Hey ghouls, witches, and everything spooky. Halloween is right around the corner, and you know what that means- corny decorations, pumpkins, costumes, candy up the wazoo, but most exciting- scary movies. These films are in no particular order, and encompass horror from fun to frightening. So bundle up in the dark, sit back, and binge watch these Halloween films on Netflix, sure to induce fall vibes and spooks: 

“MONSTER HOUSE”

Try telling me that this film didn’t scare you at least a little bit when watching it as a child. A haunted house, a creepy old man, and a coming of age story for kids who just want to celebrate Halloween? It covers everything. Fun fact: the film used motion capture from the actors, using the same technology as “The Polar Express.”

Rating: Fun & Festive 

“THE WITCH” 

I could talk about Eggers for hours, but let’s cut to the chase- historical fiction and Satan. It’s a duo that balances the film wonderfully so that the frights are severely unsettling. It may get slow at times, but fear not…it gets better. It’s one of those films that keep you thinking for a bit afterwards, which can be more terrifying than the actual content- a film that I could try to prepare you for, but you’ll still sit back and ask yourself what the heck you’re watching. Just don’t let Black Philip get to you. 

Rating: Watch With Some Friends- For Support & To Discuss Afterwards 

“CORALINE” 

The buttons, dear god THE BUTTONS! This is one of those films with extreme longevity that holds true to the idea of film classics. I’m not speaking for everyone when I say this, but it’s still a creepy movie no matter how old you are. The film tackles an array of themes: independence, parental relations and parental love as you grow up, trust- not only is it aesthetically pleasing but its integral to teaching kids valuable lessons. 

Rating: Light Night Viewing

“HELLRAISER” 

I’m biased because it’s my favorite Halloween movie, but it’s creepy for being an 80s movie with very dated special effects. Sure, that beating heart may just be a plastic bag being filled with air and covered in fake blood, but I’m still spooked. The film is definitely like 20 minutes too long, but you’ll never be bored. The acting is sub par, the plot twists are questionable, but you can’t produce a horror icon like Pinhead and try to tell me it’s all garbage. The characters are weird, the plot is weird, the structure is weird, and the effects are weird, but they’re all weirdly great. And you know what? Suck it up. It’s Halloween, baby. 

Rating: You Can Watch It Yourself As Your Face Shrivels In Disgust, But Also Giggle in Disbelief of What You’re Watching

“CARRIE” 

The one with Sissy Spacek of course. The film is just a symbol for female maturation, guys! In the weirdest way possible! We’ve got supernatural, coming of age narratives, high school angst, and terror. Carrie in her iconic prom dress doused in blood may be enough to get your heart racing, but her mother is even scarier. 

Rating: Watch With Your Girl Friends and Say “Ha, I WISH I Could Throw My High School Tormentors Against the Wall Too” 

“THE SIXTH SENSE”

Did you see that coming? A classic that M. Night Shymalan has been trying to recreate for years and only has gotten close with “Split.” It’s not outright horror or Halloween-y, but it’ll still send shivers down your back. It’s a beaut. Plus, Toni Collette. 

Rating: Good Movie to Cuddle Up and Watch Before Bed 

“THE CONJURING” 

I think by now it’s a fact that any movie that’s tagged “Based on True Events,” automatically makes it scarier. I don’t necessarily think it’s that spooky otherwise, but it’s definitely a suspense-builder. Plus, the ghost-exorcising and hunting couple is a remarkable duo. It’s how I’m trying to be. 

Rating: Watch With Lots of People- They Tend to React Differently!

“MICKEY’S HOUSE OF VILLAINS” 

Remember “Mickey’s House of Mouse?” This is the Halloween special. It’s cute. It’s fun. It’s nostalgic. It’s nothing special other than pure fun to watch. 

Rating: Watch Mickey Anytime and Remember When Life was Simpler

“GERALD’S GAME”

Yeah, yeah. “Hannah, another King movie?” Yes. Another. Here’s why: an abnormal plot, meshing of reality and nightmares, a woman’s worst fear? It can sometimes hit way too close to home. It’s unsettling, and you beg for a happy ending. Isn’t this the goal of most horror? Spoiler alert: someone sucks on toes.

Rating: Middle Horror. Could Watch Alone, But Probably Don’t Want To. 

“SHREK’S SWAMP STORIES” 

I’m serious, and am leaving this list on the highest note possible. 

Rating: Ogre-licious

Honorable Mentions (not found on Netflix): “Beetlejuice,” “Hereditary,” “Midsommar,” “It: Chapters One & Two,” “The Exorcist,” “Trick R’ Treat,” “Hocus Pocus,” “Frankenweenie, “Scream.”