October is coming to an end and you’re probably beat from all of the spooky festivities you did this month. If you’re anything like me, you love to relax and unwind by curling up in bed with your laptop watching a Netflix movie. But just because the month is over, doesn’t mean you have to get out of the spooky spirit. Here are my top 10 Halloween movies to watch on Netflix to marathon with friends or to just enjoy yourself.
- Scream
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Not to be confused with the parody “Scary Movie,” the 1996 horror-suspense film “Scream” follows the protagonist Sidney Prescott (played by Neve Campbell) and her friends as the quaint little town of Woodsborough is plagued by a serial killer wearing a black hood and white ghoulish mask. It is later revealed that the killer has a personal vendetta against Sidney, and is tormenting her by killing the people that she cares for. Follow Sidney and her ensemble of friends as they come together to try to figure out who the killer is before it’s too late. If you enjoy the movie, Netflix not only has 3 of the 4 installments, but the MTV series too.
- Train to Busan
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If you’re a true horror fan and you’re tired of traditional American movies, than I suggest getting into Korean Horror. Thankfully, Netflix has a vast selection of Korean films. In “Train to Busan”, an estranged father who cares more about his job than his personal life learns to become selfless and value family as he and his daughter are stuck on a train during the middle of a zombie apocalypse. The duo, along with other passengers on the train, try to survive until they reach the quarantine zone. If you enjoy this movie, hopefully you’re willing to check out more things in this genre.
- Insidious
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For my “Conjuring” and/or “Annabelle” fans out there, “Insidious” is right up your alley. Not only does the film have the same directors but it shares some of the same actors. In my opinion, it is one of the best horror movies from the 2010s, because it wasn’t a remake or a sequel to a classic. It gave us an original story with amazing lore, and as a longtime horror fan, I can appreciate that. “Insidious” follows the Lambert family as they move into a new house where paranormal disturbances begin to take place. The oldest son Dalton then falls into a comatose state, where the family soon finds out that he is possessed by a demon that used to torment his father when he was younger. It is up to his father to defeat the demon within Dalton and to hopefully save his life.
- Carrie
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Based on the Stephen King novel, “Carrie” is instantly a cult classic. It is the story of a teenage girl who is tormented through high school and grows up with a devout but abusive mother. Carrie begins to notice that she has telepathic powers and uses them to her advantage when her bullies pull the ultimate prank on her on prom night.
- Terrifier
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If you thought that Pennywise was a terrifying clown, then you’re not ready for Art the Clown in Terrifier. Two drunk friends run into a guy wearing clown makeup who stalks them throughout the night. They soon find out that the clown is wanted for a series of murders and try to escape his wrath as they’re trapped in an abandoned apartment building. What it lacks in plot, it makes up for with phenomenal kills and a lot of gore. It’s very underrated and will totally give you the creeps.
- Hush
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At first glance, Hush seems like your typical home invasion movie. But there’s a twist. The protagonist Maddie is a writer who lives alone in the woods, but she’s deaf and mute. Although only having five cast members, the movie does a lot with the little that they have. Hush will have you glued to the screen, watching as Maddie fights for her life while she’s at a big disadvantage. The plot is simple enough to follow and is a fun movie to watch with your friends as you root for the main character.
- The Invitation
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What’s more awkward than bringing your current girlfriend to a party hosted by your ex-wife and her new husband? Literally nothing. In “The Invitation,” the main character Will takes his girlfriend Kira to a dinner party hosted by his ex Eden and her spouse. As the night advances, Will becomes suspicious of the new couple’s intentions as the other guests vanish. This movie is more of an emotional piece, and focuses on the past shared between Will and Eden and what drove them to split. It builds up tension between characters as the story unravels, and as Will and Kira fight for survival.
- The Crow
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Maybe this spooky season, you’re looking for a film with a little more action, and don’t want to watch something that’s traditionally horror. “The Crow” is more of a drama/fantasy, with some occult elements. The late Brandon Lee plays Eric Draven, a dead rockstar who has come back to life to seek vengeance on the men who raped and killed his fiancée the night before Halloween. From the movie’s alternative soundtrack to the traditional goth fashion, it’s sure to give you spooky season vibes.
- The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
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“The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” is another classic that’s more on the macabre side. It is a traditional slasher film with a chainsaw wielding killer and a crazy amount of gore. While visiting an old homestead, a group of friends stumble upon a house filled with a murderous cannibal family. The movie is loosely based on the real serial killer Ed Gein, who, similar to leatherface, used body parts from his victims to make furniture and clothing. There are seven more movies in the franchise that you can enjoy!
- The Babysitter
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This movie is a little more lighthearted compared to the rest. It’s a teen horror and dark comedy, with a star studded cast including Bella Thorne, Samara Weaving, and even ex-viner King Bach! One night, 12-year-old Cole Johnson decides to stay up past his bedtime to see what his babysitter Bee does while he’s asleep. He comes to find out that she isn’t what she seems as he realizes that she and her high school friends are in a cult. This movie is packed with cheesy humor and is an easy watch whether you’re alone or with friends.
- Hereditary
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Lastly, my honourable mention is the Ari Aster film, “Hereditary.” In this film, a family deals with grief as they mourn the loss of a loved one. Although it is slower paced, it’s gripping story and Annie Graham’s growing scorn and desperation will be sure to have you on the edge of your seat. As the story progresses you notice the rift between Annie and her family grow as she learns more about her mother’s dabbling in the occult. Not only does the film have a unique plot, but the neutral color scheme is visually stunning. It’s a movie that you have to watch more than once, because when you do you’re sure to notice more details than before. “Hereditary” is available on Prime Video, which is free if you are an Amazon Prime member.
Whether you’re a true horror movie connoisseur or just enjoy a quick slasher flick, any of these movies are a great watch.
HCXO, Taylor