The ultimate Halloween watchlist

As Halloween arrives on October 31, film fans looking to mark the occasion with a night of scares, supernatural encounters or lighter seasonal entertainment can choose from a mix of horror classics and recent releases.

Whether it is a familiar slasher, a haunted-house story or a film that offers a more playful take on the supernatural, Halloween provides an excuse to revisit some of cinema’s most memorable genre titles. This year’s watchlist also includes several newer films that offer fresh approaches to horror.

Few films are as closely associated with Halloween as John Carpenter’s Halloween (1978). Starring Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode, the slasher follows Michael Myers, who returns to his hometown after escaping from a psychiatric institution. Its use of suspense, atmosphere and an unsettling musical score helped establish the film as a landmark of the genre. It remains a natural choice for anyone looking for a traditional Halloween fright.

Wes Craven’s A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) offers another enduring horror experience. The film introduces Freddy Krueger, a supernatural killer who attacks teenagers through their dreams. Its nightmarish premise and distinctive villain helped turn it into one of the best-known horror franchises.

For viewers in the mood for something more psychologically unsettling, William Friedkin’s The Exorcist (1973) remains a formidable choice. The film follows the possession of a young girl and the attempts to save her through an exorcism. Its lasting influence on supernatural horror has made it a regular fixture on Halloween watchlists.

Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining (1980), starring Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall, takes a different route to terror. Set in the isolated Overlook Hotel, the film follows a writer whose mental state deteriorates while he works as the hotel’s winter caretaker. Its eerie atmosphere and unsettling imagery make it an ideal choice for a slower, more unnerving Halloween night.

Those who would rather keep things spooky than outright frightening can turn to Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice (1988). The dark comedy follows a recently deceased couple who attempt to haunt the new occupants of their former home, with the help of an eccentric supernatural figure. Burton’s distinctive visual style and macabre humour give the film a playful Halloween appeal.

Another option for a family viewing is The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), directed by Henry Selick. The animated film follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who becomes fascinated by Christmas and attempts to bring the holiday to his own world. Its mix of dark fantasy, music and stop-motion animation makes it a seasonal favourite.

For those who have already revisited the familiar titles, 2026 has offered several newer horror films worth considering.

One of the year's notable releases is Obsession, a supernatural horror film that combines frightening moments with dark humour. The story centres on a wish for romantic affection that takes a disturbing turn, transforming an apparently simple desire into a frightening situation. The film has been highlighted among the year's releases for Halloween viewing. 

Another option is 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, the follow-up to 28 Years Later. Directed by Nia DaCosta, the film continues the story of the post-apocalyptic world, with Ralph Fiennes and Jack O’Connell among its cast. Its more graphic approach makes it a choice for viewers who prefer intense horror. 

For fans of haunted-house stories, Hokum offers a more atmospheric experience. Starring Adam Scott, the film follows a novelist who travels to a remote Irish inn to scatter his parents’ ashes. Local stories about a witch and a locked honeymoon suite draw him into a disturbing mystery. 

Ryan Coogler’s Sinners (2025) is another recent title that deserves a place on the list. Starring Michael B Jordan in a dual role, the film follows twin brothers who return to their hometown in Mississippi and open a juke joint, only to encounter a supernatural threat. Blending vampire horror with music and the history of the American South, it offers a distinctive take on the genre. 

Those who enjoy anthology horror can also try V/H/S Halloween (2025). The film brings together a collection of stories linked by Halloween-themed videotapes, turning the familiar traditions of trick-or-treating into a series of violent and unsettling encounters.