Halloween is here, and it’s time to cozy up with your favorite blanket, turn off the lights, and prepare to be scared out of your mind. Whether you’re a die-hard horror aficionado or just someone who loves a good spooky movie this time of year, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with some terrifying films. This Halloween, the lineup of must-watch horror movies has something for every kind of viewer, from bone-chilling psychological scares to bloody and grotesque slashers. We’ve pulled together a list of the best horror films you can experience this October, including hot new releases and timeless classics. Get ready to fill your Halloween with screams, nightmares, and plenty of thrills.
1. Terrifier 3 (2024)
If gore is your thing, Terrifier 3 is the movie to watch this Halloween. Damien Leone’s franchise starring Art the Clown is back, and it’s more gruesome and outrageous than ever. The film follows Art as he’s resurrected alongside Victoria, a survivor of his bloody rampage in the first film, who may or may not be undead herself. Packed with grotesque kills and shocking imagery, this installment doubles down on its over-the-top mayhem while also digging deeper into the lore of Art the Clown’s sinister existence.
For fans of slashers and extreme horror, Terrifier 3 is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Just don’t watch it on a full stomach.
2. Smile 2 (2024)
Sequels are tough, but Smile 2 manages to surpass the original with bigger scares and a darker tone. Directed once again by Parker Finn, this film digs further into the mysterious curse of the sinister, smiling demon. This time, the story follows Skye Riley, a pop star battling her own trauma while trying to escape the clutches of the curse’s twisted grip.
With haunting visuals and an unnerving atmosphere, Smile 2 proves that the chilling grins from the first movie were just the beginning. If you enjoyed the original’s psychological tension, you’ll love this terrifying follow-up.
3. Heretic (2024)
What happens when you cross traditional gothic horror with the sharp psychological tension of modern filmmaking? You get Heretic, starring Hugh Grant as a sociopathic religious leader who traps young women in his labyrinthine home. Directed by Beck and Woods (the creative duo behind A Quiet Place), this A24-produced movie is one of the most gripping horror films of the year.
Perfect for fans of elevated horror, Heretic blends philosophical musings with heart-pounding thrills. Grant's chilling performance and the film’s claustrophobic setting make it unforgettable.
4. The First Omen (2024)
Ever wondered about the origins of Damien, the infamous child from The Omen series? The First Omen answers that question with style. Directed by Arkasha Stevenson in her feature debut, this prequel delivers eerie backstory while cranking up the nightmare visuals. With themes of destiny and evil’s persistent hold, the movie manages to stand on its own while deepening the legacy of the franchise.
The atmospheric cinematography and haunting performances make this an excellent pick for Halloween night, especially for fans of classic horror.
5. Cuckoo (2024)
This year’s hidden gem is Cuckoo, a supernatural thriller that combines unsettling visuals with a star-making performance from Hunter Schafer. Released earlier in the year but remaining incredibly relevant for Halloween, the film follows Gretchen, a teenager forced to move to a remote Alpine village with her father’s new family. What begins as a quiet relocation quickly descends into chaos as Gretchen comes face to face with the malevolent figure, Herr König, played masterfully by Dan Stevens.
Tilman Singer’s direction makes Cuckoo a visually arresting film that will leave viewers deeply unnerved. Perfect for those who love eerie vibes and atmospheric scares, this movie is a great addition to your Halloween playlist.
6. Late Night With the Devil (2024)
Set in the 1970s, Late Night With the Devil is a found-footage film unlike any other. The movie stars David Dastmalchian as Jack Delroy, a fictional late-night TV show host who accidentally invites something truly evil onto his set during a live broadcast. What begins as a quirky talk show spirals into chaos and terror.
This unique premise, paired with meticulous world-building, creates a nerve-wracking experience that feels both nostalgic and original. For fans of paranormal scares and retro vibes, this movie is a must-watch.
7. The Substance (2024)
Body horror reaches new heights in The Substance. Directed by Coralie Fargeat (Revenge), this grotesque and darkly beautiful film takes aim at society’s obsession with youth and beauty. Demi Moore stars as a former A-list actress who uses a new experimental formula to stay young, only to discover the horrifying consequences of her choices.
Equal parts socially critical and skin-crawlingly gory, The Substance is a bold and visceral horror film you won’t soon forget.
8. Lisa Frankenstein (2024)
Looking for something quirky and blood-soaked? Lisa Frankenstein is a horror-comedy that mixes campy fun with gruesome thrills. The story follows a high school girl who accidentally resurrects a reanimated corpse in a Frankenstein-inspired experiment. Featuring a sharp script and retro-style visuals, the movie feels like a cross between Heathers and Frankenstein.
If you’re a fan of dark humor and over-the-top gore, this film is perfect for a fun Halloween night in.
9. Abigail (2024)
Radio Silence, the team behind Ready or Not, returns with Abigail, a horror-comedy that pits a ballerina vampire against an unexpected ensemble. Starring Dan Stevens and Kathryn Newton, this film leans into its absurd premise, delivering laugh-out-loud moments alongside thrilling action.
Abigail is unapologetically fun and chaotic, making it a great pick for those who want their scares with a side of humor.
10. Oddity (2024)
This small Irish horror film is one of the year’s biggest surprises. Directed by Damian McCarthy, Oddity blends folklore and psychological horror into a deeply unsettling story about ghosts and malevolent objects. The film’s eerie tone and atmospheric visuals make it a slow-burn-watch full of dread.
If you’re looking for something offbeat and deeply creepy, Oddity is the hidden gem you need this spooky season.
Halloween is the time of year to indulge your love of all things spooky, and this year’s lineup of horror films absolutely delivers. Whether you want intense gore, thought-provoking scares, or a little campy fun, this list offers a perfect movie for every mood. Gather your friends, dim the lights, and prepare for a night of scares that you’ll remember long after Halloween ends.
