As Halloween creeps closer, it’s time to immerse yourself in the spooky spirit by diving into some truly bone-chilling films and series. Whether you’re into psychological terrors, supernatural frights, or twisted tales of human horror, these 10 picks will keep you on the edge of your seat all night long. Let’s get started!
#10 Salem’s Lot (2024)
Adapted from Stephen King’s chilling novel, Salem’s Lot is a horror classic that is set in the eerie small town of Jerusalem’s Lot, it follows a writer who returns home, only to discover that the town’s residents are being turned into vampires. The slow-burn atmosphere and haunting visuals keep viewers gripped, building to a terrifying conclusion. It’s the perfect watch for fans of vintage horror with an unsettling gothic vibe.
#9 Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities (2022)
This anthology series is a love letter to the eerie and bizarre, directed by the master of the macabre, Guillermo del Toro. Cabinet of Curiosities brings together an eclectic mix of directors and writers to tell uniquely horrifying stories—each one more unsettling than the last. From haunted artifacts to sinister, otherworldly creatures, del Toro’s eye for the grotesque and beautiful shines throughout. It’s a journey into the unknown that’s both terrifying and thought-provoking.
#8 The Twilight Zone (Season 2, 2020)
Few series have influenced the horror genre more than The Twilight Zone, and the rebooted 2020 version carries on that tradition. Season 2 offers an anthology of chilling, thought-provoking stories that explore the human condition, often through the lens of sci-fi and horror. In this season, episodes like “You Might Also Like” and “Meet in the Middle” remind us that terror doesn’t always come from monsters; sometimes, it comes from within. The blend of eerie storytelling and social commentary makes this series perfect for those who love a little food for thought with their fright.
#7 Oddity (2024)
When her sister dies, a blind storekeeper goes on a quest to find out who her killer is. Oddity is one of those rare horror movies that make use of silence and sound to create an atmosphere of menace that will spook you out.
#6 Talk to Me (2022)
One of the most chilling entries in recent horror, Talk to Me introduces a new kind of ghost story. When a group of teenagers discover a way to contact spirits through an embalmed hand, they treat it as a game—until the spirits they summon start to take control. The film’s raw, unflinching portrayal of grief and loss is paired with terrifying possession sequences that will leave you breathless. It’s a contemporary horror that mixes emotional weight with visceral scares.
#5 What you wish for (2024)
A failing chef seizes an unexpected opportunity by stepping into the life of a former acquaintance, a personal chef for an elite clientele. However, as he becomes entangled in their dark secrets, he realizes he’s in over his head and must find a way to break free before it’s too late.
#4 Evil Dead Rise (2023)
The Evil Dead franchise has always been known for its gory, over-the-top horror, and Evil Dead Rise does not disappoint. Set in a high-rise apartment building, this latest installment reinvents the series while still paying homage to its roots. A single mother must protect her children from demonic forces unleashed by the infamous Necronomicon. Expect buckets of blood, frantic pacing, and some of the most inventive horror sequences in recent years.
#3 Smile (2022)
Smile is a masterclass in building dread. The film centers on a psychiatrist who becomes haunted by a malevolent entity after witnessing a bizarre patient suicide. The curse spreads through smiling, creating one of the most terrifying horror visuals in recent memory. The psychological tension builds to unbearable heights as the protagonist spirals deeper into paranoia, unsure if what she’s seeing is real or the product of her unraveling mind.
#2 Apartment 7A (2024)
In Apartment 7A, paranoia reigns supreme. A young woman moves into a mysterious apartment building where the neighbors are far too friendly, and strange noises echo from the walls. The tension is amplified as she uncovers dark secrets that threaten her sanity. This film captures the claustrophobic fear of urban living, turning the familiar setting of a city apartment into a nightmarish labyrinth of paranoia and dread.
#1 In a Violent Nature (2024)
Topping the list is In a Violent Nature, an intense and gritty survival horror set in the remote wilderness. A group retreat takes a horrifying turn when they’re hunted by something primal and dangerous lurking in the woods. The film is a tense exploration of fear, nature’s brutality, and the lengths people will go to survive. With its minimalist setting and relentless pace, In a Violent Nature is both visually stunning and terrifying.
Get your popcorn ready and dim the lights, because these 10 terrifying tales will make this Halloween a season to remember. Each offers a unique flavor of fear, from psychological dread to supernatural scares, so pick your favorite, or watch them all—if you dare!