Spooky season is upon us, and if you’re a true horror fan, you’ve probably been in full scare mode since Sept 1. That means spending most nights on the couch enjoying scary movies — ideally with a big bowl of popcorn or candy — but with so many days to go before Halloween, you might need some help finding films to watch.
Netflix may dominate the streaming market, while Shudder is the go-to platform for hardcore horror fans, but Prime Video has quietly become a treasure trove for horror lovers. Amazon’s streaming service offers everything from campy classics and chilling remakes to modern masterpieces and twisted indie gems. So, whether you crave gut-wrenching scares or just enjoy the spooky vibes of Halloween, these 20 must-watch horror movies have something for every type of thrill seeker (presented below in least to most scary order).
20
Tucker & Dale vs Evil (2010)
Two well-meaning hillbillies head to their rundown cabin for a relaxing getaway, only to be mistaken for murderous backwoods killers by a group of college students. This is one of the funniest horror comedies out there and surprisingly wholesome, too, not unlike Shaun of the Dead. Except, instead of an ode to the zombie subgenre, it’s an ode to slashers, specifically ones set in the woods.
19
The Return of the Living Dead (1985)
The Return of the Living Dead is one of the most campy zombie movies to ever exist, and made the undead eating brains trope into an official thing with its introduction of Tarman. In The Return of the Living Dead, a chemical accident at a medical supply warehouse reanimates the dead, unleashing a horde of brain-hungry zombies on a small town. A group of misfit survivors must navigate the chaos while discovering that these undead are nearly impossible to kill, turning their fight for survival into darkly comedic chaos.
18
Death Becomes Her (1992)
Two rival women, Madeline (Meryl Streep) and Helen (Goldie Hawn), are trapped in an endless battle of vanity and revenge until one discovers a mysterious elixir that grants eternal youth and immortality. It’s a darkly comedic film from genius director Robert Zemeckis, with incredible cinematography and great character work from Streep and Bruce Willis, who plays the meek man tangled in the web of these two women. Be warned: Death Becomes Her features body horror that may leave you squeamish between laughs.
17
Stir of Echoes (1999)
After being hypnotized at a party, a man (Kevin Bacon) begins experiencing terrifying visions of a murdered girl (Jennifer Morrison). As the visions intensify, he’s driven to uncover the truth behind her death, revealing dark secrets hidden within his community. It’s one of those films that feel like it could’ve been written by Stephen King, but it wasn’t. It’s actually based on a 1958 novel of the same name, and King has quoted author Richard Matheson as being his biggest influence, so it’s not hard to see the comparisons.
16
Old (2021)
Another overlooked gem from the divisive M. Night Shyamalan is Old, where people get stranded on a beach where time moves fast, causing everyone to age rapidly within hours. As their lives slip away, the group desperately searches for a way to escape before nature claims them. It’s one of those classic Shyamalan flicks with a terrific premise and an even rarer payoff to the whole ordeal. It is also one of Aaron Pierce’s first Hollywood roles, playing Mid-Sized Sedan, one of the best character names of all time.
15
The Craft (1996)
A new student at a Los Angeles high school falls in with three outcast girls who practice witchcraft, forming a powerful coven. As they grow stronger and begin using magic for personal gain, their bond unravels into betrayal and dangerous consequences. It’s a nostalgic coming-of-age tale with timeless performances from Fairuza Balk and Robin Tunney that has far more staying power than its horrific 2020 sequel, The Craft: Legacy.
14
When A Stranger Calls (1979)
A babysitter who is terrorized by a series of mysterious phone calls, only to learn the caller is already inside the house. This film features a classic premise that has been spoofed countless times. It also boasts one of the most gripping starts to a horror movie imaginable, to the point where it sometimes struggles to follow up as the narrative unfolds. But when the slasher tropes stop, the character study of its main characters begins, ramping up tension to its conclusion.
13
Evil Dead 2 (1987)
Evil Dead 2 is the original Sam Raimi film’s fun little brother. However, its humor and extreme violence went on to define the franchise more than its predecessor. The sequel follows Ash Williams’ (Bruce Campbell) retreat to a remote cabin, where he accidentally unleashes demonic forces after playing a recording of the Necronomicon. It’s a requel that follows up from the original but also remakes some key events on a bigger budget. It’s a fun time and leads directly into Army of Darkness, which is equally (if not more) entertaining.
12
Sleepaway Camp (1983)
The original Sleepaway Camp is one of the best slashers to watch if you want something a bit corny, but still highly disturbing. Shy teenager Angela attends a summer camp with her cousin Ricky, where a series of gruesome murders begins targeting fellow campers and staff. As the bodies stack up, a mystery begins to unfold, culminating in one of the most bizarre reveals of all time.
11
Alice Sweet Alice (1976)
Alice Sweet Alice is a hidden gem of 70s horror (the best time period of horror ever) that follows a troubled young girl named Alice (Brooke Shields in her first role) who becomes the prime suspect when her younger sister is brutally murdered during her First Communion. As more deaths occur, suspicion and paranoia bubble over until the true killer is revealed. Although it’s American-made, it has an Italian giallo vibe with its bright colors and haunting atmosphere, and an ending that stays with you for years.