From classic horror films to under-the-radar horror movies, our editors have rounded up our top ten favorite horror movies of all time. Grab your favorite Halloween candy and settle in, because no matter what streaming service you subscribe to, we’ve got the best horror movies (and a few not-so-scary picks!) to get you in the mood for the spooky season. 

 

Best Horror Movies on Amazon Prime

One of our favorite Amazon Prime benefits is the included access to their database of horror flicks this time of year! If you’re looking for the best horror movies on Amazon Prime, we’ve got two of our top picks that you don’t want to miss! Prime memberships start at $14.99 per month, but you can sign up for a free 30-day trial before you commit.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

Our editor Jason places this classic horror movie at the top of his favorite Halloween watch list. When a chance detour finds a group of friends face-to-face with a chain-saw-wielding maniac and his murderously depraved family, they have to do anything they can to stay alive. With an 89% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, viewers love this low-budget classic for its script and creative camerawork.

Talk to Me (2023)

Where are the scary Halloween movie lovers? Our editor Christina has a can’t-miss watch at the top of her list for you! This 2023 Australian horror thriller follows a group of teenagers who discover how to conjure spirits through the use of an embalmed hand. What starts out as a party game turns into something much more sinister as they begin to take things too far. Christina loved this film for its compelling storyline that's deeply rooted in the horror classics. Rent it now on Amazon Prime for $5.99. 

The Best Halloween Movies on Shudder

Launched in 2015, Shudder is the ultimate streaming service for horror lovers. Specializing in strictly horror films and content, it’s the best place to find new and classic horror films. Try a free 7-day trial today. The subscription will renew automatically for $5.99, but you can cancel at any time.

Halloween (1978)

The classic John Carpenter film tops the “must-watch” list for our editor, Melissa. And I have to agree with her, it’s easily one of the best! Nothing says “Halloween” quite like the slow stalk of slasher Michael Meyers as he terrorizes the town of Haddonfield, Illinois. It wouldn’t be a true Halloween movie marathon if this one wasn’t in the rotation!

Deadstream (2022)

One of Christina’s favorite horror watches in recent years, Deadstream tells the tale of a disgraced YouTuber trying to regain his followers by live-streaming himself in an abandoned haunted house. When he accidentally unleashes an evil spirit, his quest for clout turns into a fight for his life. Equal parts hilarious as it is frightening, Deadstream is an under-the-radar pick that you do not want to miss. 

 

The Best Halloween Movies on Netflix

As the granddaddy of streaming services, Netflix is still one of our favorite places to catch original Halloween series and spooky movies. While they do not currently offer free trials, Netflix subscriptions start at $6.99 and can be canceled at any time.

The Haunting of Hill House (2018)

While not exactly a movie, we couldn’t talk about Netflix horror movies without including this spooky series on our list. This binge-able series follows four siblings as they navigate their lives after growing up in the most famous haunted house in the country. One part gripping family drama and one part supernatural horror, this series is equal parts tear-jerker and terrifying. 

Creep (2014) & Creep 2 (2017)

Our editor Dana calls these two films out as some of the most underrated Halloween movies, and we have to agree with her. Creep is a found-footage film that follows a struggling videographer who travels to a remote cabin to film a video diary as a project for an eccentric new client. When his client’s behavior becomes increasingly more disturbing, the result is a film that will keep you on the edge of your seat. While technically not the slasher or spiritually-driven film you expect to see at Halloween, these films will definitely give you the creeps (pun fully intended). 

The Best Halloween Movies on Disney+

No frights here! For family-friendly Halloween movies, Disney+  is the go-to service to stream all of our kiddo-approved Halloween favorites. You can score a Disney+ membership bundled with Hulu starting at $9.99 per month.

Hocus Pocus (1993) 

For a Halloween movie that ranks low on the fright meter, our editor Lindsay ranks Hocus Pocus as one of her family’s favorites. In Salem, Massachusetts, the witchy Sanderson sisters are accidentally set free by out-of-towner new kid, Max. With the help of his sister Dani, their new friend Allison, and a magic cat named Binx, Max must stop them before they take the souls of all the children in Salem to obtain immortality. 

Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

‘Tis the season to begin the age-old debate: is The Nightmare Before Christmas a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? In this Henry Selleck-directed classic, the king of Halloweentown, Jack Skellington, has a new awakening when he finds himself immersed in the jolly glow of Christmastown. He sets out on a plan to kidnap Santa Claus and take over his role. We unanimously agree this film is totally appropriate for viewing from October through December.

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The Best Horror Movies on Hulu

After you’ve got the kiddos settled to bed, hop over to Hulu to turn up the terror with two of our favorite picks. New and eligible Hulu subscribers can sign up for one month for free. After your trial, your membership renews at $7.99 per month, but you can cancel anytime.

The Shining (1980)

Creepy Hotel? Check. Homicidal Jack Nicolson? Check. Psychic premonitions of impending doom? Check, check, and check. This Stanley Kubrick classic movie gets high marks all around from our editors. From the desolate setting of the Overlook Hotel to the iconically bloody hallway scene, this movie screams Halloween (and ‘Redrum’!) 

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019)

Based on the children’s book series of the same name, this movie is one that strikes a nostalgic cord with some of our editors. But even those unfamiliar with the source material will appreciate this pick for its classic ghost story vibe. It’s 1968, and a group of friends navigate through the haunted Bellows mansion and stumble upon the sinister storybook of local legend Sarah Bellows. When her stories leap off the page into reality, the friends find themselves in a scary story that is all their own.