30 Best Halloween Movies

1. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

Image source Courtesy of Bryanston DistributingIf you're in the minority that haven't yet seen this movie, muster up the courage to watch this classic.  Although it has a gruesome reputation, it's not as gory or scary as you might expect but it is one of the darkest masterpieces of the 1970s.  Halloween is a perfect time to view it!

2. Poltergeist (1982)

Image source Courtesy of MGM/UA Home EntertainmentGhost stories got a high-tech makeover in this smash hit movie.  Of course, anything from Steven Spielberg is going to hit all those spots you want it to!  The film includes some early blue screen work and brilliant lighting, all going towards the very creepy atmosphere!

3. Suspiria (1977)

Image source Courtesy of 20th Century Fox International ClassicsThis fairy tale doesn’t sound like much -a shy American dancer enrols at a spooky European ballet academy.  It all changes, though, when she soon discovers strange phenomena are taking place behind the pirouettes. Beware of the gnarly death scenes, especially if you're eating while watching it

4. The Thing (1982)

Image source Universal PicturesStanley Kubrick’s thriller has it all, starting with blood in elevators!  Just when you think you are safe, it all kicks off - again.  Terrifying and exciting, 'The Shining' will have you sat on the edge of your seat unless you are already hiding behind it, with half an eye open!

8. The Omen (1976)

Image source Courtesy Warner BrosIf you thought 'Rosemary's Baby' was scary, that was like 'Mary Poppins' compared to 'The Omen'!  If you were a pregnant mother at the time of watching the film, you probably had everything crossed that you weren't going to give birth to Satan but checking the forehead of your newborn just in case!

9. The House Of The Devil (2010)

Image source Courtesy of 20th Century FoxA financially embarrassed, desperate college student (Jocelin Donahue) takes a babysitting job at a very creepy house in the country.  It starts out as pizza and solo Walkman dance sessions, until she gets a bit too curious about what’s hiding behind the locked door upstairs.  Big mistake!

10. Trick 'r Treat (2007)

Image source Legendary PicturesPerfect for Halloween! Michael Dougherty’s franchise movie gained cult status thanks to its status as a Halloween movie that actually ties into the sugar-powered holiday.  The scene of Dylan Baker as a school principal moonlighting as an inept serial killer is something to be admired!

11. The Exorcist (1973)

Image source Courtesy of Warner BrosWhat is up with these hippies, laughing at authority,  swearing at their parents and vomiting up their dinner?  If ever a priest was required, it was then!  The pea soup industry never recovered from its 'cameo'.  Fans of the movie have been known to watch it over and over again - and still freak out!

12. The Return of the Living Dead (1985)

Image source Orion PicturesThis film that forever changed  zombie cinema by introducing the 'undead's' hunger for braaaaaains!  The movie is both funny and petrifying and it's recommended to watch it in the company of others or you will end up being totally spooked out and frightened to go to bed!

13. Halloween (1978)

Image source Courtesy of Aquarius ReleasingYou HAVE to watch 'Halloween' at Halloween - it's a ritual!  The combination of suburban teens and a killer on the go is not a combination to speak lightly of.  It was voted one of the scariest movies of the '70s.  The white mask is enough to give us all the cold sweats!

14. An American Werewolf in London (1981)

Image source Courtesy of Universal PicturesThe delicious blend of Jewish humour and horror from John Landis (of Animal House fame) has made this movie still very watchable and un-dated, as well as being hilarious. The highlight of the film must be the transformation scene, cleverly set to Creedence Clearwater Revival’s 'Bad Moon Rising'.

15. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Image source Courtesy of New Line CinemaWe should all pay our respects to the late Wes Craven by returning to his most enduring creation.  A dream killer with razors for fingernails, played by Johnny Depp, 'A Nightmare On Elm Street' is an absolute must watch if you haven't already viewed it.  Seeing Mr Depp get wasted in the water bed is one heck of a scene, with litres of blood on show!

16. Scream (1996)

Image source Dimension Movies'Scream' is a gruesome send-up of the slasher genre which completely changed horror cinema in the 1990s.  The brisk, brutal film that follows manages to dissect horror history whilst paving the way for its future.  When movie buffs are asked what their favourite scary movie is, this one is right up there.

17. Rosemary's Baby (1968)

Image source Courtesy of Paramount PicturesBased on the book of the same name, this film may be a golden oldie but still sends shivers to this day.  How would you feel if you were carrying the devil's offspring?  The Manhattan mum-to be was played by Mia Farrow and she was nominated for best actress for her portrayal in it.

18. Dawn Of The Dead (1978)

Image source Courtesy of MKR GroupGeorge Romero’s sequel to his first masterpiece, 'Night of the Living Dead',  gives a satirical spin on the zombie material.   The heroes have barricaded themselves in a banal shopping mall and are living their lives like birds in a gilded cage.  For those who don't think horror movies are scary, stick them in front of this one and they'll soon change their minds.

19. Jaws (1975)

Image source Courtesy of Universal PicturesThis original blockbuster is still one of the most immaculately constructed horror films.  Just as you think it's safe to go in the water .... scary, gripping and spine tingling, 'Jaws' is one of the most well known frightening movies ever to grace our screens. Even when you know the full storyline, it doesn't stop you watching it over and over again - great for Halloween!

20. The Fly (1986)

Image source Courtesy of 20th Century FoxJeff Goldblum’s eloquent performance as a genetically modified scientist, together with Geena Davis as a charmed journalist who worries about him, elevates the movie to top ten for sure.  A mixture of romantic tragedy and gross horror gives us everything we never knew we needed!

21. Psycho (1960)

Image source Courtesy of Paramount PicturesThe director, Alfred Hitchcock, runs rings around most other filmmakers within the same genre.  The shower scene is iconic and even though th film is over 60 years old, it still holds up well against many of the newbies.  Utterly terrifying, it delivers on every level.

22. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)

Image source Courtesy of United ArtistsDonald Sutherland, Jeff Goldblum, Brooke Adams and Leonard Nimoy (Captain Spock) all star in this movie,  an adaptation of the 1956 novel.  If you are looking to be scared at regular 15 minute intervals, then 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' is 100% for you.  The age of the movie has not diluted its impact one bit!

23. Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Image source Studio CanalA brilliant and hysterically funny apocalypse comedy, which is only improved by the excellent acing of Nick Frost and a young Simon Pegg.  Yes, it's squeamish but it's also witty enough for those of a nervous disposition to enjoy without getting palpitations.

24. Sleepy Hollow (1999)

Image source Paramount PicturesThis film, adapted for the big screen by Tim Burton, is chock-a-block full of twisted trees and dense fog.  In between that is British acting royalty with the likes of Ian McDiarmid Michael Gambon and Ian McDiarmid among them.  It's over the top gruesome but not too squeamish, so give it a go if you haven't already. Halloween would be the perfect time!

25. The Frighteners (1996)

Image source Netflix MoviesAfter a tragic car accident that kills his wife, a man discovers that he can communicate with the dead (that's handy!) and he uses his gift to con people. However, when a demonic spirit appears, he might be the only one who can stop it from killing the living and the dead!

26. Donnie Darko (2001)

Image source Paramount PicturesAfter narrowly escaping a bizarre accident, a very troubled teenager is plagued by visions of a man in a large rabbit suit.  Sounds amusing but it is anything but.  The strange fella  manipulates the boy to commit a series of crimes.  If trick or treating doesn't give you the buzz you need (except for the 'e' numbers) then watch this movie.

27. The Blair Witch Project (1999)

Image source Courtesy of Artisan EntertainmentLess terrifying than creepy, this low budget movie is pure gold!  The scariest part is when the kids can’t put their cameras down, regardless of how much supernatural danger they are in. Don’t say this movie wasn’t prophetic.  Get your friends together for Halloween and enjoy the thrills.

28. In My Skin (2002)

Image source Courtesy of Wellspring MediaEsther is a high-powered businesswoman and she enjoys signing big deals, attending  swanky parties and picking that nasty scab on her leg!  Warning - this obsession thriller will unnerve you for weeks on end, once you've finished watching it!   Even the promo pictures make us feel sick!

29. The Descent (2005)

Image source Courtesy of Lions Gate FilmsFemale spelunkers meet some cave dwelling creepy crawlies, while Freudian analysts in the audience have a ball amongst pools of sickening gore! The alternate U.K. ending is more cynical, but both versions works beautifully as a tale of misadventure in the darkness.

30. Final Destination 3 (2006)

Image source Courtesy of New Line CinemaRoller coasters run off their tracks, fast food drive-in lanes turn themselves into demolition derbies and a weightlifter gets crushed by some heavy metal. Anchoring it all with dramatic commitment is Mary Elizabeth Winstead.  Health warning - you are going to be VERY scared!