Fridays are usually interesting, but this one promises to be something special because it’s October 31st. It’s Halloween! Over the past month, the atmosphere has been escalating towards this very day. Now that the sun has set, and the trick-or-treaters have concluded their rounds, it’s the perfect time to watch a horror movie!
For many individuals, Halloween night is the ideal occasion to watch a film from the Halloween franchise. The reasons for this are many!
1-The original John Carpenter film is considered by many one of the best and most frightening horror movies ever made.
2-It enjoys widespread popularity, making it a consideration to watch even for those who do not typically appreciate horror films.
3-It is highly accessible, making it easy to locate for rental or purchase. You can find this movie streaming on multiple platforms like Shudder, Amazon Prime, AMC, Fandango, Apple, etc… Department stores like Wal-Mart, Best Buy, and Target often keep physical copies of Blu-Ray and DVD on the shelves around Halloween, and in some places, throughout the year. Some theaters will even replay the film every year around the holiday season!
4-And don’t forget, the story itself takes place on Halloween! Undoubtedly, the movie is PERFECT for Halloween! But, must it be watched annually like a sacred, Samhain tradition? Not at all! If you are looking for something different on this Halloween night, why not give one of these easy to find spooky stories a chance? These are all available to stream for FREE! And please, make sure you turn off the lights prior to hitting the PLAY button! 😉
1 – Freddy’s Tricks or Treats – Freddy’s Nightmare’s
This Halloween, why not revisit Freddy Krueger? It is worth noting that Robert Englund played Freddy Krueger in a television series that lasted for two full seasons. Although Freddy only made brief appearances in most episodes, there were a couple of episodes where he was actually the main antagonist.
One such episode is “Freddy’s Trick or Treats,” which stars Mariska Hargitay (Law & Order SVU) as a medical student being tormented by Freddy Krueger. This episode originally aired on October 30th, 1988. It was episode 4 of season 1, and is currently available for free on Tubi.
2 – The Howling Man – The Twilight Zone
Is there a television series that rivals the original Twilight Zone in terms of great spooky stories? “The Howling Man”, penned by Charles Beaumont, is a simplistic tale of a man deceived into unleashing an imprisoned devil upon the world. With numerous episodes of the Twilight Zone suitable for Halloween night viewing, I opted for this one about Satan itself. Keep an eye out for an appearance by John Carradine as Brother Jerome. The air date was November 4th, 1960. This episode is from Season 2 and is currently available for free on Tubi.
3 – Hellowe’en – Friday the 13th: The Series
Jack, Micki, and Ryan host a Halloween party in a store that has a history of selling cursed goods, which obviously results in some unfavorable consequences. The episode features the return of Uncle Lewis, who was responsible for selling the cursed items, and died in the first episode of the series. Jason Voorhees does not make an appearance. The original air date was October 26, 1987. It is the fifth episode of season 1 and can be viewed for free on YouTube.
4 – The Silent Scream – Hammer House of Horror
Sadly, this was Peter Cushing’s final collaboration with Hammer Studios. The story stars Brian Cox as an ex-convict who accepts employment from an elderly pet shop owner, played by Cushing.
Unbeknownst to Cox’s character, Cushing’s persona is a former Nazi engaging in horrible human experimentation. Make sure you stick around for the ending. Initially broadcast on October 25th, 1980, as the seventh episode of the first season, it can now be streamed for free on Tubi, Amazon Prime, and Plex.
5 – The Omen (1976)
This film may very well be the most frightening story on the list. Gregory Peck portrays Robert Thorn, an American Ambassador who, after his wife experiences a stillbirth, secretly adopts a baby. The child, however, is revealed to be the Antichrist. But, is he really? This movie maintains a suspenseful atmosphere and may unnerve some viewers. It is also worth noting that it was directed by Richard Donner. Release date: June 25, 1976 Currently free on Tubi.
6 – Re-Animator (1985)
Re-Animator is Stuart Gordon’s film adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft’s “Herbert West–Reanimator”. The story follows a medical student and his roommate as they create a serum that can revive the dead. Starring Jeffery Combs and Barbara Crampton, the film is a masterful blend of darkness and chaos. Originally released on October 18, 1985, it is now available to stream for free on Tubi.
7 – In the Mouth of Madness (1995)
This John Carpenter film is heavily influenced by the stories H.P. Lovecraft. The story follows John Trent, played by Sam Neill, as he searches for the missing horror author Sutter Caine. The readers of Caine’s books are descending into total madness, and John must try to find the answer behind all of the chaos. Released in February, 1995. Currently free on Tubi.
8 – The Howling (1981)
This film, directed by Joe Dante, centers on Karen White, a television reporter who suffered a traumatic experience at the hands of a serial killer. In an attempt to aid her recovery, Karen and her husband visit a secluded retreat, which, as it turns out, is a refuge for werewolves. This is one of the best werewolf movies ever made! Released on March 13th, 1981. Currently free on Tubi.
9 – Exorcist 3 (1990)
Written and directed by author William Peter Blatty. The movie centers around Detective Kinderman (George C. Scott) and his investigation into a series of murders seemingly committed by a serial killer who was executed years prior. Throughout the investigation, the detective makes a startling discovery: Father Damien Karras, who died in the first Exorcist film, may still be alive. This film is a standout, featuring outstanding performances, a suspenseful atmosphere, and a jump scare that is widely regarded as one of the greatest in cinema history. Released on August 17th, 1990. Currently free on Tubi.
10 – The Evil Dead (1981)
The original Evil Dead, directed by Sam Raimi and starring Bruce Campbell, is undoubtedly a cult classic. Like John Carpenter’s Halloween, it was made on a shoestring budget, but its impact far exceeds its modest origins. A group of young friends travel to a secluded cabin, where they accidentally awaken an unstoppable evil force that slowly picks them off one by one. This film is sure to disturb some audiences. -Released in 1981. Currently streaming on Tubi.
Hopefully, you have enjoyed my list. Thank you for reading and I hope you have fantastic Halloween!!! Stay safe!
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John Seabaugh writes articles for I Love Monster Movies. If you enjoyed this article, please give him a follow:
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