Chilling Watchlist: 13 Terrifying Movies and TV Shows to Get You in the Halloween Spirit
As autumnal allure and pumpkin spice aromas have graced us for weeks, the true essence of the eerie season has finally dawned. Perhaps you've already embraced the macabre mood with enchanting selections like “Agatha All Along” on Disney+, the slow-burning “Rosemary’s Baby” prequel “Apartment 7A” on Paramount+, or ventured to theaters for the dazzling and grisly “The Substance.” Worry not, for the spine-chilling offerings continue to abound.
Here's your comprehensive guide to all things spooky this October, both on screens and streams:
Sarah Paulson, a staple in “American Horror Story,” embodies a haunting presence in a period drama that intertwines psychological terror. Set in 1930s Oklahoma, it follows a woman convinced of a sinister entity threatening her family amidst traumatic dust storms. “Hold Your Breath” debuts October 3 on Hulu.
Oscar winner Ariana DeBose headlines this eerie culinary tale of a budding chef launching her first restaurant, only to be thwarted by the spirit of the estate's former owner. Featuring standout star Barbie Ferreira from “Euphoria.” The film premieres October 3 on Prime Video.
Vampires remain ever-fashionable, as Stephen King’s “‘Salem’s Lot” resurfaces. This picturesque Maine town faces a bloodsucker invasion. After two outdated TV miniseries, the new film promises a sleek, terrifying adaptation. “‘Salem’s Lot” arrives on October 3 on Max, a Warner Bros. Discovery property.
The PG-13-rated adventure, tinged with “Stranger Things” nostalgia, features kids in Martha’s Vineyard joining a retired cop (Mel Gibson) to unearth monstrous forces invading their island. Watch for Patrick Renna of “Sandlot” fame as a baseball umpire. “Monster Summer” premieres in cinemas on October 4.
The newest installment in the chilling found-footage saga “V/H/S” takes a sci-fi turn, presenting six bone-chilling tales that “push the boundaries of fear and suspense,” as per IMDb. “V/H/S/Beyond” hits Shudder on October 4.
Starring Dylan O’Brien, “Caddo Lake” unfolds the mystery of a young girl’s vanishing on the ominous lake, linking past enigmas to her fate. If you're afraid of what lurks beneath the surface, this film might not be for you—or perhaps it should be. “Caddo Lake” debuts on Max on October 10.
Echoing “Hold Your Breath” sans the historical aspect, “Teacup” follows rural Georgia neighbors trapped on a farm confronting an unstoppable threat. The gas-masked figure alone elevates the creepiness. Starring Scott Speedman and Yvonne Strahovski. The series premieres on Peacock on October 10.
The most grotesque title here, “Terrifier 3” continues the bloody trail of Art the Clown, wreaking havoc before Christmas, joining the ranks of Christmas horror (think “Krampus,” but gorier). If sequel math holds true, this will redefine “stomach-churning.” Beware. “Terrifier 3” slashes into theaters on October 11.
In the vein of terrifying sequels, “Smile 2” builds on 2022’s eerie premise—a demonic force causing victims to smile before meeting grisly ends—now set in the glamorous life of a rising pop star (Naomi Scott). Look for Drew Barrymore and Lukas Gage. “Smile 2” hits theaters on October 18.
This self-aware title channels films like “Jennifer’s Body,” chronicling a grisly occult murder aftermath, as a struggling high school metal band seeks to capitalize by posing as a Satanic group. Naturally, chaos ensues. The series debuts on Peacock on October 18.
The original “Saw” shocked audiences 20 years ago, introducing the devious Jigsaw killer, spawning nine sequels of bloody mayhem. Relive the origins with stars Cary Elwes and Tobin Bell. “Saw” Unrated returns to theaters on October 20 and October 23.
The trailer reveals little about this ominous film, save for an ill-fated individual (Kelsey Asbille) with 20 minutes to flee a killer in the woods before succumbing to a paralytic agent. Think of Michelle Pfeiffer’s terrifying scene in “What Lies Beneath.” Co-starring Finn Wittrock, co-produced by Sam Raimi. “Don’t Move” streams on Netflix on October 25.
A quirky rom-com/horror hybrid, “Your Monster” follows a heartbroken woman (Melissa Barrera) who finds a charming beast in her closet. Expect a blend of “Beauty and the Beast” with a therapeutic twist on overcoming monstrous exes. “Your Monster” roars into theaters on October 25.
