5 Best Classic Horror Movies To Watch On Prime Video Right Now

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Prime Video has a great collection of classic horror films available to stream, and here are five of the very best. Horror movies are consistently popular because people always enjoy a good scare. Both new releases like Sinners and older favorites are attracting lots of viewers.

Classic horror films remain popular because they remind us of earlier times, evoking a sense of nostalgia for many viewers. While the horror genre constantly changes, these older movies offer a comforting look back at the past. Thanks to streaming services, classic horror is now reaching a wider audience, introducing a new generation to beloved films and renewing appreciation for them.

Prime Video has a large selection of horror movies, but finding the good ones can be tough. The catalog changes frequently, making it hard to know what’s currently available and worth your time. Skip the endless searching and check out these classic horror films instead.

5. The Exorcist III (1990)

Okay, let me tell you about a horror film that doesn’t always get the credit it deserves: The Exorcist III. I was genuinely surprised by how good this one is – it’s a real hidden gem. The story centers around Detective Kinderman, and he’s facing a really disturbing case: a new string of murders that eerily mirror the crimes of a killer who’s already dead. What’s really interesting is that the author of the original Exorcist novel, William Peter Blatty, actually directed this adaptation himself!

Though it blends horror and psychological thriller elements, The Exorcist III truly shines thanks to George C. Scott’s powerful performance. While it boasts what many consider the most startling jump scare ever filmed, the movie relies more on building a genuinely unsettling mood. It’s a well-regarded classic, but could have been even stronger if the studio hadn’t made changes to the original story.

4. Phantasm (1979)

Don Coscarelli made a strikingly original horror film in the late 1970s called Phantasm. The story centers on a teenager who investigates a series of strange deaths in his town and discovers the unsettling mortician is behind them. This film famously introduced audiences to the terrifying villain known as the Tall Man, creating a lasting horror icon.

Despite being made on a small budget, Phantasm is a truly effective horror film. It skillfully combines strange, dreamlike imagery with classic horror elements, creating a uniquely creepy atmosphere. It stands out among horror movies available on Prime Video, and the rest of the series is also worth watching.

3. Re-Animator (1985)

While many 1980s horror movies are considered classics, Re-Animator stands out as truly unique. Inspired by a story from H.P. Lovecraft, the film centers around the unsettling Herbert West and his serum that unleashes zombie chaos at Miskatonic University. Director Stuart Gordon infuses the movie with a darkly humorous and playful style.

Whether you’re looking for big laughs or genuine scares, Re-Animator delivers. Jeffrey Combs is fantastic as West, and his performance instantly made him a horror star. While it’s known as a cult favorite, Re-Animator has become so well-loved that it’s practically a must-see for any horror fan.

2. Hellraiser (1987)

Clive Barker, known for his horror novels, directed Hellraiser and skillfully adapted his own story for the screen. The plot centers on a woman who attempts to bring her dead lover back to life by sacrificing blood. A mysterious puzzle box also opens a gateway to hell. While the Cenobites were a relatively minor element in the 1987 film, they became its most memorable feature.

Pinhead quickly became a recognizable figure, and the Hellraiser series centered entirely around the Cenobites after that. The original Hellraiser film brilliantly showcases Clive Barker’s unique combination of horror and unsettling themes, making it a thoroughly enjoyable, albeit disturbing, experience. While the Hellraiser franchise later lost its way, the first movie remains a must-see horror classic, and it’s currently available on Prime Video.

1. Halloween (1978)

While slasher films were starting to emerge in the 1970s, Halloween quickly defined the genre and its lasting impact. The film follows Michael Myers, who returns to his hometown of Haddonfield, Illinois, years after killing his sister, and begins a terrifying series of murders. Released in 1978, Halloween tapped into a growing national anxiety about increasing violence in America.

Everything about Halloween is brilliantly done, from Michael Myers’ iconic mask to John Carpenter’s chilling music. The movie is consistently suspenseful and visually striking, expertly blending all the key ingredients of a great horror film. It’s a hugely influential slasher film, but it also stands out as a genuinely well-made movie. Even if you don’t usually enjoy horror, Halloween is worth watching – you can stream it on Prime Video.

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2026-02-08 22:59