10 Awesome Horror Movies on Netflix to Stream This Halloween
Jonathan Barkan
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With Halloween almost upon us, we horror fans pretty much have our plans figured out. We know what parties we’re going to, we know what we’re going to wear (or at least know how to make it happen), and we certainly know what we’re going to watch! My Twitter feed is basically a running list of “31 Films for Halloween,” where people have outlined every film they’re going to watch for every day in October. Personally, I don’t know where you people find the time, but bless y’all!
However, for those who don’t live and breathe horror the same way that we do, figuring out some movies to watch this Halloween can seem a bit daunting. After all, there is a TON of horror selections on the streaming service Netflix, so how does one tell which ones are worth watching?
That’s why I’m here to help, or at least offer my services and suggestions. I’ve whipped up a list of 10 fantastic movies that I think are perfect for the Halloween season, and I want to share them below with you all. If you have other suggestions, by all means leave them in the comments below so that others can check out your recommendations!
The Transfiguration
This festival darling slipped under the radar of many people, so giving this a watch will give you some serious horror cred!
The story of a young boy who believes that he’s a vampire, only for his world to change when he meets a young girl and a friendship forms between the two. Set against the backdrop of urban New York, this film is a slow burn, but it hits hard when it needs to!
We Are Still Here
Maybe you want a ghost story to creep you out this season. If that’s so, Ted Geoghegan’s We Are Still Here is a genre favorite that stars icons Larry Fessenden and Barbara Crampton. Plus, it has a climax that is unexpected and incredibly satisfying! Just make sure to prepare yourself for some serious scares!
Train to Busan
If you think zombies have been done to death (ZING!), then I implore you to watch Train to Busan! This Korean zombie film is an absolute blast and wastes pretty much no time getting right into the thick of terror. That being said, I wouldn’t say the film is ever “scary,” but it sure is full of tension and is one of the most entertaining and exciting films of its kind in a long, long time! If you want something to watch with your friends to have a good time, this is the choice for you!
Gerald’s Game
All right, so maybe something with ghosts, vampires, or zombies doesn’t appeal to you. That’s totally fair. Some people like it when horror stays within the realm of possibility, which can make it all the more terrifying. If that’s the case with you, Mike Flanagan’s Gerald’s Game (review) is a wonderful psychological horror film that has an ending that won’t make you afraid to turn off the lights at night. Also, you’ll get to say you watched a Stephen King film for Halloween. How perfect is that?!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYx5R6kbJTQ
Creep
With Creep 2 (review) coming out tomorrow, it’s the perfect time to revisit the first film and see who this Peachfuzz is and what he’s all about!
Much has been said about the found footage genre, but Creep certainly won the horror community over, so go in knowing that this is something that you can talk to all your horror friends about once the credits roll! Plus, it’s got Mark Duplass of “The League.” That’s enough to convince me alone.
It Follows
If you want to see one of the most talked about horror films in the past several years, this is it. No other film has stirred more discussion or controversy, at least in my immediate horror circle. People either love it or hate it, but they certainly can’t stop thinking about it. Plus, it’s got one of the best horror scores in recent memory, so make sure to turn your speakers up!
The Invitation
Back to the realm of psychological horror, The Invitation is a slow burning journey into awkward, unsettling, tension-filled Hell; and there’s no backing out once you start. Another indie hit that has won over audiences, Karyn Kusama’s story of a man who goes to a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife will have you on the edge of your seat.
Sleepy Hollow
What kind of person would I be if I didn’t suggest something that oozes Halloween from every pore? For that, I absolutely have to recommend Tim Burton’s magnificent Sleepy Hollow, which is a dark and twisted adaptation of Washington Irving’s classic story. Packed with great performances, legendary actors, award-winning production, and a beautiful score from Danny Elfman, this is a perfect film to watch this Halloween night!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyyJYyIexq8
The Addams Family
Did you really think I’d be able to write up this list and not include The Addams Family? What makes this movie so right for this time of the year is that it’s not only great for adults but also perfect for kids! So, if you want to watch something creepy and kooky, mysterious and spooky with the little ones, you 100% cannot go wrong here. Bonus: Your kids will try to recreate the Mamushka, which I’m certain will provide endless hours of entertainment!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LO3n67BQvh0
Coraline
Another family film, Coraline will tickle the fancy of someone who isn’t in the mood for real life horror but would rather watch something fantastical and animated. Plus, readers will appreciate that it’s based on the work of celebrated author Neil Gaiman AND it’s directed by Henry Sellick, the same guy who brought us The Nightmare Before Christmas! All of these things combined makes for a wonderful Halloween offering, I assure you!
All right, those are some suggestions that I think covers a wide variety of options and tastes! However, if you want something that’s a little more bite-size – much like the candy you’re gonna be snacking on! – then I can also sneak in one final suggestion: Tales of Halloween. After all, who doesn’t love a good anthology horror film on Halloween?
