10 Haunted House Movies Perfect For The Halloween Season

Have you ever felt like you weren't alone in your own home? Hopefully not but If you manage to survive my list of "10 Haunted House Movies For The Halloween Season" you might start to think otherwise. Don't worry though these are all works of fiction...well most of them anyway. Read on if you dare!!

1. Poltergeist (1982)

The original 1982 Hit movie shows that you don't have to live in a rundown manor house for the spooks to show up. The Freeling family find themselves under siege in a new home as their daughter is taken by evil forces that want the one thing they no longer have....life!! Produced by Spielberg, with great cinematography and well-rounded characters, this one should already be on your Bluray shelf. Stream the original and NOT the awful CGI-infested remake ASAP!

2. Insidious (2010)

A modern indie horror movie that totally blew me away when I first caught it in cinemas. The Lambert family runs afoul of Supernatural forces after their son falls into a mysterious coma. This movie beautifully shows that moving house doesn't help as the spirits aren't haunting their home....just their son! Go watch it now and check out the other two sequels if you're a glutton for punishment.

3. House (1986)

This movie offers some great 80s cheese as troubled writer Roger Cobb moves into his late aunt's home to work on his new book. Unfortunately "this house knows everything about you" and will stop at nothing to destroy Cobb mentally and physically. This is a more light-toned horror movie that's a mix of tongue-in-cheek humour and grotesque gore. It's definitely worth watching for a viewing experience like no other.

4. The Haunting (1963)

A cornerstone of this ghostly sub-genre, the haunting follows a team doing scientific research at a suspected haunted house. Things soon go bump in the night and 1 member begins to question her sanity. It's a genuinly atmospheric and moody film that still packs a punch today! Plus it looks beautiful in black and white so get it watched.

5. The Changeling (1980)

Known as one of the last great George.C.Scott movies, a lonely widower opts for a change of scenery and moves into an old house to escape his past. Strange noises, voices and a presence make themselves known to him and it seems a lost soul is shouting out for help. This movie is a slow-burner mystery that doesn't let up and will both creep you out and draw you into its hidden depths. I've been a fan of this one since I was a child and it still holds up as one of the best/criminally unknown haunted house movies of all time.

6. The Evil Dead (1982)

Technically it's set in a cabin but it's a haunted house film trust me! Ash and his friends go up to a cabin for the weekend and unwittingly summon demonic entities that want to possess the living! An amazing low-budget feature with a zany array of camera zooms and splatter gore made this movie a cult classic and should be revered for decades to come. It also spawned 2 sequels and a remake that I'd recommend checking out too.

7. The Innocents (1961)

A young Governess takes on a job looking after two small children at an estate in the countryside, it's not long though before the children start talking to thin air and acting strangely. It seems the previous Governess is trying to take control of the kids, the only problem is she's dead! Gloriously dark and atmospheric, this movie is difficult to watch and very unsettling. It was also recently adapted into the Netflix series "Haunting of Bly Manor", but I recommend you watch the original first!

8. The Others (2001)

An interesting take on the ghost theme and probably one of the most watchable Nicole Kidman films I've ever seen. A young woman and her two children are all alone in a big house waiting and praying for the father to make it back from the war. Strange things start to happen and it's soon apparent that they aren't alone anymore. An atmospheric piece of cinema that you're probably better knowing as little as possible about. Watch it if you dare...

9. Paranormal Activity (2007)

Part of the love it or hate it Found Footage sub-genre, this film brings you closer than ever to an everyday haunting. A couple starts filming around the clock as they experience strange occurrences in their home. If you can get past the handheld motion it's a great little horror gem that rightly spawned a slew of sequels. Have you ever wondered what roams around in the dark while you sleep? That's probably for the best...

10. Thirteen Ghosts (2001)

So many spooks and so little time! Put on your special glasses and you'll be able to see what really lives in your home. At least that's what happens for the Kriticoss family who inherits an unusual manor house filled to bursting with psychopathic evil spirits. Matthew Lillard turns up as a paranormal psychic to help them out but once the ghosts are released the real terror begins. A total fan favourite horror film of mine that doesn't mess around and deserves a watch this Halloween. If you manage to get the DVD, check out the special features as it goes into the extensive history of how each spirit became a tormented soul.

Behind You!

So that's my list folks, I'll be back with a follow-up sooner or later. In the meantime why not check out my other articles linked in this one or subscribe to my profile and never miss another chilling article. Take care friends and beware of those dark shadows when you climb the stairs tonight!