Halloween is the time of year when we relish the thrill of the unknown and embrace the eerie side of life.
What better way to celebrate the season than by immersing yourself in a marathon of horror, thriller, and suspense films? In this article, we’ve handpicked a selection of classic and modern films, along with a dash of foreign flavor, all of which are highly rated and ready to get you screaming, flinching, and maybe even crying.
To make things a little more diverse, we’ve prepared quite the list that includes the classics, some modern must-watch, and some foreign gems you may enjoy.
So, dim the lights, grab the popcorn, phone on Do Not Disturb, and prepare for a cinematic journey through fear and suspense.
The Classics
Psycho (1960)
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Psycho is an iconic piece of cinematic history, known for its groundbreaking contributions to the horror genre.
Alfred Hitchcock’s masterful storytelling, suspenseful pacing, and shocking twist create a timeless experience. The film’s eerie atmosphere and Bernard Herrmann’s unforgettable score have solidified Psycho as one of the most influential horror films ever made.
With its unforgettable performances and unforgettable shower scene, it remains a must-watch for anyone seeking classic horror thrills.
The Shining (1980)
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining is a masterclass in psychological horror. It’s a film that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll, thanks to Jack Nicholson’s unforgettable portrayal of Jack Torrance and the eerie, labyrinthine Overlook Hotel.
Kubrick’s meticulous attention to detail, from the iconic “Here’s Johnny!” scene to the unsettling twins in the hallway, creates an atmosphere of dread that is unparalleled in the horror genre. The Shining is a slow-burning descent into madness, making it a classic that continues to terrify audiences.
The Exorcist (1973)
Director: William Friedkin
Remade many times and with good reason, The Exorcist is a benchmark in horror, a film that left audiences petrified upon its release.
Based on William Peter Blatty’s novel, it tells the tale of a young girl’s demonic possession and the relentless battle to save her soul. William Friedkin’s direction and the exceptional performances, particularly from Linda Blair and Ellen Burstyn, make this a spine-tingling experience.
The film delves into questions of faith, good versus evil, and the limits of human endurance, delivering a chilling and unforgettable narrative that remains relevant and terrifying to this day.
Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
Director: Roman Polanski
Rosemary’s Baby is a psychological horror classic that excels in creating a feeling of paranoia and unease.
The film revolves around a young woman, Rosemary, who suspects that her neighbors have nefarious plans for her unborn child. Roman Polanski’s direction builds a slow-burning tension, making the audience question Rosemary’s sanity as the story unfolds.
The story’s exploration of maternal fear and distrust, coupled with Mia Farrow’s outstanding performance, cements Rosemary’s Baby as a landmark in psychological horror cinema.
Child’s Play (1988)
Director: Tom Holland
Child’s Play is a classic horror film directed by Tom Holland. This iconic movie introduces us to Chucky, the infamous killer doll possessed by the soul of a serial killer. The film blends elements of slasher horror and supernatural terror, creating a suspenseful and chilling atmosphere.
Child’s Play became a cult classic and laid the foundation for a successful horror franchise, making it a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a mix of childhood fears and supernatural thrills.
Modern frights
Get Out (2017)
Director: Jordan Peele
Get Out is a genre-defying gem that tackles complex social issues through the lens of horror.
Jordan Peele’s directorial debut is a thought-provoking and terrifying exploration of racism and exploitation. It combines expertly crafted tension and suspense with a clever social commentary, leaving audiences both shocked and enlightened.
The film’s performances, particularly Daniel Kaluuya’s, and its eerie atmosphere make it a modern classic that invites viewers to ponder the horrors that exist beneath the surface of everyday life.
The Babadook (2014)
Director: Jennifer Kent
The Babadook is a psychological horror tour de force that delves deep into the themes of grief and motherhood.
Jennifer Kent’s film is a slow-burning examination of a mother and her young son’s battle against a malevolent presence that haunts their home. The film’s atmosphere and its brilliantly crafted psychological tension offer a fresh take on the horror genre, making it a standout modern horror film that leaves a lingering sense of dread.
Hereditary (2018)
Director: Ari Aster
Hereditary is a modern masterpiece of psychological horror, delving into the darkest corners of familial relationships and inherited trauma. Ari Aster’s meticulous direction and Toni Collette’s mesmerizing performance create a relentless and unnerving experience.
The film’s horrifying visuals and slow, insidious build of tension contribute to its reputation as one of the most unsettling and memorable horror films of the modern era.
The Witch (2015)
Director: Robert Eggers
The Witch is a period horror piece that transports viewers to 17th-century New England. Robert Eggers’ attention to historical detail and atmospheric storytelling create a sense of creeping dread that intensifies throughout the film. It’s a slow-burning descent into madness and paranoia that immerses viewers in a world where supernatural forces may be all too real.
Midsommar (2019)
Director: Ari Aster
Midsommar is a modern horror masterpiece from director Ari Aster.
This unsettling film follows a group of friends who travel to a remote Swedish village to attend a rare midsummer festival, which takes a dark and bizarre turn. Known for its striking visuals, atmospheric storytelling, and an unforgettable performance by Florence Pugh, Midsommar is a slow-burning descent into a nightmarish cultic world.
It explores themes of grief, relationships, and the eerie side of communal rituals. This film is a must-watch for those who appreciate horror with a unique and artistic twist.
Green Room (2016)
Director: Jeremy Saulnier
Green Room a 2015 American horror-thriller, should top the list for Halloween enthusiasts seeking an intense and gripping cinematic experience.
This nail-biting thriller revolves around a punk rock band inadvertently becoming trapped in a remote venue after stumbling upon a murder. What follows is a harrowing ordeal as the band becomes the prime targets of a gang of white-power skinheads determined to erase all evidence of their crime. Green Room also delivers a timely message, delving into themes of violence, extremism, and the peril posed by hate groups.
Foreign gems
Let the Right One In (2008)
Director: Tomas Alfredson (Sweden)
Let the Right One In is a haunting and poignant Swedish vampire film that seamlessly combines the supernatural with the coming-of-age genre.
Director Tomas Alfredson masterfully captures the loneliness and alienation of childhood, creating a beautiful, atmospheric, and emotionally resonant story of a young boy and the vampire girl who changes his life. It’s a delicate balance of horror and heart, making it a foreign classic that resonates on multiple levels.
The Orphanage (2007)
Director: J.A. Bayona (Spain)
The Orphanage is a Spanish horror film that intertwines supernatural elements with a heartfelt exploration of a mother’s love. Director J.A. Bayona crafts an atmospheric and eerie tale of a woman returning to her childhood home, only to uncover dark secrets and paranormal occurrences. The film’s emotional depth and suspenseful storytelling make it a foreign horror gem well worth experiencing.
Audition (1999)
Director: Takashi Miike (Japan)
Audition is a nightmarish descent into psychological horror directed by the renowned Takashi Miike.
The film starts as a seemingly innocuous romantic drama but gradually descends into a disturbing and grotesque exploration of obsession and cruelty. Miike’s expertly crafted tension, the ambiguity surrounding the characters, and the shocking climax leave audiences deeply unsettled.
Audition is a Japanese horror masterpiece that showcases the director’s ability to subvert expectations and create a lasting sense of dread.
Not a film but…
When you talk about fear and horror, it isn’t always about the jump scares or the scary antagonists, it can also be a creepy quiet kind of scary like David Lynch’s Rabbits.
This surreal and unsettling series takes you on a bizarre journey into the unknown, where characters in rabbit suits engage in cryptic dialogues in a dimly lit room. Lynch’s signature dreamlike storytelling and mysterious symbolism create an eerie atmosphere that will leave you questioning reality. Interestingly, the web series is available to view on YouTube.
Final thoughts
A movie marathon is a good way to close down spooky season before we officially enter the Christmas season and these films are just a few that can help you do just that. What else would you recommend?
