It’s Oct. 1, and that means it’s officially time for all things Halloween. If you’re like me, tonight marks night one of my 31 day movie binge. But what are the 2025 spooky movies this season? As an avid film and horror movie lover, I’ve taken it upon myself to recommend the top ten thrillers of this October. But I forgot to ask, what’s your favorite scary movie?
“Scream” Wes Craven (1997).
This iconic line is threatened by the masked Ghostface in the original “Scream,” the best one, obviously. If you’re looking for a comically nuanced slasher, this one’s your best bet. “Scream” is the first one of its genre introducing a horror with comedy, romance, teen movie aspects and… killing its star actor off in the very first scene. Grab your friends and your popcorn, you’re going to want to start your binge with this fun spook.
“Hocus Pocus” Kenny Ortega (1993).
This list is just a whole bunch of Hocus Pocus! Looking for a mild spook with musical elements and a whimsical Disney feel? Look no further! This camp Halloween hit stars Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker as spooky Salem witches brought back from the dead, looking to gain another chance at life, at the expense of the lives of little children! With elements of teen romance and witchy humor, this comfort Halloween film will put a spell on you, alluring you to rewatch every year!
“Death Becomes Her” Robert Zemeckis (1992).
Immortality comes with a price in this quirky and eccentric fantasy flick. Watch as the star studded class, Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn and Bruce Willis, take us on a journey of love, jealousy, lust, greed and vitality. If someone offers you a drug promising everlasting youth and unrelenting beauty, with the catch of eternal life, do you take it? Dive into this spooky and crazy ride, you are in for a treat.
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” Jim Sharman (1975).
This is and forever will be a cult classic, electrifying the Halloween movie game every single year. This camp musical comedy takes you through a time warp to 1975, meeting the craziest of characters in a spook-filled mansion including Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transvestite scientist. Funky earworm songs will not get out of your head after watching this campy horror flick, widely appreciated as a LGBTQ+ film featuring queer representation in a conservative time period. Today, many theaters often show this film around Halloween with actors performing alongside it.
“Halloween” John Carpenter (1978).
This classic must be included in your spooky watch parties. Just a few seconds of the intro music and you are transported into the harrowing world of Michael Myers and his murderous conquests in the small town of Haddonfield, Illinois on Halloween night. Everything about this movie is iconic, including the eerie instrumental theme, the facemask, Michael’s terrifying slow walk and Jamie Lee Curtis’ fantastic debut as a “scream queen.” No Halloween movie marathon is complete without “Halloween.”
“The Strangers” Bryan Bertino (2008).
What happens when a couple expects a comfortable stay at a family vacation home and unwelcome guests arrive? A lovely dinner party? Not in this story. Kristen and James are caught by surprise and go from a weekend of relaxation to a weekend of murder. Three masked strangers arrive and terrorize this couple. Their only motive: because they were home. I’d lock your doors when you watch this one.
“Friday the 13th” Sean S. Cunningham (1980).
This spine tingling film was the first to popularize the sub-genre of summer camp slasher movies. Who thought it was a smart idea to build a summer camp in a desolate woodsy area where a history of murder has been recorded? This grueling slasher starring Kevin Bacon will leave you on the edge of your seat (covering your eyes) rooting for your favorite characters to make it out alive.
“The Shining” Stanley Kubrick (1980).
I watched this psychological thriller with my dad when I was around twelve years old. It still sticks with me, and I will never walk in a maze again without peering over my shoulder. This film centers on the main character Jack, played by Jack Nicholson, who becomes a winter caretaker at a hotel alongside his wife and son. As Jack suffers from a psychotic writer’s block, he starts to become increasingly deranged and eventually seeks violence against his family. Man, am I sure lucky I didn’t have writer’s block writing this article!
“Beetlejuice” Tim Burton (1988).
This classic Tim Burton film is a Halloween staple for most movie watchers. It’s a less spooky option with fantasy and comedy elements, making it a household favorite. Winona Ryder stars as Lydia Deetz, a rebellious goth teenager who is able to see ghosts. She meets two ghost parentlike figures who she befriends, but soon comes in contact with a manipulative, villainous ghost named Beetlejuice. Can she escape Beetlejuice unscathed, or will she perish in the process? This silly watch should definitely make your Halloween binge this October.
“A Nightmare on Elm Street” Wes Craven (1984).
Finishing the list is yet another Halloween fan favorite and Wes Craven film, “A Nightmare on Elm Street.” A group of teenagers are targeted by the evil Freddy Krueger when their head hits the pillow. Freddy preys on teenagers in their dreams which actually kills them in real life. This spooky thriller might have you staying up late, scared to fall asleep.
As the October breeze fills the air and Halloween looms around the corner, it’s time to embrace all the frights, go to all the haunted houses and watch these scary movies. Happy Halloween and happy watching!