The Movie Buff’s Ultimate Hollywood Halloween Film List, Vol.2

We recently covered Vol. 1 of our ‘Ultimate Hollywood Halloween Film List,’ covering a lot of classic horror films, from both the Golden Age of Hollywood and through the ’70s, ’80s, and even some ’90s.

Vol. 2 is about the new era of horror where we can see the transition of change from both the technology to the concept. This volume is about films from the year 2000 to 2020; it shows us how horror as a genre has evolved with a change from a unique idea to a smartly-crafted story.

Following is a list of all the horror, chills, and terror you were waiting for.

‘What Lies Beneath’ (2000)

In the simplest of terms, this film is nothing less than an instant classic that deserves far more recognition than it has got since its release. The narrative is about a married couple where the wife hears a mysterious voice and glimpses visuals of young women in their house. The husband feels it’s her imagination; as his wife’s fears turn out to be true, what happens next is what the film all about. Robert Zemeckis’ smart, vivid direction takes a straightforward narrative and turns it into a compelling horror-thriller that delivers the right impact, with absolutely no dilution of influence.

The film has brilliant performances from Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer. It is pure entertainment from starting to end; and so for those yet to appreciate its ingenuity, get yourself a bucket of popcorn and turn off the lights—because it’s the only way to fly once this story gets going.

‘The Others’ (2001)

“The Others” is a horror/suspense directed by Alejandro Amenábar, the story taking place in post World War II about a religious mother named Grace (Nicole Kidman). She moves with her two girls to the English coast. Simultaneously, as she waits for her husband, one of her kids claims to see a ghost. As the story develops, the events make her believe in supernatural happenings.

The story is masterfully suspenseful from beginning to end. The storyline has enough twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and the occurrences that unfold are nothing short of cinematic genius.

‘May’ (2002)

Sometimes the scariest things are an uncomfortable quietness, an indelicate-timed revelation, or an unwieldy display of affinity. Lucy McKee’s debut feature “May” has plenty of such instants. The story focuses on May (Angela Bettis), who has a troubled childhood. As she finds attachments with few people and dumps her affection, she takes a violent path that is the center of the story that involves us in the life of a character we simultaneously find objectionable and compelling. 

The plot has no gross body-horror, but has a wired atmosphere around the titular character, as lead Angela gives a terrific performance.

If you like a frightening, terrifying, and uncomfortable films that chill your spine and warm your heart, “May” is an enticing bittersweet treat.

‘Saw’ (2004)

This film needs no introduction, and is one of the finest examples of situation horror. The plot is original and eternal. A unique premise and suffocating atmosphere lead us to one of the most shocking twist-endings of all time. The story is set in a small bathroom, where a doctor gets stuck with a photographer. He has to kill the photographer before a specified time or his wife and daughter will be killed. Which leads us to what the story is all about. 

“Saw” has its twists and turns, and the non-stop violence is realistic and well-crafted. The movie is terrifying and gory as all hell. Many have already seen it, but you are missing a freighting treat of delight if one has not.

‘Corpse Bride’ (2005) 

The film is not super scary, but it’s a delight to watch, especially for those who enjoy animated movies. It’s one of the best-crafted stories with great use of slow-motion visuals. The tale is about Victor (Johnny Depp) and Victoria (Emily Watson), who are about to get married. Meanwhile, as Victor was practicing his wedding vows, a branch transforms into a hand and takes him to the land of the dead, where he finds Emily. She also wants to marry Victor. Now, Victor has to get back to his world, or the villain will marry his Victoria—that’s the story of it.

“Corpse Bride” will not scare you, but it attracts you to the world it creates, and its well-crafted characters and story are charming. It teaches that life is just not about giving and wanting but about love, sacrifice, life, death, and, at last, freedom. In sacrifice comes the ultimate freedom. And while it won’t scare you, it’s sure to give you delight at the end of it. So, if you want a light movie, this is the right pick.

‘The Exorcism of Emily Rose’ (2005)

Based on the true story of Anneliese Michel, the plot is about an attorney who takes on a negligent homicide case involving a priest who performed an exorcism on a young girl. The story is different from other films. It shows us the effects of certain situations, and that people can be held responsible—even a priest—if something goes wrong with someone. 

All the characters are showcased well. The film gives chilling experiences and frights as it moves forward. It’s a must-watch for a lover of paranormal movies.

‘The Hills Have Eyes’ (2006)

A family of seven is on their way to San Diego; an accident strands them in the desert, making them go looking for help while the rest stay. They come across mutant monsters who like human flesh. The story is not easy to watch, and builds tension and suspense through scares. Although this film is guaranteed to disturb you, it’s a brilliant film for horror fans. 

‘Paranormal Activity’ (2007)

The film is an original one that comes with a unique take, and provides a good example of promoting fear through unknowing. The story is about Katie (Katie Featherston) and Micah (Micah Sloat), who feel disturbed by what appears to be a supernatural presence in their home. They set up video cameras in the house to take evidence of the event, which brings them shocking and terrifying moments they didn’t think of.

“Paranormal Activity” is a subtle horror film with the strange tool of simplicity that is highly effective. It is interesting to watch how things happen, as well as the characters’ conflicts and whether to do something and what to do. The story relies on the concept of cosmic horror. One never knows what the evil is; shape and form do not define it. And aren’t we scared of bad things we don’t know anything about it? It’s a must-watch in case you have not yet seen it.

‘The Strangers’ (2008)

The film is slasher/horror, and is well-directed and filmed memorably; it is unsettling, while making you feel uncomfortable through excellent character development and acting. The story is fantastic and realistic. It high-tension, and the senses will give you the absolute chills. This movie stayed true to the horror genre in such a unique way. Considering how the horror genre has changed in the last decade, often just giving us lousy jump-scare after jump-scare, this movie only adds so much.

‘Orphan’ (2009)

“Orphan” is an engaging and atmospheric horror-thriller about a couple who lost their child during labor. They decide to adopt a little Russian girl who seems perfect, but, as they bring her home, the wife notices strange things about her and starts to dig deeper into her past life. And from there, the horror begins.

The film is very gruesome and disturbing at times; the actors are perfect in their roles. Isabelle Fuhrman is a brilliant evil character, and the film has an excellent storyline, nice subplots, amazing actors, and an unexpected conclusion. A must-watch that will run down your spine.

‘Trick ‘r Treat’ (2009)

“Trick ‘r Treat” is a Halloween-based film with a different kind of horror. It has a combination of comedy and horror set seamlessly together. The film tells four murder and supernatural activities on Halloween, which happen to be connected. The film is a good watch.

‘Tucker and Dale vs Evil’ (2010)

“Tucker and Dale vs Evil” is a comedy with elements of horror being the mainstay. It showcases how people’s judging of others tends to be more dangerous than keeping just a broad view about them. Two hillbillies pickup an injured college student from an accident. But her friends assume that they’re psychopathic and have kidnapped the girl. Now, the duo must try to explain themselves before things go too far, and everyone dies. This movie plays on the fact that most people are stupid in horror movies. With every ridiculous death, the funnier it becomes, and the body count and laughs keep rising.

The film has got some insane comedy that gels fabulously well the proceedings. It also shows how crucial communication is these days, with our lives spinning faster than ever. Overall, a hugely enjoyable film that also acts as an eye-opener.

‘Insidious’ (2010)

This movie is capable of making you scared of the dark and will take away your sleep. The story is about a couple who finds an evil entity that possesses their son. James Wan directed tremendously without the usage of any significant effects, which gives you goosebumps. The film changed the landscape of modern horror.

“Insidious” has a strong plot, excellent pacing, and perfect scares and suspense. It also has a lingering effect on your mind long after you have seen the movie.

‘The Cabin in the Woods’ (2012)

A group of college kids come to take refuge in a cabin in the woods for a vacation. What they don’t know is a mysterious organization is planning on releasing horror-themed creatures upon them. With all their friends dying one-by-one, the ones that remain decide to take the fight to them. 

The movie depicts a sense of irony and a critique of how every horror movie is unveils. The plot twist was heavily unexpected, and the film is a piece of art. There are typical clichés in the film, but these serve as a good source of comedy. It’s the right pick for someone looking for a horror/comedy this Halloween.

‘The Conjuring’ (2013)

A horror list without this film will be incomplete. Directed by James Wan, the story is about pair of real paranormal investigators and one of the cases they have faced. The plot has to create a new horror universe. It’s a cinematically beautiful film, with old-school and new-school scares, an excellent example of why tension should be something that lingers.

“The Conjuring” is one of the most fantastic films of modern times. The story will surprise you at every moment, and every re-watch gives you scares. The film has changed the game while also scaring the hell out of us.

‘It Follows’ (2014)

The film has a dark concept, great performances, and an excellent musical score. The story is about a young woman followed by an unknown supernatural force after every time she has a sexual encounter. The story is creepy; not for those who are expecting chaotic horror incidents, but for those who want a good horror movie with realistic action and suspense.

‘The Witch’ (2015)

“The Witch” is not your typical horror film, but this creepy, atmospheric slow-builder is a frightening and shockingly vile horror film. It will stick with you for long, and terror here does not come from jump-scares. Instead, a well-crafted and unrelenting sense of dread slowly gets hotter and hotter as the film goes on until it boils in its terrifying climax.

There are very few films that are as morbid and deeply disturbing as this. Furthermore, the extreme, almost obsessively period-accurate dialogue, setting, and cinematography are incredible. It’s a must-watch.

‘Hush’ (2016)

The “Hush” story is realistic and exciting, where everything makes sense and the plot has plenty of twists and turns. The narrative is about a deaf writer living in the woods and enjoying alone time, but finding a masked killer on her window. This is not your typical masked killer story; it’s all about the strategy. The film will surprise you and scare you, not just by the brutal killings but for its smart approach. You will feel the thrill, the horror, and the nervousness throughout.

‘Get Out’ (2017)

This film has earned praise from all for its deep concepts and the scares it offers. The story is about Chris, who goes with his girlfriend to her parents for the weekend. As time passes, a series of progressively deranged events present themselves to Chris, which increasingly surprise him. The film is a well-crafted story and directed and acted equally well.

“Get Out” is something that stands out as a unique power of story; if you have not seen this film, you’ll miss out on something that needs your attention.

Hereditary (2018)

“Hereditary” is about a sad family with the death of a close one; they get haunted by tragic and disturbing occurrences around them, which gives viewers scares. The film seamlessly shows grief and horror. It’s a genuine terror that you can merge with real-life events. “Hereditary” is a nightmare you will find hard to wake up from.

‘A Quiet Place’ (2018)

While humans have everyday relations with noise, what if the noise will invite your death? The story of “A Quiet Place” is about monsters that gets a sense of you of by the noise. The less revealed about the film, the better it will be to watch. 

“A Quiet Place” is one of the most smartly-crafted horror/sci-fi mixtures; the direction, story, and acting is terrific in this movie. It’s a must-watch if you have not seen it. It has creepy monsters, emotion, and, most importantly, scares.

‘Us’ (2019)

One family takes a vacation to get away from their busy lives; while there are enjoying themselves at night, four mysterious people break into the house they are staying in; what is shocking is that they look like just them. The film is an identity horror with a dark reflection and chilly atmospherics. The story is original in concept, complete with psychological torment, twists, and old-world suspense-building. It’s the finest example of a history of modern horror.

‘The Mortuary Collection’ (2020)

This film is creative, refreshing, and genuine horror mixed with laughs and fantasy. The story is about a hotel manager and a young woman showing interest in working with her. The manager tells her sequences of tales about people who died in the town. It’s a horror movie that has its scary moments. The suspense created is a little far-fetched and does have a touch of a fairy tale. Watch it alone if you want to get the feeling of horror.

‘The Invisible Man’ (2020)

This film is not your typical horror; it takes its own time to get to the pace, but it will keep you on edge when it gets there. The film was made with only a small budget. However, every camera angle, scene composition, use of silence, and musical score is excellently utilized to create a constant sense of strangeness and dread from beginning to conclusion. The use of CGI is minimal, that plays expertly into the film.    

If you’re someone who enjoys excellent writing, directing, and acting with a horror sprinkling, this is the right choice.

We hope you have enjoyed Volumes 1 and 2. Please enjoy and share it along with your friends and family this Halloween. Please comment us below your favorites in case we have missed any!