Halloween is a time for sweets, but it's also the perfect occasion to get creeped out by horror films. With a vast number of such films available to stream, here are 15 of the most harrowing and ghoulish horror movies actually set at Halloween, along with where to watch them.
Classic Slashers and Gorefests
John Carpenter's seminal slasher Halloween is the most obvious and arguably best example of a Halloween-set horror movie. Contrary to popular belief, it isn't the first of its kind, but it's undeniably the most influential. The film launched Jamie Lee Curtis's career and featured a man in a white-painted William Shatner mask. It is a true blood-soaked classic. Where to watch: BBC iPlayer, Shudder, Pluto TV, and Cultpix.
Rob Zombie's directorial debut, House of 1000 Corpses, is a messy gorefest starring Sid Haig, Sheri Moon Zombie, and Bill Moseley. The film follows a group of friends who pick up a hitchhiker, and after their car breaks down, they end up imprisoned and tortured by the sadistic Firefly family. Where to watch: Shudder, Plex, and Lionsgate+.
Found Footage and Anthologies
The Blair Witch Project, now 25 years old, follows three filmmakers who venture into the Black Hills Forest in Maryland to document the legend of the Blair Witch. The film focuses on the eerie atmosphere and mounting psychological tension rather than monsters and gore. While not directly tied to the season, the story is set in late October 1994. Where to watch: Netflix, Lionsgate+ via Prime Video, and YouTube.
Creepshow, with Stephen King writing and George A. Romero directing, is a horror anthology with five chilling tales that blend horror and humour. Its cartoonish, comic-book style adds to the festive atmosphere, making it perfect for Halloween night marathons. Where to watch: Available to rent and buy on Prime Video, Apple TV+, and the Sky Store.
Trick 'r Treat is another anthology set on Halloween night, with each tale revealing dark secrets behind the holiday, from deadly pranks to sinister traditions. It has become a modern classic. Where to watch: Available to rent on Prime Video, Rakuten TV, Apple TV, and the Sky Store.
Modern and Unsettling Picks
Late Night with the Devil, considered the best horror film of 2023, takes place during a 1970s Halloween broadcast. Hosted by Jack Delroy, played by David Dastmalchian, the live talk show spirals into chaos as supernatural events play out on air. Where to watch: Shudder.
Ginger Snaps blends coming-of-age drama with werewolf lore, following two teenage sisters after one is bitten by a werewolf. Set in a suburban town during Halloween, it's one for a slightly younger audience. Where to watch: Plex and Lionsgate+ via Prime Video.
The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane centres on Rynn, a mysterious 13-year-old girl played by Jodie Foster, living alone and hiding secrets. Set around Halloween, it's a slow burn with eerie suspense, co-starring Martin Sheen. Where to watch: Prime Video, Shudder, and MGM+.
Terrifier follows two women preyed upon by the maniacal clown Art after their car tyres are slashed. The second film is also set at Halloween, with Art returning to Miles County. All Hallows Eve, the first film featuring Art, is also streaming. Where to watch: Shudder, Paramount+, and Plex.
Ghostwatch, a BBC TV special from 1992, was a haunted house investigation presented as real, featuring Sir Michael Parkinson, Sarah Greene, and Craig Charles. It was pre-recorded and fake, but it remains an incredible hoax. Where to watch: Available to buy on Prime Video and Apple TV+.
The Guest, directed by Adam Wingard and starring Maika Monroe and Dan Stevens, is set over Halloween, with its tense final set piece at a high school Halloween party. Where to watch: Prime Video, Icon Film, and Plex.
Donnie Darko, Richard Kelly's surreal debut, isn't entirely set at Halloween, but the season plays a significant role, with the climax occurring around a Halloween party. Where to watch: Arrow, Mubi, and YouTube.
V/H/S: Halloween, the latest in the found footage anthology franchise, is set entirely around Halloween, with contributions from Bryan M. Ferguson, Anna Zlokovic, Paco Plaza, Casper Kelly, Alex Ross Perry, and Micheline Pitt-Norman and R.H. Norman. Where to watch: Shudder.
Haunt (2019) follows a group of friends who visit an 'extreme' haunt attraction on Halloween night, only to discover the blood and guts are real. Where to watch: Lionsgate+ via Prime Video.
A Demonic Finale
The list ends with The Exorcist, directed by Billy Friedkin, arguably the most controversial movie ever made. While Halloween isn't a central plot point, it is Halloween during some major events. The film centres on Chris trying to help her daughter Regan, who is believed to be possessed by a demon and requires an exorcism. Where to watch: HBO Max Arrow.
