a friend, the guy arranges an audition under the guise of a fictitious movie studio, hoping to discover a potential new companion.

The film titled “Audition” is a chilling, captivating horror production that challenges the conventional Japanese male-dominated society. Unlike the protagonist’s expectations, not every woman participating in the auditions conform to the submissive role.

Watch now: BFI Player | Amazon

Picture yourself persistently pursued by a seemingly endless, lethargic entity of supernatural origin, all due to the unavoidable phase of teenage hormones. Regrettably, it’s a perpetual ordeal.

It Follows is an ingeniously chilling horror movie filled with genuinely frightening scenes and gory demises. Should these elements fail to unsettle you, prepare yourself for a climax that will surely leave you trembling.

The narrative centers around Jay, portrayed by Maika Monroe, a young lady who unknowingly receives a malady linked to intimacy with an unfamiliar partner. This affliction, as it turns out, is sexually transmitted and can only be halted if it’s passed on further.

Fleeing without pause, Jay must keep moving as the relentless threat behind her is sluggish but lethal once it catches its victims.

Directed by ‎David Robert Mitchell, It Follows is an outstanding horror film.

Watch now: Amazon | iTunes | Microsoft Store

Before REC, another found-footage movie scared audiences to death in the late 90s.

It’s not inaccurate to point out that the widespread success of “The Blair Witch Project” can be attributed in part to a clever marketing strategy that fueled speculation about the film being based on true events.

If Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez’s film hadn’t been incredibly scary, the scenario you just described wouldn’t have had such an impact. But, as a matter of fact, their movie is indeed very frightening.

As a passionate enthusiast, I’ve found an intriguing tale spun from authentic home video recordings. The narrative unfolds around a band of youthful movie-makers embarking on a journey into the dense Maryland woods, with the objective of capturing a documentary about a local legend called the Blair Witch.

It remains among the top-earning independent films ever made, and it’s also incredibly scary.

Watch now: Prime Video | Sky Store | Microsoft Store

If you’re seeking a blend of classic and ingeniously designed jump scares, the initial film within the Conjuring series would certainly do the trick.

While it may lack originality, given its immense popularity in the modern horror landscape alongside iconic series such as Saw and Halloween, this film remains an excellent choice for a spooky night filled with friends.

The movie “The Conjuring” features Ed and Lorraine Warren, a pair of paranormal investigators, portrayed by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. In 1970, they decide to delve into a mystery involving a secluded farmhouse that carries a sinister history.

Movie director James Wan showcases his expertise in contemporary Hollywood terror by including some genuinely chilling scenes in this film, notably one where the game of hide-and-seek is employed to spine-tingling effect.

One advantage of watching The Conjuring is that you can create a marathon viewing experience, given its structure resembles a horror equivalent to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). It features not only the main series but also spin-offs such as the Annabelle trilogy and prequels centered around the demon nun character, Valak.

Watch now: Amazon | Sky Store | Microsoft Store

Are you in the mood for a chilling Japanese horror film that might keep you awake, peering anxiously at the ceiling? There’s nothing more terrifying than the movie “Ringu“.

Instead of relying heavily on jump scares, as seen in Gore Verbinski’s American remake, the original The Ring opted for a more atmospheric and subtly unsettling approach.

The plot follows reporter Reiko Asakawa as she investigates the mysterious death of her niece. The key seems to be in a cursed videotape, which Reiko finds and watches. Terrible decision: soon she receives a phone call informing her that she’ll die in a week.

Time’s running out for me, as a sinister kid with a supernatural vibe is hot on my heels. Can I figure out this enchantment fast enough and save myself, before this ghosty apparition leaps out of my television screen to claim my life?

Undeniably classic, “Ringu” offers a chilling horror narrative where the power lies in its gripping storyline rather than relying on ordinary jump scares.

Watch now: Amazon | Shudder

As a devoted fan, I can confidently say that even though modern audiences may not find it as terrifying now, The Exorcist continues to be timeless, holding its terror-inducing power fifty years after its release.

Ever since, the movie has served as a template for all subsequent exorcism films; however, none (if any) have surpassed its terrifying impact.

As a gamer, I find myself drawn into the chilling narrative of “The Exorcist,” directed by the masterful William Friedkin. In this tale, I step into the shoes of a character named Regan, portrayed brilliantly by Linda Blair. This innocent girl is tormented by a malevolent spirit that has taken hold of her. When doctors fail to cure her, desperation drives her mother, played by Ellen Burstyn (who also graced us with her presence in “The Exorcist: Believer”), to seek aid from the Church. They agree to perform an exorcism in a bid to free Regan from this demonic possession.

Absolutely, the disturbing spectacle that is “The Exorcist,” with its blend of blasphemy, terror, vomiting, gore, and startling visuals, continues to scare us. It’s advisable for you to feel the same way.

Watch now: Amazon | iTunes | Microsoft Store

The excellent The Babadook has one big scary monster, and it’s called depression.

The Australian-made horror film by director Jennifer Kent stands out as one of the most compelling horror productions from the past ten years, offering a chilling portrayal of grief and featuring a truly fearsome monster. Notably, Essie Davis delivers an exceptional performance in this production.

The narrative focuses on a widowed woman struggling to keep herself together amidst the heart-wrenching grief over her deceased spouse, all while caring for her young child. However, when an enigmatic book materializes at their doorstep and a chilling creature begins to torment them, both mother and son find themselves compelled to confront this ominous presence.

In addition, this implies they must confront their overwhelming sorrow. As Kent delves into the realm of supernatural terror, he reveals what it feels like to be trapped by intense dread.

Watch now: Netflix | Prime Video | ITVX

Beyond boasting some of the most impactful love scenes ever depicted on screen, the film “Don’t Look Now” delves deeply into the complexities and torment of grief.

Featuring Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie, this narrative revolves around a grieving couple who journey to Venice following the unexpected demise of their teenage daughter. In this enchanting city, they cross paths with two elderly sisters, one of whom possesses psychic abilities, delivering a cryptic message from beyond.

If you’re seeking an entertaining and lighter option for Halloween this year, this isn’t the typical horror film you might expect. However, I strongly recommend adding it to your must-watch list at least once in your lifetime.

British director Nicolas Roeg delivered a masterpiece, along with a terrifying twist for the ages.

Watch now: ITVX | Amazon | iTunes