Where to watch the best horror movies this Halloween: the ultimate guide to platforms, genres, and binge-watching

Are you passionate about horror movies and looking for ways to make Halloween an unforgettable experience? You've reached the definitive article. Here we'll open the doors to a universe of terrifying films, intensely detailed for you to find. The best horror movies to watch on Halloween and all year round, with complete explanations and organized resources so you don't miss a single shout.

How to Experience Halloween with the Best Horror Movies: A Guide for True Horror Lovers

Halloween is not just a date, it is the perfect excuse to immerse yourself in horror movie marathons, whether alone, as a couple, with family or with friends. Horror films are one of the oldest and most popular genres of the seventh art, capable of provoking intense emotions such as fear, suspense, repulsion or adrenaline, and can be enjoyed with both classic and timeless titles As with contemporary premieresIn this guide, you'll discover:

• Which platforms to watch the best horror movies on (Netflix, Prime Video, Max, Disney+, Filmin, Movistar+ and more).
• All free and paid options, including catalogues from RTVE Play, Shadowz or Acontra+.
• Differences, explanations, and examples of horror genres and subgenres: slasher, psychological, supernatural, folk horror, body horror, apocalyptic, zombie, etc.
• A carefully curated selection of recommended films for all audiences, with fact sheets, synopsis, directors, featured actors, types of horror, trivia, and direct links for easy access.
• How to organize your own Halloween marathon, ideas for making it themed, and extra resources to make your night (or week) the most terrifying experience every time.

The best streaming platforms for watching horror movies

Access to Quality horror movies have never been easier than they are today.Thanks to streaming services, you can watch the best of the genre whenever and wherever you want. Below, we show you the more complete and up-to-date catalogs so you can enjoy the fear on the big screen or from the comfort of your couch.

• Netflix: Probably the most diverse catalog, with classic horror films, international hits, exclusive premieres, and entire franchises. Here you can find gems like Halloween night, The hole, the nun, Barbarian, The Shining, The witch, Hereditary, Train to Busan, REC, It, La Purga, Nightmare on Elm Street, El conjuro, Zombie Party y The babysitter. In addition, it includes trilogies such as The street of terror and original proposals such as Cage, The Criminal Readers' Club o Malasana 32.
• Premium Video: It stands out for its collection of classics and international new releases. Here you have Hereditary, The invisible man, Midsummer, The Exorcist, Carrie, Final destination, Smile, Shark, The witch, Venus, Us, Let me in, You are the next one and recent national proposals such as Venicephrenia o The grandmother.
• Disney+ (including Star): Essential for Alien, 28 days, The Blair Witch, The sixth Sense, The Empty Man, no one will save you, Barbarian, Signs , Scary night, Reflexes and family titles such as Bitelchus o The Addams Family.
• HBO Max/Max: Focused on Stephen King franchises, sagas, and adaptations; here you have It, The Conjuring, Saw, The curse, The Shining, Annabelle, Final destination, Pennywise and the mythical Nightmare on Elm Street. In addition, sequels such as Sleep doctor and authorial horror with Malignant y evil dead rise.
• Film: The choice for fans of European horror and rarities. Find offerings like Let me in, possession, The Wailing, Cure, F, The thing, The witch, Caveat o The Green Hell.
• Movistar +: Catalog of new releases and renewed classics, including The brightness of television, M3GAN, 13 Exorcisms, The Communion Girl, Black Phone, Midsummer, The invitation and more.
• RTVE Play: To see free and legal horror movies, with selections like trick-or-treating, psychological horror, scares, apocalyptic films, body horror, and more. Ideal for discovering national gems and titles available for free.
• Shadowz, Planet Horror, Acontra+ and Rakuten: Platforms specialized in horror for the most demanding, with titles such as Caveat, The brightness of television, Inevitable, oddity and more.

Each platform renews its catalog and adds Halloween-themed collections, but most of these titles are available year-round. Always check the platform's search engine or use sites like JustWatch to locate the exact title.

All genres and subgenres of horror films: from classics to cult horror

El horror movies It's characterized by its ability to reinvent itself through subgenres and new ways of scaring. Let's delve into the most relevant and recommended by critics and audiences:

• Psychological horror: Focused on the mind, suggestion, the unknown, trauma, internal fears, and atmosphere. Essential examples: The sixth Sense, The Orphanage, The hole, The Babadook, F, Hereditary, Saint maud y BonemakerThis type of film employs suspense, plot twists, complex characters, and emotional disturbance beyond the simple scare. To expand your knowledge on how to watch the best horror movies, check out our recommendations at The best movies you can watch for free on Pluto TV.
• Supernatural Horror: Based on the presence of entities, ghosts, demons, possessions, witches, and unexplained forces. Authentic icons: The Exorcist, The curse, El conjuro, insidious, The nun, Ouija, The first prophecy e Immaculate. Here, fear of the inexplicable and the illogical prevails. If you'd like to learn more about the genre, visit .
• Slasher: A killer (often masked) stalks and eliminates a group of protagonists, with explicit violence, tension, and chases. Must-see works: Halloween, Scream, Friday 13, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Terrify y Devil dollThe subgenre has evolved, blending meta humor, nods to clichés, and new narrative approaches. For a deeper dive into this genre, check out .
• Body horror: Horror manifests itself through physical transformations, mutations, illnesses, or invasion of the body. Highlights The thing, Videodrome, The Suspect, Malignant y BonemakerIt's disturbing, grotesque, and highly visual. If you'd like to explore more titles in this subgenre, visit .
• Zombie and apocalyptic horror: Epidemics, the living dead, infections, and the end of the world. Examples: Night of the Living Dead, 28 days, Train to Busan, Zombieland, Rec y Rest in peace. It can combine action, satire, and social criticism. To see more, see .
• Folk horror: Rural horror, fables, legends, pagan rituals, cults, and ancestral myths. Highlights The witch, Midsummer, The ritual, long legs y CandymanFor a deeper dive, check out .
• Found footage and experimental horror: Terror told through "found" footage. Examples: The Blair Witch Project, REC, The Mystery of Hanging Rock. To expand your options, explore .
• Home invasion: Home invasion stories where fear is rooted in the domestic space. Example: You are the next one, HushFor more recommendations, check out .
• Science fiction horror: When horror is caused by aliens, experiments, space travel, or technological consequences. Example: Alien, Invasion of the Ultrabodies, Life, The Empty Man, The brightness of televisionTo explore more, visit .
• Horror for the whole family: Films suitable for all audiences, full of mystery, magic, and fantastical creatures, where the goal is to entertain rather than frighten. Example: The Ghostbusters, Bitelchus, The Addams Family, Coco y The Nightmare Before ChristmasTo learn more about the genre, check out .

Each of these genres offers a unique experience, and it's important to choose based on the type of fear you're looking for: visual, psychological, metaphysical, supernatural, or pure gore entertainment. If you want to delve deeper into the best options for free streaming, be sure to check out .

A comprehensive list of recommended horror movies for Halloween and all year round: synopsis, platforms, and details.

Based on analysis of competitor catalogs, reviews, and audience feedback, we've compiled a ranked and expanded list of titles from around the world, from undisputed classics to recent hits and hidden gems. Each film includes a synopsis, director, lead actor or featured cast, subgenre, and platform where it's available (may vary by country):

1. The Exorcist – William Friedkin. Supernatural horror, possession, essential classic. A possessed girl and her mother's desperation confront two priests in the inexplicable

   a. Available on Netflix, Max, Movistar+ and Prime Video.

2. Halloween night – John Carpenter. Slasher, icon of the genre. Michael Myers escapes on Halloween night and spreads panic throughout the town. Netflix, Prime Video, SkyShowtime.
3. Scream – Wes Craven. Slasher, meta horror, humor. A mysterious masked killer stalks the teenagers of Woodsboro following movie rules. Netflix, Max, Movistar+ and SkyShowtime.
4. It (That) – Andy Muschietti. Supernatural terror, coming of age. A group of children face the sinister clown Pennywise who awakens every 27 years. Max.
5. Hereditary – Ari Aster. Psychological and supernatural horror. A family grapples with dark secrets and a curse after their grandmother's death. Netflix, Prime Video.
6. The Witch – Robert Eggers. Folk horror, atmospheric horror. New England, 17th century: After being cast out of their community, a family is haunted by mysterious forces and witchcraft. Netflix, Prime Video.
7. Alien: The Eighth Passenger – Ridley Scott. Science fiction horror, survival horror. The crew of the Nostromo is hunted one by one by a deadly and unknown alien being. Disney +.
8. The Shining – Stanley Kubrick. Psychological horror, haunted house, Stephen King adaptation. A writer loses his mind while taking care of an isolated hotel with his family. Max, Movistar+.
9. The silence of the lambs – Jonathan Demme. Psychological thriller, serial killers. A young FBI agent seeks the help of the brilliant but dangerous Dr. Hannibal Lecter to hunt down a serial killer. Prime Video, Filmin.
10. Carrie – Brian De Palma. Psychological, supernatural horror. An outcast teen discovers her telekinetic powers and wreaks revenge at her prom. Prime Video, Filmin.
11. Nightmare on Elm Street – Wes Craven. Supernatural slasher. Freddy Krueger stalks and kills teenagers in their dreams. Max.
12. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre – Tobe Hooper. Bloody horror, rural slasher. A group of friends are terrorized by Leatherface and his cannibalistic family. Netflix.
13. REC – Jaume Balagueró and Paco Plaza. Found footage, zombie horror, claustrophobia. A journalist and a firefighter team are trapped in an infected building in the heart of Madrid. Netflix.
14. The Blair Witch (The Blair Witch Project) – Daniel Myrick, Eduardo Sánchez. Found footage, folk horror. Three students disappear in a forest while filming a documentary about a local legend. Apple TV.
15. The Thing – John Carpenter. Body horror, paranoia, science fiction. In Antarctica, an alien creature assumes the form of its victims and sows distrust in a group of scientists. The film.
16. Midsummer – Ari Aster. Folk horror, cults, daytime terror. A Swedish summer festival turns into a nightmare for a group of American friends. Prime Video, Movistar+.
17. 28 days – Danny Boyle. Zombie horror, apocalyptic. An epidemic ravages the United Kingdom and survivors struggle to escape rabid infected. Disney +.
18. insidious – James Wan. Supernatural horror, astral travel. A boy falls into a coma and is trapped in another dimension, haunted by demonic entities. Max.
19. The Conjuring – James Wan. Supernatural horror, based on real events. Investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren help a family confront a demonic presence on their farm. Netflix, Prime Video, Max.
20. Annabelle – John R. Leonetti. Supernatural horror, cursed objects. A possessed doll sows terror in the lives of a young couple. Max.
21. Train to Busan – Yeon Sang-ho. Zombie horror, action, Korean drama. Train passengers struggle to survive during a zombie outbreak. Disney +.
22. The unrepeatable trilogy Fear Street – Leigh Janiak. Slasher, witchcraft, curses. Three films set in different eras explore an ancient curse in a cursed town. Netflix.
23. The First Prophecy (The First Omen) – Arkasha Stevenson. Religious horror, prequel to a saga. Explore the origin of one of the most influential possession stories of all time. Disney+, Prime Video.
24. Immaculate – Michael Mohan. Nun terror, religious, satirical. Blood, blasphemy, and madness in a convent, with an irreverent and mischievous approach. Disney+, Prime Video.
25. Barbarian – Zach Cregger. Suspense, domestic terror, surprises. A young woman rents a house and discovers she's not so alone. Netflix, Disney+.
26. Smile – Parker Finn. Psychological terror, malignant entity. The smile becomes the worst of omens for a psychiatrist who begins to be persecuted after a traumatic event. Prime Video.
27. Us – Jordan Peele. Psychological horror, home invasion, doppelgängers. A woman on vacation with her family faces a perverse and violent version of herself. Apple TV+, Prime Video.
28. Doctor Sleep – Mike Flanagan. Supernatural horror, sequel to The Shining. Danny Torrance, now an adult, helps a girl with "the shining" escape from a cult. Max.
29. The Invitation – Jessica M. Thompson. Gothic horror, suspense, vampires. A country wedding turns into a fight for survival in the face of dark family secrets. Movistar +.
30. M3GAN – Gerard Johnstone. Technological terror, killer dolls. A robot doll becomes obsessed with protecting her little girl at any cost. Movistar +.
31. Black Phone – Scott Derrickson. Psychological horror, kidnappings, sinister thriller. A kidnapped boy begins communicating with his captor's previous victims through a disconnected phone. Movistar +.
32. The Shining of Television (We're All Going to the World's Fair/The Shining of Television) – Jane Schoenbrun. Social terror, generational angst, cult atmosphere. It mixes visual and musical references from the 90s to create a visual and emotional nightmare. Movistar+, Prime Video, Rakuten, Apple TV.
33. Bonemaker – Michelle Garza. Body horror, folk horror, motherhood. A new mother undergoes a disturbing physical and emotional transformation. Planet Horror.
34. Caveat – Damian McCarthy. Atmospheric horror, psychological mystery. An island, a house with nooks and crannies and a disturbing presence. shadowz.
35. F – Michael Haneke. Psychological terror, home invasion. Two young men torture a family in a twisted game. Movistar+, Acontra+.
36. The Descent – Neil Marshall. Claustrophobia, creatures, bloody terror. A group of friends are trapped underground, harassed by monsters. Against+.
37. possession – Andrzej Zulawski. Psychological horror, body horror, trauma. A marriage goes to hell in a story of jealousy, mutations and madness. The film.
38. The Stranger (The Wailing) – Na Hong-jin. Korean horror, mystery, exorcisms. A rural community is shaken by mysterious deaths and rituals. The film.
39. Let me in – Tomas Alfredson. Romantic horror, vampires, coming of age. A lonely boy finds friendship and horror in his mysterious neighbor. Amazon Prime, Filmin.
40. Trick or treat (Trick 'r Treat) – Michael Dougherty. Anthological horror, Halloween crossover stories. Several stories intertwined on the scariest night of the year. Prime Video.
41. Poltergeist – Tobe Hooper. Supernatural horror, haunted houses. A family faces the wrath of spirits in their home. JustWatch, Disney+.
42. Rosemary's Baby – Roman Polanski. Psychological terror, satanic cults. A pregnant woman suspects her neighbors' dark interests. JustWatch, Prime Video.
43. Ghost Ship – Steve Beck. Supernatural horror, mystery on the high seas. A crew finds a lost ship full of macabre secrets. Netflix.
44. Final Destination – James Wong. Slasher, inevitable death, premonitions. A young man survives an accident after a premonition, but death will come looking for all those who evaded his destiny. Max.
45. The Cabin in the Woods – Drew Goddard. Tribute, parody and deconstruction of the genre. A group of friends in a cabin face unexpected horrors under the supervision of mysterious scientists. Netflix, Prime Video.
46. Nosferatu – FW Murnau. Silent horror, German expressionism, vampires. Count Orlok stalks his victims with an unforgettable aesthetic. RTVE Play, Filmin.
47. Candyman – Bernard Rose. Urban horror, urban legends, supernatural slasher. A vengeful spirit terrorizes those who dare repeat its name. skyshowtime.
48. The Orphanage – JA Bayona. Spanish terror, haunted houses, loss. A woman searches for her missing son in the mysterious orphanage where he grew up. Max.
49. Saint maud – Rose Glass. Psychological terror, faith, obsession. A devoted nurse wants to save the soul of a terminally ill patient. Prime Video.
50. Beetlejuice – Tim Burton. Comic horror, fantasy, for the whole family. Two ghosts hire an eccentric "human exorcist" to expel the living from their home. Disney +.
51. The hole – Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia. Dystopia, social terror, metaphor. In a vertical prison, inmates survive by sharing food from a descending platform. Netflix.
52. The Babadook – Jennifer Kent. Psychological terror, motherhood, grief. A mother and her son face a monster that emerges from a mysterious book. JustWatch, Prime Video.
53. Night of the Living Dead – George A. Romero. Zombie horror, social criticism. A group of people struggle to survive on a farm besieged by the dead. RTVE Play, Filmin.
54. The Purge – James DeMonaco. Dystopian horror, society, legalized violence. One night a year, all crimes are legal and a family struggles to survive. Netflix, Prime Video.

Platforms such as RTVE Play, Shadowz, Planet Horror, Filmin and JustWatch They'll help you find free or rental horror movies if you can't find them on your regular subscription. Remember to check availability based on your country.

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Discover the best free movies on Pluto TV: the essential catalog to enjoy without paying.

A selection of essential Spanish and Latin American horror films

Spain and Latin America have contributed memorable titles to the international scene, blending traditional horror with original and even award-winning offerings:

• REC – Jaume Balagueró and Paco Plaza (Spain). Found footage, zombie horror. Netflix.
• The Orphanage – JA Bayona (Spain). Psychological horror, haunted houses. Max.
• Veronica – Paco Plaza (Spain). Supernatural horror, Ouija in Madrid. Netflix.
• Malasana 32 – Albert Pintó (Spain). Haunted House Terror. Netflix.
• Little Pig – Carlota Pereda (Spain). Rural horror, thriller. Prime Video.
• The hole – Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia (Spain). Dystopia, social terror. Netflix.
• The grandmother – Paco Plaza (Spain). Family horror. Prime Video.
• sister death – Paco Plaza (Spain). Supernatural, Veronica prequel. Netflix.
• Jaula – Ignacio Tatay (Spain). Disturbing, mystery. Netflix.
• The Communion Girl – Victor Garcia (Spain). Spanish slasher. Movistar +.
• Shrews – Esteban Roel, Juanfer Andrés (Spain). Psychological terror, confinement. Prime Video.
• The snail house – Macarena Astorga (Spain). Rural thriller. Prime Video.
• Bonemaker – Michelle Garza (Mexico). Body horror, folk horror. Planet Horror.

How to organize the perfect Halloween marathon? Tips, ideas, and planning

Turning your Halloween into a unique experience is easy with a good selection and a touch of atmosphere:

• Choose the type of fear: Decide if you're into psychological horror, gory slashers, folk horror, or supernatural horror. You can organize the evening into themed sections or alternate styles.
• Personalize the environment: Decorate the room with candles, pumpkins, dimmed lights, blankets, and pillows to make everyone feel like they're in a haunted house.
• Prepare snacks: Popcorn, monster-shaped candy, pizzas, and themed drinks will make the night even more fun.
• Take a vote: If you're watching movies as a group, let each guest choose a movie. This way, the marathon will be varied and no one will be left out of their favorite genre.
• Don't forget the family options: For the little ones or to start the night, choose movies like Bitelchus, The Addams Family, Coco o Hocus Pocus.
• Explore the free catalog: Platforms like RTVE Play offer free special collections throughout October and November.
• Take advantage of collaborative lists: Create a shared document where everyone can suggest films and vote on the must-see ones. This way, you'll discover hidden gems of the genre.

Explore even more: other sources, festivals, and thematic resources on horror films

If you're a true cinephile or looking to break away from the mainstream, here are some additional resources:

• JustWatch: To find any horror movie available based on your country and platform.
• Filmin and Planet Horror: Specializing in auteur horror, independent cinema, and festivals.
• Shadowz, Acontra+: A catalog of cult films, rarities, and new releases not available on other platforms.
• RTVE Play: Free national and international titles, from classics to recent releases.
• RTVE Play "Trick or Treat" collection: Free selection of psychological, apocalyptic, body horror, and paranormal films.
• Festivals such as Sitges, Nocturna, Blood Window or Fantastic Fest: Check out the award-winning films and upcoming releases on platforms.
• Groups and social networks: Facebook, X, Instagram and specialized forums often publish recommendations and discussions in real time.
• Thematic podcasts: "The Almighty," "The Basement of Radio Belgrade," "Andrei's Dimension," "Lights on the Horizon," and dozens more to discover the secrets of your favorite films.

Horror films are a vast genre, constantly expanding with new offerings, revisiting classics, and inspiring themed marathons perfect for Halloween or any night you're looking for intense thrills. Whether solo, as a couple, with friends, or with family, a well-chosen horror experience never goes out of style. Set the lights low, choose your titles, and get ready for a terrifying experience you'll remember all year long. Have a terrifyingly fun and chilling Halloween!