Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the spooky spirit than by watching some terrifying movies? Whether you’re a Horror aficionado or just looking for a good scare, these 40 Halloween movies are sure to send shivers down your spine.

Many people like watching Halloween movies, which include anything from legendary horror films to family-friendly fare. These films, which range from recent blockbusters like Get Out to classics like Night of the Living Dead from 1968, provide a reassuring environment in darkened, frightening houses.

Some of the best Halloween films of all time have lasted the test of time, addressing nagging fears or fusing old and new horror elements. Some classics, such as Dracula, Michael Myers, and Freddy Krueger, have endured the test of time, while others, such as witches, vampires, haunted houses, ghosts, and psychological scares, blend the old and modern.

So, break out the popcorn or some yummy homemade Halloween treats and prepare to watch the best Halloween movies of all time!

1. Halloween (1978)

John Carpenter directed this famous slasher movie. It’s about Michael Myers, a crazed serial killer who breaks free from a mental institution and terrorizes his hometown on Halloween night.

2. The Shining (1980)

Based on the novel by Stephen King, this psychological horror film tells the story of Jack Torrance, a writer who becomes the winter caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel. As the days go by, Jack’s sanity starts to unravel, and he becomes a threat to his own family.

Watch on Amazon Prime

3. The Exorcist (1973)

Regarded as one of the scariest movies of all time, The Exorcist follows the story of a young girl named Regan who becomes possessed by a demonic entity. A priest is called in to perform an exorcism, leading to a battle between good and evil. Watch on Prime

4. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

This psychological horror film revolves around Rosemary, a young woman who becomes pregnant with what she believes to be the Devil’s child. As her pregnancy progresses, Rosemary becomes increasingly paranoid and fearful of her neighbors. Watch on Prime

5. Night of the Living Dead (1968)

This movie is directed by George A. Romero. A group of people hide in a farmhouse to escape from zombies. The film also talks about race, consumerism, and how society falls apart. Watch on Plex

6. Alien (1979)

In this sci-fi horror film directed by Ridley Scott, a crew of astronauts on a spaceship encounters a deadly extraterrestrial creature that begins picking them off one by one. The film is known for its suspenseful atmosphere and iconic creature design. Watch on Hotstar

7. The Thing (1982)

Directed by John Carpenter, this sci-fi horror film follows a group of researchers in Antarctica who are infiltrated by a shape-shifting alien organism. As paranoia and distrust spread among the group, they must uncover who among them is the alien before it’s too late. Watch on Prime

8. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

9. Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Starring Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins, this psychological horror film follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she seeks the help of incarcerated serial killer Hannibal Lecter to catch another serial killer known as Buffalo Bill.

The film is a masterclass in suspense and features unforgettable performances. Watch on Prime

10. Scream (1996)

This meta horror film revitalized the slasher genre in the 90s. Directed by Wes Craven, Scream follows a group of high school students who are targeted by a masked killer known as Ghostface. The film is known for its self-awareness and clever twists.

11. Hereditary (2018)

Hereditary is a supernatural horror film that follows the Graham family as they uncover dark secrets about their ancestry. The film is known for its unsettling atmosphere and shocking twists. Watch on Amazon Prime

12. Get Out (2017)

Directed by Jordan Peele, Get Out is a social thriller that explores themes of racism and identity. The film follows a young African-American man who visits his white girlfriend’s family, only to uncover a disturbing secret. Watch on Netflix

13. Carrie (1976)

Based on the novel by Stephen King, Carrie tells the story of a high school outcast with telekinetic powers who seeks revenge on her classmates after they humiliate her at prom. The film is a classic example of supernatural horror. Watch Now on Prime

14. The Omen (1976)

This supernatural horror film follows the story of a couple who adopts a young boy, only to discover that he is the Antichrist. As mysterious deaths and strange occurrences surround the family, they must confront the terrifying truth. Watch on Prime

15. Seven (1995)

Directed by David Fincher, Seven is a psychological crime thriller that follows two detectives as they hunt down a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as inspiration for his murders. The film is known for its dark and gritty atmosphere. Watch Now on Amazon

16. The Sixth Sense (1999)

Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, The Sixth Sense tells the story of a young boy who can communicate with the dead. As he helps a troubled child psychologist, they uncover a shocking secret. Watch on Amazon Prime

17. The Others (2001)

This supernatural horror film follows a woman named Grace, who lives in a secluded mansion with her two photosensitive children. As strange events occur, Grace begins to question the reality of her surroundings. Watch on Amazon Prime

18. 28 Days Later (2002)

In this exciting sci-fi movie, a person wakes up from a long sleep to find the world has changed. A deadly virus has turned most people into flesh-eating monsters. But our hero doesn’t give up. They team up with a group of brave survivors and set out on a dangerous journey to find a safe place to live. Watch on Amazon Prime

19. Dawn of the Dead (2004)

This remake of George A. Romero’s classic zombie film follows a group of survivors who take refuge in a shopping mall during a zombie apocalypse. The film combines horror with social commentary on consumerism. Watch on Amazon Prime

20. Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Directed by Edgar Wright, Shaun of the Dead is a horror comedy that follows a man named Shaun as he navigates a zombie outbreak in London. The film is known for its clever humor and homage to classic zombie movies. Watch on Amazon Prime

21. The Descent (2005)

This British horror film follows a group of women who go on a caving expedition, only to encounter terrifying creatures in the depths of the cave. The film is known for its claustrophobic atmosphere and intense scares. Watch Now

22. Hostel (2005)

Directed by Eli Roth, Hostel is a torture horror film that follows a group of backpackers who are lured to a hostel in Slovakia, only to become victims of a sadistic organization. The film is notorious for its graphic violence. Watch on Netflix

23. Paranormal Activity (2007)

Paranormal Activity is a found footage horror film that follows a young couple who are haunted by a supernatural presence in their home. The film uses a minimalist approach to create tension and scares. Watch on Prime

24. Let the Right One In (2008)

This Swedish romantic horror film tells the story of a bullied young boy who befriends a vampire girl. As their relationship develops, they must navigate the challenges of their dark secret. Watch on Amazon Prime

25. The Cabin in the Woods (2012)

This horror comedy deconstructs the genre by following a group of friends who visit a remote cabin, only to become pawns in a mysterious ritual. The film is known for its clever twists and references to classic horror tropes. Watch on Prime

26. Sinister (2012)

In Sinister, a true crime writer moves his family into a house where a family was murdered, only to discover a box of disturbing home movies that puts their lives in danger. The film is known for its atmospheric scares. Watch on Prime

27. M3GAN (2023)

M3GAN is a 2022 American science fiction horror film directed by Gerard Johnstone and written by Akela Cooper from a story by Cooper and James Wan. The film premiered in Los Angeles on December 7, 2022, and Universal Pictures theatrically released it in the United States on January 6, 2023. Watch on Prime

28. It (2017)

This adaptation of Stephen King’s novel follows a group of children who are terrorized by an ancient evil entity that takes the form of a clown. The film combines coming-of-age themes with horror. Watch on Prime

29. Us (2019)

Directed by Jordan Peele, Us is a psychological horror film that follows a family who are confronted by their doppelgängers. As they fight for survival, they uncover a terrifying secret. Watch on Amazon Prime

30. The Lighthouse (2019)

This psychological horror film follows two lighthouse keepers who descend into madness while isolated on a remote island. The film is known for its atmospheric black and white cinematography. Watch from here

31. X (2022)

Directed by Ti West, X is a supernatural horror film that follows a woman who is hired as a live-in nurse for an elderly author in a haunted house. As she uncovers the house’s dark secrets, she becomes a target of supernatural forces. Watch on Amazon Prime

32. Pearl (2022)

Pearl is a psychological horror film that follows a woman named Pearl who moves into a new apartment, only to be haunted by a malevolent presence. As the hauntings escalate, Pearl must confront her own past. Watch Now

33. The Babadook (2014)

This Australian psychological horror film follows a single mother who is plagued by a supernatural entity known as the Babadook. The film explores themes of grief and mental illness. Watch on Prime

34. It Follows (2014)

It Follows is a supernatural horror film that follows a teenage girl who is pursued by a supernatural entity after a sexual encounter. The film is known for its unique premise and atmospheric scares. Watch Now on Prime

35. The Conjuring (2013)

Paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren investigate the haunting of a Rhode Island farmhouse. The Conjuring is a classic haunted house horror film that is based on the real-life case of the Warren family. It is a well-made film with strong performances, and it is sure to scare even.

Watch on Amazon Prime

36. The Conjuring 2 (2016)

In this sequel to The Conjuring, Ed and Lorraine Warren travel to England to help a single mother and her four children who are being terrorized by a malevolent spirit. The film is based on the true story of the Enfield Poltergeist. Watch on Amazon Prime

37. Annabelle (2014)

This spin-off of The Conjuring follows the story of a possessed doll named Annabelle and the terror it brings to a young couple. The film is known for its creepy atmosphere and jump scares. Watch on Amazon Prime

38. Annabelle: Creation (2017)

This prequel to Annabelle explores the origins of the possessed doll. The film follows a group of orphans who move into a dollmaker’s house, only to become targets of Annabelle’s malevolent influence. Watch on Prime

39. Halloween Kills (2021)

This slasher film is a direct sequel to the original Halloween (1978) and follows the further exploits of Michael Myers as he continues his killing spree on Halloween night. Watch now

40. Halloween Ends (2022)

The final installment in the Halloween franchise, Halloween Ends, promises to bring the story of Michael Myers to a thrilling conclusion. Fans of the series won’t want to miss this epic finale. Watch on Amazon Prime

Whether you’re a fan of classic horror films or prefer more modern scares, these 40 Halloween movies are sure to provide plenty of thrills and chills. So grab some popcorn, turn off the lights, and get ready for a spooky movie marathon!