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31 Nights of Horror Movies - Your Ultimate Halloween Movie Marathon Guide 2023

Writer's picture: Wayne AllisonWayne Allison

Updated: Sep 4, 2023

Get ready for spine-tingling chills and creepy thrills with our curated list of 31 Nights of Horror Movies. Dive into a month-long Halloween movie marathon 2023 filled with frights, suspense, and supernatural surprises. Discover the best horror classics, modern gems, and cult favorites to make your October unforgettable.


  • 1: "The Shining" (1980) - Directed by Stanley Kubrick

  • 2: "The Exorcist" (1973) - Directed by William Friedkin

  • 3: "Psycho" (1960) - Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

  • 4: "Hereditary" (2018) - Directed by Ari Aster

  • 5: "Get Out" (2017) - Directed by Jordan Peele

  • 6: "A Nightmare on Elm Street" (1984) - Directed by Wes Craven

  • 7: "The Conjuring" (2013) - Directed by James Wan

  • 8: "The Babadook" (2014) - Directed by Jennifer Kent

  • 9: "Rosemary's Baby" (1968) - Directed by Roman Polanski

  • 10: "The Witch" (2015) - Directed by Robert Eggers

  • 11: "The Silence of the Lambs" (1991) - Directed by Jonathan Demme

  • 12: "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" (1974) - Directed by Tobe Hooper

  • 13: "It Follows" (2014) - Directed by David Robert Mitchell

  • 14: "Crimson Peak" (2015) - Directed by Guillermo del Toro

  • 15: "Halloween" (1978) - Directed by John Carpenter

  • 16: "The Ring" (2002) - Directed by Gore Verbinski

  • 17: "The Sixth Sense" (1999) - Directed by M. Night Shyamalan

  • 18: "Sinister" (2012) - Directed by Scott Derrickson

  • 19: "Don't Breathe" (2016) - Directed by Fede Álvarez

  • 20: "The Others" (2001) - Directed by Alejandro Amenábar

  • 21: "The Descent" (2005) - Directed by Neil Marshall

  • 22: "28 Days Later" (2002) - Directed by Danny Boyle

  • 23: "The Cabin in the Woods" (2012) - Directed by Drew Goddard

  • 24: "Let the Right One In" (2008) - Directed by Tomas Alfredson

  • 25: "The Orphanage" (2007) - Directed by J.A. Bayona

  • 26: "Paranormal Activity" (2007) - Directed by Oren Peli

  • 27: "The Strangers" (2008) - Directed by Bryan Bertino

  • 28: "The Conjuring 2" (2016) - Directed by James Wan

  • 29: "The Ritual" (2017) - Directed by David Bruckner

  • 30: "Insidious" (2010) - Directed by James Wan

  • 31: "It" (2017) - Directed by Andy Muschietti


 


 

Day 1: "The Shining" (1980) - Directed by Stanley Kubrick

Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining" is a masterclass in psychological horror. Based on Stephen King's novel, the film follows Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) as he becomes the winter caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel. As the hotel becomes snowbound, Jack's descent into madness, combined with supernatural occurrences, creates a chilling atmosphere that's both visually and psychologically unsettling. (31 Nights of Horror movies Halloween 2023)


The Shining movie


Day 2: "The Exorcist" (1973) - Directed by William Friedkin

"The Exorcist" is a horror classic that shocked audiences in the early '70s. Directed by William Friedkin and based on William Peter Blatty's novel, the film tells the story of a young girl, Regan (Linda Blair), who becomes possessed by a demonic entity. Two priests, Father Merrin (Max von Sydow) and Father Karras (Jason Miller), are called to perform an exorcism. The film's intense and disturbing imagery continues to terrify viewers to this day. (31 Nights of Horror movies Halloween 2023)


The Exorcist movie


Day 3: "Psycho" (1960) - Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" is a groundbreaking horror film that redefined the genre. The story revolves around Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), who checks into the eerie Bates Motel while on the run. The film's infamous shower scene and the character of Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) have left an indelible mark on horror cinema, creating a sense of unease and suspense that remains unparalleled. (31 Nights of Horror movies Halloween 2023)


Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho movie

Day 4: "Hereditary" (2018) - Directed by Ari Aster

Ari Aster's "Hereditary" is a modern masterpiece of horror storytelling. The film explores themes of grief and familial trauma as the Graham family unravels dark secrets following the death of their secretive grandmother. The film's slow burn and shocking moments are enhanced by Toni Collette's incredible performance. (31 Nights of Horror movies Halloween 2023)


Hereditary movie


Day 5: "Get Out" (2017) - Directed by Jordan Peele

"Get Out" is Jordan Peele's brilliant foray into horror and social commentary. The film follows Chris (Daniel Kaluuya), a Black man visiting his white girlfriend's family. What starts as discomforting social interactions soon spirals into a terrifying revelation of sinister intentions. Peele's film skillfully tackles racial tension within the framework of a gripping thriller. (31 Nights of Horror movies Halloween 2023)


Get Out movie


Day 6: "A Nightmare on Elm Street" (1984) - Directed by Wes Craven

Wes Craven's "A Nightmare on Elm Street" introduced the world to the iconic villain Freddy Krueger (played by Robert Englund). The film follows a group of teenagers plagued by nightmares, where Freddy haunts and kills them. What makes this film stand out is the blurring of the line between dreams and reality, creating a nightmarish and inventive horror experience. (31 Nights of Horror movies Halloween 2023)


A Nightmare on Elm Street movie

 


 


Day 7: "The Conjuring" (2013) - Directed by James Wan

James Wan's "The Conjuring" is a modern supernatural horror classic. It's based on the real-life investigations of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren (played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga). The film centers around a family terrorized by malevolent spirits in their new home. Wan's expert direction and suspenseful storytelling made this a standout in the horror genre. (31 Nights of Horror movies Halloween 2023)


The Conjuring movie


Day 8: "The Babadook" (2014) - Directed by Jennifer Kent

Jennifer Kent's "The Babadook" is a psychological horror film that explores the themes of grief and motherhood. The story follows Amelia (Essie Davis) and her young son Samuel (Noah Wiseman), who are haunted by a sinister presence from a mysterious children's book. This Australian horror gem is known for its eerie atmosphere and powerful performances. (31 Nights of Horror movies Halloween 2023)


The Babadook movie


Day 9: "Rosemary's Baby" (1968) - Directed by Roman Polanski

Roman Polanski's "Rosemary's Baby" is a classic in the realm of psychological horror. Mia Farrow plays Rosemary Woodhouse, a pregnant woman who suspects that her neighbors are part of a sinister conspiracy involving her unborn child. The film delves into themes of paranoia, motherhood, and the occult, with Polanski's direction creating an atmosphere of creeping dread. (31 Nights of Horror movies Halloween 2023)


Rosemary's Baby movie


Day 10: "The Witch" (2015) - Directed by Robert Eggers

Robert Eggers' "The Witch" is a period horror film set in 17th-century New England. It follows a Puritan family encountering supernatural forces in the wilderness after being banished from their village. The film's meticulous attention to historical detail and slow-burning horror makes it a unique and atmospheric experience. (31 Nights of Horror movies Halloween 2023)


The Witch movie


Day 11: "The Silence of the Lambs" (1991) - Directed by Jonathan Demme

"The Silence of the Lambs" is a gripping psychological horror-thriller directed by Jonathan Demme. The film follows Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster), an FBI trainee who seeks the help of the brilliant but insane Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) to catch a serial killer known as Buffalo Bill. With its unforgettable performances and tense atmosphere, this film has left an indelible mark on the genre. (31 Nights of Horror movies Halloween 2023)


The Silence of the Lambs movie


Day 12: "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" (1974) - Directed by Tobe Hooper

Tobe Hooper's "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" is a seminal entry in the slasher genre. The film follows a group of friends who encounter a family of cannibalistic killers, including Leatherface. Known for its raw and gritty style, it set the tone for many future horror films and remains a terrifying and visceral experience. (31 Nights of Horror movies Halloween 2023)


The Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie


Day 13: "It Follows" (2014) - Directed by David Robert Mitchell

David Robert Mitchell's "It Follows" is a modern horror gem that plays on the fear of an unrelenting supernatural entity. The film follows a young woman named Jay (Maika Monroe), who becomes the target of a mysterious curse transmitted through sexual contact. The tension and dread in this film are palpable, making it a standout in contemporary horror. (31 Nights of Horror movies Halloween 2023)


It Follows movie

 


 


Day 14: "Crimson Peak" (2015) - Directed by Guillermo del Toro

Guillermo del Toro's "Crimson Peak" combines horror with a lavish Gothic romance. The film follows Edith Cushing (Mia Wasikowska), who marries the enigmatic Sir Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston) and moves into a decrepit mansion with dark secrets. The film's sumptuous visuals and eerie atmosphere make it a visually stunning and chilling tale. (31 Nights of Horror movies Halloween 2023)


Crimson Peak movie


Day 15: "Halloween" (1978) - Directed by John Carpenter

John Carpenter's "Halloween" is a quintessential slasher film that introduced the world to the iconic killer Michael Myers. The film follows Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) as she's stalked by the relentless Myers on Halloween night. Carpenter's minimalist score and suspenseful direction set a template for the genre, making it a classic that's still celebrated today. (31 Nights of Horror movies Halloween 2023)


Halloween movie


Day 16: "The Ring" (2002) - Directed by Gore Verbinski

Gore Verbinski's "The Ring" is a chilling adaptation of the Japanese horror film "Ringu." The story revolves around a cursed videotape that, when watched, dooms the viewer to die in seven days. Investigative journalist Rachel Keller (Naomi Watts) stumbles upon the tape and becomes ensnared in a race against time to solve the mystery behind it. "The Ring" is known for its eerie imagery and slow-building tension, solidifying its place in horror history. (31 Nights of Horror movies Halloween 2023)


The Ring movie


Day 17: "The Sixth Sense" (1999) - Directed by M. Night Shyamalan

M. Night Shyamalan's "The Sixth Sense" is a supernatural thriller that captivated audiences with its stunning twist ending. The film stars Bruce Willis as Dr. Malcolm Crowe, a child psychologist who works with a young boy, Cole (Haley Joel Osment), who claims to see and communicate with the dead. The film's atmosphere of suspense and its famous twist ending have made it a modern classic. (31 Nights of Horror movies Halloween 2023)


The Sixth Sense movie


Day 18: "Sinister" (2012) - Directed by Scott Derrickson

Scott Derrickson's "Sinister" delves into the darkness of a true-crime writer played by Ethan Hawke. He moves his family into a house where a gruesome murder occurred, hoping to find inspiration for his next book. However, he discovers a series of disturbing home movies that reveal a pattern of sinister events. The film is known for its unsettling atmosphere and the malevolent presence that haunts the protagonist. (31 Nights of Horror movies Halloween 2023)


Sinister movie


Day 19: "Don't Breathe" (2016) - Directed by Fede Álvarez

Fede Álvarez's "Don't Breathe" is a tense home-invasion thriller with a unique twist. The story follows a group of young burglars who break into the home of a blind veteran, thinking it will be an easy score. However, they soon realize that their intended victim is far more dangerous and resourceful than they could have ever imagined. The film's claustrophobic and suspenseful atmosphere keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. (31 Nights of Horror movies Halloween 2023)


Don't Breath movie

 


 


Day 20: "The Others" (2001) - Directed by Alejandro Amenábar

Alejandro Amenábar's "The Others" is a gothic horror film starring Nicole Kidman as Grace Stewart, a woman who lives with her two light-sensitive children in a dark, old mansion. As strange occurrences unfold, Grace becomes convinced that her home is haunted. The film skillfully builds tension and offers a thought-provoking exploration of perception and reality. (31 Nights of Horror movies Halloween 2023)


The Others movie


Day 21: "The Descent" (2005) - Directed by Neil Marshall

Neil Marshall's "The Descent" is a claustrophobic and intense survival horror film. It follows a group of adventurous women who explore an uncharted cave system. However, they quickly find themselves trapped underground and hunted by a terrifying breed of subterranean creatures. The film combines the psychological stress of survival with visceral scares, making it a standout in the genre. (31 Nights of Horror movies Halloween 2023)


The Descent movie


Day 22: "28 Days Later" (2002) - Directed by Danny Boyle

Danny Boyle's "28 Days Later" reinvented the zombie genre with its fast-paced and intense storytelling. The film is set in post-apocalyptic London where a highly contagious virus has turned most of the population into rage-filled, fast-moving zombies. A small group of survivors must navigate this nightmarish world. The film's gritty realism and social commentary on human nature make it a horror classic. (31 Nights of Horror movies Halloween 2023)


28 Day Later movie


Day 23: "The Cabin in the Woods" (2012) - Directed by Drew Goddard

Drew Goddard's "The Cabin in the Woods" is a brilliant deconstruction of the horror genre. The film starts as a typical cabin-in-the-woods horror flick but takes a wildly unexpected turn as it reveals a larger, mysterious organization orchestrating the events. Mixing humor, meta-commentary, and genuine horror, this film is a love letter to the genre while subverting its tropes. (31 Nights of Horror movies Halloween 2023)


The Cabin in the Woods movie

 


 


Day 24: "Let the Right One In" (2008) - Directed by Tomas Alfredson

Tomas Alfredson's "Let the Right One In" is a Swedish vampire film that's both touching and eerie. The story revolves around the budding friendship between a bullied young boy and a mysterious girl who happens to be a vampire. The film explores themes of loneliness and the innocence of childhood against the backdrop of a supernatural love story. (31 Nights of Horror movies Halloween 2023)


Let the Right One in movie


Day 25: "The Orphanage" (2007) - Directed by J.A. Bayona

J.A. Bayona's "The Orphanage" is a haunting Spanish horror film that focuses on atmosphere and psychological horror. The story follows Laura (Belén Rueda) as she returns to the orphanage where she grew up with plans to reopen it as a home for disabled children. However, strange, and unsettling events begin to unfold, leading her on a journey to uncover dark secrets. The film blends supernatural elements with a powerful emotional core. (31 Nights of Horror movies Halloween 2023)


The Orphanage movie


Day 26: "Paranormal Activity" (2007) - Directed by Oren Peli

"Paranormal Activity" is a found-footage horror film that shook the genre. Directed by Oren Peli on a shoestring budget, the film follows a couple, Katie, and Micah, who experience increasingly disturbing and unexplainable supernatural events in their home. The film's minimalist approach, relying on suspense and the audience's imagination, made it a massive hit and spawned a successful franchise. (31 Nights of Horror movies Halloween 2023)


Paranormal Activity movie


Day 27: "The Strangers" (2008) - Directed by Bryan Bertino

Bryan Bertino's "The Strangers" is a nerve-wracking home invasion thriller. The film follows a young couple, played by Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman, who are terrorized by a trio of masked strangers while staying in a secluded vacation home. "The Strangers" is known for its relentless tension, unsettling atmosphere, and the chilling idea that such random acts of violence can occur anywhere, making it a deeply unsettling and scary watch. (31 Nights of Horror movies Halloween 2023)


The Strangers movie


Day 28: "The Conjuring 2" (2016) - Directed by James Wan

James Wan returns to the world of paranormal investigations with "The Conjuring 2." Based on the real-life case of the Enfield Poltergeist, the film follows paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) as they travel to London to help a single mother a (31 Nights of Horror movies Halloween 2023)nd her children who are terrorized by a malevolent spirit. Wan's expert direction and knack for creating terrifying atmospheres make this a worthy sequel to the original "Conjuring" film. (31 Nights of Horror movies Halloween 2023)


The Conjuring 2 movie


Day 29: "The Ritual" (2017) - Directed by David Bruckner

David Bruckner's "The Ritual" is a chilling creature feature set in the eerie forests of Sweden. The film follows a group of friends who embark on a hiking trip to honor a deceased friend. However, when they take a shortcut through a dense forest, they encounter malevolent forces and an ancient evil. "The Ritual" is praised for its tension-building and its portrayal of primal fears. (31 Nights of Horror movies Halloween 2023)


The Ritual movie


Day 30: "Insidious" (2010) - Directed by James Wan

James Wan's "Insidious" is a supernatural horror film that explores the world of astral projection and possession. The story follows a family whose son falls into a mysterious coma-like state, and they soon discover that dark supernatural entities are at play. Wan's effective use of jump scares and a hauntingly atmospheric soundtrack adds to the film's eerie appeal. (31 Nights of Horror movies Halloween 2023)


Insidious movie


Day 31: "It" (2017) - Directed by Andy Muschietti

Andy Muschietti's adaptation of Stephen King's "It" became a sensation, both critically and commercially. Set in the town of Derry, Maine, the film follows a group of children who confront a shape-shifting entity that often takes the form of a clown named Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård). The film effectively blends coming-of-age themes with horror, creating a chilling and nostalgic experience. (31 Nights of Horror movies Halloween 2023)


IT movie

If your searching around the web right now looking for another 31 Days of Halloween list you might find the following.


 


 





What 2023 movie is scarier?

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