We’re a week away from Halloween, but the spooky spirit has been alive and well in Denton, making you want to watch some scary movies. You may have caught a few playing in Quakertown Park or on the East Side bar patio as part of the 31 Days of Denton Halloween.

But if you’re not a fan of outdoor screenings or fancy something from the comfort of your own couch, don’t worry. Plenty of scary movies are available for streaming or purchase, making it convenient for you to enjoy them at your own pace.

Below are eight movies to get you further into the Halloween spirit. These titles offer a diverse range of scares and thrills that cater to different tastes. Six of these titles are more suitable for mature audiences, while the last two are perfect for a family movie night.

A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET (1984)

While it may seem like low-hanging fruit to recommend the original A Nightmare on Elm Street, the horror classic turns 40 this year and remains a masterclass in horror. Right out of the gate, it’s clear why A Nightmare on Elm Street is on the Mount Rushmore of slashers. It expertly fashions a candy bowl worth of suspense, providing a chilling introduction to the iconic villain, Freddy Krueger (brilliantly played by Robert Englund).

The film consistently delivers imaginative scares and surprises, from the eerie high school scene with a body bag to the surreal staircase covered in squishy substance and the unsettling transformation of a car roof into Freddy’s distinctive sweater pattern. This film showcases not only Wes Craven’s exceptional filmmaking skills, but also his talent as a writer. “Welcome to prime time…”

Where to watch: All Nightmare on Elm Street movies are available to stream on Max. However, the theatrical and uncut versions of the original film are available for purchase on the new 4K Ultra HD or Digital UHD disc. The excitement here is that the picture, color and sound have been significantly improved (unlike the original Halloween in 4K), providing a more immersive and thrilling experience. So consider purchasing the new drive. If you’re lucky enough to find the 4K Steelbook, it sports a retro Warner Bros aesthetic. VHS, which is perfect for collectors.

THE STRANGERS (2008)

Lionsgate released The Strangers: Chapter 1 earlier this year, and if what’s to come in the next two installments of this new trilogy is anything like what we’ve seen this year, you better turn your attention back to the original 2008 film.

The Strangers, starring Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman, captures a universal horror: what if three masked assailants wanted to kill you just “because you were at home?” Um, no thanks, but the film is a taut and incredibly gripping horror story that distills its subgenre to its core elements, emphasizing the intimate, gut-wrenching dread of its concept.

Where to watch: The Strangers can be streamed on Max. However, if you want to buy the film in a physical format, a new 4K collector’s disc was released by Scream Factory last month. This disc includes a sharp 4K presentation of the film’s ungraded upper cut, along with two handfuls of well-rendered make-offs and a photo gallery.

MAXXINE (2024)

MaXXXine is the third chapter in Ti West’s X trilogy, which includes 2022’s X and Pearl. Each of these films explores a different atmosphere and era of horror, whether it’s the Texas Chainsaw Massacre or The Wizard of Oz filtered through the oddities of The Shining. Now, West takes us to 1980s Hollywood, where his titular character (an incredible Mia Goth) is chasing fame while a mysterious killer stalks the stars of Tinseltown.

MaXXXine is not just a horror thriller; it’s a visual feast. With exceptional colors and elegant camera movement, it’s a stylish and captivating horror rendezvous. But what really leads to the finish line is Kevin Bacon’s nasty turn as the private detective.

Where to watch: MaXXXine can be streamed on Max or purchased on 4K or Blu-ray Disc, which includes making-of features and behind-the-scenes information.

Black Christmas (1974)

Terrifier 3 demonstrated a passion for Christmas horror, making the original Black Christmas a perfect choice for those looking for a darker take on the holiday season. For those looking for more “slay” than “sled”, Black Christmas offers a refreshing experience. Starring Olivia Hussey and Margot Kidder, this well-crafted slasher follows a group of sisters who become the targets of threatening phone calls and are subsequently stalked and killed by a psychopath.

Black Christmas predates the iconic thrills of Halloween and Friday the 13th by being a smartly written film that actively involves the audience in the unfolding mystery. Its disturbing ending lingers long after it’s over. A standout moment involves the characters’ tense efforts to track down a chilling phone call, adding to the film’s gripping atmosphere.

Where to watch: You can stream Black Christmas on Peacock, Tubi or the Roku channel. Scream Factory has released an excellent 4K disc release that includes making-of docs, archival interviews and retrospectives, and a 4K transfer with a perfect balance of grain and clarity.

GINGER SNAPS (2000)

Ginger Snaps have gained a devoted following over the years, solidifying their status as a cult classic. In the Canadian supernatural film, Emily Perkins and Katharine Isabelle give riveting performances as sisters navigating the treacherous landscape of high school. It seamlessly weaves metaphors into its horror narrative, effectively incorporating themes of transformation and bodily functions. With its impressive practical effects on a shoestring budget, Ginger Snaps offers a refreshing and unique watch worth revisiting every Halloween. It provides a more grounded and detailed approach to the teen wolf archetype.

Where to watch: You can stream Ginger Snaps on Shudder and AMC+ or buy the collector’s edition of the film through Scream Factory. The disc contains extras such as audio commentary with the filmmakers, retrospective interviews with the artists and storytellers, and deleted scenes, among other features.

ROSEMARY’S BABY (1968)

With the recent release of Rosemary’s Baby’s prequel Apartment 7A on Paramount+, it’s a great time to explore the original 1968 film. Rosemary’s Baby is renowned for its masterful portrayal of slow-burn horror, deftly weaving terror with commentary thought provoking social.

In the film, Mia Farrow plays Rosemary, a young woman unwittingly trapped by her nosy neighbors in a satanic cult and subsequently impregnated with Satan’s child. The horror emanates not only from the satanic cult, but also from the betrayal of Rosemary’s husband, the manipulation and gaslighting he subjects her to, and the erosion of Rosemary’s bodily autonomy in their relationship. These complexities add deep layers of depth to the narrative, elevating Rosemary’s Baby to a timeless classic that has more going on in its setting than you know.

Where to watch: You can stream Rosemary’s Baby on Paramount+, AMC+, Criterion Channel and MGM+. The Criterion Collection has a well-put-together (and sadly out-of-print) Blu-ray release packed with bonus content if you’re willing to spend $50+ on a secondary market. Otherwise, the standard 4K UHD disc and digital version are very good.

HOUSE OF MONSTERS (2006)

Looking for a scary movie that is suitable for several members of your family? Monster House should be strongly considered. This coming-of-age film delves into a variety of universal themes, such as the complexities of love, the inevitability of death, and the challenges of moving on, all with the utmost sensitivity and grace. Although the film contains some scary moments and jokes about peeing in bottles, these elements are not too overwhelming for children, making the film enjoyable for ages 7 and up. Read the Netflix descriptions or watch the movie trailer to get a better idea of ​​how scary the movie is for little ones.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY (2019)

Gotta love the live-action Addams movies from the 1990s. But any parent watching them today can recognize the areas that might be too much for younger kids. Fortunately, the 2019 animated film does a great job of capturing the quirky spirit of the original films and TV series from the 1960s and 1990s (or the Wednesday 2022 series on Netflix). There’s just something about the animated form that allows more room for gruesome activity without being too realistic to traumatize.

The Addams Family is a fun and spooky Halloween primer that not only brings back old fans of the iconic family, but also introduces a new generation to a devilishly delightful experience. It’s a great way to share childhood memories with your kids.

Where to watch: You can stream the movie for free on Tubi or rent the movie for $3.99-$5.99 on your favorite digital platforms like Fandango at Home or Prime Video.

PRESTON BARTA is a member of Critics Choice Association and the Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association. Read his paper here and RottenTomatoes.com. Follow him on Instagram at @bluraydad.