By Dustin Staggs 

It’s that bewitching time of year again when the air turns crisp, leaves transform into fiery hues, and night creeps in a little earlier each day. The unmistakable signs of fall are upon us, ushering in a season that horror fans anxiously anticipate: the spooky season.

As the chill sets in, and the allure of pumpkin spice lattes and cozy cardigans beckons, it’s the ideal time to huddle close with loved ones and immerse yourself in the heart-pounding realm of horror. This genre, which has continued to progress in this crowded industry, is still beloved by many and possesses the eerie ability to haunt our dreams and compel us to sleep with the safety of a nightlight.

Horror, a genre as diverse as the creatures that inhabit its tales, has a plethora of sub-genres, each appealing to a certain audience. There’s plenty for every enthusiast, from respected classics to contemporary blockbuster hits, from mind-bending psychological thrillers to ghostly supernatural experiences and from ruthless slasher pictures to horrific creature features.

This list isn’t bound by any particular order; after all, how can one rank works of art, especially when they all strike a chord in their own right? These choices represent the best that I’ve personally witnessed, promising an outstanding watch experience for anyone seeking the thrill of a spine-chilling night in.

Classics:

Of course, you can watch horror movies all year, but this time of year beckons us to the origins of our frightful fascination—the ageless classics that lay the foundation for the masterpieces we cherish today.    

• “The Shining” by Stanley Kubrick Available on Max

The story centers around Jack Torrance, a struggling writer who sees an opportunity for solitude and creative renewal by working as the winter caretaker for the Overlook Hotel, accompanied by his wife and son. Little does he know, this bleak hotel holds a dark past and a sinister presence that thrives on the seclusion of the winter months.

“The Shining” captures the spirit of horror at its best, instilling terror not via jump scares but through a creeping, unsettling atmosphere and a deep investigation of the human psyche.

• “Scream” by Wes Craven Available on Max 

Ghostface is a lot like us in a way and is just as fascinated with horror movies as he calls up his soon-to-be victims and asks, “What’s your favorite scary movie?”

With “Scream,” Wes Craven, well known for creating the iconic Freddy Krueger, took a satirical approach to the horror genre, creating a cult classic that remains a particular favorite for many fans, including myself.

What makes this a fun watch is the film’s ability to spoof typical horror cliches. “Scream” deconstructs and exposes the genre’s conventions, providing a refreshing and self-aware perspective on horror. The protagonists in the film are acutely aware of horror movie conventions, allowing them to negotiate the fatal circumstances that await them.

• “Silence of the Lambs” by Jonathan Demme Available on Max

“Hello, Clarice,” Hannibal Lecter murmurs, his calm yet unsettling voice echoing through the psychiatric facility’s antiseptic walls. These simple words are given by Sir Anthony Hopkins, who takes center stage in the role of Hannibal Lecter, the famed cannibalistic psychiatrist.

This critically praised film goes into the frightening field of criminal psychology as Jodie Foster’s young FBI trainee, Clarice Starling, is dispatched to meet Dr. Hannibal Lecter. The goal is to acquire insight into the mind of another serial murderer, Buffalo Bill, who is now on a killing rampage. The jailed genius Hannibal Lecter becomes a powerful mentor and antagonist, guiding Clarice through a complex dance of intelligence and deception.

• “Halloween” by John Carpenter Available on AMC +

Halloween night, Michael Myers, a masked and malicious apparition, escapes from a mental facility and returns to his hometown of Haddonfield, IL. His unrelenting pursuit of Laurie Strode, played in her breakout performance by Jamie Lee Curtis, turns a night of harmless trick-or-treating into a terrifying fight for survival.

What distinguishes “Halloween” is Carpenter’s unrivaled ability to create suspense and anxiety. Carpenter instills horror in the commonplace through the lens of his camera and the haunting sounds of his own musical soundtrack, turning the suburban neighborhood into a labyrinth of dread. Michael Myers becomes the personification of absolute evil, and his quiet, emotionless presence will terrify you.

Modern Horror:

We may assume we’ve reached the pinnacle of terror at this time, but as Jack Skellington famously said, “Oh, look. What’s this?” Behold the modern masters of horror, breaking traditions and rejuvenating the genre right in front of our eyes. With each new release, these contemporary directors display a passion for stretching the boundaries and venturing into unknown realms of horror. These films prioritize well-crafted narratives, raising horror to a level of artistry that leaves the viewer awestruck and chilled to the bone.

• “Get Out,” “Us,” & “Nope” by Jordan Peele Available on Prime Video

Yes, Jordan Peele has unquestionably earned the right to change up the structure of this article, with all three of these movies being perfect must-watches. 

“Get Out” kept me guessing the entire time what would happen next and still was able to shock me up until the final twist. The film breaks new ground by exposing societal concerns through the terrifying perspective of a horror movie. Peele masterfully weaves a story that goes beyond ordinary scares, reaching into a genuinely disturbing investigation of racial relations and cultural appropriation.

Following the success of “Get Out,” Peele elevated horror to an art form with “Us” in 2019, unraveling a tale that probed duality, social conflicts and the darkest recesses of the human brain. In “Us,” Peele plays with the idea: what if the monsters that showed up at your family’s door with malicious intent were in fact versions of you, each sporting terrifying matching jumpsuits and a pair of deadly golden scissors?

His most recent horror picture is “Nope,” my personal favorite from his collection. Yeah, just watch it; you will not be disappointed with this masterclass director.

• “The Babadook” by Jennifer Kent Available on Hulu

This 2014 Australian psychological horror film follows a distressed mother and boy who are dealing with an eerie spirit that arises from a scary children’s book. Yes, it’s as terrifying as it sounds.

• “Oculus” by Mike Flanagan Available on Freevee

One of my friends showed me this underrated horror gem, and by the end, you will be as grateful for seeing it as I was. This film is so refreshing to the horror genre and genuinely terrifying.

Directed by Mike Flanagan, this film revolves around a cursed mirror with a malicious history, which two siblings think is the root of their family’s unfortunate past. The tale meanders between past and present as they strive to understand the riddles surrounding the mirror, revealing the steady spiral into lunacy.

If you have time during this spooky season, check out Flanagan’s entire discography because he understands horror like no other. 

• “Hereditary” by Ari Aster Available on Max

This movie shook me to my core, and I’m jealous of anyone who gets to experience this film for the first time. For those who have seen it already, it’s one of those great films to rewatch and see all of the subtle clues. This 2018 psychological horror masterpiece from Ari Aster smashes traditions, and leads you on a horrific trip through the Graham family’s crumbling fate.

Psychological Thrillers:

Not everyone is drawn to the heightened intensity of traditional horror films, and that’s perfectly understandable. Psychological thrillers are a compelling option for individuals looking for a new type of pulse-pounding encounter that keeps them on the edge of their seat. These films demonstrate the thriller genre’s adaptability, providing a riveting voyage through the maze of the mind while still delivering an adrenaline-fueled and terrifying cinematic experience.

• “Midsommar” by Ari Aster Available on Prime Video

Aster and A24 go hand in hand because they do it again with this amazing slow-burn. This is another movie I’m jealous of anyone getting to watch for the first time.

Aster creates an aesthetically magnificent and emotionally compelling investigation of human tragedy and the uncanny attraction of an apparently peaceful community. As the story progresses, a tapestry of dread and ritualistic terror emerges against the backdrop of a Swedish midsummer party. “Midsommar” is a film that stays with you; it’s brilliant, and you won’t be disappointed.

• “Nocturnal Animals” by Tom Ford Available on Netflix

I will warn you: the first scene will actually disturb you, and you’ll be so concerned with this recommendation, but give it a moment, and then the film will slowly entrance you and draw you into its gut-wrenching and heartbreaking story.

The film mixes numerous storylines together, blurring the borders between fact and fiction, taking audiences on an emotional rollercoaster. The first discomforting scene acts as a portal into the narrative’s raw and tragic heart, going into the deepest corners of human emotion. It’s a film that explores the intricacies of human relationships as well as the haunting effect of regret.

• “It Follows” by David Robert Mitchell Available on Showtime

This film has a hilarious concept of a “killer STD.”

“It Follows” takes us on a journey with Jay Height, a woman who is plagued by unknown supernatural forces after a sexual encounter. It sounds funny when you say it out loud, and yet it still terrified me and was actually refreshing for a horror movie. 

• “The Killing of a Sacred Deer” by Yorgos Lanthimos Available on Showtime

The film is unapologetically uncomfortable. Lanthimos creates an unnerving aura of unease, constructing a story in which morality and consequence meet in an unsettling dance. Watching this movie is like entering a world where the familiar has been warped, resulting in an experience that is as perplexing as it is thought-provoking.

Wildcards: 

You’ve seen the good and the bad, but have you seen the ugly? These are the movies that are still terrifying, yet so fun to watch that they will have you saying to yourself when they’re over, “What did I just watch?”

• “The Cabin in the Woods” by Drew Goddard Available on Max

“Cabin in the Woods” is like that unexpected, crazy rollercoaster. From start to finish, the film is a wonderful mash-up of horror clichés that keeps you chuckling even as you scream. 

Consider a group of friends traveling to a rural cabin for a weekend trip—sounds corny, right? This one, though, includes a nasty twist that turns the entire genre on its head. It’s like an inside joke in horror, and you know it even while you’re on the edge of your seat. If you’re looking for a combination of shocks, jokes, and a healthy dosage of gore, this is the film for you.

• “Barbarian” by Zach Cregger Available on Hulu and Max

A nightmare scenario follows a woman staying at an Airbnb and discovering that the house she rented is not at all what it seems. Even when you think you know what direction the movie is going, it takes a sharp turn into new territory. The movie is wild, unexpected, and not at all like you would expect it to play out. You have to watch it to believe it; that’s all I’ll say.

• “Trick ‘r Treat” by Michael Dougherty Available on Max

“Trick ‘r Treat” is the perfect Halloween bag of sweets for horror enthusiasts. It’s like having the ideal Halloween candy stash—you have a little bit of everything. This anthology film weaves together interconnected, eerie stories that capture the spirit of the season. There are weird kids, spooky houses, werewolves, and Sam, the classic sack-headed trick-or-treater. 

• “Evil Dead Rise” by Lee Cronin Available on Max

One of my most recent horror film watches, and I’m usually not a fan of the possessed-by-a-demon storyline, but this was just too much fun, and I’ll be watching it again this season.

Prepare for demonic hijinks and gore aplenty—this is a blood-soaked roller coaster you won’t want to get off. “Evil Dead Rise” is the entertaining, gore-filled journey you’ve been looking forward to.

This selected collection includes something for every horror fan. So grab some popcorn, turn down the lights, and let these films transport you into the unknown. I hope these movies give you the scare you desire this spooky season and help you settle into the spirit of Halloween.