Halloween is a week away, but the spooky spirit is alive and well in Denton, getting you in the mood for some scary movies. Maybe you caught a few playing in Quakertown Park or the East Side’s bar patio as part of the 31 Days of Denton Halloween.

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

Below are eight movies to get you in the Halloween spirit. These titles offer a wide range of horrors and thrills for different tastes. Six of these titles are better suited for a mature audience, 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 filmmaking. Right out of the gate, it’s clear why A Nightmare on Elm Street is on the Mount Rushmore of slashers. It expertly builds a candy bowl’s worth of suspense and provides a terrific introduction to iconic villain Freddy Krueger (played by Robert Englund).

The film consistently delivers scares and imaginative surprises, from the eerie high school scene with a body bag to the surreal stairs covered in goo, and the unsettling transformation of a car’s 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 original film’s cut and uncut versions are available for purchase on the recently released 4K Ultra HD disc or Digital UHD. The excitement here is that the picture, color and sound have been significantly improved (unlike the original Halloween in 4K), making for a more immersive and exciting experience. So consider buying the new disc. If you’re lucky enough to find the 4K steelbook, it has a retro Warner Bros. VHS aesthetic 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 saw this year, you should 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 were out to kill you just “because you were home?” Um, no thanks, but the film is a taut and incredibly gripping horror story that distills its subgenre to its core elements and emphasizes the intimate, visceral fear of its concept.

Where to watch: The Strangers can be streamed on Max. However, if you would like to purchase the film in a physical format, a new 4K collector’s disc was released by Scream Factory last month. This disc contains a razor-sharp 4K presentation of the superior unrated version of the film, along with two handfuls of well-rendered footage and a stills 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 vibe and era of horror, whether it’s The Texas Chainsaw Massacre or The Wizard of Oz filtered through the weirdness of The Shining. Now West takes us to 1980s Hollywood, where its title character (an incredible Mia Goth) chases fame while a mysterious killer stalks Tinseltown’s stars.

MaXXXine is not just a horror thriller; it’s a visual feast. With exceptional colors and neat camera movements, it’s an elegant and engaging terror thriller. But what really kicks it off is Kevin Bacon’s nasty turn as a private investigator.

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

BLACK CHRISTMAS (1974)

Terrifier 3 has shown a penchant 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 “kill” than “sleigh” Black Christmas offers a relaxing experience. Starring Olivia Hussey and Margot Kidder, this well-crafted slasher follows a group of female sisters who become the targets of threatening phone calls and are then stalked and killed by a psychopath.

Predating the iconic suspense of Halloween and Friday the 13th, Black Christmas stands as a cleverly written film that actively engages the audience in the unfolding mystery. Its unsettling ending lingers long after it’s over. A standout moment involves the characters’ tense efforts to trace a terrifying phone call, adding to the film’s poignant atmosphere.

Where to watch: You can stream Black Christmas on the Peacock, Tubi or Roku Channel. Scream Factory has released an excellent 4K disc version, which includes making of featurettes, archival and retrospective interviews, and a 4K transfer with a perfect balance of grain and sharpness.

GINGER SNAPS (2000)

Ginger Snaps have gained a devoted following over the years, cementing their status as a cult classic. In the Canadian supernatural film, Emily Perkins and Katharine Isabelle deliver compelling performances as sisters navigate 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 low budget, Ginger Snaps provides a refreshing and unique watch worth visiting every Halloween. It offers a more grounded and relatable take on the teenage wolf archetype.

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

ROSEMARY’S BABY (1968)

With the recent release of the Rosemary’s Baby prequel, titled Apartment 7A, on Paramount+, it’s a good time to delve into the original 1968 film. Rosemary’s Baby is known for its masterful portrayal of slow-burn horror, which in a deft way intertwines terror with thoughtful social commentary.

In the film, Mia Farrow plays Rosemary, a young woman unwittingly entangled by her pushy neighbors in a satanic cult and subsequently impregnated with Satan’s children. The horror stems not only from the satanic cult, but also from Rosemary’s husband’s betrayal, the manipulation and gaslighting he subjects her to, and the erosion of Rosemary’s bodily autonomy within their relationship. These intricacies add deep layers of depth to the story, elevating Rosemary’s Baby to a timeless classic that has more going on within the frame than you might 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 sold out) 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 the digital edition are very good.

MONSTER’S HOUSE (2006)

Looking for a spooky movie that fits more in your family? Monster House should be strongly considered. This coming-of-age film delves into a variety of universal themes, such as the complexity of love, the inevitability of death, and the challenges of moving forward, all with utmost sensitivity and grace. Although the film contains some scary moments and jokes about urinating in bottles, these elements are not too overwhelming for children, making the film enjoyable for ages 7+. Read Netflix’s descriptions or watch the movie’s trailer to better judge the movie’s scares for your little ones.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY (2019)

Gotta love the live-action Addams Family movies from the 1990s. But any parent watching them today might recognize the areas that might be too much for younger kids. Fortunately, the 2019 animated film does a good job of capturing the quirky spirit of the original films and TV series from the 1960s and 1990s (or the 2022 Wednesday series on Netflix). There’s just something about the animated form that allows more room for scary activities 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 is a great way to share your childhood memories with your children.

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 work here and RottenTomatoes.com. Follow him on Instagram at @bluraydad.