Whether it’s an old classic, a modern chiller, or simply something to scare you this Halloween, take a look at our picks to chill the blood!
Being a horror fan, Halloween is my kind of thing. No, I don’t mean I go out trick or treating (I’m 53 and disabled, for god’s sake!). I mean sitting down in a darkened living room or cinema and allowing myself to experience something that is scary and enjoyable. No lights, no fear, no mercy. Just a solid month of horror movies culminating with a marathon of the Halloween franchise from sun-up to sundown on October 31st. But watching Michael Myers slicing and dicing isn’t for everyone. Some people need something different to me. As such, allow me to offer you a selection of titles that are either at the cinema now or are available on streaming.
HERETIC (IN CINEMAS)
When two missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints attempt to convert a Scottish man, it turns out to be far more dangerous than they could have expected. Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, and Chloe East star in a movie that has been widely acclaimed ahead of its release this weekend, with praise going to Grant for his creepy and frightening performance. (Read our review here.)
TERRIFIER 3 (IN CINEMAS)
On the days leading up to Christmas, the story follows Sienna Shaw as she attempts to rebuild her life. At the same time, Art the Clown is pursuing her alongside his new accomplice, a possessed Victoria Heyes. Strong stomachs are needed for this third chapter in the Terrifier franchise due to violence, blood, gore and frights. You may never take a shower again! (Read our review here.)
SMILE 2 (IN CINEMAS)
A sequel to Smile (2022), the film stars Naomi Scott as a pop star who begins to experience a series of increasingly disturbing events as she is about to go on tour. The movie is more involved, more scary and more gruesome than the original film, thanks to an outstanding performance from Naomi Scott. (Read our review here.)
BEETLEJUICE, BEETLEJUICE (IN CINEMAS AND AVAILABLE ON PVOD)
Set more than three decades after the first Beetlejuice, it follows Lydia Deetz, now a mother, struggling to keep her family together in the wake of a loss as the spectre Betelgeuse returns to haunt her. Ok, so the film is more of a comedy than a scary movie. But it does contain some scenes that may make you feel a bit queasy. (Read our review here.)
THE SUBSTANCE (IN CINEMAS AND ON MUBI FROM OCTOBER 31ST)
A satirical body horror film written, directed, and co-produced by Coralie Fargeat. It follows a fading celebrity (Demi Moore) who uses a black-market drug that creates a much younger version of herself (Margaret Qualley) with unexpected side effects. Again, strong stomachs are needed for some of what the film contains. But it is also possibly one of the best films of the year. (Read our review here.)
STREAMING
The streaming services are offering a wide variety of horror movies on their sites. Paramount+ has a selection which includes the first three Scream movies, certain Friday The 13th offerings, and Halloween: The Curse Of Michael Myers. Rosemary’s Baby and its newly-released prequel, Apartment 7A and many more that will give you a good fright or two.
Prime Video has a selection which includes the Sydney Sweeney movie Immaculate, the classic Fright Night, the Hammer horror Dracula, the killer teddy bear frightener Imaginary, Carrie and its remake, Child’s Play and its remake, Halloween II (1981), and Invasion Of The Body Snatchers to name but a few.
Netflix has a huge selection to choose from including the 2018 Halloween and its sequels. The original Smile, the first three SAW movies, Ghost Ship, The Babadook, Zombieland and Zombieland: Double Tap. Talk To Me (read our review here), four of the Final Destination movies and Baghead to name a few.
There is also a great selection of free horror movies that you can watch without a subscription on the Pluto TV, Freevee, Rakuten TV and TUBI apps.
TO RENT OR BUY ON DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
If you want to rent or buy some of the latest scary movies at home, you could grab Alien: Romulus (read our review here), Longlegs (read our review here), Speak No Evil (read our review here), Coraline, The Last Voyage Of The Demeter, Never Let Go (read our review here), The Fog, They Live, Sleepy Hollow, IT, Evil Dead Rise (read our review here), the original Halloween, Sting, or for the whole family, the Ghostbusters 5-Film Collection. You can buy or rent these at Apple TV+, Prime Video, Rakuten TV, Sky Store or your preferred retailer.
There’s plenty to keep you creeped out, scared, frightened and completely entertained this Halloween. But what is that behind the curtains, under the floorboards, peeking through the window, creeping about upstairs, or behind the sofa???
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
