We've all experienced the seemingly never-ending search that comes when trying to find a movie to watch. I find it especially tiring during the Halloween season when all I want to do is watch something scary. In an attempt to save at least one person from the doom of the search, I have put together a list of horror movies (from our Halloween and Horror display) that I recommend. Whether your first or tenth time watching, these films are sure to put you on the edge of your seat and get you in the spooky mood. - Aubrey
The Conjuring
Supernatural horror
Based on true events, The Conjuring is one of the most well-known horror movies of all time. Set in 1971, we follow the Perron family as they move into a farmhouse in Rhode Island. Within the first few days, they begin to experience the paranormal. The family reaches out to demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren, hoping they can bring an end to the evil spirit tormenting them.
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The Blair Witch Project
Supernatural horror and found footage
Three film students travel to Burkittsville, Maryland to film a documentary on the legendary Blair Witch. Even after hearing several warnings and horror stories, the trio enters the forest to film. At first, things seem fine, but the longer they spend in the forest, the more ominous things become. Although not the first, this found footage movie became very popular and brought interest to the found footage genre.
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Scream
Slasher
“What’s your favorite scary movie?” Not one, not two, but three Scream movies all in one! Perfectly fitting the slasher genre, these three films follow Sidney Prescott as she struggles against the murderers taking on the disguise of Ghostface.
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Halloween
Slasher
On Halloween in 1963, six-year-old Michael Myers ends his sister’s life. After spending 15 years in Smith’s Grove Sanitarium, Michael escapes and begins stalking teenager Laurie Strode. As Michael’s psychiatrist searches for his patient, more people around Laurie start dying. This slasher was the start of the Halloween franchise, now having 13 movies, novels, comic books, and games.
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The Haunting of Hill House
Supernatural horror
Not in the mood for a movie? Try out this spooky TV series! In 1992, a couple and their 5 children move into Hill House, aiming to renovate and sell it. Due to unexpected repairs, however, their stay is extended, and they begin to experience the paranormal. Tragedy strikes and the remaining family moves out. After another tragic event occurs, the family is forced to come together 26 years later, all discovering they have not healed from the past.
* Try out the book that inspired the show, The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson, and see how different it is from the show!
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Get Out
Psychological horror
Chris Washington prepares for the weekend, nervous to meet his girlfriend’s parents. While he is unsure how they are going to respond to their daughter being in an interracial relationship, she promises him they are not racist. Upon arriving, however, Chris feels uncomfortable with how people are treating him. He wants to leave, but things take a turn for the worse before he gets the chance. This psychological horror film has been highly reviewed by critics and is considered to be one of the best films of the 2010s and 21st century.
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Binge Box. Blumhouse Greatest Hits
Can’t decide on one movie? Why not try five! This Binge Box contains five of Blumhouse’s best films, including Paranormal Activity, Insidious, Us, The Invisible Man, and Happy Death Day. Supernatural horror, psychological horror, science fiction horror, and a slasher, this Binge Box has a nice selection of horror films for the spooky season.
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About the Author
Aubrey is a circulation clerk and has been working at EPL since 2022. Her ideal reading environment is either curled up on the couch or sitting on a rocking chair outside in the sun. When she’s not reading, she’s working on her music education coursework or playing her trumpet.