Five cult movies to watch on Halloween

Halloween (1978), John Carpenter

Overview: On Halloween Eve, dangerous killer Michael Myers escapes from the mental hospital where he has been confined since the age of six, after having committed the brutal murder of his older sister. His goal is to return to Haddonfield, his hometown, where he begins to stalk young Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) and her friends. Meanwhile, Dr. Loomis, who has closely followed Myers for years, desperately tries to stop his bloody wave of terror before it is too late.

Why watch it on Halloween? This film is not only a horror classic, but the very essence of Halloween on the big screen. From its haunting soundtrack to the disturbing masked figure of Michael Myers, every element contributes to a tense atmosphere that makes Halloween the perfect choice for a night of terror. As one of the most iconic slashers , it marked the beginning of an entire genre and remains a must-watch for any horror marathon.

Synopsis: Regan, a teenager, begins to show disturbing symptoms of demonic possession after playing with a Ouija board. Faced with the seriousness of the situation, two priests are called in to perform an exorcism, which triggers a terrifying battle against an evil entity of immense power, challenging faith and human resistance in a hellish confrontation.

Why watch it on Halloween? Considered one of the scariest horror films ever made, The Exorcist viscerally explores the dark themes of possession and the eternal struggle between good and evil. With its disturbing scenes and atmosphere steeped in mystery, it's the perfect choice for Halloween, a time when the line between the world of the living and the spirits seems more tenuous than ever.

Synopsis: In a small town, a mysterious masked killer known as Ghostface unleashes panic among the residents, focusing his attention on Sidney Prescott and his inner circle. Scream combines horror with humor while playing with the clichés of slasher cinema, while paying homage to the classics of the genre, offering a fresh and self-referential experience.

Why watch it on Halloween? Scream is a clever meta-movie that breaks down the rules of the slasher genre while keeping you on the edge of your seat with moments of true terror. It's a perfect choice for Halloween, combining adrenaline and scares with a clever homage to everything we love about horror movies. It maintains a balance between nail-biting suspense and a wit that makes it as fun as it is scary.

Synopsis: Jack Torrance, a writer in search of inspiration, accepts the job of caring for the lonely Overlook Hotel during the winter. Together with his wife Wendy and son Danny, he takes up residence in the immense and isolated building, but soon the dark forces of the place begin to exert their influence, pushing Jack into a spiral of madness and uncontrollable violence.

Why watch it on Halloween? This Stanley Kubrick classic, based on the Stephen King novel, is a disturbing immersion in madness and the supernatural. The film stands out for its psychological tension, its iconic scenes —such as the endless corridors and the terrifying twins—, and a claustrophobic atmosphere that makes it the perfect choice for a Halloween night full of suspense and unforgettable visual impact.

Overview: Following the death of her mother, Annie and her family begin to experience increasingly disturbing events. As dark family secrets unravel, they discover they are being stalked by a relentless supernatural presence that threatens to destroy them from within.

Why watch it on Halloween? Hereditary masterfully blends psychological horror with the supernatural, delivering scenes so unsettling that they stay in your memory long after you've finished. With its dense atmosphere, chilling exploration of family ties, and moments of pure terror, it's a modern masterpiece of the genre, perfect for a Halloween night that promises to unnerve and leave you breathless.