As the leaves turn orange and the air grows cooler, many of us feel our spooky sides awaken. The beginning of October sparks the need for pumpkin carving, apple picking, and, of course, a horror movie marathon.
In the age of the fast-paced internet, horror movies from every decade are ready to stream via computer or TV in seconds. Whether planning a chilling marathon or just looking for the perfect flick to enjoy solo, plenty of horror options are available to fit your mood.
With reliable, high-speed internet, you can stream back-to-back movies without latency or interruptions. Here are six distinct, acclaimed, and haunting horror movies to stream and enjoy this Halloween season.
Hereditary
A modern horror masterpiece, Hereditary has redefined the genre for a new generation. Directed by Ari Aster (Midsommar, Beau is Afraid), the film tells the story of the Graham family, who unearth terrifying secrets following the death of their secretive grandmother. Toni Collette delivers a powerhouse performance as Annie, a mother passionate about dollhouse building who grapples with grief and generational trauma.
The movie became an instant horror classic the minute it reached theaters in 2018. Its atmospheric dread, brilliant script, and superb acting come together to craft a genuinely haunting experience that keeps viewers frightened until the end credits. Aster builds tension through disturbing imagery and dramatic storytelling, perfect for an October night. The haunting themes of trauma and inheritance resonate long after the movie ends, making it a must-watch for anyone seeking an emotional and psychological thrill.
For those with a Hulu subscription, Hereditary can be streamed for free. It can also be purchased for under four bucks on Amazon Prime and Apple TV.
The Wicker Man (1973)
No list of horror films would be complete without The Wicker Man, a British classic that has garnered a cult following since its release. This film, directed by Robin Hardy, takes a different approach to horror cinema, blending psychological tension with folk elements. It tells the story of Sergeant Howie, a police officer who travels to a remote Scottish island to investigate the disappearance of a young girl. Once his boat arrives, Howie is immersed in a strange community whose unorthodox rituals unearth something more menacing about the isolated island.
The film is renowned for its eerie atmosphere and unsettling themes, particularly its exploration of organized religion and moral relativity. With a haunting score and memorable performances, The Wicker Man remains a powerful exploration of the clash between modernity and ancient traditions.
You can find The Wicker Man on many platforms, including Tubi, Sling TV, Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and Paramount+.
The Witch
Another modern classic, The Witch, is a slow-burn horror film set in the 1600s that showcases the archaic American anxieties around witchcraft. Directed by Robert Eggers, it follows a Puritan family that encounters evil forces in the woods next door to their farm. Anya Taylor-Joy shines in one of her first major roles, playing the eldest daughter, who becomes the focus of her family’s growing witch paranoia.
Eggers cements himself as a horror master, implementing stunning cinematography and authentic period dialogue that pulls you into its unsettling atmosphere. Like any great horror flick, it explores more profound concepts of faith and family, discovering the innate terrors of colonialism in the new world. The Witch is available to stream on platforms like Amazon Prime.
Get Out
Jordan Peele’s directorial debut, Get Out, blends horror and social commentary that captured audiences immediately upon release. The film centers on Chris, a young Black man who visits his white girlfriend’s family for the weekend. What starts as an awkward social encounter quickly spirals into a chilling nightmare that uncovers contemporary anxieties about interracial dating in America.
Get Out expertly tackles issues of race, identity, and subconscious fears through tactful writing and occasional moments of humor. It’s a film that scares and provokes thought, making it perfect for Halloween viewing. With Peele’s uncompromising wit and a gripping plot, this film is a cultural touchstone that’s expanded the horror genre.
You can stream Get Out on Amazon Prime, Peacock, or Hulu.
Rosemary’s Baby
No horror list is complete without Rosemary’s Baby. One of the most iconic horror films of all time, the story follows Mia Farrow’s Rosemary, a young woman who becomes pregnant after moving into her dream New York apartment.
Though the movie was released in the 60’s, its focus on motherhood and bodily autonomy is eerily familiar to present-day concerns. The masterfully built sense of paranoia, alongside Farrow’s performance and a slew of chaotic side characters, creates an anxiety-inducing classic that’ll mesmerize any cinephile.
Rosemary’s Baby has remained a must-watch for horror and general movie lovers. This classic can be streamed on various platforms, such as Amazon Prime, Paramount+, and AMC+.
Halloween (1978)
If you’re looking for a Halloween-specific film, there’s no better choice than the titular Halloween from 1978. This seminal film by legendary director John Carpenter introduced audiences to Michael Myers, who escapes from a mental institution and returns to his hometown to stalk teenager Jamie Lee Curtis’s Laurie.
Carpenter’s masterful use of suspense and a haunting and memorable score set the standard for the slasher genre and established many of the following conventions. The film remains a classic for its chilling atmosphere, groundbreaking characters, and Curtis’s unforgettable acting debut. Whether revisiting Halloween or experiencing it for the first time, this classic is a quintessential choice for spooky season.
You can stream the 1978 version on the Roku Channel, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and AMC+.
Streaming with High-Speed Internet
You can immerse yourself in the horror world this Halloween with these six standout films. With the power of fast-paced internet, streaming is easy, but finding the right package for your viewing needs is essential for the perfect marathon experience. For movie watching in 4K, households need a minimum speed of 18 Mbps (megabits per second), while streaming services like Netflix recommend you have at least 25 Mbps.
If you have kids or roommates using the same WiFi simultaneously, purchasing internet with 50 Mbps can help avoid latency and disruptions. With upgraded, high-speed internet, these horror classics will look stunning and allow you and your friends to enjoy the scary movie season without frustrating interruptions.