As it is that time of the year again, here are the best horror movies to watch this Halloween, and which streaming services they can be watched on. Before delving into the list of scary movies, some caveats should probably be made. After all, is this really a list of the very best movies to watch this Halloween?
Well, the movies listed below were specifically chosen as they are available to stream right now. More importantly, they are available to stream without having to be signed up to a live TV service or requiring a rental fee. Of course, a subscription will still be needed to watch most of these movies, but this list has been intentionally created to avoid additional costs where possible.
In most cases, many of the services listed below offer a free trial, so even if a home is not currently signed up to the service, it may still be possible to sign up for the free trial and watch for free. If taking advantage of a free trial, the subscription will need to be manually canceled in time – if not planning to become a paid subscriber and wanting to avoid being charged the usual monthly subscription fee.
Best new horror movies to watch this Halloween
Below are 10 of the best new (released in 2022) horror movies you can stream right now with a subscription.
Orphan: First Kill (2022)
The original Orphan movie was released in 2009 and has gone on to become a popular horror movie, and the 2022 movie is well worth watching this Halloween. Even if you haven’t seen the original (only available to rent), Orphan: First Kill is capable of standing on its own, especially considering it’s technically a prequel.
Orphan: First Kill is currently available to stream through Paramount Plus with plans starting at $4.99 per month. A 7-day free trial is available.
Scream (2022)
Scream (2022), or Scream 5, takes place twenty-five years after the original movie and tries to stick close to the formula that made the first Scream so popular. Whether or not it actually succeeds in that is up for debate, but a new Scream movie is always a fun movie to watch at Halloween.
Scream (2022) is currently available to stream on Showtime. A standard Showtime subscription costs up to $10.99 per month and a 30-day free trial is available. Alternatively, Showtime can also be bundled with Paramount Plus. Bundle plans starts at $11.99 per month, although the free trial is limited to 7 days (whispered in The Ring voice).
Halloween Ends (2022)
Would it be Halloween without a new Halloween movie? The aptly-named Halloween Ends brings to an end the latest reenvisioning of the popular franchise. If you haven’t watched the 2018 Halloween (rent) and the 2021 Halloween Kills (HBO Max), then you probably should before hitting play on this one.
Halloween Ends is currently available to stream on Peacock. A standard Peacock Premium plan costs $4.99 per month and a 7-day free trial is available.
Mr. Harrigan’s Phone (2022)
Mr. Harrigan’s Phone is the latest adaptation of a Stephen King story which is enough of a reason to watch it. For fans of the iPhone, the movie will be additionally worth a watch considering the launch of the original iPhone makes more than just a cameo in this one.
Mr. Harrigan’s Phone is currently available to stream on Netflix with plans starting at $9.99 per month. Netflix no longer offers a free trial.
Hellraiser (2022)
The original Hellraiser likely needs no introduction considering the original movie’s Hall of Fame status, and the name alone should offer enough insight into what to expect with the 2022 movie. For reference, the latest Hellraiser is not a remake nor a sequel, it’s a totally new story.
Hellraiser (2022) is currently available to stream on Hulu with plans starting at $7.99 per month. A 30-day free trial is available.
The Black Phone (2022)
The Black Phone has proven to be a popular movie in 2022 and if you haven’t watched it yet, Halloween might be the time to do so. Based on a short story by Joe Hill, and reuniting Sinister’s Ethan Hawk and Scott Derrickson, The Black Phone is creepier than it is scary.
The Black Phone is currently available to stream on Peacock with plans starting at $4.99 per month. A 7-day free trial is available.
Prey (2022)
Prey is the latest installment in the popular Predator franchise although it is a little different to the rest. For starters, it is set in 1719, cementing its place as a sequel to the original movie. Don’t let the setting fool you though, this is every much a Predator movie as the rest.
Prey is currently available to stream on Hulu with plans starting at $7.99 per month. A 30-day free trial is available.
Deadstream (2022)
Deadstream probably won’t be for everyone, and that’s okay. However, it is an interesting horror movie and one that pokes fun at YouTubers, every paranormal and ghost-hunting show ever, and so much more. If you’re looking for something a little different this Halloween, Deadstream is it.
Deadstream is currently available to stream on Shudder with a subscription costing $6.99 per month. A 7-day free trial is available.
Werewolf by Night (2022)
Speaking of different, Werewolf by Night is different in multiple ways. Firstly, it’s not actually a movie. Instead it is classified as a ‘special presentation’ with a runtime of less than one hour. Secondly, it is a Disney movie, and thirdly, a darker tale from the MCU.
Werewolf by Night is currently available to stream on Disney Plus with a subscription costing $10.99 per month. Disney Plus no longer offers a free trial.
X (2022)
X is a throwback to the slasher movies of the 1970s and, in fact, is actually set in 1979, further adding to the mood and atmosphere. Directed by Ti West, whose past movies include 2009’s The House of the Devil (Peacock) and 2011’s The Innkeepers (Peacock), X might not be for everyone. However, for those that don’t mind a bit of gore and prefer their horrors set in small towns, X might be just the ticket.
X is currently available to stream through Showtime. A subscription costs up to $10.99 per month and a 30-day free trial is available. Showtime can also be bundled with Paramount+, with plans starting at $11.99 per month following a 7-day free trial.
Horror classics (and where to stream them)
The movies above are all titles that have been released this year but there are plenty of other movies available to stream that are certified horror royalty.
The list below includes 10 classic horror movies that are available to stream right now without a live TV subscription or a rental.
- Poltergeist (1982) – HBO Max
- The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) – Paramount Plus
- The Shining (1980) – HBO Max
- Hellraiser (1987) – Tubi
- The Exorcist (1973) – HBO Max
- The Omen (1976) – HBO Max
- A Nightmare On Elm Street (1984) – HBO Max
- Psycho (1960) – Peacock
- The Amityville Horror (1979) – Starz
- The Birds (1963) – Peacock
Honorable mentions (and where to stream them)
If you still haven’t found the right horror movie then it might be time to revisit some of the more popular horror titles from recent years.
Here are 10 of our favorites to get you started:
- Sinister (2012) – Peacock
- The Blair Witch Project (1999) – Hulu
- The Ring (2002) – Paramount Plus / Ringu (1998) – Tubi
- Insidious (2011) – Peacock
- The Witch (2015) – HBO Max
- Hereditary (2018) – Paramount Plus
- Malignant (2021) – HBO Max
- Scream (1996) – Paramount Plus
- Oculus (2013) – Hulu
- Candyman (2021) – Paramount Plus
If none of the movies above appeal to you then it may be worth considering signing up for a subscription to a service like Shudder or Screambox. Both of these streaming services are loaded with an extensive catalog of horror and supernatural-themed movies and shows, making them great options to try this Halloween.
