Where to Watch Scary Movies: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like watching a good scary movie. Whether it’s the thrill of anticipation before something jumps out at you, or the feeling of dread as the plot thickens and the tension builds, they can be an enjoyable way to get your heart racing. But with so many options out there, it can be difficult to know where to start.

For the purposes of this article, we’ll define “scary movie” as any movie that contains elements of horror, suspense, or terror. This could include classic slasher films, psychological thrillers, supernatural horror, monster movies, zombie flicks, and more.

In this article, we’ll look at the best places to watch scary movies, from streaming services like Netflix and Hulu to local theaters and drive-ins. We’ll also provide a guide to the top 10 scariest movies of all time, as well as a list of the most terrifying horror films of the last decade. Finally, we’ll look at some unconventional places to watch a scary movie, such as haunted houses, Halloween events, and virtual reality experiences.

Popular Streaming Sites for Scary Movies

Streaming services are one of the easiest and most convenient ways to watch a scary movie. Most streaming services offer a variety of horror films, ranging from classic titles to modern blockbusters. Here are some of the most popular streaming sites for horror fans:

Netflix

Netflix is one of the most popular streaming services, and it has a huge selection of horror films. From classics like Psycho and The Shining to modern hits like The Babadook and It Follows, Netflix has something for every horror fan. According to a 2019 study by Variety, Netflix was the most popular streaming service for horror films, with 40% of viewers choosing it as their go-to source for scary movies.

Hulu

Like Netflix, Hulu offers a wide selection of horror films for viewers to choose from. Its library includes cult classics like The Evil Dead and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, as well as modern favorites such as Get Out and Hereditary. In a 2018 survey by Variety, Hulu was the second-most popular streaming service for horror films, with 22% of viewers using it to watch scary movies.

Amazon Prime

Amazon Prime is another popular streaming service for horror fans. Its selection includes classic films like Rosemary’s Baby and Night of the Living Dead, as well as modern titles like The Descent and The Witch. In the same 2018 survey by Variety, Amazon Prime came in third place, with 15% of viewers using it to watch scary movies.

Other streaming services

In addition to the three streaming services mentioned above, there are several other popular options for watching horror films. Shudder is a subscription-based streaming service specifically devoted to horror films. Other streaming services with horror offerings include HBO Now, YouTube Movies, and iTunes.

Guide to the Best Horror Movies on Netflix

Netflix is one of the best streaming services for horror fans. With hundreds of titles to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to watch. To help narrow down your options, we’ve compiled a list of our top picks for the best horror movies on Netflix.

List of recommended titles

• The Witch (2015)
• Get Out (2017)
• It Follows (2014)
• Hereditary (2018)
• The Conjuring (2013)
• A Quiet Place (2018)
• The Babadook (2014)
• The Invitation (2015)
• The Descent (2005)
• Train to Busan (2016)

Reviews of each title

The Witch (2015): Robert Eggers’s eerie folk horror film tells the story of a Puritan family living on the edge of a forest in 1630 New England. When their newborn son disappears, the family begins to unravel as they grapple with sinister forces lurking in the woods. With its stunning visuals and unsettling atmosphere, The Witch is a masterful blend of horror and folklore.

Get Out (2017): Jordan Peele’s directorial debut is a subversive horror-comedy about a young African-American man who visits his white girlfriend’s family for the weekend. Things take a dark turn when he realizes something sinister is going on, and he must fight for his life. Get Out is an inventive and provocative look at racism in America.

It Follows (2014): David Robert Mitchell’s stylish horror film follows a young woman who is pursued by a mysterious entity after she becomes infected with a strange curse. With its dreamy cinematography and eerie score, It Follows is a gripping and original take on the horror genre.

Hereditary (2018): This critically acclaimed horror film from Ari Aster follows a family whose lives begin to unravel after the death of their grandmother. As the family members struggle to cope with their grief, they become haunted by a sinister presence that may be connected to their past. Hereditary is a haunting and emotionally devastating film.

The Conjuring (2013): James Wan’s supernatural horror film tells the story of a family who moves into a haunted farmhouse and must confront the evil spirits that inhabit it. With its old-fashioned aesthetic and nail-biting suspense, The Conjuring is a classic haunted house movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

A Quiet Place (2018): John Krasinski’s thrilling horror film follows a family trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world where sound attracts deadly creatures. With its tense atmosphere and clever use of silence, A Quiet Place is an intense and original take on the horror genre.

The Babadook (2014): Jennifer Kent’s acclaimed horror film follows a single mother and her troubled son as they battle a sinister force that lurks in their home. With its creepy imagery and psychological themes, The Babadook is a chilling and thought-provoking film.

The Invitation (2015): Karyn Kusama’s slow-burning horror film follows a man who attends a dinner party at his ex-wife’s house and begins to suspect that something sinister is going on. With its Hitchcockian suspense and eerie atmosphere, The Invitation is an unsettling and unpredictable thriller.

The Descent (2005): Neil Marshall’s claustrophobic horror film follows a group of friends who become trapped in an underground cave system while spelunking. With its intense action sequences and horrifying creature effects, The Descent is a thrilling and visceral journey into the unknown.

Train to Busan (2016): Yeon Sang-ho’s highly praised South Korean horror film follows a group of passengers on a train during a zombie outbreak. With its intense action sequences and emotional core, Train to Busan is a thrilling and heartbreaking ride through a zombie apocalypse.

Guide to the Top 10 Scariest Movies of All Time

Horror fans have been debating the scariest movies of all time since the genre’s inception. While opinions vary, there are certain films that are widely regarded as the most terrifying. Here’s our list of the top 10 scariest movies of all time.

List of recommended titles

• The Exorcist (1973)
• The Shining (1980)
• Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
• Night of the Living Dead (1968)
• The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
• Psycho (1960)
• Alien (1979)
• The Thing (1982)
• The Haunting (1963)
• Jaws (1975)

Reviews of each title

The Exorcist (1973): William Friedkin’s iconic horror film tells the story of a young girl possessed by a demon, and the two priests who attempt to save her soul. With its shocking special effects and powerful performances, The Exorcist is a groundbreaking and deeply disturbing classic.

The Shining (1980): Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece follows a writer who takes a job as a caretaker at a remote mountain resort, only to discover that the hotel is haunted. With its eerie atmosphere and haunting imagery, The Shining is a chilling and unforgettable film.

Rosemary’s Baby (1968): Roman Polanski’s psychological horror film follows a pregnant woman who begins to suspect that her unborn child is being manipulated by a Satanic cult. With its eerie score and subtle tension, Rosemary’s Baby is a chilling and masterful work of horror.

Night of the Living Dead (1968): George Romero’s landmark zombie film follows a group of survivors trying to stay alive during a zombie apocalypse. With its gritty realism and social commentary, Night of the Living Dead is a classic of the horror genre.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974): Tobe Hooper’s visceral horror film follows a group of teenagers who are hunted by a family of cannibals. With its grisly violence and intense atmosphere, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a nightmarish classic of the horror genre.

Psycho (1960): Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece follows a woman who checks into a secluded motel and finds herself in the clutches of a deranged killer. With its iconic shower scene and psychological themes, Psycho is a classic of suspense cinema.

Alien (1979): Ridley Scott’s sci-fi horror film follows a crew of space explorers who must battle a deadly alien creature. With its claustrophobic atmosphere and ground-breaking creature design, Alien is a classic of the horror genre.

The Thing (1982): John Carpenter’s cult classic follows a group of scientists in Antarctica who must battle a shape-shifting alien. With its gruesome special effects and suspenseful tone, The Thing is a terrifying and unforgettable experience.

The Haunting (1963): Robert Wise’s classic haunted house film follows a group of people who spend the night in a sinister mansion. With its eerie atmosphere and groundbreaking special effects, The Haunting is a timeless work of horror.

Jaws (1975): Steven Spielberg’s classic thriller follows a police chief, a marine biologist, and a grizzled fisherman as they battle a great white shark. With its pulse-pounding music and thrilling action sequences, Jaws is an iconic film that still holds up today.

The Best Places to Watch a Scary Movie on a Big Screen

Nothing beats watching a scary movie on the big screen. Here are some of the best places to watch a scary movie on a big screen:

Local theaters

Most cities have local movie theaters that show a variety of films, including horror films. Many of these theaters also host special screenings of horror films around Halloween, so be sure to check your local theater’s schedule for upcoming events.

Drive-in theaters

Drive-in theaters are a great option for watching a scary movie on a big screen. These theaters typically show a mix of classic and modern films, so you’re sure to find something that suits your tastes. Plus, you can bring your own snacks and drinks!

Outdoor screenings

Many cities and towns host outdoor screenings of horror films during the summer months. These screenings are usually free or low-cost, and they’re a great way to enjoy a scary movie under the stars.

Where to Find Free Scary Movies Online

If you don’t have access to a theater or streaming service, you can still watch scary movies online for free. Here are some of the best places to find free scary movies online:

Websites

There are several websites that offer free streaming of horror films, such as Popcornflix, Crackle, and Vudu. These sites offer a wide selection of titles, ranging from classic horror films to modern blockbusters.

YouTube channels

YouTube offers several channels devoted to horror films, such as Horror Movie Central and Fear Factory. These channels feature a wide variety of titles, from cult classics to modern indies.

The Best Unconventional Places to Watch a Scary Movie

For those looking for a truly unique experience, there are a few unconventional places to watch a scary movie. Here are some ideas:

Haunted houses

Many haunted houses offer screenings of horror films during the Halloween season. These screenings are usually held in the evening and are often accompanied by other horror-themed activities, such as costume contests and scavenger hunts.

Halloween events

Halloween events are a great place to watch a scary movie. Many events feature screenings of classic horror films, as well as costume contests and other activities.

Virtual reality experiences

Virtual reality experiences are becoming increasingly popular, and some of them feature horror-themed content. These experiences can be found in arcades and other venues, and they provide a truly immersive way to watch a scary movie.

A Guide to the Most Terrifying Horror Films of the Last Decade

The last decade has seen a surge of innovative and exciting horror films. Here’s a guide to some of the most terrifying horror films of the last decade.