Halloween 2023: Best horror movies to catch up on with your friends

If there’s one thing about Halloween that we cannot get enough of, it is the endless scroll of horror movies that we have for ourselves. Be it new-age stories or cult classics, there’s nothing quite like settling in with a bowl of popcorn (that you’re eventually going to toss) and catching up on all your favourites in one go.

ALSO READ: All you need to know about Halloween

And, if you have a smart TV to curl up in front of, there’s absolutely nothing like it. So, give those weekend plans a rain check, round up the squad and tune into some ‘Saturday night scaries’ with our list of curated horror movies across platforms; you can thank us later.

The Conjuring (2013) series

You can’t start a horror movie marathon and not have The Conjuring franchise be a part of it. While it is unimaginable to catch up on all seven parts (including the most recent The Nun II) in one sitting, consider beginning with The Conjuring (2013) or Annabelle: Creation (2017) for an overview of the series.

Created around real-life stories by Ed and Lorraine Warren, demonologists and clairvoyants, The Conjuring series dramatises their investigations into spine-chilling movies. We hope you have company, because you’re going to be afraid of looking behind for a while.

The Grudge (2004)

Based on a larger Japanese franchise christened Ju-On, The Grudge follows the life of an American nurse settled in Tokyo. The story talks about how when someone dies a painful, gruesome death, a ‘grudge’ is born.

After encountering this curse, the nurse takes it upon herself to stop it from spreading to those around her. Several scenes from the movie are cut out to haunt you long after the credits roll. And if you seek shelter in your blanket, it even ensures you cannot anymore.

Insidious (2010)

The Insidious series starts its first chapter with a family looking to ward off an evil spirit that’s haunting its comatose child. However, it branches out into four other parts following the paranormal developments in the lives of each of these members. Insidious is regarded as one of the most intense and terrifying movies, so expect plenty of plot twists and a fair share of jump scares!

The Shining (1980)

A horror movie marathon is incomplete without a classic. And whether you’re a fan of the original Stephen King book or the movie, both have their hair-raising moments that will keep you invested till the end. The Shining revolves around a family who heads to an isolated hotel. A sinister spirit, however, seems to possess the father and eventually drive him to violence against his family. While the film is not at par with the CGI that we have in horror movies today, it is enough to spook you out and avoid any unattended hotel corridors (isolated or not) for a long, long time!

The Ring (2002)

The Ring was adapted from a Japanese movie of the same name and a 1991 novel by Koji Suzuki. The storyline talks about a videotape, which, when watched, causes the viewer to die within seven days. When teenage girls Katie and Becca come across the urban legend, they decide to pry further, only to begin a chain reaction of deaths.

After Katie’s sister Rachel decides to uncover the mystery behind the tape, she learns about the horrifying background of its origins. The unsettling visuals and the intriguing plot stay with you long after the movie ends — and if they keep you up, there are two more parts to this franchise for you to catch up on!

The Blair Witch Project (1999)

Perhaps one of the first films that popularised the mockumentary approach, The Blair Witch Project makes it to our list because it didn’t need heavy special effects to keep us engrossed. After coming across a video of his disappeared sister, James and his college friends decide to explore the dark wilderness with a camera for further information.

However, it isn’t long before the group members come in contact with an entity lurking in the beyond and begin disappearing one after the other. Despite rudimentary edits and special effects, the movie managed to make its mark on young and old audiences alike.

Paranormal Activity (2007) series

Building on the approach set by The Blair Witch Project, Paranormal Activity is a seven-part franchise which centres around the lives of a young couple, Katie and Micah. On moving into their white-picket suburban home, the duo begins to sense a supernatural presence in their home. They then go on to set up video cameras to record the entity at work, only to discover disturbing activity occurring within their home while they sleep.

While the movie takes off on a slow start, it stirs up fear without having to show a physical presence on screen. The sound effects also play a monumental role, and you’re unmistakably going to be looking under your bed after you’re done watching all its parts!

Rosemary's Baby (1968)

Yet another cult classic we love, Rosemary’s Baby, is based on a horror novel of the same name. It takes us through the life of a young couple who moves into an ageing, ornate house. After having tried countless times to have a child, Rosemary finally finds herself pregnant — only to have strange things happening to her during the course.

The film was considered way ahead of its time back in the day and still sets an eerie undertone that you simply can’t shake off. With inspiring performances and a brooding storyline, this title makes a great opening film for your horror movie marathon.

Mama (2013)

Although not as well-known as other titles on this list, Mama is a hidden gem if you’re someone who loves a compelling plot in your horror movies. Two young girls are left to spend their childhood in a dark cabin with a supernatural entity after their parents face a tragic death in the woods.

As years go on by, they are later discovered by a young couple who eventually adopt them. While everything seems normal at first, the two begin displaying an unnatural demeanour and are found addressing an unknown presence as ‘mama’. Emotional and haunting, we certainly love the movie for not wasting time with its plot.

It (2007)

Afraid of clowns? It will surely reinforce this fear — or at least give way to a newfound phobia! Seven children find themselves face to face with their fears when Pennywise, a shapeshifting clown, begins tormenting them. The children have to team up and square off against the clowns after realising that the adults in the town can’t help them.

The movie even has a sequel, It Chapter Two, for those who don’t get enough of its horror. But take it from us: you’re going to be afraid of looking down the drain for as long as you live.

Although it seems impossible to catch up on all the titles mentioned above, we hope the upcoming Halloween weekend helps you get a headstart. For anything else, there’s always the option of going back to your bookmarks.