Welcome back, ghoul-friends! October is finally here, and I am thrilled to deliver some of my all-time favorite movie recommendations just in time for spooks. These movies are some that I have had a lot of fun watching by myself or with others. I have included a variety of childhood favorites, horror classics, and some scary movies. So, sit down with your candy corn and pop on one of these spooky flicks!
10. Coraline – Stream on The Roku Channel; Buy or rent on Prime Video/Youtube
This beloved classic is now streaming on the Roku Channel, or it can be rented/purchased digitally from Amazon or YouTube. In this 2009 stop-motion classic, eleven-year-old Coraline finds a hidden door leading to an oddly idealized version of her life while meandering around her rambling old house in her dull new town. She has to give up something horrifyingly real in order to remain in the fantasy. This movie is perfect for getting into the spooky spirit, especially if it’s got a nostalgic vibe for you.
9. Lisa Frankenstein – Stream on Prime Video
This movie quickly became a favorite of mine after I saw it in theatres earlier this year. It is available to stream on Prime Video. In her directorial debut, Zelda Williams brings the story of Lisa Swallows to life. Lisa is a misunderstood teenage girl in the eclectic 80s world of the film. After a stormy night, Lisa’s statuesque crush comes to life before her eyes. What happens next is the most interesting, fun ride of love, happiness, and a few missing limbs. This romantic comedy with horror elements is the perfect movie to cozy up to (and fall in love with Cole Sprouse as a zombie).
8. Scream – Stream on Max
Wes Craven’s Scream jumpstarted a historically loved horror franchise and for good reason! This flick still holds up today and is a total slasher ride starring beloved actors Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox, David Arquette, and (my favorite) Matthew Lillard. The classics of the franchise are streaming on Max if you want to mow them all down before Halloween comes! In the first film, teens interact with a psycho killer who terrorizes a girl a year after the death of her mother. It is my personal favorite in the franchise!
7. Over the Garden Wall – Stream on Hulu
This miniseries is the perfect way to get some Autumn vibes in. With only 10 episodes, this series has a runtime that is less than two hours; perfect for little glimpses or a binge-watch. It is streaming on Hulu. Greg and Wirt, two brothers, wind up lost in the Unknown—a weird forest suspended in time. In an attempt to find their way home, Wirt and Greg have to travel across this strange land with the assistance of a wise old Woodsman and a grumpy bluebird named Beatrice. Accompany them on their journey through the woods as they encounter surprises and challenges!
6. Abigail – Stream on Peacock
This surprising slasher was so much fun to watch! With constant twists and turns, this ballerina-vampire flick kept me on my toes for the entire runtime. Plus, it has some familiar horror icons like Melissa Barrera and Kathryn Newton. The movie also features the late Angus Cloud. In order to obtain a $50 million ransom, a group of criminals kidnaps a teenage ballet dancer who happens to be the daughter of a well-known gang leader. However, as time goes on, they learn that the girl is not your typical teenage girl. As the abductors start to disappear one by one, they learn—to their growing horror—that they are imprisoned inside with no typical young girl. You won’t want to miss this one, and it is now streaming on Peacock.
5. Beetlejuice – Stream on Max
Just in time for Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, the original film is streaming on Max. If you haven’t seen this classic, now is the time! Known for its glorious practical effects and fantastic performances, Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice is a wild ride for all ages. A recently deceased couple seeks help from a deranged demon to push an affluent New York family out of their home. This movie is a nostalgic classic and is perfect for the Halloween mood.
4. The Craft – Stream on Max
This movie is famous for its aesthetics and stellar performances by actresses Fairuza Balk and Neve Campbell. A new student arrives at the Catholic school and falls in with the crowd of teenage witches who wield powers against anyone in their way. I love the way this movie uses color and shadowing to build the atmosphere. It totally gets me in the spooky spirit whenever I watch it because of the witchy vibes!
3. Psycho – Stream on Prime Video or Netflix
This is the oldest entry on the list, but it still is such a fun ride. Directed in 1960, Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho features the story of Norman Bates and the Bates Motel. While some of the twists may be revealed due to the test of time, this movie is still worth the watch because of its black-and-white imagery, horrifying score, and interesting performances by stars Anthony Perkins and Janet Leigh. It is one of my all-time favorite movies for its use of style and its rich horror history. You can stream it on Prime Video or Netflix.
2. Hell House LLC – Stream on Prime Video or Tubi
Hell House LLC is a scary found-footage horror movie that is a lot of fun to watch by yourself or with a group of friends. It also spawned a franchise that is loved by horror fans worldwide. Five years after an unexplained malfunction kills fifteen tour-goers and staff, a crew goes back to explore what really happened that night of the Halloween house tour. It can be streamed on Prime Video and for free on Tubi.
1. Bodies Bodies Bodies – Stream on Max
Last on our list is the new Gen-Z slasher Bodies Bodies Bodies. With familiar faces like Rachel Sennot and Pete Davidson, this horror is honestly so funny and was a very relevant take on social media and how it impacts us in stressful situations. It is super fun to watch with a group of friends! In an isolated family mansion, a group of wealthy 20-somethings decide to play a game where someone is secretly a killer. Things take a turn for the worse when real bodies start showing up! This movie is streaming on Max.
I hope this list helps you find some movies that make you feel all the great Halloween tingles. Remember to stay safe this Halloween season, and have fun!