Hey there, fellow horror fans! 👻 With Halloween around the corner, what better way to immerse yourself in the spooky season than with a 31-day horror movie challenge? I’ve put together my own list of films—ranging from terrifying classics to modern-day nightmares—all inspired by Reel Cinephilia’s awesome movie post. I did change some of the headings to fit my own horror movie tastes! Feel free to follow my list, or even better, curate your own and share the scares!

Now, let’s dive into the terror-filled lineup that will keep you shivering through October.

1. Favorite to Kick Off the Spooky Season
The Return of the Living Dead (1985)

Directed by: Dan O’Bannon
This cult classic opens up the season with zombies, punk rock, and a generous helping of dark humor. When two warehouse workers accidentally release a gas that reanimates the dead, chaos and fun ensue!

2. Favorite Set on Halloween Night
Trick ‘R Treat (2007)

Directed by: Michael Dougherty
A must-watch on Halloween night, this anthology weaves together several spooky tales all set on the same night. The mysterious Sam makes sure that everyone follows the rules of Halloween—or faces dire consequences.

3. Favorite You Watched Way Too Young
Pet Sematary 2 (1992)

Directed by: Mary Lambert
This underrated sequel delivers supernatural horror with some disturbing moments. When a grieving boy brings his mother back from the dead, things go terribly wrong—proving sometimes dead is better.

I remember having nightmares of that dog on the rocking chair , giving me shivers in the night. I look forward to watching it again, it has been since childhood since I have watched this one.

4. First Horror Movie You Loved
The Frighteners (1996)

Directed by: Peter Jackson
Before “The Lord of the Rings,” Jackson directed this horror-comedy starring Michael J. Fox. A psychic conman who can communicate with ghosts faces off against a vengeful spirit that turns out to be more dangerous than expected.

Best Michael J. Fox movie hands down.

5. Favorite Horror Love Story
Tucker & Dale vs. Evil (2010)

Directed by: Eli Craig
A hilarious horror-comedy that flips the “killer hillbillies” trope on its head. Tucker and Dale are just trying to enjoy their cabin in the woods, but a series of misunderstandings turns their vacation into a deadly situation. Love and laughs abound!

6. First Horror You Should Show Your Kids
Evil Dead (1981)

Directed by: Sam Raimi
This early Sam Raimi film is a great introduction to over-the-top horror. Five friends head to a cabin and unknowingly awaken ancient evil forces. Gore, humor, and crazy camera work make this a must-see for any horror fan.

7. Favorite Post-Apocalyptic Horror
28 Days Later (2002)

Directed by: Danny Boyle
A gripping and realistic take on the zombie apocalypse, this film follows survivors trying to navigate a world devastated by a rage-inducing virus. Cillian Murphy leads this intense, atmospheric horror.

8. Favorite Folk Horror
Midsommar (2019)

Directed by: Ari Aster
In this bright, unsettling folk horror, a group of friends visits a remote Swedish village for a once-in-a-lifetime festival. What begins as a peaceful retreat turns into a disturbing nightmare steeped in pagan rituals.

9. Favorite Arthouse Horror
Nosferatu (1922)

Directed by: F. W. Murnau
A true classic, Nosferatu is one of the earliest depictions of vampires on film. This silent German Expressionist film features eerie, shadowy visuals and a haunting performance by Max Schreck as Count Orlok.

10. Favorite Occult Horror
Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

Directed by: Roman Polanski
A psychological horror masterpiece about a young woman, Rosemary, who suspects something sinister is happening with her pregnancy. The film slowly builds tension and dread, leading to an unforgettable ending.

11. Favorite Creepy Kid Horror
Sinister (2012)

Directed by: Scott Derrickson
Ethan Hawke stars as a true-crime writer who discovers horrifying home movies linked to a series of brutal murders. The eerie tapes and creepy kids make this film a truly hair-raising experience.

12. Favorite Supernatural Horror
The Conjuring (2013)

Directed by: James Wan
Based on true events, this film follows paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren as they help a family tormented by dark forces in their farmhouse. It’s a modern classic in supernatural horror.

13. Favorite Directed by Hitchcock
Rope (1948)

Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock
A suspenseful, psychological thriller about two young men who commit murder just to see if they can get away with it. Hitchcock’s bold use of long takes and a single set creates a uniquely tense atmosphere.

14. Favorite Directed by Cronenberg
The Brood (1979)

Directed by: David Cronenberg
Cronenberg’s body horror film explores the psychological and physical manifestations of trauma. A disturbed woman gives birth to a brood of monstrous children, resulting in a bizarre and terrifying family crisis.

15. Favorite Directed by Del Toro
The Devil’s Backbone (2001)

Directed by: Guillermo del Toro
Set during the Spanish Civil War, this supernatural tale follows a young boy in an orphanage haunted by a mysterious ghost. Del Toro’s signature blend of gothic horror and historical drama shines here.

16. Favorite Directed by Romero
Night of the Living Dead (1968)

Directed by: George A. Romero
The film that defined the zombie genre, Romero’s low-budget masterpiece portrays a group of strangers trapped in a farmhouse as the dead rise to feast on the living.

17. Favorite Directed by Carpenter
The Thing (1982)

Directed by: John Carpenter
A sci-fi horror about a group of scientists in Antarctica who discover a shape-shifting alien. This terrifying film is filled with paranoia and grotesque practical effects, making it a Carpenter classic.

18. Favorite Directed by a Modern Director (2000-2024)
Gerald’s Game (2017)

Directed by: Mike Flanagan
Based on Stephen King’s novel, this psychological horror follows a woman handcuffed to a bed in a remote cabin after her husband dies suddenly. Flanagan’s adaptation is a gripping, tense, and intimate nightmare.

Since the list does not have any limited run series, I thought Mike Flanagan can go here. Although his series are MUCH spookier and more my taste, such as Midnight Mass and The Haunting of Hill House.

19. Favorite 70s Horror
Alien (1979)

Directed by: Ridley Scott
In space, no one can hear you scream. This sci-fi horror masterpiece follows the crew of the Nostromo as they encounter a deadly alien that stalks them through their ship. Sigourney Weaver shines as Ripley.

20. Favorite 80s Horror
The Shining (1980)

Directed by: Stanley Kubrick
Kubrick’s eerie adaptation of Stephen King’s novel about a family staying in a haunted hotel is a must-watch. Jack Nicholson’s performance as the unhinged Jack Torrance is iconic.

21. Favorite 90s Horror
Event Horizon (1997)

Directed by: Paul W.S. Anderson
A crew is sent to investigate a spaceship that has mysteriously reappeared after disappearing for years. What they find is a portal to unspeakable horrors in this terrifying sci-fi horror.

22. Favorite 00s Horror
Saw (2004)

Directed by: James Wan
The film that launched a franchise, Saw is a gritty, low-budget thriller that pits two men against each other in a sadistic game designed by the infamous Jigsaw killer.

23. Favorite 10s Horror
V/H/S (2012)

Directed by: Various
An anthology of found-footage horror, each segment of V/H/S offers a different chilling story, all captured on grainy, unsettling tapes. This film is a creative and disturbing addition to the genre.

24. Favorite 20s Horror
Talk to Me (2022)

Directed by: Danny and Michael Philippou
In this modern horror hit, a group of friends discover a way to summon spirits using a haunted hand. What starts as a party trick quickly spirals into terrifying consequences as the boundaries between the living and dead blur.

25. Scariest Movie You’ve Ever Seen
Jeepers Creepers (2001)

Directed by: Victor Salva
A brother and sister driving through the countryside encounter a relentless and ancient creature that hunts them down in this fast-paced and terrifying film. It’s one that leaves a lasting impression!

I watched this when it first came out and it scared me so horribly I couldn’t sleep that night.

26. Favorite Watched Streaming
Terrifier 2 (2022)

Directed by: Damien Leone
Art the Clown returns in this ultra-violent and gory sequel, terrifying audiences once again. It’s not for the faint of heart, but horror fans will love the relentless intensity of this film.

27. Favorite Found Footage Horror
Grave Encounters (2011)

Directed by: The Vicious Brothers
A paranormal reality TV crew enters an abandoned psychiatric hospital, hoping to capture footage of the supernatural. What they find instead is a terrifying experience they weren’t prepared for.

28. Favorite to Watch with Your Mom
The Awakening (2011)

Directed by: Nick Murphy
Set in post-WWI England, this atmospheric ghost story follows a skeptical supernatural debunker, Florence Cathcart, as she investigates sightings of a ghost at a boys’ boarding school. Beautifully shot and filled with tension, it’s a haunting tale that balances emotional depth with eerie chills—perfect for a spooky night in with mom.

29. Favorite Released During Birth Year
Pumpkinhead (1988)

Directed by: Stan Winston
This revenge-driven creature feature is a cult classic. After his son is killed in a tragic accident, a grieving father summons a demonic entity, Pumpkinhead, to exact vengeance on the culprits. What follows is a tale of retribution that spirals out of control, with the gruesome demon taking on a life of its own.

30. Horror Movie You Haven’t Watched Yet
Stopmotion (2024)

Directed by: Robert Morgan
A dark, psychological horror film about an animator slowly losing grip on reality while working on her latest project. With its intense atmosphere and innovative storytelling, this movie is a fresh addition to the genre. It’s one I’m eager to check off my list this Halloween season!

31. Favorite to Watch on Halloween
Halloween (1978)

Directed by: John Carpenter
What better way to end this challenge than with the quintessential Halloween horror? John Carpenter’s iconic slasher about Michael Myers returning to his hometown of Haddonfield to stalk babysitters is a must-watch on Halloween night. With its eerie score, relentless killer, and tension-filled atmosphere, Halloween is the ultimate fright to close out the spooky season.

And there you have it—my 31 days of Halloween horror! Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or just looking for some spooky entertainment, these films are sure to send shivers down your spine. Now it’s your turn—what movies are you adding to your Halloween watchlist? Let me know in the comments! 🎃👻