Skip to main content
TechRadar TechRadar the technology experts
SG EditionSingapore
DK EditionDanmark FI EditionSuomi NO EditionNorge SE EditionSverige UK EditionUK IT EditionItalia NL EditionNederland BE (NL) EditionBelgië (Nederlands) FR EditionFrance DE EditionDeutschland ES EditionEspaña
US EditionUS (English) CA EditionCanada MX EditionMéxico
AU EditionAustralia NZ EditionNew Zealand
RSS
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Phones
    • Popular Phone Brands
      • iPhone
      • Samsung Galaxy
      • Google Pixel
      • Nothing
      • Motorola
      • OnePlus
      • Xiaomi
      • Honor
      • Oppo
      • Huawei
    • Operating Systems
      • Android
      • iOS
    • More from Phones
      • Network Carriers
      • Phone Accessories
      • Phone Reviews
      • Phone Buying Guides
      • Phone Deals
      • Phone Coupons
      • Phone News
  • Computing
    • Laptops
      • Chromebooks
      • MacBooks
      • Windows Laptops
      • Gaming Laptops
    • PCs
      • Desktop PCs
      • Macs
      • Gaming PCs
    • Software & Security
      • Windows
      • macOS
      • Windows 10 End of Life
      • Antivirus
      • Cyber Security
    • Components
      • CPUs
      • GPUs
      • Storage
      • Nvidia
      • Intel
    • Internet
      • Websites & Apps
      • Wi-Fi & Broadband
      • Social Media
      • Wordle
    • Tablets
      • eReaders
      • iPad
    • VR & AR
    • Peripherals
      • Monitors
      • Keyboards
      • Webcams
      • Mice
    • Popular Computing Brands
      • Dell
      • HP
      • Lenovo
      • Acer
    • More from Computing
      • Computing Reviews
      • Computing Buying Guides
      • Computing Deals
      • Computing Coupons
      • Computing News
  • AI
    • AI Platforms & Assistants
    • OpenAI
    • ChatGPT
    • Gemini
    • Apple Intelligence
    • Claude
  • TVs
    • TV Insights
      • TV Reviews
      • TV Buying Guides
      • TV Deals
      • TV News
      • TVs & home theater coupons
    • More for your TV
      • Home Theatre
      • Soundbars
      • Streaming Devices
      • Projectors
      • Blu-ray
  • Streaming
    • Entertainment
    • Netflix
    • Prime Video
    • Disney+
    • Apple TV+
    • HBO Max
    • Hulu
    • Paramount+
    • How to Watch
    • Streaming coupons
  • Fitness
    • Fitness
      • Smartwatches
      • Fitness Trackers
      • Exercise Equipment
      • Fitness Headphones
      • Fitness Apps
      • Smart Rings
    • Watch Brands
      • Apple Watch
      • Fitbit
      • Garmin
      • Google Pixel Watch
      • Samsung Galaxy Watch
    • Wellbeing
      • Sleep
      • Oral Health
    • More from Fitness
      • Fitness News
      • Fitness Reviews
      • Fitness Buying Guides
      • Fitness Deals
      • Fitness coupons
  • Audio
    • Headphones
      • Earbuds & AirPods
      • Wireless Headphones
    • Speakers
      • Wireless Speakers
      • Sonos
    • Hi-Fi
      • Turntables
      • Portable Players
      • DACs
    • Audio Streaming
      • Spotify
      • Apple Music
    • More from Audio
      • Audio News
      • Audio Reviews
      • Audio Buying Guides
      • Audio Deals
      • Audio coupons
  • VPN
    • VPN Services
    • VPN Security
    • ExpressVPN
    • NordVPN
  • Cameras
    • Camera Types
      • Mirrorless
      • DSLRs
      • Compact
      • Action
      • Video
      • Drones
      • 360 Cameras
      • Dash Cams
    • Camera Brands
      • Canon
      • DJI
      • Fujifilm
      • Nikon
      • GoPro
      • Insta360
    • More from Cameras
      • Camera Accessories
      • Camera Lenses
      • Camera Reviews
      • Camera Buying Guides
      • Camera Deals
      • Camera News
      • Photography
      • Camera coupons
  • Home
    • Smart Home
      • Home Security
      • Smart Speakers
      • Smart Lights
      • Smart Scales
      • Smart Thermostats
      • Amazon Echo
    • Small Appliances
      • Air Fryers
      • Air Quality
      • Coffee Machines
      • Hair Care
      • Vacuums
      • Robot Vacuums
    • Home Brands
      • Dyson
      • Philips Hue
      • Ring
      • Shark
      • Ninja
    • More from Home
      • Home Reviews
      • Home Buying Guides
      • Home Deals
      • Home News
      • Mattress coupons
      • Home & appliances coupons
  • EVs
  • Browse
    • By Type
      • News
      • Best
      • Reviews
      • Deals
      • Versus
      • How To
      • Opinion
      • Coupons
    • Popular Brands
      • Samsung
      • Sony
      • Microsoft
      • Apple
Tech Radar Pro Tech Radar Gaming
  • Phones
    • View Phones
      • iPhone
      • Samsung Galaxy
      • Google Pixel
      • Nothing
      • Motorola
      • OnePlus
      • Xiaomi
      • Honor
      • Oppo
      • Huawei
      • Android
      • iOS
      • Network Carriers
      • Phone Accessories
      • Phone Reviews
      • Phone Buying Guides
      • Phone Deals
      • Phone Coupons
      • Phone News
  • Computing
    • View Computing
    • Laptops
      • View Laptops
      • Chromebooks
      • MacBooks
      • Windows Laptops
      • Gaming Laptops
      • Desktop PCs
      • Macs
      • Gaming PCs
    • Software & Security
      • View Software & Security
      • Windows
      • macOS
      • Windows 10 End of Life
      • Antivirus
      • Cyber Security
    • Components
      • View Components
      • CPUs
      • GPUs
      • Storage
      • Nvidia
      • Intel
    • Internet
      • View Internet
      • Websites & Apps
      • Wi-Fi & Broadband
      • Social Media
      • Wordle
    • Tablets
      • View Tablets
      • eReaders
      • iPad
    • VR & AR
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Monitors
      • Keyboards
      • Webcams
      • Mice
      • Dell
      • HP
      • Lenovo
      • Acer
      • Computing Reviews
      • Computing Buying Guides
      • Computing Deals
      • Computing Coupons
      • Computing News
  • AI
    • View AI
    • AI Platforms & Assistants
    • OpenAI
    • ChatGPT
    • Gemini
    • Apple Intelligence
    • Claude
  • TVs
    • View TVs
      • TV Reviews
      • TV Buying Guides
      • TV Deals
      • TV News
      • TVs & home theater coupons
      • Home Theatre
      • Soundbars
      • Streaming Devices
      • Projectors
      • Blu-ray
  • Streaming
    • View Streaming
    • Entertainment
    • Netflix
    • Prime Video
    • Disney+
    • Apple TV+
    • HBO Max
    • Hulu
    • Paramount+
    • How to Watch
    • Streaming coupons
  • Fitness
    • View Fitness
      • Smartwatches
      • Fitness Trackers
      • Exercise Equipment
      • Fitness Headphones
      • Fitness Apps
      • Smart Rings
      • Apple Watch
      • Fitbit
      • Garmin
      • Google Pixel Watch
      • Samsung Galaxy Watch
      • Sleep
      • Oral Health
      • Fitness News
      • Fitness Reviews
      • Fitness Buying Guides
      • Fitness Deals
      • Fitness coupons
  • Audio
    • View Audio
    • Headphones
      • View Headphones
      • Earbuds & AirPods
      • Wireless Headphones
    • Speakers
      • View Speakers
      • Wireless Speakers
      • Sonos
    • Hi-Fi
      • View Hi-Fi
      • Turntables
      • Portable Players
      • DACs
    • Audio Streaming
      • View Audio Streaming
      • Spotify
      • Apple Music
      • Audio News
      • Audio Reviews
      • Audio Buying Guides
      • Audio Deals
      • Audio coupons
  • VPN
    • View VPN
    • VPN Services
    • VPN Security
    • ExpressVPN
    • NordVPN
  • Cameras
    • View Cameras
      • Mirrorless
      • DSLRs
      • Compact
      • Action
      • Video
      • Drones
      • 360 Cameras
      • Dash Cams
      • Canon
      • DJI
      • Fujifilm
      • Nikon
      • GoPro
      • Insta360
      • Camera Accessories
      • Camera Lenses
      • Camera Reviews
      • Camera Buying Guides
      • Camera Deals
      • Camera News
      • Photography
      • Camera coupons
  • Home
    • View Home
    • Smart Home
      • View Smart Home
      • Home Security
      • Smart Speakers
      • Smart Lights
      • Smart Scales
      • Smart Thermostats
      • Amazon Echo
    • Small Appliances
      • View Small Appliances
      • Air Fryers
      • Air Quality
      • Coffee Machines
      • Hair Care
      • Vacuums
      • Robot Vacuums
      • Dyson
      • Philips Hue
      • Ring
      • Shark
      • Ninja
      • Home Reviews
      • Home Buying Guides
      • Home Deals
      • Home News
      • Mattress coupons
      • Home & appliances coupons
  • EVs
  • Browse
    • View Browse
      • News
      • Best
      • Reviews
      • Deals
      • Versus
      • How To
      • Opinion
      • Coupons
      • Samsung
      • Sony
      • Microsoft
      • Apple
Tech Radar Pro Tech Radar Gaming
Don't miss these
Trending
  • ChatGPT 5.2
  • Gift guides
  • Best laptop
  • Best web hosting
  • NYT Wordle today
  • Best VPN
  • Windows 10 end of life
  1. Streaming

13 scary movies to stream and make you scream this Halloween

News
By Kevin Oliver published 30 October 2015

No guts, no gory

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Movies to make you scream

Movies to make you scream

It's that time of year again, when we willingly submit ourselves to bouts of terror and dread, all for the sake of avoiding the increasingly chilly autumn winds.

Indeed, Halloween is a "hallowed" time for watching movies with those we love. From campy and corny to gruesome and gory (call me Dr. Seuss,) nothing says fun like a Halloween flick. However, choosing from the bounty of frightening films can be a ghastly thing.

To make your life easier, I've picked the 13 essential Halloween film to watch or rewatch this unholiest of holidays on Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hulu Plus. The movies are listed in no particular order and are a mixture of fun, scary and occasionally brain-dead entertainment.

I will include a "fright-o-meter" for each film, measuring the terror of the flick on a scale of one to five Donald Trumps (or Trumpkins, because why not have fun with it?) The fright level will be about more than jump scares and gore, but will take into account the suspense and horror that the film builds.

Also, since this is a list about movies and this is the internet, you will undoubtedly disagree with most of my choices and probably respond with some witty memes or insults. I thank you in advance for the laughs. Let's get started.

Page 1 of 14
Page 1 of 14
Night of the Living Dead

Night of the Living Dead

Streaming service where you'll find it: Amazon Prime (US/UK)

It's hard to top a classic. George A. Romero's iconic zombie horror flick is the perfect film to watch this Halloween season. Night of the Living Dead not only inspired an entire genre of horror, but also still stands as a culturally relevant and entertaining film.

Night of the Living Dead offers us everything we want from a Halloween movie: blood, guts and classic campy fun. You can't go wrong with this one on October 31.

Fright level = 4/5 Trumpkins

Page 2 of 14
Page 2 of 14
American Psycho

American Psycho

Streaming service where you'll find it: Netflix (US)

Netflix undoubtedly has the widest variety of fantastic films to watch this Halloween season, starting with this hilarious and sinister horror-comedy starring Christian Bale and directed by Mary Harron.

This film is based on Bret Easton Ellis's 1991 novel of the same name and follows a well-off Manhattan investment banker who moonlights as a dark-humored serial killer. Sounds fun, right? If you're in the mood for an enthralling creepy film with some scathing social satire, grab the candy corn and watch Christian Bale deliver his iconic, unsettling performance as Patrick Bateman.

Fright level = 3/5 Trumpkins

Page 3 of 14
Page 3 of 14
The Nightmare Before Christmas

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Streaming service where you'll find it: Netflix (US)

It just doesn't get any more perfect for Halloween than this. Tim Burton's classic stop-motion film, directed by Henry Selik is a picture people of all ages can enjoy this season.

The dark musical follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town who finds a portal to Christmas Town and proceeds to celebrate the occasion. This is hands down one of the greatest Halloween films ever made, with infectious tunes and twisted dark humor.

If you've never seen this movie, watch it this Halloween and then again at Christmas. You've got some serious catching up to do.

Fright level = 1/5 Trumpkins

Page 4 of 14
Page 4 of 14
The Blair Witch Project

The Blair Witch Project

Streaming service where you'll find it: Hulu Plus (US) / Netflix (UK)

Sorry to break it to you Hulu users, but generally speaking you're better off binge-watching American Horror Story than searching for worthwhile horror flicks. That being said, Hulu subscribers do have access to one of the best found-footage films ever made: The Blair Witch Project.

While this movie is almost a sin because it kicked off the overused trope eventually seen in every Paranormal Activity movies (yawn), Blair Witch did found-footage right. The film follows three student filmmakers in Burkittsville, Maryland who are filming a documentary on Blair Witch, a local legend.

The Blair Witch Project stands as one of the most successful independent films of all time, as well as a deeply unsettling and suspenseful horror movie. If you've never seen it, it's absolutely worth a view.

Fright level = 3.5/5 Trumpkins

Page 5 of 14
Page 5 of 14
The Babadook

The Babadook

Streaming service where you'll find it: Netflix (US/UK)

For any true fan of the horror genre, the Australian film The Babadook is absolutely essential viewing.

What made The Babadook so brilliant is that it throws away the cheap jump scares that plague horror films today and replaces it with a well-written, deeply unnerving story about a mother and her son. Without ruining it, I will say that The Babadook completely reinvents what it means to experience a monster movie.

Admittedly, this isn't for everyone. It's not a film for cheap thrills or laughable horror-comedy tropes. The Babadook is a well thought out, incredibly disturbing psychological thriller that is, in my opinion, the new benchmark for modern monster horror.

Fright level = 5/5 Trumpkins

Page 6 of 14
Page 6 of 14
Gremlins

Gremlins

Streaming service where you'll find it: Amazon Prime (US)

What can I say? It's the Gremlins.

If you (somehow) haven't seen this film, just watch it and thank me later.

Fright level = 2/5 Trumpkins

Page 7 of 14
Page 7 of 14
Silence of the Lambs

Silence of the Lambs

Streaming service where you'll find it: Netflix (US)

Silence of the Lambs isn't what you think of when you hear the phrase "Halloween movie." There's no over-the-top gore or spooky mythical monster. Instead, this Academy Award-winning film is a deeply chilling psychological thriller that will leave you speechless long after the credits have rolled.

This film features Anthony Hopkins' iconic cannibalistic psychopath, Hannibal Lecter, as an advisor to a young FBI hopeful on her search for a deranged serial killer named Buffalo Bill. While this may not be your classic Halloween flick, Silence of the Lambs embodies the nuance of horror in every sense of the word and is well worth the watch.

Fright level = 4/5 Trumpkins

Page 8 of 14
Page 8 of 14
The Sixth Sense

The Sixth Sense

Streaming service where you'll find it: Netflix (US)

The Sixth Sense, M. Night Shyamalan's first film, came out in 1999 and to this day stands as a pillar of the thriller/suspense genre.

The story revolves around a young boy who is plagued with visions of ghosts that no one else can see, eventually opening up to a child psychologist. From there, the film takes several twists and turns, culminating in the most shocking twist ending since The Empire Strikes Back.

For anyone looking for a truly great film, with a compelling ghost story and thrilling finale, The Sixth Sense should absolutely be on your list.

Fright level = 2/5 Trumpkins

Page 9 of 14
Page 9 of 14
The Addams Family

The Addams Family

Streaming service where you'll find it: Netflix (US/UK)

Wait, Doc Brown is Uncle Fester? Count me in!

Seriously, this movie is a blast. Basically everyone is familiar the kooky Addams family we've come to know and love, and to me this film is criminally underrated.

If you're looking for a fun, unique and hilariously dark comedy to kill a few hours with this 31st, you absolutely can't go wrong with The Addams Family.

Fright level = 1.5/5 Trumpkins

Page 10 of 14
Page 10 of 14
Let the Right One In

Let the Right One In

Streaming service where you'll find it: Netflix (US)

The Swedish romantic horror film called Let the Right One In just may be the most unique horror film I've seen.

The film focuses on the relationship between a young boy named Oskar and his new, mysterious neighbor named Eli in a winding modern interpretation of a vampire story.

Yes, you will have to read subtitles to get the dialogue, but this film is a breath of fresh air to the vampire genre. I highly recommended it.

Fright level = 3.5/5 Trumpkins

Page 11 of 14
Page 11 of 14
Tucker and Dale vs. Evil

Tucker and Dale vs. Evil

Streaming service where you'll find it: Netflix (US/UK)

Tucker and Dale vs. Evil is, well, just plain fun.

For those not in the know, the premise is this: two men, Tucker and Dale, are mistaken by a group of clueless college students for murdering hillbillies. Somehow, it only gets crazier from there.

The flick enjoys a well-earned 84% on Rotten Tomatoes and is, in my opinion, the most fun to be had on any streaming service. There's heart, scares and plenty of laughs to go around in this one.

Fright level = 3/5 Trumpkins

Page 12 of 14
Page 12 of 14
Scream

Scream

Streaming service where you'll find it: Amazon Prime (US) / Netflix (UK)

Directed by the late, great horror master Wes Craven, Scream is the quintessential slasher.

We all know the story: a deranged man with an affinity for horror flicks is stalking the citizens of the quaint town of Woodsboro and slashing them to bits. The classic campy feel and horrifying kills combine to make an instant classic.

It's excellent, mindless fun for the Halloween season, brought to life by one of the most inventive directors in the horror genre. Scream is a guaranteed hit at your Halloween parties for decades to come.

Fright level = 4.5/5 Trumpkins

Page 13 of 14
Page 13 of 14
Rosemary's Baby

Rosemary's Baby

Streaming service where you'll find it: Netflix (US)

Other than Psycho, Rosemary's Baby is arguably the most iconic horror film ever made. Directed by the revolutionary Roman Polanski, this film has somehow remained relevant nearly 50 years after its release. It's even preserved in the National Film Registry at the Library of Congress.

This film delves into dark places, including child sacrifice, and is sure to upset and frighten you down to the core. What else could we ask for from a horror movie? If you've never seen Polanski's classic film, put this near the top of your list this Halloween.

Fright level = 4/5 Trumpkins

Page 14 of 14
Page 14 of 14
Kevin Oliver
Share by:
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Whatsapp
  • Reddit
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Threads
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Latest in Streaming
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
The 6 best Christmas movies I’m streaming on Disney Plus, Prime Video and more this December
 
 
Robert Downey Jr reveals himself as Doctor Doom to a delighted crowd at San Diego Comic-Con 2024
The first teaser for Avengers: Doomsday has leaked online — and it contains a massive spoiler about the new Marvel movie
 
 
Apple TV logo 2025
Netflix dropped Google Cast — now Apple TV for Android just brought it back
 
 
Max and Holly looking worried in an episode of Stranger Things season 5 part 2
Stranger Things season 5 volume 2's trailer teases a character's death and I'm already terrified
 
 
Sydney Sweeney looks over her shoulder
The Housemaid review: Sydney Sweeney's violent pantomime is a must-miss
 
 
Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street
5 great movies to stream for free this week (December 15)
 
 
Latest in News
Divinity trailer screenshot showing a mysterious masked figure reaching out with an audience behind him
Baldur's Gate 3 director says the game's cinematics and how choices were portrayed is one of the 'biggest lessons' Larian is bringing to Divinity — 'I think that was probably my biggest takeaway from everything'
 
 
Angry business lady hitting a laptop with a hammer.
Microsoft’s latest desperate attempt to stop people using Edge to download Google Chrome focuses on internet safety
 
 
Ford F-150 Lightning
Ford's discontinued F-150 Lightning pick-up truck never stood a chance – here's why
 
 
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: England captain Ben Stokes speaks to the BBC after a press conference at Adelaide Oval on December 16, 2025 in Adelaide, Australia.
How to watch The Ashes 2025-26 Test 3 for *FREE* — Stream on 7Plus
 
 
March of Giants official splash art
Ubisoft has acquired free-to-play MOBA game March of Giants with Rainbow Six Siege creative director at the helm — 'This game has enormous potential, and I know Ubisoft can help us take it to the next level'
 
 
RAM
Fresh RAM woes as new rumor claims Samsung has doubled the cost of DDR5
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. 1
    Mainstream handheld makers are on the verge of spoiling the appeal of portable gaming — the MSI Claw A8 is just over $1,000
  2. 2
    Ford's discontinued F-150 Lightning pick-up truck never stood a chance – here's why
  3. 3
    These new open earbuds offer head-tracked Dolby Atmos — the best feature of Sonos' headphones is coming to buds at last
  4. 4
    Amazon says Russian hackers behind major cyber campaign to target Western energy sector
  5. 5
    Baldur's Gate 3 director says the game's cinematics and how choices were portrayed is one of the 'biggest lessons' Larian is bringing to Divinity — 'I think that was probably my biggest takeaway from everything'

TechRadar is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Web notifications
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...