Spooky season officially starts on October 1, but if you’ve been waiting for Halloween to start your horror movie marathon, then The Blast has you covered! Scroll down for a list of top spooky movies you’ll want to add to your watch list!
Halloween (1978)
There is no better way to kick off a Halloween party than with John Carpenter’s original “Halloween,” which officially established Jamie Lee Curtis as a Scream Queen.
Obsession (2026)
If you’re looking for something more modern, “Obsession” is finally on streaming after taking over the box office earlier this year. Watch this film before Inde Navarrette completely takes over Hollywood.
Backrooms (2026)
Do you like watching people stumble around rooms with yellow walls and watching things get more and more bizarre around each corner? “Backrooms” never quite delivered on the scares, but if you like films that leave you wondering what’s around every corner, you’ll have a good time.
Scream (1996)
Wes Craven’s OG “Scream” officially made Neve Campbell one of the genre’s most beloved Scream Queens. Bonus points if you have time to watch the trilogy (which is probably where the franchise should have died).
The Dead Don’t Die (2019)
Kylo Ren, is that you? “Star Wars” alum Adam Driver teams up with comedy legend Bill Murray to take on the undead. “The Hunt for Ben Solo” might have gone to the great beyond, but Driver is still alive and kicking!
We Bury The Dead (2025)
Adam Driver isn’t the only “Star Wars” alum to make the jump to horror! After spinning around a lightsaber for most of the sequel trilogy, Daisy Ridley also appeared in her own zombie movie, searching for her missing husband after a military catastrophe.
Ghostbusters (1984)
Speaking of Bill Murray, there are a lot of great movies in the “Ghostbusters” franchise, but nothing beats the magic of the original.
Zombieland (2009)
Who can say no to even more Bill Murray? If you’re looking for a zombie movie, a road trip movie, and a movie that’s full of jokes and quotable lines, look no further than “Zombieland.”
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Want a zombie movie that’s also a bit of a romantic comedy? Look no further than “Shaun of the Dead,” which has become a cult classic.
Warm Bodies (2013)
Okay, you know what? This one isn’t as good as the book, but if “Shaun of the Dead” didn’t scratch your itch for a zombie-related romantic comedy, then “Warm Bodies” should do the trick.
Dawn of the Dead (2004)
Believe it or not, the 2004 “Dawn of the Dead” actually improves on George A. Romero’s 1978 classic. Written by James Gunn (yes, really), it also marked the feature directorial debut of Zack Snyder (yes, really!)
Get Out (2017)
Speaking of feature directorial debuts, Jordan Peele hit it out of the park with “Get Out,” although the movie does have star Allison Williams debating whether or not she’s earned the Scream Queen title.
Nope (2022)
If you like Jordan Peele movies and alien movies, you’re in for a treat with “Nope.” The movie nails atmospheric tension with a plot that constantly keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Alien (1979)
In space, no one can hear you scream. In the movie theater, everyone can. While everyone knows about the classic chest-burster scene, the rest of the special effects still hold up to be scary in the modern day. And the fact that the franchise is still going strong doesn’t hurt, either.
War of the Worlds (2005)
When you get overwhelmed by the prices at the gas pump, sometimes it can be satisfying to imagine what the end of the world looks like. Tom Cruise is fantastic in this role, and the blaring alien sound is pure nightmare fuel.
Twitches (2005)
This was added to the list on the recommendation of our writer, Jacquez Printup, who insisted this list wouldn’t be complete without it. If you’ve never seen it (or heard of it), then consider replacing your annual “Hocus Pocus” or “Halloweentown” rewatch with this film instead.
The Exorcist (1973)
Yes, they’re making “The Exorcist” into a series, but nothing will beat the classic scene. If you’ve only ever seen the countless parodies, it’s worth a watch.
Friday the 13th (1980)
Yes, there is a new prequel series out, but this list is about movies. So if you want to throw it back to the classics, watch the original and then head down to the next one on our list.
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
One, two, Freddy’s coming for you. There have been countless remakes of the iconic Freddy Krueger, and he continues to be one of the most popular Halloween costumes around.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Is it a Christmas movie or a Halloween movie? Better watch it again, just to be safe. Or just watch the beginning. The song is called “This Is Halloween,” after all.
Carrie (1976)
Mike Flanagan did a terrific job bringing Carrie into the modern era with his new series, but there is something timeless about the performances in the original series.
The Mist (2007)
This list wouldn’t be complete without one of Stephen King‘s best works. The monsters are in the mist, but the scarier monsters are the people trapped in the grocery store with you. If you’re a fan of the horror author, it’s also worth adding the original “The Stand” and “Storm of the Century” to your watch list, although those are both billed as limited series.
Hereditary (2018)
Often declared one of the scariest horror movies of all time, “Hereditary” is horror done right. Definitely a movie to watch if you don’t want anyone to fall asleep at your sleepover.
Paranormal Activity (2007)
“Paranormal Activity” is definitely a movie to put on during a sleepover, but only if your friends have never seen it before. The jump scares continue to hold up, even if you haven’t watched the movie in a while.
Pontypool (2008)
I couldn’t resist closing out this list with my favorite movie of all time. “Pontypool” is a zombie movie where the virus is spread by language. Equally parts funny and suspenseful, this movie is fantastic for Halloween, Valentine’s Day… or any time of the year, really.
So what did you think? Did your favorite make the list? What are we missing? Sound off with your opinion in the comments below!
