Halloween horror movie season is just around the corner and that calls for a movie marathon! These scary movies are a combination of jump scares and genuinely terrifying stories. Also, I would not recommend these to children… some of these films are quite horrifying. These films are in no particular order, they are just simply “must watch” to watch to get in the Halloween spirit, IMHO, of course.

Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

A true psychological thriller, Rosemary’s Baby is not a gorefest. It’s just downright disturbing. Seriously, there are so many things wrong with this film and many real mysterious behind-the-scenes incidents too. This film isn’t a slasher horror, but there are plenty of reasons to feel uneasy and enthralled with the story.

The Exorcist (1973)

What is more chilling than a demonic possession? Nothing! Young Regan is starting to act strangely… Levitating, speaking in tongues and vomiting green goo is strange, right? Her mother looks for help from the church and the story unfolds. As for real-life scary tie-ins, this film is said to be cursed as well. The set caught fire multiple times, there was a mysterious death on the cast, and there’s even a real killer who made his way into the movie as an actor.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

This film is both a yes and a no for me. Yes, it gives me all the scares and no, I will not be watching this alone. The horror movie is loosely based on a few true crimes, making it that much more intense. Is your skin crawling yet? The graphic violence is legendary, so be warned. It’s a must-watch for anyone this Halloween season, but be sure that you and anyone you invite to watch it with you can handle this level of bloody horror.

Texas Chainsaw Massacre horror movie

The Omen (1976)

Calling a child a demon doesn’t reflect well on you, but this kid, Damian, is an actual demon child. You’ll get strange accidents, overprotective nannies, and priests trying to see the day. This film’s story gives you a rush and a few jump scares to keep you on your toes. By the end, you’ll be wondering if everyone around you is who they say they are.

Halloween (1978)

Who doesn’t love a young Jamie Lee Curtis? This film will make you glad that you are watching and not living it. You may have seen the remake and even if you haven’t watched the original, you’re familiar with Michael Myers and his disturbing face mask. It’s extra chilling because it all starts when Michael Myers is only 6 years old. Catching the original is well worth your time, especially this time of year.

Friday the 13th (1980)

This film made everyone who watched it think twice about going to summer camp. Could that teenage adventure be your last? Surviving Camp Crystal Lake as the campers start to die-off seems nearly impossible by the end of this film. Who is this masked murderer slashing all these teens and why are they doing it? You may think you know the answer, but you’ll be in for a surprise.

Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

After my first watch of this movie, I didn’t sleep for a week. The thought of someone coming after me while I am peacefully in dreamland gave me nightmares. It would be a surprise if you didn’t find yourself yelling at the screen for these characters to not fall asleep. Freddy Kreuger is a classic movie monster for a reason.

Scream (1996)

Just another killer on the loose in this horror movie? Maybe not. The plot thickens moment to moment and the people that you least suspect turn out to be the people under the mask. There are character bread crumbs to figure out the killer’s identity, but it’s unlikely that you’ll guess who is behind the mask. Plus, it’s not all blood and guts like many.

Scream horror movie

Saw II (2005)

Why Saw II and not Saw, you ask? It’s simple: this is the one that changed the game. While the series is known to play games with its characters and viewers, this one made it evident that the rules are never as simple as they seem. It also gives you the perspective that you need to keep calm and work fast. Do you want to play a game?

Insidious (2010)

Are different realms, demons, and creepy old ladies your thing? This horror movie draws you into the realm of the dead and the ghostly and it is not where you want to be. Your soul leaves your body and someone else enters it. Left behind with all the ghosts, just how will you get home?

The Conjuring (2013)

Horror movies based on true stories are ridiculously terrifying. A new house, a young family, a whole lot of rooms to explore, and a property with a bloody past. What could go wrong? There’s something especially scary about a happy family turning on each other, and The Conjuring serves this up scene after scene.

The Babadook (2014)

I really did not believe that this film would be terrifying. I was wrong. Seriously wrong. Not only is this film frightening, but it leaves you with an ominous feeling long after it’s over. The constant anxiety you feel during the film is hard to shake. It takes a while before you stop waiting for the Babadook to knock.

It Follows (2014)

One thing leads to another and now you’re cursed and its coming to get you. Jay must fight for her life after she becomes the latest recipient of a fatal curse that is passed from victim to victim through sex. Jay’s friends don’t believe her, of course. After they too begin to see phantom assassins, they band together to help her battle this strange curse. This movie is not what you expect it to be no matter what you’ve been told.

Now that you have the list, watch these horror movies at your discretion. Oh, and you may not want to watch them alone. You never know what is lurking in the dark or hiding sinister intentions. If this kind of horror is not for you, try this list of family-friendly Halloween movies instead!