Want to be scared? BOO!
I love scary movies. There is something about getting the frights that brings you right back to being a kid. The interesting thing about horror movies is they’re only scary if they manage to tap into one of your old fears, I think.
So I thought I’d put together a list of movies for Hallowe’en, with the movies grouped according to the fears they evoke in me.
And some movies that are not scary but enjoyable Hallowe’en movies to get into the spirit of things - without getting actually scared.
Oh yeah, and some zombies movies. Because I love zombie movies. Don’t find them scary. But I do love them.
WARNING: I’m terrible for giving away spoilers so this list may well contain some.
Can You Feel It? Something Else Is Here…
Ever been somewhere all by yourself but had a really strong feeling you were not alone? Ever entered some room or some building and been overcome by some feeling? These movies evoke that feeling.
THE SHINING (1980)
8.4/10 IMDB rating
A father accepts a job as a caretaker of a huge and isolated hotel. He is a struggling writer, currently down on his luck, hoping to write a book while there and basically get life back on track for his family. Unfortunately the hotel has other plans for him.
THE SIXTH SENSE (1999)
8.2/10 IMDB rating
The kid sees dead people. I really like how it unfolds.
I found this more scary after the fact. Waking up in the dead of night and thinking “It’s so cold! … Why is it so cold?” Before realising I’m in Ireland, in the middle of winter, in poorly insulated accommodation.
THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT (1999)
6.5/10 IMDB rating
Three film students trek through the woods to make a documentary about the legend of the Blair Witch and end up her prey.
A found footage horror which not everyone finds scary. But I did. I love how nothing gory is really shown. And the tension keeps rising. Imagination is always more effective than concrete visuals.
Watch in darkness. With the lights out. And no one is allowed to ask incessantly “Why don’t they just kill that girl? She’s so annoying. And no one will find the body out there.” As it will break the tension.
WHAT LIES BENEATH (2000)
6.6/10 IMDB rating
OK, I’m not sure how scary I would have found this if I knew it was a horror before I saw it. I assumed that it was a psychological exploration of a mid-life couple forced to get to know each other again when their child leaves home. Suffice it to say, my assumption was completely wrong.
The wife starts to suspect their house is haunted.
I ended up really enjoying this and jumping out of my seat a few times.
THE ORPHANAGE (2007)
7.4/10 IMDB rating
A woman has bought the orphanage where she was once resident, with the intention of reopening it. She moves there with her husband and chronically ill son. Her son starts making imaginary friends there and then goes missing.
This wasn’t all that scary but it has a lovely sad sweetness to it. And it is definitely creepy in parts.
It’s a Guillermo del Toro film, the guy who made Pan’s Labyrinth, which I love. If you like the feeling of that film you’ll probably like The Orphanage also, even though it’s a totally different story.
DEAD OF NIGHT (1945)
7.5/10 IMDB rating
This is an English black and white movie. It’s an anthology film, featuring 5 different scary stories.
I have a big soft spot for movies from the 1930s and 40s. Generally “scary” black and white movies are not really that scary. So I wasn’t expecting anything from this. But I was surprised by 1. how creepy some parts of this were, 2. how many scary movies seemed to have borrowed elements from this film and 3. even though it was a collection of short stories, which is a type of movie I generally don’t like because you don’t have enough time to build up any feeling for the characters, this one really worked for me.
Again maybe the fact that I was expecting to find it just charming and nothing more helped.
The Invisible Man (2020)
7.1/10 IMDB rating
A woman is in a violent and controlling marriage to a high-tech innovator. She carefully plans and executes her escape. He kills himself, leaving her a fortune. But she feels like he’s still around.
This is a really good update of the original The Invisible Man movie. Which, while totally different, is definitely worth a look too. Especially if you love old movies.
It’s All So Wrong, But Who Can I Turn To?
You know the type of movie, the ones that capture that feeling of claustrophobic paranoia so well. I think the Invasion of the Body Snatchers movies are the best of this kind, so again I do have a (joint) #1 in this list but the rest are in no particular order.
INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS (BOTH THE 1956 AND 1978 VERSIONS)
7.7/10 IMDB rating - 1956
7.4/10 IMDB rating - 1978
When people go to sleep they are replaced with soulless replicas, alike in every way but the way that matters most. There is no way to prove it. No one will believe you. They’ll lock you up. But you must stay vigilant. You must stay alert. But you’re so tired, so exhausted. You just need a little rest…
I first saw Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) when I was child and it was the first movie that terrified me. I was watching it late at night. Well, what felt like late at night but was probably around 9pm. And I was trying to stay awake, although my eyelids were getting heavier and heavier. I watched them hiding out in the cave thinking “How can you stay awake? It’s impossible.” I closed my eyes for just a second. And then it was too late. So sad… I still love this movie today.
The 1978 remake manages a rare feat; it’s even better than the original.
THE STEPFORD WIVES (1975)
6.9/10 IMDB rating
A family move to Stepford where the wives seem to behave like automated dolls rather than women. The wife who has just moved there is becoming more and more anxious that she’s going to turn into one of them and her husband can’t see anything wrong.
Yes, the plot is a bit ridiculous and sexist (against men). But does it capture the feeling of “there’s something really wrong here and no will believe me and there’s nowhere I can go”? Yes, it does.
I rewatched this recently and honestly I think it’s great.
SPOORLOOS – THE VANISHING (1988)
7.7/10 IMDB rating
A couple are on a road trip through France. They stop at a petrol station. The woman goes off to the restroom. And never returns. There are no leads. The man has to find out what happened to her.
I don’t know how well this fits into this genre. But it’s a really good film and you do get that feeling that the hero of it is on a quest that is sending him on a dangerous and lonely road. And he would be better off being more paranoid.
If you’re into action packed scares this is definitely not going to be your thing. But if you like something different and if you’re into films about serial killers then this is one for you.
Most films about serial killers glamourize the killer, showing how in control they are. I really like the way this shows how much the killer wants to appear like that but really he just fumbles his way through.
ROSEMARY’S BABY (1968)
8/10 IMDB rating
A couple move into a New York apartment. They’re new neighbours are very welcoming and friendly but … eccentric? The couple are hoping to have a baby and Rosemary does become pregnant. But things are strange. And no one is taking Rosemary’s concerns seriously.
I didn’t find this one scary but it’s definitely got the paranoid claustrophobic feeling down.
JACOB’S LADDER (1990)
7.4/10 IMDB rating
A Vietnam Vet is home, struggling with grief from the death of his son prior to his going to war, and with what happened during the war. He is having hallunications and flashbacks. It’s difficult for him to tell what’s real. All of this may be related to government experiments carried out on the soldiers. Or maybe it’s something else.
Yet another film that I wouldn’t really describe as scary but definitely it is paranoid. And it also is very sad and sweet. It’s confusing but in a way that really works and is still easy to follow.
It’s OK, It’s OK, Everything’s Fine … OH God, It’s Not!!!
RINGU – RING (1998)
7.2/10 IMDB rating
There’s a video. And if you watch it, you get a call afterwards to tell you that you will die in a week.
Nothing that scary happens in this film. You watch it thinking why is this recommended as a scary film. No one would be scared by this. Until the last 2 minutes of the film and then you’re totally creeped out. And I don’t think it would be half as scary if the rest of the film had been in any way scary.
This film is the perfect example of feeling everything’s fine and then suddenly it’s not. I only watched it once, didn’t watch the remake and probably won’t watch it again. Because I doubt it would have the same effect the second time around. But when I watched it the ending really did scare me.
THE WICKER MAN (1973)
7.5/10 IMDB rating
A devout Christian copper goes to a Scottish island in search of girl who has been reported missing. The locals are pagans with behaviours and rituals that disturbs the puritanical police officer.
This film is pretty strange from start to finish, but you think you know where it’s going and then … well … there’s the Wicker Man.
THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER (1955)
8/10 IMDB rating
A father pulls off a robbery but is closedly chased by police. He manages to hide the loot. The children know its location. He warns his son to keep it safe before being fatally shot in front of him. His grieving widow, unaware of the money, is a simple woman searching for salvation. Along comes a preacher man.
OK, you do know from the get-go that something is very wrong with that preacher man but the way the atmosphere and tension builds in this is great. And there is a dark dreamy fairytale quality to this movie that works so well.
I originally said this was a good family friendly movie for Hallowe’en. I’ve since learned that it got an X rating when it was first released. So … I still think this is family friendly. But it does start with a scene in a Burlesque show.
Maybe watching too many zombie movies has made mush of my brains.
Mm Brains Zombies
I love zombie movies. I was an adult when I first watched Night of the Living Dead. And I was completely captivated by it.
The zombies that relentlessly pursue people and though they are slow moving somehow they are impossible to escape. This strangely reminded me of nightmares I had as a child. So rather than finding it scary I just got this really weird sense of nostalgia watching it.
I also like how some zombie movies espouse hippie values without being in any way smug or self-righteous.
In fairness it’s kind of hard to be smug and self-righteous when surrounded by flesh eating zombies.
I have watched so so many zombie movies since I first made this list. I’m afraid I don’t remember many of them. But zombie movies have really upped their game. I think anyone can enjoy most of them. Whether they’re a zombie-movie-lover or not. I’ve added just six new entries here as they immediately came to mind when I thought of what to add.
This list is in no particular order – there can be no order when the dead walk the earth!!!
NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD (1968)
7.8/10 IMDB rating
A brother and sister find themselves in the middle of a zombie outbreak. They hide out in a house along with others who have run away from the zombies. They try to survive.
Yes it’s cheesy, hammy, it would make a good sandwich filler, but I love it. And I find the ending genuinely moving. Funny I know but I do… Give it a go you might too.
Night of the Living Dead is by George A. Romero so if you enjoy that you’ll probably also enjoy:
- DAWN OF THE DEAD (1978)
- DAY OF THE DEAD (1985)
- LAND OF THE DEAD (2005)
- DIARY OF THE DEAD (2007)
- SURVIVAL OF THE DEAD (2009)
28 DAYS LATER (2002)
7.5/10 IMDB rating
A man wakes up in hospital to find that while he was in a coma his whole world has been destroyed by some virus which turns people mindless and rage-filled.
This is a great film and whether you like zombies or not you will probably enjoy it. It’s by the same guy that made Trainspotting, Shallow Grave and Slumdog Millionaire.
Some people argue that this does not qualify as a zombie movie since the rampaging flesh eaters in this one are live humans infected with the Rage virus. And they move quickly.
I think it qualifies.
28 WEEKS LATER (2007)
6.8/10 IMDB rating
The virus seems to have run its course. People move back as the army clears areas. What could go wrong?
The sequel to 28 Days Later is also well worth the watch. I think it’s made by a different group of people but it carries on the story very well.
28 Years Later (2025) & 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026)
6.6/10 IMDB rating, 7.2/10 IMDB Rating
Survivors have established a village on a tidal island off northern England. A father takes his 12 year old son to the mainland to kill some infected. The experience has a profound effect on the boy, who ultimately ends up leaving his safe home.
These sequels are made by the original director, Danny Boyle. I watched them recently and I did enjoy them. But I don’t think they’re really zombie movies. So a few things make a movie a zombie movie for me. Often they have themes of alienation as well as a critical eye on our consumerist/selfish/modern societies. And critically the “zombies” are brainless, so they’re blameless, and you are in a fight for survival so what you do to survive is … well, it depends… Anyway the zombies are the threat you’re dealing with, but what created them is definitely the messed-up society that you and I are part of.
Is that making too much of things? Probably. I also just enjoy the whole running from monsters you can’t possibly reason with element to it all.
You could say there are all those elements in these sequels. But in a way it reminded me more of Renton stuck with people he wanted to be better than? I don’t know. In a weird way it reminded me more of Trainspotting which I also really enjoyed. They’re good movies. But the people infected with the rage virus are like a different species more so than zombies.
Resident Evil (2026)
7.6/10 IMDB rating
A delivery driver drops off a package at a remote hospital and is tasked with delivering some top priority medical package to a hospital in Raccoon City. Along the way we discover … something is very very wrong…
These monsters may not technically be zombies but this is a zombie movie and I loved it.
DAWN OF THE DEAD (2004)
7.2/10 IMDB rating
A group of disparate people end up hiding out in a large mall during a zombie epidemic. They try and survive.
It’s a remake of the 1978 version. There isn’t really any questioning of a consumerist society in this one but there is a great action-packed zombie film.
DAY OF THE DEAD (2008)
4.5/10 IMDB rating
There’s a zombie outbreak. Some people try to survive.
This is a remake of the 1985 movie. It’s quite different from the original. It’s not as good as the Dawn of the Dead remake. But if you love zombie movies it’s very watchable.
RAMMBOCK: BERLIN UNDEAD (2010)
6.3/10 IMDB rating
Michael is visiting his ex-girfriend with whom he is still very much in love. She is nowhere to be found. So he waits in her flat while a deadly and shocking new virus is starting to run rampant throughout the city.
I normally don’t like low budget movies but I enjoyed this and it was sweet too. It’s different, take a look.
MUTANTS (2009)
5.5/10 IMDB rating
There’s a zombie outbreak. The film follows some people try and survive.
I’m sure the purists would argue that this is not a zombie movie since you are dealing with mutants not zombies. In fairness, with this one they might have a point because these mutants aren’t brainless. But still, this does have most of the elements that make a movie a zombie movie and bizarrely it’s another love story meets zombie apocalypse scenario. Low budget again, but if you’re looking for something a bit different, give it a whirl.
REC (2007)
7.4/10 IMDB rating
A young reporter is spending the evening following fire fighters for a local TV station. They show her around the fire station and she hopes they get a call out. They do. From an apartment where some of the residents are acting strangely. The police end up quarantining the building, not letting anyone in or out, due to fears of a possible virus.
Now, is it vampires or zombies in this film? I’m not really sure. But this is a great movie. And it has a sense of strangeness, possibly occult, that adds to the scary atmosphere.
I’m not sure if it’s a zombie movie, but it’s definitely one for Hallowe’en.
Little Monsters (2019)
6.3/10 IMDB rating
A man-child wannabee rock star is going on his nephew’s school trip to a petting zoo because the uncle fancies his nephew’s teacher. A children’s TV star is also at the petting zoo. And the petting zoo is beside a military research facility. There is a zombie outbreak. They try to survive.
This is a comedy zombie movie which works as a comedy and also as a zombie movie.
Some of the reviews on IMDB complain about crudeness - which honestly I’d forgotten. I rewatched it. I enjoyed it … this is actually a, at times quite crude but eventually sweet, rom-com meets zombie movie. And I think it works great.
This maybe isn’t family-friendly? Possibly PG-13? I’ve no idea really…
The Night Eats the World (2018)
6/10 IMDB rating
A 30 something man attends a party at an ex’s apartment. He just went there to get his stuff. He doesn’t know anyone there and so he waits alone in a room for his ex to bring him his stuff. He awakes to find … there is a zombie outbreak. He tries to survive.
This is not a comedy. It’s mostly quiet and slow. Except when it isn’t. It’s really about isolation, loneliness and the difficulty of finding human connection. And how those connections can fail or be ripped away. But how you’ve got to keep going.
There are sweet moments. But it’s quite melancholic really. Not for everyone. But I really like it.
Cargo (2017)
6.3/10 IMDB rating
A couple with a young child are trying to survive a zombie outbreak. Soon it’s just the father and daughter. And he gets bit. He tries desperately to find her some safe setup before the virus takes hold.
I loved this. It’s a good zombie movie. And I kind of thought it said something about how even though you may lose complete control of yourself, you could still help bring about what matters most to your heart and soul. If it matters enough to you? Not sure if that was message. But that’s what I took from it and I just loved it.
Train to Busan (2016)
7.6/10 IMDB rating
We see signs of the start of a zombie epidemic but the public aren’t aware of it yet. A father takes the train from Seoul to Busan with his young daughter. A girl who has been bitten gets on the train. Everyone tries to survive.
This is great. An old school zombie movie but the zombies aren’t slow. There’s a slight critique of modern values (or selfishness), some distrust of authorities, and lots of running away from zombies. Brilliant. If you don’t like this, you don’t like zombie movies.
And there’s sequels too.
In The Spirit Of Things
So you don’t really like scary movies. But you still want some movies for Hallowe’en? Maybe you might like some of these -
I’ve added three movies to this list.
THE FRIGHTENERS (1996)
7.1/10 IMDB rating
A man can see spirits after surviving the car crash which killed his wife. He uses his gift to make money but some evil spirit is lurking around and making things difficult for him.
Not in any way frightening but it is fun.
THE LOST BOYS (1987)
7.2/10 IMDB rating
A mother moves to a small coastal town with her two teenage sons. The boys aren’t excited about the move. Turns out this small town has a lot going on.
A vampire movie and cute 80s comedy.
SHAUN OF THE DEAD (2004)
7.8/10 IMDB rating
Two men wake up to find there’s a zombie outbreak. They check in on some friends and … make it to the pub.
It’s not a zombie movie. It’s a comedy. And it is funny.
GHOSTBUSTERS (1984)
7.8/10 IMDB rating
They bust ghosts. It’s fun.
BLITHE SPIRIT (1945)
7/10 IMDB rating
A charming comedy about a man who accidentally summons the spirit of his dead wife during a seance, much to the annoyance of his current wife. It’s based on a Noel Coward play so if you like that type of humour you’ll enjoy this.
THE LADY VANISHES (BOTH 1938 AND 1979 VERSIONS)
7.7/10 IMDB rating - 1938
6/10 IMDB rating - 1979
In the run up to WWII, a wealthy socialite is returning to England to get married after a trip around Europe. A flowerpot falls on her head before getting on the train. A kindly English nanny helps her to her seat. The socialite falls asleep and when she wakes the English nanny is nowhere to be seen and everyone says she was never there in the first place. Only an amused man listens to what the socialite has to say.
I love this film, both versions. I love the pair of cricket fans. I’m convinced the two old codgers in the muppets were based on them. The trailer makes it look like a pure thriller but really it’s a charming comedy.
THEY LIVE (1988)
7.2/10 IMDB rating
They live among us. With special sunglasses you can see them - and more besides.
“I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick butt, and I’m all out of bubblegum.” If that quote doesn’t convince you to watch this I don’t know what will.
Recently rewatched this, it’s great. I love this film.
SHALLOW GRAVE (1994)
7.2/10 IMDB rating
A guy moves into a flat and dies. Whereupon his three new flatmates find a suitcase full of money. Instead of going to the cops they decide to dispose of the body and share the money between themselves. But it’s not so easy to do the wrong thing…
So this is still sort of a comedy albeit a pretty dark one. It’s a good thriller too.
FALLEN (1998)
7/10 IMDB rating
It’s about a body-hopping demon.
How do you deal with a demon? I still don’t know… This is good though.
The Hidden (1987)
7/10 IMDB rating
It’s about a body-hopping alien. Or two.
I only discovered this a few years ago. Very enjoyable. Very 80s. I really like it.
DONNIE DARKO (2001)
8/10 IMDB rating
A troubled teenage boy is having visual hallucinations and getting into trouble. There is a freakish accident creating a strong sense of it all leading to something. The boy tries to unravel what is happening and what he must do.
It’s hard to describe this movie. But for me it’s really a bittersweet nostalgia trip for 80s kids. I’m very fond of bittersweet stuff and this is no exception.
MINORITY REPORT (2002)
7.6/10 IMDB rating
A police force that uses psychics to jail you before you do anything wrong has got to qualify as a Hallowe’en movie, right? It’s not scary. But it is a great sci-fi thriller.
BRAZIL (1985)
7.8/10 IMDB rating
An office worker living in an Orwellian world has fantasies of a much more romantic life. He meets a woman who looks just like the woman of his dreams. She’s a freedom fighter. He pursues her regardless.
This is a 1984 type world but done in an absurdist style. It feels like a musical though it isn’t. It’s dreamy, sweet, funny and sad. If you like the trailer, you’ll definitely like the film.
DIAL M FOR MURDER (1954)
8.2/10 IMDB rating
A wife has an affair. She chooses to stay with her husband and has no idea he knows all about it. Her lover is visiting again. And the husband has a plan to murder his rich wife.
This is one of my favourite Hitchcock films. How does it qualify as a Halloween movie? … Well, it’s about a husband who wants to kill his wife. Isn’t that scary?
In this case, it’s not scary. In fact the husband is quite charming. So is the lover. So is the wife. Even the police inspector is very likeable.
The Old Dark House (1932)
7/10 IMDB rating
A bickering couple and their friend are driving through a wet and wild storm. They end up seeking shelter in a large gothic house, inhabited by a strange, and at times aggressive, cast of characters. Another couple, also seeking shelter, soon join them.
This is quite the gem. It’s a queer-coded horror that is really about the problems caused by othering, isolation and repression. It has loads of atmosphere, some tension, some comedy, and also sweetness and understanding.
The Black Cat (1941)
6.1/10 IMDB rating
An elderly widow is believed to be dying. Her relatives are gathered, hoping for a share in her estate. The house and grounds are filled with and dedicated to her cats. There’s also a witchy housekeeper and a groundskeeper who could pass for a famous vampire.
One of the relatives has already contacted an estate agent and an appraiser. So they are there too.
Oh and it seems someone is trying to kill whoever stands in their way of inheriting.
I have read a scathing review of this - not on IMDB and I didn’t keep note of it. It’s not well regarded. Even its cast didn’t think much of it. I absolutely love this movie.
I may not be able to tell what is a family-friendly movie. But I know children can really enjoy this. Because I enjoyed watching it as a child. The appraiser, Mr Penny, is made for children to appreciate. And I still find him funny.
Beyond that, I love that the male lead isn’t a hunk but is sort of the romantic lead. I love that the women are all strong women and the men are surprisingly sweet. And everyone is far from perfect.
I love this movie.
MISERY (1990)
7.8/10 IMDB rating
A popular writer crashes his car and is rescued by his #1 fan who doesn’t want him to ever get better.
I started with a Stephen King so I might as well end with one. Not scary this one, but a wincingly good thriller.
I’m not sure exactly how many of the movies I mentioned are really all that scary but if you’re searching for something different to watch this Halloween hopefully this list will be of some use.
