Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a good scare? If you’re looking for the best horror movies of 2023 to watch on Halloween night, you’ve come to the right place.
This year’s crop of horror movies is one of the most diverse and exciting in recent memory. There’s something for everyone, from supernatural thrillers to psychological horror to creature features. While some of them may have been released last year, their classic scare is a solid 2023 Halloween startup.
No matter what your taste in horror movies, you’re sure to find something to your liking on this list. So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready for a fright!
10 Best Horror Movies in 2023 to Watch this Halloween
Huesera: The Bone Woman
“Huesera: The Bone Woman” is a horror movie from Mexico released in 2023, helmed by the director Michelle Garza Cervera. It follows Valeria, a woman whose joy at becoming a first-time mother is quickly taken away when a sinister entity curses her. As the danger gets closer, she’s pushed into a spooky world of powerful magic that might take over her completely.
The film is full of grotesque imagery and unsettling scenes, and it will stay with you long after you’ve seen it. It has also been noted for its timely and relevant themes, such as the pressure on women to conform to traditional gender roles and the stigma surrounding postpartum depression.
Saw X
This is a 2023 American horror film directed by Kevin Greutert and written by Josh Stolberg and Pete Goldfinger. It is the tenth instalment in the Saw franchise and the sequel to 2021’s Spiral.
Saw X is set between the events of Saw (2004) and Saw II (2005), and follows a group of con artists who find themselves trapped in a deadly game by the Jigsaw Killer. The film has been praised for its return to the franchise’s roots. It is not for the faint of heart, with some of the most gruesome traps in the franchise’s history. It’s a relatively short film, at just over 90 minutes, so it’s perfect for a quick scare.
Talk to Me
“Talk to Me” is a horror movie from Australia released in 2023. It’s directed by Danny and Michael Philippou. The story revolves around a bunch of friends who find out how to summon spirits using a preserved hand. They become hooked on the new thrill and high-stakes party game until one of them goes too far and unleashes terrifying supernatural forces.
The film has been praised for its originality, suspense, and scares. It has also been noted for its social commentary on the dangers of playing with the occult. It’s a slow-burn horror film, which builds suspense and dread gradually.
If you’re looking for a Halloween horror movie that will stay with you long after you’ve watched it, then Talk to Me is definitely the film for you.
Skinamarink
“Skinamarink” is an avant-garde horror film that delves into an eerie and unsettling experience, where a minimalistic plot unfolds around two young siblings who find themselves isolated within a house without any doors and windows. This cinematic venture marks the inaugural foray into feature writing and directing by YouTuber Kyle Edward Ball, known for his channel “Bitesized Nightmares.”
It is not a film that relies on jump scares or gore. Instead, it gradually builds suspense and tension through its atmosphere and sound design. This makes the film all the more terrifying, as the viewer is constantly on edge, waiting for something to happen. It has also been noted for its unique approach to storytelling, which relies heavily on the viewer’s imagination.
The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster
The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster is an American horror film directed by Tiffany Shepis and starring Zazie Beetz, Omari Hardwick, and Rob Morgan. The film follows an angry young Black woman who is haunted by a monster that represents her own internalised racism and self-hatred.
This is a film that defies easy categorisation. It is a horror film, but it is also a social commentary and a psychological drama. The film’s unique approach to the horror genre is one of its greatest strengths. The film’s cinematography is atmospheric and haunting, and it helps to create a sense of unease and dread.
Run Rabbit Run
Australian horror films are often underestimated, but they can be some of the most creative and disturbing films in the genre. Run Rabbit Run is a case in point. The film’s unique setting and atmosphere add to its creepiness. It’s a slow-burning psychological thriller, making it all the more unsettling when the scares do finally come.
It’s a unique take on the creepy-kid trope. Mia, the main character, is more nuanced and complex than many other creepy kids in horror movies. She’s not just evil for the sake of being evil. She’s a troubled child who is struggling to come to terms with her own identity and the dark secrets of her family’s past.
Children of the Corn
Children of the Corn is a great horror movie to watch this Halloween, especially if you are a fan of Stephen King’s work. It is a suspenseful and atmospheric film with a creepy and disturbing premise. The film also features some strong performances from the cast, particularly from Courtney Gains, who plays the possessed child.
The premise of Children of the Corn is simple but effective. An evil spirit possesses a group of children and embarks on a killing spree. This premise is both creepy and disturbing, and it makes for a very effective horror film. It’s set in a small, isolated town, adding to the creepiness of the film as it creates a sense of claustrophobia and isolation.
Sick
Sick is a great horror movie for Halloween because it is timely, suspenseful, and features a unique and terrifying take on the home invasion genre. It was released during the COVID-19 pandemic. The film’s setting of a secluded lake house where two friends are quarantining is something that many people can relate to. This makes the film feel more immediate and unsettling, as it taps into our collective fears and anxieties about the pandemic.
Sick subverts many of the tropes of the home invasion genre, making it a more unpredictable and unsettling film. The director, John Hyams, does a great job of building tension and creating a sense of dread. The film also features some effective jump scares, but it relies more on atmosphere and suspense to create scares.
Final Thoughts
2023 has been a great year for horror fans, with a wide variety of new and exciting films to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a classic slasher, a chilling supernatural thriller, or something truly unique and disturbing, there’s something for everyone on this list.
And with Halloween just around the corner, what better time to catch up on the latest and greatest in horror cinema?
