By Reigha Weaver | Arts & Life Writer
As the weather gets colder, the spooky decorations go up and the costumes are planned, the perfect movie night looks a little different. It’s time to put away the rom-coms and to prepare to get spooked.
For me, the best form of horror isn’t all about gore and spooky cinematics, it’s about the anticipation that makes your skin crawl and heart rate rise. So this list will be perfect if you enjoy thrillers and jump scares. Here are five horror movies to watch this spooky season.
“The Conjuring” (2013), directed by James Wan
“The Conjuring” follows Ed and Lorraine Warren, paranormal investigators, as they try to help a family with malevolent spirits in their house.
The moments leading up to the scares and breakthroughs are what make “The Conjuring” effective. As you watch it, you feel trapped like the Perron family themselves. The horror isn’t just about murderers or monsters; it’s religious. It’s practically inescapable.
Most jump scares were effective, and Ed and Lorraine are people you want to root for, especially as the movie goes on and the spirit of Bathsheba becomes increasingly violent.
“It” (2017), directed by Andy Muschietti
When I do spooky movie night, “It” is my default. “It” tells the story of a group of kids in Derry, Maine, as they try to destroy a shape-shifting monster named Pennywise.
“It” is sort of a gateway horror film. When I first watched it, I wanted more. “It” is defined by its humor and cast camaraderie. But do not be fooled by its lighter moments. It’s not called comic “relief” for nothing. And relief it is; the way Pennywise uses psychological horror to scare the kids of Derry makes me shudder almost 10 years later.
“Sinister” (2012), directed by Scott Derrickson
“Sinister” has been considered one of the scariest films of all time, and it’s easy to see why. The use of jump scares, tension building and Ethan Hawke’s acting make this movie true to its name.
“Sinister,” according to IMDb, tells the story of how “a controversial true-crime writer finds a box of Super 8 home movies in his new home, revealing that the murder case he is currently researching could be the work of an unknown serial killer whose legacy dates back to the 1960s.”
“Sinister” is one of my dad’s favorites — he’s another fan of creepy movies, and the terrifying cinematography of the movie makes it a standout. The lawnmower jump scare in particular gets me every time.
“Child’s Play” (1988), directed by Tom Holland
Growing up, Chucky was my biggest fear, due mostly to my dad’s proclivity for horror movies. The very notion of the doll would have me crying and screaming, and I’m just glad I waited to watch it.
“Child’s Play” is about a serial killer who uses voodoo magic to put his soul into a doll. Eventually, the doll makes it to a mother and son, and gruesome realizations await.
Any movie about a possessed doll already makes my skin crawl, but the nostalgia factor makes this film much creepier. “Child’s Play” is a classic, sure to bring the much-needed Halloween vibes.
“Resident Evil” (2026), directed by Zach Cregger
If you’re looking for a more recent movie, something you can see in theaters, I highly recommend “Resident Evil.” Seeing this film in theaters is completely electric. Even if you haven’t played the games, the movie is still a good time, and if you have played the games, there are plenty of fun Easter eggs to catch.
Medical courier Bryan Hodukavich is tasked with taking a special delivery to Raccoon City, unaware of the horrors that await him along the journey. This movie is another home run from Zach Cregger, who directed “Weapons” and “Barbarian.” He is able to respect the source material while also adding his own flair.
The jump scares did not miss, and neither does the comedy. Austin Abrams excels as Bryan, a relatable and lovable main character. “Resident Evil” does not shy away from the gore, and the visuals made my skin crawl. I would definitely make it a priority to watch “Resident Evil” this Halloween season.
