As the air turns crisp and Halloween approaches, October becomes the prime time for indulging in spine-chilling, hair-raising horror films. If you’re a fan of thrills, screams, and the supernatural, October 2024 has an exciting slate of horror movies lined up just in time for the spooky season. Here’s your guide to the best horror films to watch this month, whether you’re planning a solo scare-fest or a horror-themed movie night with friends.
1. The Exorcist: Believer
One of the most highly anticipated horror movies of the year, The Exorcist: Believer serves as both a reboot and a direct sequel to the iconic 1973 classic. Directed by David Gordon Green, the film revisits the terrifying world of demonic possession. Two young girls begin exhibiting signs of possession, leading their desperate families to seek help from those with knowledge of the dark forces. With chilling visuals and a return to the original film’s psychological horror roots, this movie is a must-watch for fans of demonic horror and intense suspense.
2. Saw X
If you’re craving some brutal, gory thrills, Saw X continues the sadistic puzzle games of John Kramer, also known as Jigsaw. This entry dives deeper into Kramer’s dark psychology while delivering plenty of inventive traps and bloody set pieces. It’s the kind of film that leaves you questioning just how far you’d go to survive. Although it hit theaters earlier this year, there’s no better time than October to revisit or catch up on this terrifying installment.
3. A Haunting in Venice
If your horror tastes lean toward mystery and atmosphere, A Haunting in Venice is an October must-watch. Directed by Kenneth Branagh and featuring an ensemble cast, this eerie whodunit takes place in a haunted mansion on All Hallows’ Eve. The film blends classic horror elements like ghosts and supernatural disturbances with a murder mystery plot, creating an unsettling, suspenseful experience perfect for Halloween.
4. Totem
One of the surprise horror releases of the year, Totem is an indie supernatural thriller that’s making waves in horror circles. The story revolves around an ancient, cursed artifact discovered by a group of archaeologists, unleashing a malevolent spirit. Praised for its practical effects and nightmarish visuals, Totem will appeal to fans of slow-burn, atmospheric horror that sticks with you long after the credits roll.
5. The Woods
Nothing says Halloween like a terrifying trip into the unknown. The Woods follows a group of hikers who venture into a mysterious, supposedly haunted forest. As they go deeper into the woods, they encounter a sinister presence that begins to hunt them one by one. Featuring a combination of folklore, psychological terror, and intense jump scares, The Woods promises to be a heart-pounding horror adventure that will make you think twice before your next camping trip.
6. The Watchers
This eerie supernatural thriller, directed by Ishana Night Shyamalan, the daughter of M. Night Shyamalan, is set to become one of the most talked-about horror movies of the month. The Watchers follows Mina, a 28-year-old artist, who becomes stranded in an isolated forest in the west of Ireland. Soon, she realizes she’s being followed by mysterious creatures who seem to be watching her every move. With its mix of survival horror and supernatural elements, The Watchers will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
7. The Nun II
The Nun II brings back one of the most terrifying figures in modern horror. If you haven’t caught it yet, or if you’re looking for a second round of spine-tingling scares, October is the perfect time to dive back into the world of Valak, the demonic nun. Set in 1956 France, the sequel ups the ante with more intense scares, dark atmosphere, and a deeper exploration of the sinister being that haunts the Conjuring Universe.
8. Five Nights at Freddy’s
Fans of the iconic horror video game series Five Nights at Freddy’s are in for a treat. This movie adaptation takes the terrifying animatronics from the game and brings them to life on the big screen. The plot follows a night security guard who takes up a job at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, only to discover that the seemingly harmless animatronics come to life after dark—and they have sinister intentions. With a mix of jump scares and eerie atmosphere, Five Nights at Freddy’s is the ultimate Halloween film for gamers and horror enthusiasts alike.
9. Dark Harvest
This upcoming horror film, based on the novel by Norman Partridge, takes place in a small Midwestern town where, every Halloween, a supernatural creature known as “Sawtooth Jack” rises from the cornfields to hunt down the town’s youth. Dark Harvest mixes folklore, rural horror, and coming-of-age elements to create a chilling story that feels like a cross between The Witch and Stranger Things. Perfect for anyone looking for a fresh horror experience this October.
10. Pet Sematary: Bloodlines
Though it hit streaming earlier, Pet Sematary: Bloodlines is an ideal choice for an October rewatch, especially for fans of Stephen King. This prequel dives into the dark origins of the infamous burial ground and explores how the events that took place decades ago set the stage for the original story. It’s an eerie, character-driven horror movie that’s sure to give you goosebumps.
Conclusion
October 2024 promises a fantastic lineup of horror movies that range from demonic possession to terrifying survival stories. Whether you’re in the mood for psychological horror, supernatural encounters, or bloody slashers, these films will provide the perfect fright-filled entertainment for Halloween. So grab your popcorn, turn off the lights, and prepare to be scared!
