Halloween is the perfect time of year to indulge in the creepiest, bloodiest, and most bone-chilling films ever made. Whether you’re a fan of masked killers stalking their prey or eerie haunted houses filled with restless spirits, classic slasher movies have become a staple for the spooky season. From iconic villains like Michael Myers and Freddy Krueger to supernatural terrors lurking in the shadows, these timeless slasher movies have left an indelible mark on horror fans. While the movie series like Halloween and Friday the 13th will remain Halloween staples, here are a few more classic slasher movies that have become a must-watch for the season. So, grab some popcorn, turn down the lights, and dive into this list of must-watch classic slasher movies for Halloween.
7 classic slasher movies that are perfect for a spine-chilling horror-packed halloween night; available on Amazon Prime Video, ZEE5, JioCinema and more
1. Scream franchise – JioCinema
This groundbreaking slasher franchise is known for its unique blend of slasher thrills and self-referential humour. The franchise revolves around the masked killer Ghostface, who taunts and stalks his victims while adhering to the ‘rules’ of horror movies. The central character, Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), becomes the main target of the killer’s deadly game, along with recurring characters Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox) and Dewey Riley (David Arquette). Each movie carries the plot forward, while introducing new characters, villains, and mind-blowing twists. The first movies revitalised the slasher genre in the ’90s and continue to be a cultural phenomenon. Spanning six movies so far, the franchise makes for a perfect Halloween binge-watch session.
2. Trick ‘r Treat – Amazon Prime Video
This is a cult-favourite horror anthology movie set on Halloween night. It interweaves five separate but connected stories, all revolving around the dark traditions of the holiday. Each tale is filled with spooky atmospheres, supernatural elements, and unexpected twists, making it a perfect watch for Halloween lovers. The movie explores various urban legends and Halloween myths. Sam, the pumpkin-headed figure in a burlap sack costume, has become an iconic Halloween character. He serves as the enforcer of Halloween’s rules and traditions, ensuring that anyone who disrespects the holiday meets a gruesome end.
3. All Hallows’ Eve – Amazon Prime Video
The movie revolves around the creepy and sinister events that unfold on Halloween night. The main plot revolves around a babysitter who finds an unmarked VHS tape in one of the children’s trick-or-treat bags. The tape reveals three disturbing stories, each showcasing horrific events, with Art the Clown appearing in all of them as a terrifying figure. As the babysitter watches these disturbing stories, the lines between fiction and reality blur, and it becomes clear that Art the Clown may not just exist on the videotape but could be targeting her and the children in the real world. Known for its gritty, unsettling tone, and the disturbing presence of Art the Clown, the movie delivers a mix of slasher horror, supernatural elements, and dark atmosphere.
4. Freddy vs. Jason – Amazon Prime Video
Freddy vs. Jason is a crossover horror movie that brings together two of the most iconic villains in slasher history: Freddy Krueger from the A Nightmare on Elm Street series and Jason Voorhees from the Friday the 13th franchise. To regain his strength, Freddy resurrects Jason and sends him to Springwood to unleash terror and remind people of Freddy’s presence. Jason starts a killing spree and Freddy realises that he is out of control and is killing more people than intended. This leads to a rivalry between the two villains, with Freddy trying to stop Jason so that he can take back his reign of terror in the dream world. The movie is a horror mashup, pitting the two legendary killers against each other, while also continuing the storylines of their respective franchises.
5. The Slumber Party Massacre – Plex
The story follows a group of high school girls who gather for a slumber party, unaware that a deranged killer, Russ Thorn, has escaped from prison and is stalking the neighbourhood. Armed with a large power drill, Russ hunts the girls as they try to survive the night. The movie follows slasher conventions with the girls being attacked one by one, but it also plays with genre tropes and expectations, particularly the portrayal of gender in horror. The slasher genre often being a male-dominated one, this movie brings a female perspective – it stands out for being one of the few horror movies of the 1980s both written and directed by women. It spawned two sequels, which continued the tradition of mixing horror and satire.
6. Psycho – Amazon Prime Video
Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), is a secretary who steals $40,000 from her employer and flees, hoping to start a new life with her boyfriend. While on the run, she checks into the remote Bates Motel, run by the shy and awkward Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), who lives with his domineering, unseen mother. After a conversation with Norman, Marion reconsiders her actions and decides to return the money. However, Marion is brutally murdered in the shower by a shadowy figure, whom the audience is led to believe is Norman’s mother. The remainder of the movie focuses on the investigation into Marion’s disappearance, which reveals shocking secrets about Norman and his mother. The movie became a cult classic and spawned sequels, a remake, and a prequel series Bates Motel.
7. Black Christmas (1974) – ZEE5
This is a seminal slasher horror movie regarded as one of the earliest examples of the genre, preceding the slasher boom of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Set during the Christmas season, the movie is a tense, atmospheric thriller that laid the groundwork for many slasher movies, including the ‘final girl’ trope, the mysterious masked killer, and the isolated setting. The story takes place in a sorority house during the Christmas holidays, where a group of sorority sisters is terrorised by a killer who sneaks into their house and makes obscene, threatening phone calls. Meanwhile, the protagonist, Jess Bradford (Olivia Hussey), faces troubles with her controlling boyfriend, Peter (Keir Dullea), which adds to the tension. The killer’s mutterings and murders drive the plot toward a chilling end. There have been two remakes so far, but neither remake managed to capture the atmosphere or success of the original.
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