25 Halloween Themed Horror Movies to Scare You Silly This Spooky Month - Your Perfect October Watchlist
Welcome to Knockout Horror. Do you love the spooky season but simply don’t have the time to sit down and watch a horror movie every day? Perhaps you are a big fan of all things October but can’t afford to seek out movies that fit that specific Halloween vibe? Well, you are in luck! Knockout Horror is here to help with 25 Halloween Themed Horror Movies to Scare You Silly This Spooky Month.
Spooky Season Is Here!
I love this time of year! It’s cold but not too cold, the leaves are falling, the air is crisp, and every night is punctuated by some horror movie viewing. In fact, we’ve spent most of the past month working hard to bring you Horror Movie-A-Day lists to fill your October with fantastic scary films. Just take a look at what we have on offer for you this October:
- Our Main 31 days of Halloween list that’s been staggeringly popular
- A family friendly 31 days of Halloween list filled with movies that are perfect for kids.
- A teen’s 31 days of Halloween list with teen-centric horror every day of October.
- An international 31 days of Halloween with a brand new horror movie from a different part of the world every day.
- A found footage 31 days of Halloween with 31 fantastic found footage movies for your perusal
We’ve even brought you a list of 25 Cosy Autumnal Horror Movies to really get you into that cold, crisp, fall mood. Today’s list is dedicated to all of those people who can’t find the time to engage in a full 31-day horror movie marathon but still love the holiday. All of the movies in this list are either Halloween themed, take place on Halloween, or feature Halloween-specific scenes that just fit that vibe perfectly.
Whether it is old classics, movies you have never heard of, or films that may have flown under your radar, all of these flicks should really get you in the mood for Halloween itself. This is Knockout Horror’s carefully curated list of 25 Halloween themed horror movies to scare you silly this spooky month. Enjoy!
25. All Hallows’ Eve (2013)
Did you know, All Hallows’ Eve was the first appearance of Terrifier’s Art The Clown? Well, if you didn’t, you do now. To be perfectly honest, this movie is a bit of a disappointment, but it does fit the vibe perfectly.
A babysitter finds an old VHS tape in a child’s trick-or-treat bag. She watches it, discovering three gruesome tales featuring a horrifying, silent killer dressed as a clown. It’s significant because it introduced the world to a now-iconic slasher villain.
Why it’s a perfect Halloween watch: It’s a grimy, gritty, and wonderfully nasty low-budget anthology film set on Halloween. It’s the perfect place to start if you want to see the genesis of a horror legend, too.
24. Hellions (2015)
The pumpkin-to-human count in this movie is, frankly, preposterous. The Halloween theme is more than a little on the nose, which makes Hellions a great option for this list. It’s also by Bruce McDonald, who brought us the absolutely fantastic lo-fi horror movie Pontypool.
A teenager must defend herself against a horde of creepy, demonic trick-or-treaters on Halloween night. This Canadian horror film is rather surreal, but what counts more than anything is that it is a stylish and nightmarish fever dream that’s bathed in an eerie pink-and-orange glow.
Why it’s a perfect Halloween watch: It takes the familiar image of trick-or-treaters and twists it into something you actually need to be scared of. Hellions puts a unique and atmospheric spin on home-invasion horror.
23. Satan’s Little Helper (2004)
This movie has absolutely distilled those distinctly American Autumn-style images of neatly manicured suburban streets littered with pumpkins and Halloween fodder. It’s also a slightly absurd, occasionally really fun, and pitch-black horror-comedy.
Satan’s Little Helper follows a naïve young boy, obsessed with a video game, who mistakes a real-life serial killer for his in-game hero on Halloween. He becomes the killer’s “helper,” gleefully assisting in a town-wide murder spree that he has no idea is much more real than he thinks.
Why it’s a perfect Halloween watch: The killer uses the anonymity of Halloween masks and decorations to ply his terrifying craft. What could be more fitting for Halloween?
22. Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)
Forget Michael Myers, because his mask-covered ass is nowhere to be found in this 1982 sequel. This bizarre, standalone entry is actually a sci-fi horror about a sinister toy company using Halloween masks to enact an ancient Celtic ritual on a massive scale.
People were so confused back when Halloween III: Season of the Witch was released. Where is Michael Myers? Where’s the slasher element? What the hell is going on with this story? To say reception was a little lukewarm would be an understatement. It’s turned around a ton in recent years, and this wonderfully weird film has gained a massive cult following.
Why it’s a perfect Halloween watch: The kids want the Silver Shamrock masks for Halloween, so that’s more than fitting. That stupid jingle will burrow into your brain, as well. The film’s plot is deeply tied to the pagan origins of Samhain, i.e. the O.G. Halloween, so there’s another tick in the Halloween box.
21. The Barn (2016)
I think The Barn gets a bit overlooked, so let’s whack it in the list of Halloween themed horror movies. On Halloween 1989, a group of friends takes a detour on their way to a rock concert and inadvertently awaken a legendary trio of demonic monsters in a cursed barn.
I won’t spoil the monsters, but they are a collection of familiar ghouls from folk horror history that should make fans of the genre smile. This indie love letter to 80s horror is packed with practical effects, synth music, and VHS-era charm. Plus, it’s set on the big day itself, so what could be better?
Why it’s a perfect Halloween watch: It’s a micro-budget shot of pure, unfiltered Halloween nostalgia, perfectly recreating the feel of a straight-to-video monster movie you’d discover at the local rental shop.
20. The Houses October Built (2014)
This movie is like the uglier little brother of a film that will appear later on this list. It looks similar, isn’t quite as talented, and doesn’t have as many friends, but he still has some of his sibling’s good points. Namely, a fantastic Halloween themed setting.
The Houses October Built is a found-footage film that follows a group of friends searching for the most extreme and authentic “haunt” in America. They find it, and the lines between performance and reality begin to blur in the most terrifying way.
Why it’s a perfect Halloween watch: It taps into the urban legends surrounding underground haunted houses, making you second-guess every scare actor you see. Honestly, if you watch documentaries about some of the more extreme haunts, this movie doesn’t seem all that much like fiction.
19. Tales of Halloween (2015)
Just look at that title, Tales of Halloween; this one just screams October 31st. This anthology, set entirely on Halloween night, features ten short, sharp stories from some of horror’s most exciting directors. Well, that’s what the blurb says, anyways. The results are decidedly more mixed.
The segments range from gory to goofy to genuinely spooky. Featuring everything from killer pumpkins to suburban ghost stories. I think my favourite part was Adrienne Barbeau as the voiceover DJ linking stuff together. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely fun and perfect Halloween viewing.
Why it’s a perfect Halloween watch: It’s a rapid-fire collection of spooky tales set on Halloween that feels just a tiny bit like grabbing a fistful of candy from a trick-or-treat bowl. As Forrest Gump says, you never know what you’re going to get.
18. Hell Fest (2018)
We slapped Hell Fest on very late one October night and actually ended up enjoying it a lot more than I thought we would. It’s a pretty straightforward slasher film, but the Halloween theme park setting and atmosphere are incredibly strong.
A group of friends visiting a massive, horror-themed amusement park on Halloween night are stalked by a masked killer who uses the park’s chaotic environment to hide in plain sight. It’s quite a clever setup because the park’s patrons all seem to believe that the killings are part of the act.
Why it’s a perfect Halloween watch: It’s a visually vibrant and fun slasher that feels like you’re walking through a real-life Halloween theme park. It’s got a lot of weirdly retro charm, too.
17. Murder Party (2007)
This one immediately has that low-budget, cult-classic feeling that you love to see at this time of year. On Halloween, a lonely man stumbles upon an invitation to a “Murder Party.” He shows up, only to find he’s not just a guest; he’s the star of the show as the intended victim of a group of pretentious art students.
Murder Party is a bloody, hilarious, and brilliant indie horror-comedy. It takes a little while to get going, but once those final thirty minutes kick in, it’s a laugh riot full of practical gore. Awesome stuff!
Why it’s a perfect Halloween watch: The entire plot is driven by a dark, artistic take on Halloween, with fantastic and absurd costume designs.
16. Terrifier 2 (2022)
We are going to straight-up skip the first movie because it isn’t very good and the third movie because it’s set at Christmas. When it comes to Halloween themed horror movies and slashers, Terrifier 2 is where it is at.
Art the Clown is resurrected to pursue a teenage girl and her brother on Halloween night. This isn’t for the faint of heart; it’s a brutally unhinged, outrageously gory, and often tactless slasher movie that aims to shock and frequently succeeds. It also solidified Art as a modern horror icon who is, by far, the best part of the film.
Why it’s a perfect Halloween watch: The costumes and Halloween party setting provide the perfect backdrop for Art’s gleefully sadistic brand of chaos. Not to mention how often you are going to see people dressed as Art during October 31st celebrations nowadays.
15. Night of the Demons (1988)
Night of the Demons is an undeniable cult classic and impossible not to think of when discussing Halloween themed horror movies. A group of teenagers decides to hold a Halloween party in an abandoned funeral parlour.
What could go wrong? Well, a séance, of course, which unleashes a demon that possesses them one by one. It’s pure 80s cheese, gore, and fun, and completely unashamed of that fact. This is one of those movies you would catch in the wee hours of the morning and wonder what the hell you just watched.
Why it’s a perfect Halloween watch: It’s the ultimate ‘Halloween party gone wrong’ movie and a great haunted house horror in its own right, full of creative demon designs and memorable set pieces.
14. Idle Hands (1999)
When it comes to 90s teen horror, I don’t feel like Idle Hands gets quite enough love or nearly enough mentions. As far as horror movies with that perfect Halloween vibe go, it’s impossible to ignore.
A slacker stoner’s right hand becomes possessed and goes on a murderous rampage. This horror-comedy is a hilarious and gory ride that shares a similar vibe to movies like Beetlejuice, only with a much more wicked and gory bent. Let’s not forget the fantastic cast, featuring Final Destination’s Devon Sawa, and a climax set at a high school Halloween dance.
Why it’s a perfect Halloween watch: It’s a fun, fast-paced 90s throwback that perfectly blends laughs and kills with a Halloween backdrop. There are pumpkins everywhere and a big Halloween bash at the end. It’s perfect for October.
13. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019)
This is another movie that perfectly ticks the Halloween box thanks to actually being set on Halloween. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark goes for more of a retro approach, though. Set in 1968, a group of teens discovers a cursed book in a haunted house.
The terrifying stories within begin to write themselves into reality, unleashing a series of terrifying monsters on the town, each born from the readers’ deepest fears. This one is perfectly suitable for watching with older kids on Halloween itself. It also has enough genuinely creepy moments and fantastic creature design to keep adults entertained too. Check out our Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark review right here.
Why it’s a perfect Halloween watch: It brings the iconic, and let’s be honest, nightmare-inducing illustrations of the original books to life with a strong, retro Halloween atmosphere.
12. Haunt (2019)
Before Scott Beck and Bryan Woods brought us the absolutely fantastic Heretic, they were responsible for the excellent Halloween themed horror movie – Haunt. This is the perfect October option if you are looking for something more intense than your cheesy local haunted house.
This film follows a group of friends who visit an “extreme” haunted attraction, only to discover that the ghoulish actors are not pretending, and the horrors are all too real. It’s a tense, brutal, and effective modern slasher that probably doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves. It’s a must-watch for fans of extreme horror attractions.
Why it’s a perfect Halloween watch: It preys on the real-world fear that haunted Halloween attractions might take things a step too far.
11. Hell House LLC (2015)
Remember when we talked about The Houses That October Built? Well, Hell House LLC is its better-looking brother. This found-footage gem follows a documentary crew investigating the tragedy that occurred on the opening night of a haunted house tour five years prior.
Through recovered tapes, we see exactly what went so horribly wrong, turning a night at a Halloween haunted attraction into a literal bloodbath. People absolutely love this film! It consistently gets mentioned as one of the better movies from the found footage genre. It’s a masterclass in building tension, relying on subtle, low-key scares that are incredibly effective.
Why it’s a perfect Halloween watch: It’s set in a haunted attraction during October and feels perfectly fitting for the spooky season. It also feels terrifyingly plausible, which only adds to the fun.
10. May (2002)
I absolutely love this movie. With that being said, it might be the least fitting movie on the list for one good reason. It is set in the autumn, and the final scenes take place on Halloween itself. It just so happens to be a Los Angeles autumn, though, so it is insanely sunny and doesn’t look very fall-like at all. It’s a fantastic movie, though.
May is a deeply unsettling and tragic piece of psychological horror that follows a lonely, traumatised young woman as she desperately tries to connect with people. After a series of rejections, she decides that if she can’t find the perfect friend, she’ll make one from the best parts of the people around her. Angela Bettis is sensational in the lead role, and May’s quirky behaviour will keep you chuckling. It’s hard not to feel just a tiny bit bad for her, as well. Awesome stuff. Check out our review of May right here.
Why it’s a perfect Halloween watch: The film’s dark, weirdly tragic, and gruesome climax takes place on Halloween, using the holiday’s themes of costume and creation in the most disturbing way imaginable.
9. Frankenweenie (2012)
I absolutely had to include a Tim Burton movie on this list. In fact, this might not be the only one. This gorgeous stop-motion feature follows young scientist Victor Frankenstein as he brings his beloved dog Sparky back to life.
His success creates monstrous problems when his classmates steal his secret and reanimate their own dead pets for the school science fair. This is a loving homage to classic Universal monster movies, and it’s hard not to be totally enamoured by Burton’s instantly recognisable gothic style. The final scenes take place during Halloween, as well, so it’s perfectly fitting for this list. Check out our Frankenweenie review right here.
Why it’s a perfect Halloween watch: It’s a heartfelt tribute to classic monster movies, packed with homages and creature features. The film’s gothic atmosphere and themes of life, death, and monstrous misunderstandings are pure Halloween.
8. I Am Not a Serial Killer (2016)
I think this one works on multiple levels. You have part of the movie that is actually set during Halloween itself, and then a few themes that fit perfectly with the season. Plus, I adore this film, so I jump on any chance I get to show it some love.
I Am Not a Serial Killer takes place in a bleak, snow-covered Midwestern town, where a teenage boy diagnosed with sociopathic tendencies must hunt a genuine serial killer while confronting the darkness within himself. Little does he realise there’s a supernatural secret behind the killings, something far more terrifying than he ever could have imagined. Check out our I Am Not a Serial Killer review right here.
Why it’s a perfect Halloween watch: The film features a suspenseful sequence set during a high school Halloween dance, and it uses the themes of masks and hidden identities, both literal and psychological, to fantastic effect.
7. The Guest (2014)
This one is more of a mystery thriller than an outright horror, but it does feature a finale that is laced with Halloween imagery, so it definitely counts. It’s a damn good film, too! With the fantastic Dan Stevens taking a lead role and It Follows’ Maika Monroe co-starring.
A soldier arrives unexpectedly at the home of the Peterson family, claiming to be a friend of their late son. At first charming and helpful, his presence soon leads to a series of violent and mysterious deaths. The incredible finale unfolds in a high school’s Halloween-themed funhouse.
Why it’s a perfect Halloween watch: The synth-heavy soundtrack and the maze-like climax make it a stylish and thrilling watch for the season. Coupled with those final scenes, it bows out feeling extremely fitting for Halloween itself.
6. WNUF Halloween Special (2013)
It’s almost impossible to feel more Halloween-apt than WNUF Halloween Special. In fact, this is always a solid recommendation in my 31 Days of Halloween lists. It’s the perfect option to kick off the Halloween festivities.
Presented as a bootleg VHS recording of a live 1987 local news broadcast, this film is one of the most unique and creative found-footage horror films ever made. A smarmy TV host investigates a supposedly haunted house, complete with cheesy, era-accurate commercials and awkward interviews, before things inevitably go wrong in the worst way possible. Check out our WNUF Halloween Special review right here.
Why it’s a perfect Halloween watch: It perfectly recreates the feeling of late-night TV holiday specials from the 80s. It might seem like an odd watch, but it’s an uncanny and legitimately immersive retro experience. I love it!
5. Ginger Snaps (2000)
How about a movie that perfectly blends coming-of-age allegories, werewolf horror, and genuine Halloween horror vibes into one perfect October package? Two death-obsessed sisters find their morbid worldview turned upside down when one of them is bitten by a werewolf, provoking violent changes that threaten to tear her world apart.
Obviously, Ginger Snaps uses lycanthropy as a brilliant, toothy metaphor for puberty against a backdrop of high school projects and Halloween parties. It’s one of those movies that instantly comes to mind when you think of Halloween themed horror. Check out our Ginger Snaps review right here.
Why it’s a perfect Halloween watch: The autumnal, suburban aesthetic is pitch-perfect, with fallen leaves and crisp air as far as the eye can see. Oh, and we can’t forget the pivotal, bloody final scenes that take place at a Halloween party.
4. Hocus Pocus (1993)
We need a few more options for the kids on here, so why not include the ultimate family-friendly Halloween classic? Three witch sisters from the 17th century are accidentally resurrected on Halloween night in modern-day Salem.
They aren’t looking for candy, though. Instead, they are determined to suck the life out of all the children. It’s up to two teens, a little girl, and an immortal cat to stop them. You probably watched this movie growing up; I know I did. It’s an obvious suggestion, but it’s not like I can leave it off the list, right? It’s a perfect Halloween movie.
Why it’s a perfect Halloween watch: It’s pure, unfiltered, 90s nostalgia that embodies the fun and magic of the Halloween season for all ages. Don’t pretend that you aren’t going to look forward to watching it purely because you’re an adult. We’re all big kids here.
3. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Is it a Christmas movie or a Halloween movie? Well, quite obviously, it is both. It’s a tiny bit of a cheat, too, as it is not exactly horror, more a loving tribute to the genre. I am going to allow it, though and I hope you will too. The Nightmare Before Christmas is a Halloween mainstay in my house, and no, we don’t have kids. It’s just the perfect film to transition from the spooky season into the festive one, ideal for the whole family or just for those of us who are kids at heart. And man, do those songs get stuck in your head?
We all know the story, I am sure. Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, becomes bored with his own holiday and attempts to take over Christmas, but things don’t go quite how he imagined. Tim Burton’s visually stunning stop-motion masterpiece is absolutely essential Halloween viewing, but don’t be afraid to throw it on in the lead-up to Christmas, too. Check out our The Nightmare Before Christmas review right here.
Why it’s a perfect Halloween watch: It’s a celebration of all things spooky and a testament to the magic of the holiday, brought to life by Tim Burton’s iconic characters and Henry Selick’s trademark visual flair.
2. Halloween (1978)
The undisputed king of Halloween themed horror movies. I mean, it’s all in the name, really. It would be absolutely impossible and, in fact, negligent to write this list without including it. John Carpenter’s seminal slasher masterpiece is the blueprint for all modern slashers. The crazy thing about Halloween is that it still holds up really well to this day.
The simple, terrifying story of Michael Myers returning to his hometown on Halloween night to stalk babysitters and raise hell for the original ‘final girl,’ Laurie Strode, is still essential viewing. It is pure, atmospheric dread, and that soundtrack might as well be the jingle for every October 31st that would follow. Check out our review of Halloween right here.
Why it’s a perfect Halloween watch: As I mentioned earlier, it’s the definitive Halloween themed horror movie. The patient cinematography, the iconic synth score, and the eerie suburban setting adorned with pumpkins make it feel like autumn dread personified.
1. Trick ‘r Treat (2007)
I put this movie in far too many of my lists. I just can’t think of too many horror films that actually capture Halloween the way this one does. In fact, this horror anthology is, perhaps, the most loving tribute to the holiday ever made.
This film weaves together four interconnected stories, all governed by the ancient rules of Halloween. Break them, and you’ll have to answer to Sam, the holiday’s tiny, burlap-sacked, pumpkin-headed enforcer. Every segment is a winner, the aesthetics are Halloween distilled, and it is the perfect movie to watch late on October 31st while eating snacks that the trick-or-treaters didn’t take. Check out our Trick ‘r Treat review right here.
Why it’s a perfect Halloween watch: It captures every aspect of the holiday, from childhood ghost stories and trick-or-treating to the darker, more ancient traditions, right down to the aesthetics. It’s a perfect Halloween movie and an easy number one for me.
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