That’s it, kids. Halloween is here. That means it’s time to focus on all the Halloween festivities and celebrations, and that naturally includes watching more horror on the Halloween set. By the end of October, chances are you’ve already exhausted the more familiar choices, like Halloween Or Night of Demons franchise. So, this week’s horror streaming picks dig a little deeper to present some less obvious choices for your Halloween movie marathons.
Whether you’re in the mood for fun horror, deep cuts, recent favorites, or everything in between, these ten horror films set on Halloween offer something for everyone.
Here’s where you can stream them this week.
For more Stay home, watch the horror choice, click here.
Cemetery of Terror – AMC+, Frisson
Rubén Galindo Jr.’s most important horror feature is the American-influenced film Don’t panic (available on Shudder), but the theme focuses on Halloween Cemetery of Terror offers the most pleasure. A trio of college students decide to impress their ladies by stealing a body from a morgue for a Halloween prank and party at an abandoned house. It turns out to be the body of a serial killer, and reading an incantation from a book brings him back to life. This supernatural slasher brings bloody mayhem in the vein of Lucio Fulci and stars legendary actor Hugo Stiglitz as the occult expert.
Dark Night of the Scarecrow – AMC+, Midnight Pulp, Paon, Shudder, Roku, Vudu
Don’t let the simplicity of this TV movie fool you; Dark Night of the Scarecrow is compelling storytelling. Set in a small Southern town during the Halloween season, a mentally disabled man is unjustly murdered for a crime he did not commit. When his murderers escape justice, a mysterious scarecrow systematically eliminates them one by one. The Halloween setting, scarecrows, farmland, and a fantastic performance from horror stalwart Larry Drake make this a perfect film for the Halloween season.
Dead current – AMC+, Frisson
The first feature film by filmmaker couple Vanessa and Joseph Winter follows a disgraced internet personality who attempts to win back his followers by live-streaming a night alone in a haunted house. It’s perfect for Halloween; Disgraced YouTuber Shawn (Joseph Winters) dresses in holiday attire as he performs his latest stunt as a Halloween event. Playing with the supernatural during the most threatening time of the year? What could go wrong? The Winters channel Sam Raimi in their delightfully gonzo horror comedy full of bodily fluids, gore and ghostly creatures.
HeBGB TV – SCREAMBOX
Just like the effortlessly charming WNUF Halloween Special, HeBGB TV takes an experimental approach to spooky season fun through the lens of retro television. Here, a multi-dimensional cable company is establishing itself in a neighborhood and, little by little, in the world. Two young siblings are taken on a journey through various chains of comedic horror mayhem, which has no shortage of creativity as viewers encounter infomercials, sketches, news reports, music videos and much more to a nostalgic and charming DIY feature film.
I’m not a serial killer -AMC+
John Wayne Cleaver (Max Records) adheres to a strict therapy regimen and rules to ward off his sociopathic and murderous urges. His darker nature makes him deeply curious when a series of murders ensues in his small Midwestern town, leaving trails of black sludge. This adaptation of Dan Wells’ novel offers a unique blend of supernatural mystery and a coming-of-age tale that’s both sweet and strange. Although it does not fully embrace Halloween, the holiday factors into the events of the film. Christopher Lloyd also stars.
Last night in Soho – free
Thomasin McKenzie stars as Ellie in Edgar Wright’s LAST NIGHT IN SOHO, a Focus Features release.
Credit: Parisa Taghizadeh / Focus Features
Last night in Soho takes us back to London’s Soho during the Swinging Sixties, with Thomasin McKenzie featuring a fashion designer who discovers a murder from the past. The victim? Sandie by Anya Taylor-Joy, a singer from the 60s. Edgar Wright’s time-lapse psychological horror film takes place during the fashion school’s fall term, which means Halloween plays a role as prominent in at least one significant scary sequence. Expect lavish production design and superb performances from its leads, with a shift in tone once the ghostly second half arrives.
Neon maniacs -Plex
This ’80s monster fest features a group of murderous monsters who live under the Golden Gate Bridge by day but emerge at night to slaughter them. When a teenage girl escapes their clutches, they spend the rest of the film tracking her down and killing everyone in their path. Each monster has their own personality and costume, from the samurai to the mad doctor, making their final battle that takes place during the high school Halloween dance a perfect cover story. The creatures, silliness, and an 80s synth score are a perfect addition to the holiday backdrop and a great starter to watching the Halloween party.
Pet sematist two -Maximum
Director Mary Lambert took this sequel in a weirder, campier direction. Whether you love it or hate it, one thing is for sure: Clancy Brown steals this movie. Brown plays Gus, the ruthless and vindictive town sheriff who takes pleasure in inflicting pain on those around him. It’s on Halloween night that Gus goes from bully to full-fledged monstrous threat. Pet sematist two is a flawed film with weird story logic and cheesy dialogue, but it’s also daring and fun. Bloody practical effects, B-movie entertainment and a Halloween setting? It’s a recipe for fun during spooky season.
Scream VI –Paramount+
Directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett (Scream, ready or not) continue their hot streak with this perfect blend of thrills and biting humor. Here, the filmmakers up the ante, delivering inventive set pieces that highlight the urban setting and just how wild Ghostface is this turn. The killings are merciless and visceral, and the chase sequences are impressive and plentiful. It’s also surprising how this sequel engages with Scream 2 in plot and theme. Scream VI also takes place around Halloween, with Halloween parties and costumes playing a prominent role in the horror.
Charity please – SCREAMBOX
Often considered the pinnacle of heavy metal horror, Charity please is now available to stream for the first time ever. Which means it’s mandatory to see this Halloween. After the death of his heavy metal idol, a bullied teenager inadvertently discovers a way to resurrect the rocker. After hearing the news of his hero’s death, Eddie Weinbauer (Marc Price) finds himself in possession of a one-of-a-kind item, the last recording of Sammi Curr (Tony Fields). When Eddie plays the record backwards, unintentionally releasing the demonic side of his idol. With an earworm score and heavy metal Halloween mayhem, throw on some devil horns and enjoy the ride.