While horror films can certainly be watched and enjoyed at any time of the year, there is something special about watching them in October, just in time for Halloween. Today, with all the streaming services, it can be difficult to know which movies are on which services. We’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up the four best horror movies for each streaming service, as well as which horror movies will be in theaters in October.
“Stranger” (1979)
Image courtesy of 20th Century Fox.
The crew of a spaceship unknowingly ends up aboard a deadly creature and must fight for their survival. The epitome of sci-fi horror, Alien exhibits incredible subtlety and keeps audiences on the edge of their seats throughout its story.
“The Babadook” (2014)
Image courtesy of Umbrella Entertainment.
A single mother and her child begin to question their reality after discovering a mysterious book in their home. The Babadook combines a great theme and message with a creepy and uncomfortable atmosphere.
“I know what you did last summer” (1997)
Image courtesy of Columbia Pictures
Four friends get together when they are chased by a maniac with a hook. A fun and campy slasher film that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
“No one will save you” (2023)
Image courtesy of Hulu
A young woman must stand alone against the aliens who threaten her future. An experimental sci-fi horror film filled with tense action sequences and a decent lead performance from Kaitlyn Dever.
“The Conjuring” (2013)
Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
A family terrorized by the presence of demons in their farmhouse turns to paranormal investigations for help. Arguably the best demonic film of the 2010s, The Conjuring pulls no punches with its horror while building its characters surprisingly well.
“Hereditary” (2018)
Image courtesy of A24
The death of the family head leaves them grieving while more strange and tragic incidents begin to haunt them. It’s no understatement to call Hereditary the most influential horror film of the last decade, and its impact is only just beginning. A fantastic story with an exciting and tense atmosphere, which is a must-see for all movie lovers.
“Insidious” (2010)
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The family tries to protect their son from evil spirits by trying to take him to another realm. The premier horror film of the 2010s, Insidious, doesn’t offer anything new, but director James Wan is one of the best at creating suspense and creating fantastic scenes.
“A Nightmare on Elm Street” (1984)
Image courtesy of New Line Cinema.
A group of teenage friends discover a dark truth and become the target of a serial killer who can kill them in their sleep. One of the best slasher films of all time, the originality oozes off the screen and makes this one of the most fun horror films to watch.
“Slug” (2014)
Image courtesy of The Orchard
Desperate for money, Aaron (Patrick Bryce) goes to a stranger’s house to rent for the day, and his requests become increasingly strange the longer he stays there. An aptly titled film, be prepared for a disturbing but engrossing viewing experience.
“Quiet” (2016)
Image courtesy of Netflix
A deaf writer (Kate Siegel) living in solidarity in the woods is stalked by a masked killer trying to break into her home. Hush is an incredibly immersive experience, especially if you watch it alone with the lights off.
“Jaws” (1975)
Image courtesy of Universal
After a great white shark begins terrorizing Amity Island, the group sets out to destroy it. It’s hard to find a more iconic film than Jaws, and the film remains a tense thriller with a few jump scares.
“Ouija: Origin of Evil” (2016)
Image courtesy of Universal Pictures
A widowed mother and her daughters exaggerate their scam at the séance, inviting evil into their home and oblivious to the dangers that come with it. An ideal film for those who love the supernatural and goes well with historical fiction.
“Hellraiser” (1987)
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A wife finds her dead lover’s zombie as he tries to escape demons trying to bring him back to their sadomasochistic world. One of horror’s most recognizable villains plays a surprisingly small role in the original film, but demonstrates the cultural impact of the franchise.
“Suspiria” (2018)
Image courtesy of Amazon Studios
A remake of the 1977 film of the same name. A world-famous dance group is engulfed in darkness, and its members are divided on whether they should embrace it or turn away. Despite mixed reviews, it’s hard to deny the nightmarish beauty it has to offer.
“Saw” Franchise
Image courtesy of Lions Gate Films
A serial killer forces various strangers to take part in deadly games. The Saw franchise was an annual staple for much of the 2000s, with those who enjoy outrageous gore praising it for its clever traps. All films in the franchise except Spiral are streaming on Prime Video.
“Train to Busan” (2016)
Image courtesy of Next Entertainment World
A zombie virus breaks out in South Korea as passengers on a train bound for Busan must fight to survive. Zombie movies and shows have been a tired topic for much of the past decade, but Train to Busan transcends most stereotypes and has a heartwarming story at its core without shying away from the brutality of both zombies and humanity. .
“American Psycho” (2000)
Image courtesy of Lions Gate Films
A wealthy banking executive tries to hide his violent and psychotic alternate ego, but finds it increasingly difficult to contain it as he sinks deeper into it. One of the most unusual horror films out there, American Psycho has a little bit of everything but still scratches the serial killer movie itch.
“Black Christmas” (1974)
Image courtesy of Warner Bros.
A group of sorority girls are stalked by a stranger during Christmas break. There’s something really interesting and effective about horror films set during the holidays, and Black Christmas was one of the first to do it, and perhaps the best of them all.
“The Exorcist III” (1990)
Image courtesy of 20th Century Fox.
A police investigator is sent to a psychiatric ward after a series of murders resemble a dead serial killer. Widely regarded as one of the best horror sequels of all time, The Exorcist III is a fantastic and frightening entry in the franchise and a worthy follow-up to its original predecessor. You can also watch the original horror classic The Exorcist on Max.
“The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (1974)
Image courtesy of Bryanston Distributing Company.
Five friends on their way back from visiting one of their grandfather’s graves are confronted by something sinister armed with a chainsaw. An at times grueling watch thanks to Tobe Hooper’s superb direction, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre delivers on almost all fronts on an extremely small budget.
“The Blair Witch Project” (1999)
Image courtesy of Artisan Entertainment.
Three students go into the woods to film a documentary about the local legend of the Blair Witch, and leave behind only their footage. The national phenomenon grossed a whopping $248 million, and for good reason. Chilling and tense throughout its 80 minutes, with an ending as terrifying as you could wish for.
“Paranormal Activity” Franchise
Image courtesy of Paramount Pictures
Demonic presences haunt families in suburban homes at night. One of the most iconic horror franchises of the 2010s, Paranormal Activity is well known for its low budget yet effective scares thanks to its found footage style, and Paramount+ is currently streaming the entire series.
“Ring” (2002)
Image courtesy of DreamWorks Pictures
A journalist investigates a video that apparently causes everyone who watched it to die a week later. Based on the same novel as the Japanese film Ringu (1998), the English version holds its own and delivers a chilling experience despite its PG-13 rating.
“Scream” Franchise
Image courtesy of Paramount Pictures
A masked killer attacks a group of friends affected by tragedy. Wes Craven turned the slasher genre on its head by referencing slasher tropes while simultaneously following those stereotypes. The idea has persisted through six films, with a seventh due soon. The entire Scream franchise, with the exception of the fourth, is currently streaming on Paramount+.
“Exorcist: Believer”
Image courtesy of Universal Pictures
Two girls disappear into the forest and return three days later, having lost their memories, but they are forever changed. Ellen Bursytn reprises her role from The Exorcist (1973), which should be a good sign for the film. The franchise has had many ups and downs, with the first and third installments becoming some of the most famous horror films of all time, while the second and fourth installments have come under intense scrutiny. The Believer doesn’t have to do much to be better than the franchise’s worst, but we can hope it’s similar to the original. The Exorcist: Believer is in theaters now.
“Saw X”
Image courtesy of Lionsgate
John Kramer (Tobin Bell) travels to Mexico for a medical procedure when he realizes the surgery is a scam designed to defraud those in need of help. The latest installment of the cult franchise is already in theaters and has received positive reception. As gratuitous as ever, the film tries to reach new heights and creativity with its traps, and anyone who liked the previous installments will surely enjoy the latest one. Saw X is in theaters now.
“Five Nights at Freddy’s”
Image courtesy of Universal Pictures
The new guard is in charge of the old slot machines, and he soon realizes that the animatronics are not as normal as they may seem. Another beloved video game is getting a movie adaptation, and it has the potential to become one of the best. Judging by the trailers, the film is a great mix of thrill, horror and comedy while keeping the essence of a mobile game. Five Nights at Freddy’s hits theaters on October 27.