Halloween is a time for spooky stories, costumes, and fun gatherings with friends and family. But sometimes, staying in and watching a scary movie is just as enjoyable — if not more so — than a night out. If you're considering a night in this Halloween, here are some of the best movies to watch alone. From horror classics to suspenseful thrillers, these flicks are sure to make your Halloween night one to remember.
We've said it before, and we'll repeat it: the most spine-chilling, 'spooktacular' time of year is coming thick and fast, and if you've yet to start your Halloween preparations, you'd better start right now.
That said, just because it's Halloween, that doesn't mean you have to dress up in full regalia and head out to a party. On the contrary, you can have some of the most frightening Halloween fun sitting in the (dis)comfort of your own (haunted) house, in the dark, snacks and drinks in hand, watching a spine-tinglingly scary movie or three.
Suppose you're looking for something that will get under your skin and make you dash for the covers this Halloween. In that case, we have a selection of flicks that will make incredible alternatives to the likes of Nightmare on Elm Street, Saw, IT, or Friday 13th (these are all epic, but we bet you know them inside-out). These five spine-tinglers are just what you need to see on fright night with style.
Let's get going!
Whistle and I'll Come to You (2010)
Based on the original and intensely dark 1968 film of the same name (we suggest watching them both), this adaptation starring the one and only John Hurt is nothing short of terrifying. This particular flick doesn't feature endless reels of gore, sausage strings of guts, viscera, severed heads like your average, typical spooky film. However, this creepy skin-crawling, psychological horror will get inside your head and whirl around in the deepest pockets of your skull long after the end credits have rolled. Watch it, if you dare.
The Signalman (1976)
Charles Dickens is world-renowned for his literary prowess and iconic storytelling, but did you know that he was a supreme raconteur of the ghostly variety? Well, he was, and his 1866 short story, The Signalman, was made into a subtle but terrifying flick in 1976. This chilling tale is based on a weary traveler and his repeated encounters with an unsettled railway worker - we won't give away any details but trust us when we say this spooky motion picture will hook you in from start to finish.
A Dark Song (2017)
A very British chiller, A Dark Song offers a disturbing, ghastly, atmospheric, bitter, odd, and unsettling shock to the senses. The casting is perfect, the performances as real as it gets, and the ending - well, brace yourself and try not to throw your popcorn in the air. In our opinion, this is one of the most underrated horror-chillers of all time, and you will see why when you watch it, you must watch it - your Halloween night won't be complete without it.
The Witch (2015)
Along with creepy clowns, witches are perhaps the most horrific of all characters associated with Halloween, and they come in many frightening forms. Now, possibly the most disturbing manifestation of a witch you'll ever see or sense comes from this film, directed by Robert Eggers, which is aptly named, The Witch. Set in 1630 New England, this sleep-depriving motion picture will fill you with fear, suspicion, and paranoia as you follow a humble farmer on his ill-fated journey to find his recently abducted son - beware of the witch.
Absentia (2011)
This indie supernatural film is laced with ominous imagery, a soundtrack that is so suspenseful you'll feel like your spine is about to snap. The psychological dialogue is so sharp that you will not be able to prize yourself from the screen from the moments the intro sequence appears until the bitter end. Absentia is arguably one of the most mind-bending flicks in the entire lineup, blurring the lines between the truth, reality, and the realm that we can't always see seamlessly. Get those snacks at the ready - and try not to scream.
The Canal (2014)
What happens when a trauma creeps into the darkest embers of your psyche and forces way beyond your usual realm of conception to present themselves in all their evil glory? Well, a lot of craziness that will most likely send you around the twist is the answer. And if you do want to be sent around the twist this Halloween, The Canal is the supernatural flick for you - make sure you put it on your movie menu this 31st October. Get ready to enjoy ghosts, mystery, and your heart racing.
"I ate his liver with some fava beans and I nice chianti."
Okay, Silence of the Lambs isn't on our list, but it is one of the most incredible horror/thrillers of all time, so we thought we'd leave you with this cannibalistic quote to get you well and truly into the mood for your Halloween movie scare fest - you're welcome.
We hope you have the most disturbing Halloween night in your life, so roll on 31st October!
Which movie will you be watching on Halloween?
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