It’s the spookiest time of the year, and that means it’s time to settle in for long nights of horror 🎃
We’ve curated a list of horror films to satisfy every taste – from spine-chilling movies like Candyman to horror films like Smile there’s a spooky film for everyone this October.
Think you can handle suspense, psychological thrillers and chilling supernatural? Here are some films guaranteed to make the hair on the back of your neck stand up.
1. Get Out (2017)
Available on BBC iPlayer
This one’s a must-see horror thriller that flips the genre on its head, and is a gripping as it is thought-provoking. When Chris (Daniel Kaluuya), a young Black man, visits his white girlfriend’s family for the first time, what starts as an uncomfortable weekend quickly spirals into a chilling nightmare as he uncovers the dark secrets hiding beneath the surface. It’s not long before he realises he needs to Get Out.
2. The Relic (1997)
Watch now on BBC iPlayer
Picture this: A homicide detective, Tom Sizemore, joins forces with a brilliant biologist, Penelope Ann Miller, to unravel a series of gruesome murders. It all starts when a mysterious crate of biological specimens arrives at the Chicago Natural History Museum, unleashing real-life monsters. Based on the best-selling horror novel "Relic," this film is a chilling thrill ride you won't want to miss.
3. Smile (2022)
Stream now on Channel 4
Looking for something squeamish, a little unnerving, and some jump scares? Smile will talk all your boxes. After witnessing a bizarre, traumatic incident involving a patient, Dr. Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon) starts experiencing frightening occurrences that she can't quite explain, before starting to slowly lose her mind. It's a scary movie that'll make you look over your shoulder every time you smile.
4. Candyman (2021)
Available on BBC iPlayer
For years, people in Chicago's Cabrini-Green have been whispering about Candyman, a spooky ghost who's said to kill anyone who dares to say his name five times in a mirror. Now, a young artist named Anthony has moved into the old neighbourhood and, well, let's just say he's about to learn the hard way that Candyman might be more than just a scary story.
5. Twins of Evil (1971)
Stream on ITVX
Want a classic horror? We’ve got you covered!
Twins of Evil is a Hammer horror film about identical twin sisters sent to live with their uncle, the leader of a religious sect dedicated to destroying vampires. When one sister falls for a vampire count, a deadly case of mistaken identity erupts, plunging the twins into a dangerous witch hunt.
6. The Company of Wolves (1984)
Steam on ITVX
Get ready for a spine-chilling fairy tale with a dark twist! In this eerie blend of fantasy and gothic horror, Angela Lansbury stars as a grandmother who warns her young granddaughter about the dangers of wolves. But when the girl falls asleep and has a terrifying dream of wolves lurking below her window, she realises that nightmares can sometimes become a terrifying reality.
7. Us (2019)
Available on BBC iPlayer
Jordan Peele knows how to get psychological horror films just right… and by just right we mean enough to remember the creepiness long after you’ve watched it once.
Adelaide (Lupita Nyong'o), haunted by a past trauma, has a bad feeling about everything lately. Her fears come true when a bunch of masked strangers show up at her house, terrorising her, her husband, and their kids. They're all dressed like family members, and when they take off their masks, they realise they are fact their worst nightmare.
8. Bad Hair (2020)
Stream now on Channel 4
Anna's been dreaming of that perfect weave. But when she finally gets one, it turns into a nightmare! The hairdo starts acting all weird and possessive, and it's not just a bad hair day anymore. It's a full-blown (satirical) horror movie!
9. The Mothman Prophecies (2002)
Watch now on ITVX
No horror film list for Halloween would be complete without a chilling thriller based on true events. And this one will have you questioning everythingggg…
After the sudden death of his wife, a grieving journalist (Richard Gere) finds himself a small town plagued by supernatural occurrences and mysterious sightings of moth-like creatures – similar to the one seen by his late wife. Can he unravel the truth about these strange encounters before a tragedy strikes?
10. The Lodge (2019)
Stream now on Channel 4
Want a bone-chilling thriller that'll keep you guessing? Grace (Riley Keough), a woman with a troubled past, is stuck in a creepy, isolated cabin with her fiancé's kids. When their dad leaves, things get really weird. Strange stuff starts happening, and the tension between everyone builds like crazy. It's a suspenseful film that'll have you biting your nails until the very end.
Butttt, not every horror has to be scary, fancy some a bit spooky that doesn't require you to close your eyes? Check out these Halloween family favourites for some light-hearted haunts! 👻
