Spooky Movies & TV Series to Watch This Halloween
Pumpkin Head Costume for Halloween. Click on my photo to pin on Pinterest!
I’ve always been a cozy fall movie and TV girl, but I will occasionally venture out of my comfort zone and watch a more thrilling show, especially around Halloween! Sometimes it’s fun to get a little spooked, but spare me the gore. I’ve compiled a list of my favorite spooky, mystery, and psychological thriller movies and TV shows to watch. Grab your friends, literally, these shows are sure to get your heart racing.
This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Erin Molstad is a participant in the Amazon Affiliate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to amazon.com at no cost to you. I only recommend products I believe in and appreciate your support!
1. Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
Starting off pretty tame, I recommend giving Little Shop of Horrors a watch. This horror musical has amazing music, dark comedy, and some sinister scenes that will make you squirm. Feed me, Seymour!
Where to Watch: Rent on Amazon Prime
3. Stranger Things (2016-)
I love Stranger Things. The first season is so good and definitely got me hooked. The characters are very lovable and the 80s throwback setting is fun. Stranger Things is the perfect combination of creepy, fantasy, and teen drama. Watch all 4 seasons on Netflix to get ready for the final season that’s coming out soon.
Where to Watch: Netflix
4. Donnie Darko (2001)
If you want to go on a wild trip, watch Donnie Darko. This movie is set in October of 1988, so there are some spooky themes throughout with Halloween costumes, worm holes, and time travel. However, this movie is more thought provoking than scary. The cast is impressive with big names like Jake Gyllenhaal, Drew Barrymore, and Patrick Swayze. You’ll even see small appearances from Seth Rogen and Ashley Tisdale. The score is incredible, with the perfect 80s music mix and the ending is powerful. Donnie Darko is considered a cult classic for a good reason.
5. Over the Garden Wall (2014)
I debated about adding Over the Garden Wall to this spooky movies and TV series list, and ultimately decided that it also fits here. Over the Garden Wall is one of my favorite TV series for this time of year. It’s a short and cozy animation to binge, but there are also many spooky moments that happen throughout. Characters like the Beast, Enoch, and Auntie Whispers are definitely creepy and the vintage Halloween inspiration adds to the overall spookiness. I highly recommend this series. It even won 2 Emmys for Outstanding Animation.
Where to Watch: Hulu
6. Shutter Island (2010)
This psychological thriller will get you thinking. It’s definitely one of the more intense movies on my list with a few graphic scenes. However, I enjoyed all the twists and turns in this movie. Shutter Island will keep you at the edge of your seat.
Where to Watch: Peacock or Rent on Amazon Prime
7. Get Out (2017)
Jordan Peele and Daniel Kaluuya are incredible! Get Out will get you feeling uneasy and keep you guessing. This is a great film overall with dark comedy, horror, and so much suspense. Be warned, there is some gore at the end. I had to watch through my fingers. Don’t let that keep you from watching this film. Get Out is an Oscar winner!
Where to Watch: Peacock or Rent on Amazon Prime
9. Coraline (2009)
I added Coraline on my list of cozy fall movie and TV series recommendations, but I also think it’s fitting for my spooky recommendations. This stop-motion animation is so good! The music is spooky and the cast is wonderful. Coraline is directed by Henry Selick, the same director of The Nighmare Before Christmas, so you know it’s great!
Where to Watch: Tubi, Roku Channel, or rent on Amazon Prime
10. Psycho (1960)
What a classic Alfred Hitchcock horror film! Psycho is one of the most influential movies to cinema to date. It’s creepy, a great thriller, and it’s interesting to watch the creativity of film back in the 60s.
Where to Watch: Netflix or Rent on Amazon Prime
11. Beetlejuice (1988)
Beetlejuice is such an iconic Halloween movie, and for a good reason! Don’t be too scared to give this one a try, it’s pretty light hearted. Of course, you’ll get some of Tim Burton’s unsettling creativity, but overall, it’s mostly dark comedy, fantasy, and fun. Give it a watch, you won’t be disappointed.
Where to Watch: Max
12. Supernatural (2005-2020)
If you’re looking for a spooky TV series to keep you busy, Supernatural has 15 seasons. Whoa! This show has a little bit of everything. You’ll see monsters of all kinds, drama, comedy, adventure, and mystery. The two brothers, Dean and Sam, are pretty well loved. There’s a reason there are so many seasons.
Where to Watch: Netflix
14. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
This is another movie that is both whimsical and unsettling. This Tim Burton stop-motion animation is filled with his iconic and creepy creativity. If you haven’t seen The Nightmare Before Christmas, what are you waiting for?
Where to Watch: Disney+
15. The Twilight Zone (1959-1964)
You’ve just crossed over into the Twilight Zone. Step back in time to the black and white film era and watch this classic TV series. Watch as strange and unusual events unfold in each episode. The Twilight Zone is a beloved classic that has won 2 Emmys and a Golden Globe.
Where to Watch: Paramount+ & Amazon Prime
Overview
There’s no better time to get a little spooky than Halloween. Not all Halloween movies need to be overly gory to be scary. I hope you enjoyed my list of suspenseful, mysterious, and psychological thriller movies and TV shows to celebrate the season. If you’re not into thrills, head over to my previous blog, My Favorite Cozy Fall Movies and TV Series. As always, I’d love to see your favorite thrilling movies and TV shows below in the comments! Happy Halloween :)
Camera used to document: Canon EOS 5D Mark III
