9 horror classics to re-watch with your close ones this Halloween

The Conjuring | Image via: Warner Bros. Pictures
The Conjuring | Image via: Warner Bros. Pictures

Halloween is an excellent occasion to snuggle up with your loved ones and scare yourselves a bit. It doesn’t matter whether you are a fan of the ghost stories that send shivers down the spine, the ingenious murderers, or the subtle mysteries; horror classics are always in demand. Some of the old tales from many decades back still have the power to terrify the viewers, while the new ones offer a combination of thrills and emotional depth.

This Halloween, step back in time and check out some of the best horror films and series again that have shaped the genre. The stories of haunted houses, cursed dolls, masked murderers, and supernatural secrets remind us of the reason behind our fondness for fright.

So, wrap yourselves in a thick blanket, switch the lights off, and get ready for a mixture of screams, laughs, and hiding behind pillows with these amazing horror classics that are impossible to forget.


1. The Exorcist

The Exorcist | Image via: Warner Bros. Pictures
The Exorcist | Image via: Warner Bros. Pictures

The Exorcist is a timeless classic that reinvigorated the genre of supernatural horror. The story revolves around 12-year-old Regan as she becomes possessed by a horrific demon that forces two priests to confront their faith and fears in a last-ditch exorcism. The Exorcist stays with the viewer for these reasons, and even 50 years after its release, it still has all of its terrifying realism, terrifying atmosphere, and concerning emotional arcs.

Most horror films don't blend fear and emotion like The Exorcist, and that makes it a perfect film to rewatch this Halloween.


2. Psycho

Psycho | Image via: Paramount Pictures
Psycho | Image via: Paramount Pictures

Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho keeps on horrifying viewers more than sixty years after the first showing of the film. The plot is about Marion Crane, who arrives at the tranquil Bates Motel, oblivious to the terrors that are going to come along with her checking in. Norman Bates, portrayed excellently by Anthony Perkins, hides the most unforgettable secrets of this movie.

Psycho, which has recently been remastered in 4K, appears to be clearer and more terrifying than ever, making a statement that the real psychological horror is still strong enough to make one feel uneasy.


3. The Shining

The Shining | Image via: Warner Bros. Pictures
The Shining | Image via: Warner Bros. Pictures

Adapted from Stephen King's novel, The Shining is a psychological horror classic by Stanley Kubrick. It involves Jack Torrance, a novelist who gradually loses his grip on reality while babysitting a remote hotel with his family. Creepy twins, the haunted Overlook Hotel, and Here's Johnny! scene are unforgettable.

Doctor Sleep, its sequel, followed Danny into adulthood. Watching The Shining with friends provides a combination of fright, suspense, and old-fashioned Halloween fright.


4. Halloween

Halloween | Image via: Compass International Pictures
Halloween | Image via: Compass International Pictures

John Carpenter's Halloween brought the world the frightening killer Michael Myers. The film tracks babysitter Laurie Strode as she battles the masked killer on Halloween night. Its frightening scores and suspenseful moments made it a horror milestone. The film's minimalist yet efficient scares remain effective today.

Seeing the original provides that excellent nostalgic horror experience. It's the perfect Halloween rewatch for fans of slasher films and suspenseful storytelling.


5. The Conjuring

The Conjuring | Image via: Warner Bros. Pictures
The Conjuring | Image via: Warner Bros. Pictures

The Conjuring set the bar for horror movies of the present day with its ghostly atmosphere and human feelings. It depicts a family that is possessed by a devil in their farmhouse. It is based on the actual paranormal cases of Ed and Lorraine Warren.

The movie's popularity created a whole franchise with more films like Annabelle and The Nun. Its decade-long journey has not lessened its terror and convincing portrayals, which still rank it with the top horror films to be watched this Halloween, scary yet very human.


6. The Haunting of Hill House

The Haunting of Hill House | Image via: Netflix
The Haunting of Hill House | Image via: Netflix

Netflix's The Haunting of Hill House is a contemporary horror classic. The series follows a family who used to reside in a haunted house and still grapples with the traumatic experience years later. Each episode is packed with emotional storytelling and ghosts lurking in the background.

It's not only frightening, it's also heartwarming. Directed by Mike Flanagan, it was one of the most debated Netflix horror series. With its intelligent details and creepy visuals, it's an ideal series to be watched with friends and family this Halloween.


7. Stranger Things

Stranger Things | Image via: Netflix
Stranger Things | Image via: Netflix

Stranger Things combines horror, mystery, and adventure in a style that is enjoyable for everybody. It is set in the 1980s and features a group of children who find horrifying monsters and hidden experiments in their hometown. The series combines supernatural frights with nostalgia and powerful friendships.

Season 4 debuted Vecna, who was a dominant villain and one of the most iconic horror characters in recent memory. With the last season about to air, watching Stranger Things this Halloween is an excellent idea. Itis spooky, sentimental, and full of heart.


8. A Nightmare on Elm Street

A Nightmare on Elm Street | Image via: New Line Cinema
A Nightmare on Elm Street | Image via: New Line Cinema

This cult horror film brought to life Freddy Krueger, a murderer who kills people in dreams. Teenagers must remain awake to live through their deadly dreams. With its innovative concept and blend of fantasy and terror, A Nightmare on Elm Street redefined horror films forever.

Even at 40 years old, Freddy's horrific glove and charred face are unforgettable. Watching it with friends this Halloween evening will certainly not allow anyone to sleep!


9. Scream

Scream | Image via: Dimension Films
Scream | Image via: Dimension Films

Scream injected fresh life into horror during the 1990s. It tracks teenager Sidney Prescott as she is stalked by masked murderer Ghostface. Scream was different because it spoofed horror film conventions but was still scary.

Directed by Wes Craven, it was a box office sensation and spawned a lengthy franchise, including Scream VI. The combination of suspense, mystery, and humor in this film makes it ideal for a group viewing. It's ideal if you desire scares and entertainment this Halloween.


Revisiting spine-chilling masterpieces on Halloween is not only about getting scared, ear sharing with loved ones is the main thing. These films and series show us that fear is an enjoyable feeling if one shares it with others. The Shining's creepy atmosphere and Stranger Things' nostalgic appeal are two examples, but each story is unforgettable in its own way.

Thus, this Halloween, invite your pals over, get some treats ready, and let these everlasting horror stories give your evening both screams and laughter.

Edited by Priscillah Mueni