There’s maybe only one holiday that American children love more than Christmas or their birthday, and that’s Halloween. Nothing summarizes the peak kid experience better than filling a pillowcase up with candy and eating more sugar than should be physically possible. However, most kids eventually get “too old” to trick-or-treat and have to resort to other ways to keep themselves busy on Halloween night. One such activity is curling up on the couch and watching a scary movie, whether with someone else to hear you scream or all alone with the lights turned off. Unfortunately, since the horror movie industry is saturated with terrible, low-quality films, it’s hard to know what’s worth watching anymore. So if you’re struggling to figure out what to watch this Halloween season, here are 5 scary movies I recommend anyone to see, going from least frightening to certified nightmare fuel.

Scary Movie (2000)

Despite its title, Scary Movie is actually far from a terrifying movie, instead being a clever parody of many popular horror movies and TV shows, poking fun at every trope, twist, and jumpscare with unapologetic humor. The film follows a group of high schoolers who find themselves caught up in a series of events that look awfully similar to those from popular horror classics like Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer. The characters themselves embody the typical horror archetypes that are in every copy-and-paste horror movie that everyone’s seen. What Scary Movie does best is take hackneyed horror elements and turn them on their head with clever and unexpected comedy. The jokes are crude and relentless, as the film utilizes physical comedy, visual gags, and wordplay that make it as unpredictable as it is funny. The movie is perfect for viewers who aren’t looking to have to change their pants after watching and also enjoy a good spoof. Spawning a new era of parody films, Scary Movie is a lighthearted take on the horror genre that will definitely keep you entertained.

Sleepaway Camp (1983)

Sleepaway Camp is a horror cult classic that takes the summer camp slasher formula and adds a dark, twisted edge that leaves you thinking even after the movie is finished. The film may initially seem like a typical ’80s slasher flick, but its unexpected direction and eerie atmosphere elevate it into something far more memorable. The story centers on a young girl named Angela who, along with her cousin Ricky, is sent to a summer camp where things quickly take a bloody turn. What Sleepaway Camp does well is capture the awkwardness of adolescence in a high-stakes, horror-filled environment, blending uncomfortable humor with real moments of tension. Although the practical effects are about what you’d expect from a low-budget 80’s movie, it manages to create an atmosphere that’s both unsettling and strangely realistic. Every scene makes you feel slightly more on-edge as the movie progresses, leading to its iconic twist ending that earned it cult status among horror fans. Sleepaway Camp was one of the first horror movies to test the limits of how far horror could go, touching on some subjects that were considered pretty controversial at the time. However, the film’s willingness to go into dark and shocking territory is probably what has kept it compelling for so long. This movie is a must-see for anyone who enjoys classic horror, with just enough twists and turns to keep you guessing for the entire runtime.

Alien: Covenant (2017)

One of the most recognizable and successful horror franchises of all time is the Alien series, with the iconic figure of the xenomorph being a Hollywood icon for almost 50 years. Alien: Covenant is a sci-fi horror that was a return to form for the franchise, embodying the atmospheric tension and mysteriousness of the original Alien that made it so popular. Set in the near future, the story follows the crew of the spaceship Covenant, a group of colonists on a mission to settle on a distant planet. When they receive a distress call from a seemingly perfect world, their mission takes a dark and dangerous turn. Visually, Alien: Covenant is stunning, with breathtaking landscapes that feel both advanced and hauntingly isolated. The attention to detail creates an atmosphere dripping with tension, where every little thing hints at the lurking terror. While the movie doesn’t completely abandon the philosophical themes of the newer installments, it returned to the roots of the franchise with the relentless and primal fear that defined the original. The balance of familiarity and new ideas made the film a great addition to the Alien saga. It’s an intense, atmospheric movie that will have both fans of the series and newcomers alike on the edge of their seats.

Terrifier 2 (2022)

The Terrifier franchise is every gore enthusiast’s dream, and Terrifier 2 exceeds its predecessor in almost every way imaginable regarding gore, blood, torture, and outright brutality. This sequel once again focuses on the chilling and unsettling Art the Clown, a sadistic killer portrayed with dark charisma and unquenchable bloodlust. The story introduces us to a group of teenagers and their families who find themselves as Art’s chosen victims, with a particular focus on a teenage girl, Sienna. Art’s unique blend of slapstick humor and absolute malice makes him one of the most memorable villains in horror over the past decade. At 138 minutes, Terrifier 2 is an unusually long horror film, and while some may find the pacing a bit slacking, hardcore fans of the genre will appreciate the commitment to setting development and character exploration. Director Damien Leone’s use of practical effects shines here, with some of the most elaborate, graphic horror sequences you’re likely to see. This film isn’t for everyone; it’s a visceral experience that pushes boundaries, requiring a strong stomach and a high tolerance for bloodshed. But for those who embrace the extreme, Terrifier 2 is a great addition to the slasher genre, with Art the Clown making his case to be a modern horror icon. Disturbing, intense, and visually inventive, Terrifier 2 is a nightmare you won’t easily shake.

Skinamarink (2023)

This movie is by far the most out-of-bounds and unusual film on this list, containing virtually zero dialogue, blood, or even jumpscares to create its desired effect. Skinamarink is a very experimental film that uses minimalist techniques to take on a bold new approach to storytelling, creating an experience that is eerie, disorienting, and genuinely unsettling. It’s not your typical horror movie by any means; instead of using jumpscares or gore, it uses an unnerving atmosphere and dread to slowly pull viewers into a nightmarish world where reality itself feels warped. Set entirely within a dark, claustrophobic home, Skinamarink follows two young children who wake up to find their father missing and the windows and doors inexplicably disappearing. Grainy visuals and unusual camera angles such as shots of dark hallways, ceilings, and shadowy corners are used to build an atmosphere that feels both hauntingly familiar and deeply unsettling. Virtually nothing is said during the entire movie, and the storytelling is cryptic, which only intensifies the dreamlike quality of the film. The sound design also plays a crucial role in its effectiveness, with muffled voices, unsettling whispers, and ambient sound amplifying the sense of dread. The approach sparked a lot of controversy among horror fans, with some calling the ambiguity frustrating, while others appreciate the film’s abstract style. The minimalistic approach forces viewers to fill in the blanks, letting the horror unfold in their own minds, which can be far more terrifying than anything shown on screen. Anyone who watches Skinamarink must go into it with an open mind, as the movie is admittedly slow, ambiguous, and demands patience. But for anyone willing to step outside their comfort zone, the movie offers a deeply haunting experience that lingers after the credits end. It’s an experimental, atmospheric horror film that leaves a lasting impression, perfect for an individual looking for something truly unique and unsettling.