With the beginning of autumn comes a comforting thrill for many festivities. From drinking apple cider to hayrides and pumpkin patches, there is so much to do during this season. However, for college students, one of the most affordable ways to enjoy the fall season is through streaming horror movies. As you’ll discover in this list of the top 10 horror films to watch during the fall, there are several movies to watch to get you into the spirit of the spooky season.
If you like slashers… Garcia’s Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022)
A modern retelling of the 1974 Tobe Hooper film, this movie follows the story of several young social media influencers who encounter the iconic horror movie villain, Leatherface – a killer who wears the faces of his victims as a mask. This is an excellent film for slasher fans who value suspenseful gore over more deliberative psychological fear.
Where to stream: Netflix.
If you like the paranormal… Wingard’s Blair Witch (2016)
Yet another modern retelling, the 2016 Blair Witch plays a more modern spin on the 1999 Eduardo Sanchez and Daniel Myrick film; the Blair Witch Project. This movie follows a group of young people who document their experience trying to uncover the truth about the main character’s disappeared sister. Along the way, they discover that her disappearance is connected to the ghostly legend of the infamous Blair witch. This is a great film for anyone who prefers horror movies that really dive into the lore of their main characters.
Where to stream: Netflix, YouTube TV, Vudu, Amazon Prime.
If you’re looking for something a bit more PG… Ortega’s Hocus Pocus (1993 and 2022)
A fan favorite, Hocus Pocus is a much loved Halloween movie among many generations. For anyone unfamiliar, this movie follows the story of a virgin who lit a black flame candle, his friends, a black cat and a coven of evil witches. This is a family friendly film for anyone who loves the spooky season, but doesn’t get down with gore, violence and intense horror. And if you’re already a Hocus Pocus fan, there’s more! Hocus Pocus 2 is out on Disney Plus on September 30, 2022.
Where to stream: Netflix, YouTube TV, Vudu, Amazon Prime.
If you’re wanting to binge a franchise… Child’s Play//Chucky
The Child’s Play franchise has one of the most easily recognizable horror movie antagonists of all time. Serial murder, Charles Lee Ray, possesses a colorful doll named Chucky. A seemingly non-threatening children’s toy, Chucky takes on several horrifying kills throughout his franchise. Including several sequels, Bride of Chucky, Curse of Chucky, Cult of Chucky, and Seed of Chucky. And if you have already enjoyed all of these films, don’t stress. Chucky the tv series is currently streaming new episodes on Peacock.
Where to stream: Amazon Prime, Vudu, Apple TV, Redbox, Peacock, Hulu.
If you like movies based on a novel… Kubrick’s The Shining (1980)
Based on the Lotus award-winning best selling novel by Steven King, The Shining is truly a chilling film. The film follows an isolated writer (Jack Torrance) and his family. After spending quite some time in an empty Colorado hotel attempting to cure his writer’s block, Torrance begins to lose his sanity all the while his son persists to have disturbing visions and nightmares. Although this film is a bit of an oddball, it is a movie that will keep you hooked from start to finish. The Shining is a great choice for any horror-loving, book-aholic who wants a film that they can read along to.
Where to stream: Amazon Prime, Netflix, HBO Max.
If you enjoy animation… Kenan’s Monster House (2006)
Have you ever seen a house that immediately gave you an eerie vibe just by looking at it? Monster House is an animated film that captures exactly that feeling. As a film that could also fit in the PG category, Monster House is a family-friendly movie that could still keep one up at night. When three middle school kids believe that the house across the street is possessed with a mal-intended spirit, they try to find a way to destroy the home before more innocent people go missing. Having heart, horror, and wonderful artwork, Monster House is a great movie for any animated film lovers looking for a good scare!
Where to stream: Netflix, Vudu, Amazon Prime, YouTube TV.
If you like indie films… Leone’s The Terrifier (2016 and 2022)
If you love to root for the underdogs, you’ll sure be able to appreciate The Terrifier. Director Damien Leone has worked on several b-rated horror films before developing this film. However, its low budget is nothing to make you shy away from it, as common sense media rated it the “creepiest slasher ever”. This film portrays the chilling tale of Art the clown, a psychopathic clown that stalks and kills young women on Halloween. And if one film isn’t enough for you, The Terrifier 2 will be released in theaters on October 6, 2022.
Where to stream: Amazon Prime.
If you want a classic film… King’s Carrie (1976)
Steven King’s Carrie is an excellent choice for classic horror movie fans who desire simple thrills without obscene amounts of graphics, jump-scares, and gore. The second film based on a Steven King novel to make this list, Carrie is unique due to the way that it encompasses everything great about classic horror films; a slow build of suspense, psychological thrill, and a killer ending. This film follows along the story of a girl named Carrie White, who struggles with abuse from both her high-school classmates and mother. Playing on the very real terrors of religious trauma, Carrie and her supernatural powers make for a nightmare-haunting ending when things take a violent turn.
Where to stream: Amazon Prime, Redbox, Apple TV, YouTube TV.
If you like musicals… Burton’s Sweeney Todd (2007)
Musicals and horror aren’t typically things that one would associate with one another, however, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street does just that. With a star-filled cast of actors such as Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, and Jamie Campbell Bower, there is just so much right with this film. Depp’s portrayal of Mr. Todd, a blood-lust barber and serial killer seeking revenge for the loss of his wife makes for an eerily tragic tale. What makes this movie even better is its Broadway soundtrack full of petrifying ballads – a perfect choice for musical lovers!
Where to stream: Hulu, HBO Max, Vudu.
If you want the scariest movie of all time… Chaves’ The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
Not many horror movie fans will deny that The Conjuring franchise has one of the most terrifying cinematic universes of all time, however, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It takes this to a whole new level. This movie has all the great components of the first Conjuring; jumpscares, blood, gore, violence, and paranormal activity – but with a refreshingly horrifying plot. In this film, the well-known private investigators Ed and Lorraine take on a supernatural inquiry unlike anything they’ve ever seen before, as they attempt to help a man accused of murder who claims he has been possessed by the Devil as his defense. The mystery throughout this movie makes the suspense of the horror all the more thrilling.
Where to stream: Hulu, Vudu, Amazon Prime, YouTube TV.
