What’s Your Plan for Halloween?
Halloween night is tomorrow, and you’ve got a few options for how to spend it. You could be a grump, dismissing it as a commercial holiday imported from America, or you could pull on your best zombie outfit and go door-to-door for some trick-or-treating. Another great choice is to cozy up under a blanket and dive into a good horror film. But which one to watch? Here’s a selection of films available across various platforms.
Psycho (1960) – Alfred Hitchcock
With Psycho
, Alfred Hitchcock delivers a masterclass in suspense, with each scene meticulously crafted to instill dread. The film follows Marion Crane, a woman on the run who ends up at a secluded motel run by the eerie Norman Bates. The infamous shower scene is just the beginning of a string of shocks and revelations. Hitchcock, often dubbed the master of suspense, created a terrifying film that delves into the depths of human madness and duality, securing Psycho
as a horror classic.
Available for rent on Apple TV and Canal+.
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) – Wes Craven
Directed by Wes Craven, A Nightmare on Elm Street
introduced the world to Freddy Krueger, a burnt-faced serial killer who stalks his victims in their dreams, making sleep a terrifying prospect. The film follows a group of teenagers as they try to figure out how to defeat Krueger before he kills them one by one, creating a dark and dream-like atmosphere. Craven’s film is a psychological horror masterpiece that skillfully blurs the lines between reality and nightmare, launching a legendary franchise.
Available for rent on Apple TV.
The Conjuring (2013) – James Wan
In The Conjuring
, James Wan draws from real-life events to tell the tale of Ed and Lorraine Warren, paranormal investigators called to assist a family haunted by a malevolent presence. The frightening sequences and the gradual buildup of tension make this film one of the best in modern horror. Wan’s mastery of suspense and his measured use of jump scares create a memorable, chilling film experience.
Available for streaming on Prime Video and for rent on Apple TV.
Alien (1979) – Ridley Scott
Ridley Scott’s Alien
is a seamless blend of science fiction and horror that thrusts viewers into space, where no one can hear you scream. The film follows the crew of the spaceship Nostromo, who, after responding to a distress signal, encounter a highly aggressive extraterrestrial organism. This “eighth passenger” hunts the crew members one by one, resulting in intensely suspenseful scenes. Scott’s direction, combined with the horrifying design of the creature, offers a visceral, claustrophobic experience that’s hard to forget.
Available for streaming on Disney+ and for rent on Apple TV.
The Shining (1980) – Stanley Kubrick
Based on Stephen King’s novel, The Shining
under Stanley Kubrick’s direction explores madness and isolation. The film portrays Jack Torrance, a writer and winter caretaker of the Overlook Hotel, who gradually loses his sanity under the influence of the hotel’s mysterious forces. Jack Nicholson’s performance is riveting, and Kubrick’s iconic scenes, such as the tricycle in the hotel corridors, have become cinematic landmarks. The Shining
is more than just a horror film; it’s a deep dive into the depths of the human psyche.
Available for streaming on Max and for rent on Apple TV.
It Follows (2014) – David Robert Mitchell
In It Follows
, David Robert Mitchell presents an innovative take on horror by depicting a supernatural entity that pursues its victims following an intimate encounter. The film follows Jay, a teenager haunted by this entity that only she can see, forcing her to constantly flee to escape it. The persistent tension and eerie soundtrack give It Follows
a distinctive atmosphere. This modern film, with its unique vibe, has been praised for its originality and its ability to turn an invisible but ever-present threat into something truly terrifying.
Available for rent on Apple TV.
The Exorcist (1973) – William Friedkin
Directed by William Friedkin, The Exorcist
is a seminal film that explores the demonic possession of a young girl and a priest’s battle to save her. Inspired by true events, the film taps into the primal fear of the unknown and the supernatural. The special effects and the actors’ performances, particularly Linda Blair’s, contribute to an oppressive and frightening atmosphere. Friedkin pushes boundaries to create an immersive experience, making The Exorcist
one of the most impactful films in the genre.
Available for streaming on Max and for rent on Apple TV.
What About You? What Do You Recommend?
There you go, plenty of options! But now comes the most exciting part of this article: hearing your recommendations! Let us know what your favorite horror movies are, the ones that left a mark on you, that you watched in secret as a kid, or the ones that scared you the most as an adult! Tell us everything; it’ll give us great ideas for our next streaming fright night!