When the first October night hits, everything feels different, the ambiance, the weather, and the moon is especially big. The houses begin to get decorated, the costume stores extend their operation hours, and the spooky parties begin. People wait with enthusiasm for October 31st … Halloween. In those 31 days, people tend to celebrate in many ways, but a marathon month of watching scary Halloween movies is one of the most popular ways to celebrate and frankly, the best way. Scary Halloween movies just feel different in October, they just fit, and people look forward to experiencing a spooky night specially around Halloween.
There are so many amazing horror classics that it would be really hard to watch them all in October, however, watching one amazing classic scary Halloween movie each night through all of October is a tradition you should start right now. This custom-made guide will recommend you the perfect scary Halloween movies to watch all October long. While your October movie marathon progresses, you’ll notice that this list is quite different to what you are used to. You will find a lot of horror movies that were pioneers in the genre and that are still some of the best ever made and the majority of them were part of the Universal Horror Era, the 20s and 30s era when Universal was the only studio in America releasing horror films. You will also notice that some of the movies aren’t “scary” per-se, but really important in the world of Halloween movies.
Remember, they are not ranked from best to worst or in chronological order, they are listed in a way that the rhythm will fit each night of the October movie marathon.
October 1st
The Invisible Man (1933)
Starting strong, this Carl Laemmle classic will amaze you with the incredible special effects. Directed by James Whale, this story is based on the novel of H.G. Wells. Dr. Jack Griffin, a chemist, arrives in the small village of Iping covered in bandages from head to toe and wants a room at the Lion’s Head Pub and Inn. Jenny, the Inn owner’s wife, tells her husband she wants Griffin out after he acts strangely. In actual fact, Dr. Jack Griffin has discovered the secret of invisibility, which causes him to go mad and wreak havoc on the townspeople. Remember “Old Rose” from Titanic (1997) played by Gloria Stuart? Well, this movie saw her debut.
October 2nd
The Silence of The Lambs (1991)
An iconic psychological thriller directed by Jonathan Demme and starring Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins. An FBI agent has to interview a psychiatrist behind bars to get to the bottom of a case, but that inmate is behind bars for… human cravings.
October 3rd
Frankenstein (1931)
Another Universal horror classic by Carl Leammle. Directed by James Whale and starring Boris Karloff as the monster. Dr. Frankenstein creates a monster out of body parts, but when it comes alive, it escapes and terrorizes the village. This won’t be the only movie in the marathon where you’ll see this monster.
October 4th
Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)
Now, let’s watch a 1950s Sci-Fi classic directed by Jack Arnold and starring Richard Carlson. A group of scientists in the Amazonian jungle discover a strange prehistoric beast in the Black Lagoon. The explorers confront the dangers and capture the animal, but it breaks free and kidnaps research assistant Kay Lawrence who is part of the expedition. This movie will keep you spellbound and you’re not going to want it to end; a classic of the genre and of filmmaking.
October 5th
Scream (1996)
A great contemporary horror film, many consider it horror/comedy. Directed by Wes Craven, starring Neve Campbell, David Arquette, and Courtney Cox, this movie tells the story of a serial killer who gets inspiration to torture his victims from horror movies. If it’s still too early on the marathon for you to step down on the horror, another great choice for this day is A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984). Directed by Wes Craven and starring John Saxon, Ronee Blakley, and Charles Fleischer. A burnt victim has a dark killing desire, especially towards teens. In this film, Freddy Krueger will give you chills.
October 6th
Wolf Man (1941)
This film directed by George Waggner is a parade of amazing legends such as Claude Rains, Bela Lugosi, and Lon Chaney Jr. When Larry, Gwen, and Jenny go a gypsy camp to get their fortunes told by Bela, the son of an old gypsy woman, Bela sees a pentagram in a circle on Jenny’s right hand, which foretells that she is going to be the next victim of a werewolf attack and Bela tells her to flee. Jenny runs through the woods and Larry and Gwen hear a wolf howl followed by Jenny’s screams. Larry runs off to help her, and after a night that he will never forget, he discovers his mysterious destiny.
October 7th
Dracula (1931)
This is your go to movie if you’re interested in vampire movies, with the iconic performance of Bela Lugosi. When Count Dracula moves to a castle in London, he begins sucking the blood of young victims, now it’s the turn of Van Helsing to stop Dracula. Directed by Tod Browning.
October 8th
Jaws (1975)
This horror classic may not be Halloween themed, but it is responsible for a huge sea phobia many people suffer from and, if you haven’t seen it, this gem from Steven Spielberg is a must watch. The beach in the town of Amity Island is not the calmest tourist destination when a shark decides to attack the tourists in the sea, now a ship captain and an ichthyologist must find a way to stop the shark. Steven Spielberg directed this film in 1975 starring Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss.
October 9th
The Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
A great example of film noir, sci-fi, and horror. When the marathon is over, you’ll return to this film. People in the city are suddenly being emotionally transformed, leaving them “dead inside”. A doctor discovers that this disease does not come from this planet. Directed by Don Siegel and starring Kevin McCarthy and Dana Wynter.
October 10th
Saw (2004)
Now let’s go with a new classic before we go back to the older classics. When a couple of guys wake up in a strange room, they discover that they have fallen into the hands of a murderer. Directed by James Wan and starring Carey Elwes, Leigh Whannell, and Danny Glover.
October 11th
Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
This amazing classic horror movie from 1935 directed by James Whale tells the story when Dr. Frankenstein has to build a partner for his previous creation who is still out there, hiding from the people wanting to hurt him.
October 12th
Freaks (1932)
This movie has horror, sci-fi, drama, and a lot of heart. Directed by Tod Browning and starring Olga Baclanova, Leila Hyams, Harry Earles, and Henry Victor. The movie tells a story of love and avarice when a circus trapeze artist marries the dwarf and plans to escape with all of his fortune with Hercules, the muscled performer, but no one in the circus will allow it.
October 13th
Friday The 13th (1980)
On the 13th, of course the movie to watch is Friday the 13th, even though this year the
13th doesn’t fall on a Friday. The movie is about a frightening night that a group of camp counselors experience when they reopen a summer camp, where a grisly murder happened years before, and are stalked by an unknown assailant. This movie directed by Sean S. Cunningham, with Betsy Palmer and Adrienne King, will make your hair stand on end!
October 14th
Tucker & Dale Vs. Evil (2010)
We’re almost half way through, so for this day a horror/comedy is a good fit. When two friends decide to take a vacation, they meet some not so bright college students who mistake the two friends for murderers. Directed by Eli Craig and starring Tyler Labine and Alan Tudyk. But if you still want a horror experience, The Amityville Horror (1979) is a film you’ll enjoy. A family moves to a house with a dark past, and the house itself will let them know. Directed by Stuart Rosenberg and starring James Brolin, Margot Kidder, and Rod Steiger.
October 15th
The Evil Dead (1981)
With this movie, you will experience the classic gore-horror experience! This is the first part of the trilogy written and directed by Sam Raimi. The movie tells the story of a group of friends who decide to spend a vacation at a cabin, but when they discover a book and a tape, the dead come alive and the group of friends must find a way to survive.
October 16th
Hasta El Viento Tiene Miedo (Even the Wind Is Afraid) (1968)
For October 16th, we’ll travel to Mexico. This movie is a classic in the Mexican horror genre and quite scary for sure. A group of girls stay alone at their gigantic boarding school for spring break until they discover they are not as alone as they thought… the spirit of a former student gives them some unexpected company. Directed by Carlos Enrique Taboda and starring Marga López. Watch it and you’ll see why the movie got its title.
October 17th
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
The great John Landis wrote and directed this movie, so good on many levels, so good that Michael Jackson’s Thriller music video was based on this film’s aesthetics and was also directed by John Landis. Starring David Naughton, after being a victim of a horrifying werewolf attack, David begins to have nightmares about running wild through the woods on four feet. And when the next full moon appears, David transforms into a werewolf. This movie will keep you on your toes!
October 18th
The Fly (1958)
If you haven’t seen this movie yet, without a doubt, you are going to want to. Another thrilling 1950s Sci-fi classic. Directed by Kurt Neumann and starring David Hedison and Patricia Owens. This story follows the events after a scientist has a terrible accident with his latest invention, a teleportation machine. When he decides to try it for himself, a fly accidentally enters the compartment with him, transforming him into a man with the physical characteristics of a fly.
October 19th
The Exorcist (1973)
Many claim that The Exorcist is the scariest movie of all time. When a young girl starts behaving in a very unusual way and medical help won’t work, a priest knows exactly who to call to do the job that will free her. Directed by William Friedkin and starring Linda Blair, Max Von Sydow, Ellen Burstyn, and Lee J. Cobb. See for yourself why this film is considered the scariest movie of all time.
October 20th
The Shining (1980)
Many people’s favorite Stanley Kubrick film. A screen adaptation to Stephen King’s novel “The Shining” that will make you afraid of solitude. Jack gets a job looking after a hotel when it closes during the winter season. He takes his family with him to live an unusual family adventure, but it takes another turn when Jack’s isolation becomes a threat to his family. A horror masterpiece directed by Kubrick with amazing performances from Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall.
October 21st
Psycho (1960)
Now is the perfect time for some Alfred Hitchcock, the master of suspense. Many consider Psycho to be his masterpiece, and it is arguably his most famous work. In this movie, Alfred Hitchcock brings to life the Bates Motel, a motel located off the main highway owned by Norman Bates. Marion Crane stays at the Bates Motel for a night under an assumed name. The next day she leaves the hotel and disappears. A private investigator and Marion’s sister, Lila, investigate the cause of her disappearance. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, and John Gavin.
October 22nd
Nosferatu (1922)
A pioneer in the horror era, this movie defined so many aspects of the genre, not to mention, it is awesome. Directed by F.W. Murnau, starring Max Schreck, Alexander Granach, and Greta Schroeder. Following one of the first on-screen vampires as he meets Thomas Hutter, a real estate agent who sells the Count a castle in Transylvania across from Hutter’s own home. When the Count moves in, Hutter feels a dark shadow lurking. Based on a book Hutter read, he begins to believe the Count is a vampire or Nosferatu. When the truth appears, so does the danger.
October 23rd
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
This movie paved the way for what we now know as “zombie films”, a genre of films with a dark subject matter that seek to elicit responses of fear and terror. When the zombie apocalypse arrives, a group of Pennsylvanians barricade themselves in an old farmhouse, but it may not be the best place for them to hide. Directed by George A. Romero, starring Duane Jones and Judith O’Dea.
October 24th
El Santo Contra Las Mujeres Vampiro (Santo Versus the Vampire Woman) (1962)
You’ll be amazed at this Mexican classic that, as you can tell by the title, is perfect for a Halloween marathon. When the daughter of a professor gets kidnapped by woman vampires, he hires a luchador to rescue her. Directed by Alfonso Corona Blake and starring El Santo, Lorena Velázquez, and María Duval.
October 25th
Halloween (1978)
The film for the 25th of the scary Halloween movies marathon month is Halloween! This movie has become an October classic. In this thrilling movie directed by John Carpenter, years after a terrible event happened on a Halloween night, Michael Myers escapes prison to continue his dirty work. Starring Donald Pleasence and Jamie Lee Curtis, this movie is a must see if you’re a Halloween horror fan.
October 26th
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
This is the day to enjoy some zombie action, and the 2000s saw a growth of films in the zombie genre. You shouldn’t trust everyone when it comes to this genre, but with Edgar Wright directing, you know you’ll be safe. With Simon Pegg and Kate Ahfield, this story brings a zombie apocalypse to reality, but the hero is not who you would’ve thought at first.
October 27th
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1919)
This silent German film is considered the first horror movie and one of the best in the genre, directed by Robert Wiene. A truly unique viewing experience with a lot of thrill. It is a movie in which the magic is visible. The amazing story follows a hypnotist that uses a somnambulist to accomplish his dark and twisted agenda.
October 28th
The Birds (1963)
Because we can never get enough Hitchcock. Many say The Birds is his colored masterpiece, this film is made with such genius that it made a phobia of birds possible. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Tippi Hedren, the story follows the romance between Melanie Daniels and Mitch Brenner, when she gives him a pair of love birds as a present, all the birds in town start an attack on everyone who crosses their path.
October 29th
The Thing (1982)
We’re so close! This amazing movie definitely belongs on our scary Halloween movies list! This movie is the favorite of many. Directed by John Carpenter and starring Kurt Russell. A being in the Antartica takes the shape of its victims, the battle with it won’t be an easy task. When you’re done with the movie, you’ll want to watch it again.
October 30th
The Phantom of the Opera (1925)
You’ve reached this far, you deserve to see one of the greatest scary Halloween movies of all time, this adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera is legendary and game changing in storytelling with special effects, make up tricks, and amazing visuals. The Phantom, who lives under the Paris Opera House, has fallen in love with Christine, an unsuccessful opera singer. He tries to help Christine’s fledgling career by threatening to kill Carlotta, the lead in Faust, if she doesn’t hand over her role to Christine. Directed by Rupert Julian and starring Lon Chaney and Mary Philbin. You will be captivated by the unbearable tension of this silent horror film.
October 31st
Tales Of Halloween (2015)
It’s Halloween, and what better movie for this day than a movie about Halloween, set on Halloween, made by Halloween fans. The October Society presents Tales of Halloween. Ten Halloween stories that happen on the same night, each story written and directed by a different horror film director, Darren Lynn Bousman, Neil Marshall, Mike Mendez, Paul Solet, Adam Gierasch, John Skipp & Andrew Kasch, Ryan Schifrin, Lucky McKee, Axelle Carolyn, and Dave Parker. Starring Barry Bostwick, John Landis, Adrianne Curry, Greg Grunberg, Ben Woolf, and Lin Shaye. What a way to finish a scary Halloween movie marathon!
Bonus Scary Halloween Movies List
If you still have the time and the guts to continue watching scary Halloween movies, but are looking for newer films, then enjoy this bonus list.
Caveat (2020)
Directed by Damian McCarthy and starring Ben Caplan, Jonathan French, and Leila Sykes. A man with a memory disease takes a job on a remote island, he has to take care of a woman with psychological problems.
The Columnist (2019)
Directed by Ivo Van Aart, starring Katja Herbers and Achraf Koutet, it follows the story of a digital journalist who decides to eliminate anyone who disagrees with her.
Gaia (2021)
Directed by Jaco Bouwer and starring Monique Rockman. A park ranger encounters a father and a son, whose relationship and behavior seems unusual, especially after the cabin gets attacked.
Now let’s see how many scary Halloween movies were not on your “already watched” list, and how many movies will you be able to see before getting too scared to continue.
