7 Essential Horror Movies to Watch Every October (And Where to Stream Them in 2025)

With October arriving, it’s the perfect time to start planning a horror movie marathon! The weeks before Halloween are ideal for watching classic scary films, and there are so many great options to choose from. Movies like *Scream* (1996), *Friday the 13th* (1980), *Carrie* (1976), and *The Exorcist* (1973) are excellent choices for spooky season, but there are even more fantastic titles to discover. Many of the best horror movies ever made are traditionally watched every October, and thankfully, they’re all easy to find on streaming services.

Here are seven classic horror movies that are genuinely scary and perfect to watch every Halloween season.

7) The Woman in Black

If you’re a fan of haunted house stories, don’t miss The Woman in Black this month. This scary movie, based on Susan Hill’s novel, is set in early 1900s England. It follows Arthur Kipps (played by Daniel Radcliffe), a lawyer who discovers unsettling mysteries at a rundown estate near a marsh. A terrifying ghost with a history of frightening children haunts Arthur and the town, creating genuinely frightening scenes that are sure to stay with you long after the credits roll.

As a horror fan, I have to say *The Woman in Black* really gets under your skin. It uses those classic jump scares and genuinely unsettling imagery, but it’s the overall mood of dread that truly makes it scary. What I love is that it doesn’t lose its impact, even after you’ve seen it a few times – it’s a perfect spooky movie to pull out every October. And the good news is, you can stream it right now on Paramount+ and MGM+.

6) The Ring

Released in 2002, *The Ring* became one of the most well-known horror films of the decade, despite receiving somewhat mixed reviews. It’s a remake of the 1998 Japanese film *Ringu*, and centers on a mysterious videotape that causes viewers to die just seven days after watching it. Journalist Rachel Keller (played by Naomi Watts) begins investigating the tape, uncovering its terrifying history and desperately trying to break the curse before anyone else falls victim.

Anyone who’s seen *The Ring* remembers how truly frightening it was to watch Samara’s ghost emerge from the well and through the television. The movie is known for its creepy mood, disturbing visuals, and genuinely scary moments that keep viewers gripped. It’s a great choice for a spooky October watch, and you can stream it this month on Paramount+, Peacock, Pluto TV, and Tubi.

5) A Nightmare on Elm Street

Wes Craven’s *A Nightmare on Elm Street* remains the strongest film in the series and is a must-see for Halloween. The movie features the terrifying and unforgettable villain Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund) who stalks and brutally kills teenagers, specifically Nancy Thompson (Heather Langenkamp), within their dreams.

A Nightmare on Elm Street is a truly frightening and exciting movie, especially as the villain, Krueger, stalks and attacks his victims with his iconic bladed glove. Filled with suspenseful chases and gruesome deaths, it’s a classic slasher film that delivers a lot of entertainment. While it might not be the most thought-provoking horror movie, A Nightmare on Elm Street remains a consistently enjoyable experience. You can currently watch it on HBO Max.

4) The Conjuring

If you’re looking for a scary movie this Halloween, The Conjuring is a great choice! It’s a chilling story about a haunted house and demonic possession, inspired by actual events. The film follows Ed and Lorraine Warren, real-life paranormal investigators, as they try to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their Rhode Island home.

The Conjuring is a truly frightening horror movie, filled with suspense and startling moments. The exorcism scene is particularly intense and disturbing, bringing the film’s creepy events to a powerful conclusion. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga deliver excellent performances as Ed and Lorraine Warren, adding emotional depth to the scary story. It’s a nearly flawless horror film and a must-watch every October. You can stream it now on HBO Max.

3) IT

I recently watched *IT* (2017), and it’s quickly become one of my favorite horror movies! It’s a fantastic adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, telling the story of a group of kids in 1980s Maine who have to face a terrifying clown, Pennywise (played brilliantly by Bill Skarsgård). What really struck me was how much heart the movie had – it wasn’t just scary, but really focused on the power of friendship and courage, making the scares even more effective. The kids were so endearing, I was genuinely invested in their fight!

With genuinely scary visuals that will stay with you long after the credits roll, *IT* features what many consider the most terrifying horror villain of recent years. The film expertly blends chilling scares from Pennywise with the heartwarming story of the Losers’ Club’s strong friendship. It’s a thrilling movie that’s perfect for Halloween and is currently available to stream on HBO Max.

2) Psycho

You can watch Alfred Hitchcock’s classic horror film, *Psycho*, any time of year, but it’s especially good during October. Released in 1960 and based on a novel by Robert Bloch, the movie follows Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) as she stops at the eerie Bates Motel while on the run with stolen money. The motel owner, Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), seems friendly enough, but it soon becomes clear he has dangerous secrets.

Even after over sixty years, Alfred Hitchcock’s *Psycho* remains a captivating and important film. The movie, famous for its shocking murder and clever investigation, creates a consistently eerie and suspenseful atmosphere, heightened by Bernard Herrmann’s memorable score. Considered one of the best films ever made, *Psycho* is a yearly Halloween tradition for many. Its enduring appeal is being rediscovered by a new audience, in part due to its connection to the real-life serial killer Ed Gein – recently highlighted in Netflix’s *Monster*. You can stream *Psycho* on AMC+ and Peacock this month.

1) Halloween

As the title suggests, *Halloween* (1978) is the perfect movie for October. This classic slasher film, set in 1960s Illinois, follows Michael Myers (Nick Castle) as he returns to his hometown to commit another series of murders after killing his sister years before. From beginning to end, *Halloween* is a chilling and suspenseful experience, building tension with unsettling moments and shocking appearances by Michael. The film’s slow pace actually enhances the villain’s terrifying presence, making you feel like he’s lurking around every corner even when he’s not visible.

John Carpenter’s *Halloween* is a masterfully made film with strong performances, and it essentially launched the slasher movie genre. It remains a classic and is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys Halloween – you can stream it on AMC+ and Plex.

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2025-10-11 02:14