Every October, one of the quintessential elements of the month is watching spooky movies. Whether you consider yourself a fan of being scared or not, something about watching films with a horror edge just feels right. However, streaming has made the selections plentiful, but narrowing down your watchlist a nightmare. As a self-proclaimed horror fanatic, I feel now is the time for me to aid my fellow students and make your October binges a lot easier:

October 1: The Invisible Man (1933)

You always want to start things off with the classics, and it does not get more classic than a Universal monster movie. “The Invisible Man” is truly one of the best at only 71 minutes, making it an easy watch for all. (Amazon Prime Video)

October 2: The People Under the Stairs (1991)

A forgotten gem by the late Wes Craven (“Scream,” “A Nightmare on Elm Street”) this also works as a standout for the 90s wave of black horror. Filled with twists and turns you will not see coming and some of the most memorable villains of the genre, it is a must watch. (Peacock)

October 3: Talk to Me (2023)

It is always good to mix things up and throw a newer release into the pile, and this one has all the makings of a modern classic. Expertly crafted and delightfully wicked, this first-time outing for YouTubers, RackaRacka, is one of A24’s strongest flicks and has an ending that will sit with you long after it is all over. (Buy for $19.99 wherever movies are sold)

October 4: The Faculty (1998) 

Adding a sci-fi twist into the list, “The Faculty” is teaming to the brim with recognizable faces and character actors. A high school set version of “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” with a twinge of “Scream” and “The Breakfast Club.” (Peacock)

October 5: Host (2020)

If the pandemic wasn’t horrifying enough, now add a Zoom call séance that goes horribly wrong. The shortest film on this list at just under an hour, “Host” is genuinely terrifying and filled with jump scares that will leave even the most experienced genre fans launch off the seat in fear. (Shudder)

October 6-8: Fear Street Trilogy (2021)

Kick off the first full weekend of October with Netflix’s excellent slasher trilogy based on the works of R.L. Stine. Perfect films to introduce newcomers to the slasher genre and filled with plenty of fun easter eggs and references for all die-hards like me. (Netflix)

October 9: Fright Night (1985)

One of my personal favorites, and the best vampire films ever made, “Fright Night” is one of the most fun films you’ll watch this October. Carried by the strong performances of Chris Sarandon and Roddy McDowall, and the expertly crafted special effects, it is one of the finest the 80s ever gave us. (AMC+)

October 10: The Houses October Built (2014)

It would not be October without a visit to at least one haunted attraction, so why not check out a horror film dedicated to what makes them so great? One of the few found footage films to walk the fine line between fact and fiction, you’ll be questioning what was real when you finally make it to the credits. (Tubi)

October 11: Hell House LLC (2015)

Another film dedicated to the haunt community, “Hell House LLC” makes big scares with little money. For those afraid of clowns this certainly will leave you sleeping with the lights on. You can also check out the actual haunt from the film, The Waldorf Estate of Fear in Lehighton, PA. (Tubi)

October 12: Beetlejuice (1988)

It is important to have some light-hearted fare in rotation and “Beetlejuice” is an excellent spooky comedy. If you want to see Tim Burton throw every bit of his style onto the screen, you need to check this one out. Also give the musical a listen to when you get the chance. (Max)

October 13-15: Friday the 13th Marathon

For a Friday the 13th to fall in October this year, of course you have to pay your dues to Jason Voorhees. If you really want to test your sanity, go for all 12 movies, or if you are looking for the real good ones, I recommend “Part 3, 4, 6, 7” and the 2009 remake. (Max)

October 16: Candyman (1992) and (2021)

The film that put the great Tony Todd on the map as an icon of horror. A double feature that will not only scare you, but possibly move you as well. Both “Candyman” films expertly balance the horror with the macabre beauty of the original, and the all too relevant commentary of the reboot. (Peacock)

October 17: The Haunting (1963)

A quintessential haunted house flick and another masterpiece of the black-and-white film era. “The Haunting” is not only revolutionary for its scares, but it is an important piece of queer horror as well. Who knew the director of “West Side Story” and “The Sound of Music” could chill you to the bone? (Max)

October 18: Night of the Living Dead (1990)

I do not often recommend remakes to people, especially ones of classic horror films, but the 1990 “Night of the Living Dead” is truly excellent. Taking everything that made the original the masterpiece it is, this update brings color, gore and a much stronger female lead into the fold. (PlutoTV)

October 19: Ghostbusters (1984)

While “Beetlejuice” is funny, “Ghostbusters” is hilarious. Some of the best comedic writing is elevated by one of the best casts ever assembled. If you are going to play Ray Parker Jr. 's earworm of a song at your Halloween festivities, you might as well check out the movie while you’re at it. (Peacock)

October 20: It Came From the Television (2023)

Shameless plug aside, you truly won’t want to miss this one night only event held by SUTV. For 12-straight-hours, you can tune in live to watch “Night of the Living Dead” (1968), “House on Haunted Hill” and “The Screaming Skull,” as well as independent short films and discussions with horror legends. The event is also for charity, and students will have a chance to win some truly amazing prizes. (Youtube/Twitch/Facebook)

October 21-22: The Addams Family (1991) and Addams Family Values (1993)

They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky, and they’re perfect for this October’s marathon. While “Values” outshines the first in almost every way, the first is still important viewing for all. The late Raul Julia alone is worth the price of admission. (Paramount)

October 23: Halloween (1978)

I mean it had to make an appearance at some point. “Halloween” may not soak in the holiday as much as the title would imply, but that doesn’t mean it won’t put you in the perfect Halloween mood. Michael Myers is an icon for a reason and this movie is always a great reminder of why he always will be. (Shudder)

October 24: Halloween (2018)

Just like his buddy Jason, Michael Myers is no stranger to the sequel game. Out of all the follow-ups and remakes, the one I highly recommend is the 2018 sequel. Jamie Lee Curtis shines as a battered and aged Laurie Strode ready to bring down Michael Myers after 40 years of waiting. Definitely watch this one as a stand-alone follow up to the 1978 film, and do not bother with its two sequels. (Peacock)

October 25: Sleepy Hollow (1999)

Tim Burton makes his grand return with a much more serious, but equally entertaining reimagining of Washington Irving’s classic tale. Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci try to stop a truly scary Headless Horseman in a macabre murder mystery. The poster does not lie, the head truly does roll. (Max)

October 26: The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

Perfect viewing right in time for the Page Center’s production of the film on the 27th, 28th and the 29th. With one banger of a song after the other, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is a lightning in a bottle type of film, that maybe hasn’t aged the best, but still carries the powerful message, “Don’t dream it, be it.” (Rent for $3.99 on YouTube)

October 27: Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023)

Of all the new releases dropping in October, why not check out the one you can watch either in the theater or from the comfort of your own home. Based on the iconic video-game series, the films boast a star-studded cast in Josh Hutcherson and Matthew Lillard, but also look to give us the animatronics ripped straight from the games. (In Theaters or Peacock)

October 28-29: Disney Channel Original Halloween Films

Take the rest of your Halloweekend to gather with friends, dress-up and watch the nostalgia roll right off the screen. Whether well-known favorites like “Halloweentown” or more overlooked gems like “Mom’s Got a Date With a Vampire,” see how Disney Channel once ruled the month of October. (Disney+)

October 30: Lake Mungo (2008)

If you have made it this far, perhaps none of the movies have scared you up to this point. Well, “Lake Mungo” is a film that will haunt you long after you have watched it. I have written in-depth about why “Lake Mungo” is so terrifying so you can read more there, but just know that this is not a jump scare heavy film. This is a silent, slow burn film that lingers in your mind for days after viewing. (Tubi)

October 31: Hocus Pocus (1993)

Do I even need to explain this one? It’s Hocus Pocus. (Disney+)

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