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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at ICU (Japan) chapter.

Looking for some scary movies to watch this Halloween?

The weather is getting colder outside, and the excitement of Halloween is in the air. One of the best things to do for Halloween is to hang out with your friends and watch horror flicks. As the days get shorter and the darkness starts to fall a lot earlier, curling up with a spooky film is even more exciting. But instead of googling numerous streaming services for hours, horror fans should definitely plan ahead. 

Here are some of my top recommendations for Halloween Horrors:

Hell House LLC (Amazon Prime)

If you find subtle scares to be the most terrifying, and like found footage horror, then I highly recommend this movie for you! It is an excellent Halloween horror flick to watch if you want a good scare with your friends.

The Wailing (Amazon Prime)

This South Korean horror/mystery movie is really very different from other usual flicks. The first half is a bit slow, but halfway through the film, it goes at a breakneck pace. It’s a must watch!

Circle (Amazon Prime)

This movie terrifies its audience without being too gory—making it one of the best psychological films. The plot twist is surprisingly dark, almost to the point of its being disturbing, but the twisted end just adds to the movie’s depth. 

The Conjuring (Netflix)

Both The Conjuring parts one and two are terrific horror movies that you cannot get enough of. The story is based on actual events. These films are so well made that no matter how many times you’ve seen them, you’ll end up getting scared as if you’re watching them for the very first time. You won’t be able to watch these alone, so grab your friends to spook up your Halloween!

The Woman in Black (Amazon Prime)

It’s got a great nuance, significant jump scares (not the lousy cheap ones), and it genuinely scares you. I highly recommend the sequel, The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death as well. Both are extremely tense and realistic. Do not watch it alone! This is one of my top recommendations—definitely not for the faint-hearted.

JU-ON Origins (Netflix)

Some of you may have already watched movies in the Ju-On franchise. A new series was released on Netflix just a few weeks ago, where we learn about the origin of Ju-On. The series is not like any typical horror movie with eerie sound effects and unnecessary jump scares. The plot is full of twists, and it turns out to be based on real incidents. The story introduces six different timelines that are interconnected with each other. I would suggest watching the whole series in original Japanese audio for the best experience!

Cube (Amazon Prime)

A cult classic! The suspense of this story mixed with the great characters and new sound mixings lead to this very underrated film from the 90s. I highly recommend you watch this if you like horror and plot twists.

Train to Busan (Amazon Prime)

If you like zombie movies, then this is the one for you. You just found literally the best zombie film out there. But even if you aren’t a fan of zombie films, this film is excellent nonetheless. The story and relationships in this movie are absolutely fantastic. The sacrifices each of the characters make are genuinely remarkable. This movie is art; it’s not just horror. It has a heart wrenchingly emotional and powerful ending. Watch it with your family, friends, and someone you love.

The Haunting of Hill House (Netflix)

This show has a realness that many horror shows don’t have. The story is both terrifying and emotional; neither outweighed by the other. If you want a horrifying show and an enjoyable watch, The Haunting of Hill House is the way to go!

Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (Amazon Prime)

The story starts out by introducing the various personalities of the main characters and does a great job of doing so! It has an excellent build-up towards the climax and leaves you on the edge of your seat! If a horror movie has never made you jump, this may be the first time you go airborne in the comfort of your own house. 

Backyard movie projector outside
Photo by Roberto Nickson from Pexels

For this year’s Halloween, members of Her Campus at ICU will be watching horror movies together (on a projector outside while practicing excellent social distancing). Whether you’re getting ready for Halloween or simply want to spice up your Friday night, a horror movie is a surefire way to have fun. So turn the lights off, grab your popcorn, and get ready to be spooked with these horror movies!

Happy Halloween!

Ayaka Kuroki

ICU (Japan) '22

Hi! I am Ayaka and am currently a senior at International Christian University, majoring in sociology. I was born in Japan, grew up in Singapore, Taiwan, and UAE-Dubai. I simply love nature, traveling, eating, and singing.
Sarah Ishikawa

ICU (Japan) '21

Sarah Ishikawa is currently serving as Editor in Chief and Campus Correspondent for Her Campus at ICU Japan. She is a senior studying English and American literature. On her days off you'll probably find her at a museum, coffee shop, or just at home getting things done.