TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Heart pounding, chills going down the spine, and palms growing sweatier with every suspenseful breath, there’s no better way to amp up the spooky season vibe than by catching the best Halloween films.
From classics like the 1980s The Shining to the fan-favorite Hereditary, the list compiled by both TimeOut and Empire not only highlights the scariest picks but also those that best match the unique energy of the eerie October 31.
To help you curate your watchlist for a Halloween movie marathon, here are the 10 best Halloween films you must watch.
1. The Shining (1980)
As Halloween greets us once more, The Shining inevitably calls for another late-night viewing. Deemed one of the best Halloween films of all time, this psychological horror traps you in a chilling space between fear and uncertainty, thanks to Jack Nicholson’s unnervingly brilliant portrayal of Jack Torrance.
And if you finish the film feeling mentally drained, the cast felt it too, with the infamous “Here’s Johnny!” scene notoriously taking three days to film.
2. The Exorcist (1973)
As one of the original pillars of horror, The Exorcist still boldly stands among modern fright releases. Its seemingly simple tale of demonic possession not only reshaped the genre forever, but also continues to unsettle audiences, both first-time watchers and longtime viewers.
From disturbing imagery to spine-chilling performances, The Exorcist showcases director William Friedkin’s masterful ability to blend religious terror with psychological dread.
3. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Tobe Hooper's iconic masterpiece, the 1974 classic Texas Chain Saw Massacre, is a must-watch when it comes to the best Halloween films.
Inspired by the true story of serial killer Ed Gein, this horror follows a group of youngsters who stumble upon a nightmare after crossing paths with a family of psychopaths in rural Texas.
Bloods everywhere, the insanely disturbing sound of chainsaw, and Leatherface’s grotesque mask, it goes beyond scary but one that claws into your mind.
4. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
The Blair With Project is the film credited with revolutionizing the found-footage horror genre. It follows three student filmmakers who venture into the woods to document a local myth, only to mysteriously vanish.
The movie masterfully captures fear through raw realism, making it the perfect dose of dread for Halloween night.
5. Suspiria (1977)
If there’s ever a way for everyone to experience a collective nightmare, it’s through Suspiria. Dario Argento masterfully presents a dense, horrific story steeped in dread from every angle.
The simple premise of an American dancer enrolling to a European ballet only leads to a terrifying discovery of dark supernatural and deaths, to name a few.
6. Alien (1979)
Another ’70s classic earning its rightful place among the best Halloween films is Alien (1979). A masterful blend of horror and sci-fi, this iconic film traps viewers alongside a spaceship crew facing a terrifying extraterrestrial threat in the silent void of space, where no one can hear you scream.
7. Evil Dead II (1987)
Horror is practically synonymous with Sam Raimi’s name, and Evil Dead II is one of his most noteworthy. that has a touch of slapstick comedy. This cult classic follows the chaotic battle against demonic forces in an isolated cabin, turning every scene into a whirlwind of gore, madness, and unhinged chaos.
With outrageous visuals and manic energy, it’s a wild and unforgettable addition that brings a bit of wicked humor to your Halloween watchlist.
8. Hereditary (2018)
If Hereditary isn’t one of the best modern masterpieces, it’s hard to argue what is. As the movie explores grief, trauma, and dark family secrets, true terror emerges not just from the supernatural, but from the emotional devastation at its very core.
Toni Collette’s harrowing performance is nothing short of unforgettable, leaving viewers deeply disturbed long after the credits roll.
9. 28 Days Later (2002)
Breathing new life into the zombie genre, 28 Days Later follows survivors navigating a post-apocalyptic London overrun by rage-infected humans.
Its tense action and eerie cityscapes blend with the raw emotional weight carried by Cillian Murphy’s character, where glimmers of hope for humanity and heart-pounding fear go hand-in-hand.
To this day, it remains one of the best Halloween films for those who crave gripping dystopian horror.
10. Get Out (2017)
Smart, socially sharp, and deeply unsettling, Get Out is a psychological horror of racism that combines thriller and mystery elements as it uncovers Daniel Kaluuya’s character first meeting with his white girlfriend’s parents.
But the seemingly ordinary trip slowly twists into a chilling nightmare, with every polite smile unveiling an insidious truth, as seen in the shot of Daniel Kaluuya's tearful, shocked face.
From psychological hauntings to cosmic horrors and chaotic demonic battles, these films prove that the best Halloween viewing isn’t just about jump scares, but the atmosphere, tension, and lingering dread that stays long after the screen fades to black.
And even after your marathon is over, you can keep the spooky spirit alive by listening to the top Halloween songs of all time.
Editor’s Choice: Exploring the Most Haunted Places in the World for a Bone-Chilling Halloween
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