While we might not go all out on Halloween like the Americans, there’s no shortage of spooky spirit here. At Urban List, our team of horror fanatics has rounded up the best scary movies, terrifying shows, and spine-chilling podcasts for every horror fan’s Halloween binge. From bone-chilling thrillers and eerie mysteries to haunting true-crime docos, these top 30 picks are guaranteed to keep you entertained and on edge all season long.
Here are the best scary movies, shows, podcasts, and documentaries to spook yourself silly this Halloween.
Movies
The Substance
A brand-new body horror film starring Demi Moore, The Substance explores the terrifying consequences of a mysterious drug that warps desire into a living nightmare, pushing its users to confront their darkest impulses. Prepare for visceral sounds, needles and other uncomfortable visuals. Stream this eerie thriller on Apple TV.
Halloween
It truly doesn’t get more iconic than Halloween. Follow the relentless and terrifying Michael Myers as he escapes from a mental institution and returns to his hometown to continue his murderous rampage on Halloween night. You can watch the original on Stan or the epic 2018 remake on Binge.
Longlegs
Plastered all over Tiktok as being one of the scariest movies of the year, this psychological thriller, starring none other than Nicholas Cage, spins a web of mystery as a serial killer's dark past comes back to haunt a detective trying to unravel a series of grisly murders. Prepare for twists and turns that will leave you guessing. Available now on Apple TV.
MaXXine
Set in 1980s Los Angeles, MaXXine is the third installment in the X trilogy, where the dream of stardom takes a bloody turn as fame-hungry Maxine goes to deadly lengths to become a star. If you haven’t watched Pearl or X, definitely give those a watch first. If you’re up to speed, you can watch MaXXine now on Apple TV.
Bodies Bodies Bodies
Widely hailed on TikTok as the perfect snapshot of how Gen Z would handle a murder scenario, Bodies Bodies Bodies begins with a party game that spirals into chaotic betrayal and deadly suspense as a group of young friends turn on each other. Mixing horror with dark comedy, this satirical whodunit has a killer twist ending. Stream it now on Netflix.
Scream
An iconic piece of old-school horror royalty, Scream redefined the slasher genre with its clever twists, dark humor, and a relentless masked killer stalking teenagers in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Relive this meta-horror classic on Netlix.
Hocus Pocus
A flick for those keen to keep things a bit lighter this spooky season, this Halloween family favorite follows three resurrected witches in modern-day Salem as they try to reclaim their youth while causing magical mayhem. Perfect for everyone, stream it now on Disney+.
Coraline
This might just be one of the most underrated animated films of our time. In this beautifully dark stop-motion film, young Coraline discovers an eerie parallel world that seems perfect—until its sinister secrets reveal themselves. A spooky yet stunning watch for kidults of all ages, watch it on Netflix.
Hereditary
One of the most disturbing horrors of recent years, Hereditary delves into grief, family trauma, and supernatural terror as dark forces descend upon a grieving family. Layered with rich symbolism and a deeply unsettling storyline, this film is a masterclass in psychological horror that will haunt you long after the credits roll. Prepare for nightmares—watch it now on Netflix.
Orphan
Another psychological horror that will keep you on edge as a couple’s adopted daughter turns out to be far more dangerous than she appears, hiding dark and deadly secrets. Catch this chilling tale on Prime Video.
The Purge
For one night a year, all crime is legal, and The Purge shows what happens when lawlessness reigns and survival becomes the only rule. It's a brutal, tense look at human nature’s darkest corners, streaming now on Netflix.
The Conjuring
Based on the real-life cases of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, The Conjuring tells the terrifying story of a family haunted by malevolent forces. Stream this haunted house horror on Netflix.
Talk To Me
If you fooled around with Ouija boards when you were younger, this creepy flick is right up your alley (or was that just us?). In the new Australian horror hit Talk To Me, a group of teens unwittingly invite spirits into their lives through a cursed séance game—spiraling into supernatural chaos.Watch it now on Netflix.
Amityville Horror
One of the most infamous haunted house stories, Amityville Horror follows a family who moves into their dream home only to be terrorised by its dark history and malevolent spirits. Personally, we prefer the 2005 remake to the 1977 original, but you can stream them both on Apple TV.
Practical Magic
For those wanting a softer scare, Practical Magic stars Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock as the Owens sisters, who tackle love, curses, and a bit of witchcraft. Cozy, enchanting, and perfect for Halloween vibes without the nightmares. Now streaming on Stan.
Shows
American Horror Story: Murder House (Season 1)
This is where it all started. American Horror Story’s first season, Murder House, dives into the eerie secrets of a haunted LA mansion that lures in unsuspecting residents. Featuring vintage Evan Peters at his creepiest, this twisted, terrifying, and binge-worthy series comes with a twist ending that will leave you shocked. Now streaming on Disney+.
Stranger Things
The perfect mix of spooky and nostalgia for a decade we didn’t even live in. Stranger Things transports you back to the ’80s with monsters, mystery, and a group of friends who’ll risk everything to uncover the supernatural threats lurking in Hawkins. Nostalgic thrills and chills await on Netflix.
Haunting Of Hill House
For horror that’s as emotional as it is chilling, The Haunting of Hill House explores a family’s traumatic memories tied to the most haunted house of all. Deeply haunting and visually stunning. Proceed with caution on Netflix.
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina gives a dark twist to the teenage witch tale we all know, with magic, mystery, and a devilishly good story. Perfect for those who love supernatural thrills without the trauma of full-on horror. Now streaming on Netflix.
Wednesday
It’s hard to imagine a more perfect fit for Wednesday Addams than Jenna Ortega, who perfectly blends mystery and macabre humor as she investigates paranormal happenings at her quirky boarding school. Perfectly weird and wonderfully wicked on Netflix.
What We Do In The Shadows
For those looking for funny spooky, we’ve got you. This vampire comedy series takes you inside the undead lives of four vampiric roommates, blending horror with laughs in the style of a mockumentary. Dark, hilarious, and strangely relatable. Sink your teeth in on Binge.
Podcasts
Casefile
Arguably one of the best true crime podcasts out there. Dark, disturbing, and meticulously researched, Casefile dives into true crime cases from around the world. Each episode covers chilling real-life mysteries and infamous crimes, told with gripping detail. Perfect for those who like their crime stories unsettlingly real. With 317 episodes and counting, you can dive in from the beginning or pick any chilling story that catches your interest.
Lore
Lore blends history with horror as host Aaron Mahnke shares the darker side of folklore and real-life events that inspired terrifying tales. Eerie and atmospheric, each episode explores a unique story that blurs the line between truth and myth.
The NoSleep Podcast
If you crave horror fiction that will keep you up at night, The NoSleep Podcast delivers weekly episodes of spine-chilling, original tales. From monsters to madness, each story is brought to life by talented voice actors and immersive soundscapes, making it a must-listen for horror lovers.
Let’s Not Meet
In Let’s Not Meet, ordinary people share their creepiest true-life encounters—from brushes with strangers to hair-raising coincidences. Host Andrew Tate (not that Andrew Tate) narrates each unsettling story, making it a perfect pick for those who love a good dose of real-life horror.
Stuff You Should Know Spooktacular
Running for over 15 years, the Stuff You Should Know podcast is as entertaining as it is informative. Each year, Josh and Chuck explore spooky topics each Halloween in Stuff You Should Know Spooktacular—bringing their curious and informative style to all things creepy. From urban legends to supernatural phenomena, it’s a fun dive into the weird and eerie for curious minds.
I Catch Killers
Hosted by former detective Gary Jubelin, I Catch Killers takes listeners behind the scenes of major criminal cases in Australia. With firsthand stories, expert insights, and powerful interviews, this podcast is a must for true crime fans interested in the detective’s perspective.
Documentaries
The Jinx
If you didn’t watch this riveting and jaw-dropping documentary when it was released back in 2015, you need to add this to your list. The Jinx explores the strange life of real estate heir Robert Durst, unravelling secrets, mysteries, and chilling twists. A must-watch for true-crime enthusiasts who enjoy a story that shocks to the very end. Now streaming both season 1 and 2 on Binge.
The Keepers
The Keepers is a haunting investigation into the unsolved murder of Sister Cathy Cesnik and the dark secrets it uncovered within a Baltimore community. This documentary delves deep into cover-ups, resilience, and the power of truth. Watch now on Netflix.
The Imposter
A story that’s stranger than fiction, The Imposter follows a missing Texas boy’s supposed return years later—and the bizarre deception that ensues. Twisting and suspenseful, it’s an unforgettable look at identity and manipulation. Available on Apple TV.
Ready for Christmas streaming? Here are 31 Of The Best Christmas Movies On Netflix In 2024.
Image credit: Mubi
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