Halloween is the perfect time to dive into horror films that give you bone-chilling scares, psychological thrills, and unforgettable nightmares. Whether you’re a seasoned horror fan or a newcomer looking for a scare, here are 5 of the scariest Halloween movies to watch this 2024 Halloween summer.

The Exorcist (1973)

Director: William Friedkin

The Exorcist is a classic horror movie, it’s often referred to as the most terrifying films ever made. The Exorcist tells the story of a young girl possessed by a demonic force, and the desperate attempts by the priest to save her soul. What sets this movie apart is its blend of supernatural horror with gritty realism. The slow build-up of tension, combined with shocking moments, keeps audiences on edge throughout. The use of practical effects, chilling makeup, and unforgettable scenes. The film taps into fears of possession and loss of control, mixing them with religious themes that linger long after the movie ends. It also doesn’t help that the movie is loosely based on a case that happened in real life.

Hereditary (2018)

Director: Ari Aster

This modern horror movie reached new heights, a film that masterfully balances family conflict with supernatural terror. Following the death of her secretive mother, Annie and her family  find themselves unraveling in ways they couldn’t imagine. As the film progresses, it slowly peels back layers of grief, trauma, and demonic forces. Hereditary is filled with disturbing imagery and a creeping sense of dread that builds to an horrifying climax.

The Shining (1980)

Director: Stanley Kubrick

Another classic horror movie, based on Stephen King’s novel, The Shining is a psychological horror classic that has continued to haunt views for decades. Jack Torrance takes a job as the winter caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel, bringing his wife Wendy and son Danny along. As the hotel’s eerie influence takes hold, Jack descends into madness, while young Danny’s psychic abilities reveal the building’s dark secrets.

Paranormal Activity (2007)

Director: Oren Peli

With its found-footage style, Paranormal Activity revolutionized modern horror by giving a fresh, intimate approach to supernatural scares. The story revolves around a young couple who believes they are being haunted by a demonic presence and decides to document the encounter in their home. The minimalist approach and focus on subtle, creeping tensions makes even the smallest movements feel even more terrifying and real.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

Director: Tobe Hooper

For sheer and raw terror, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre stands as one of the most shocking horror films of all time. The movie follows the most shocking horror films of all time. The movie follows a group of friends who stumble upon a family of cannibalistic killers, led by the iconic, chainsaw-wielding Leatherface. Unlike many horror films that rely on gore, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre creates fear through its grim oppressive atmosphere, nightmare imagery of its killers. The movie’s brutal.