Upcoming October 2025 Horror Movies Perfect for Halloween Night

Halloween 2025 is set to be a scream with a chilling lineup of horror films hitting theaters in October, perfectly timed for the spookiest night of the year. This guide dives into five terrifying movies confirmed for October 2025 releases, each crafted to deliver jump scares, psychological dread, and eerie atmospheres ideal for Halloween. From supernatural thrillers to gory slashers, these films promise to haunt your nightmares. Each entry includes a detailed plot summary, cast and director details, release information, reasons for their Halloween appeal, and where to watch. Drawing from recent sources, I’ve highlighted critical buzz and cultural impact to ensure you’re ready for a fright-filled night. Whether you’re planning a theater outing or a scream-filled watch party, these movies will make Halloween 2025 unforgettable. Ready to face the fear? Let’s dive in! Note: Release dates are based on available information and may shift; check local listings for availability.

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1. Shelby Oaks (October 3, 2025)

Plot: Directed by YouTube critic-turned-filmmaker Chris Stuckmann, Shelby Oaks follows Mia (Camille Sullivan), a woman desperate to find her sister Riley, who vanished after filming a paranormal investigation. As Mia uncovers Riley’s lost footage, she discovers a demonic entity tied to their childhood. This found-footage thriller blends supernatural horror with raw emotional stakes, exploring themes of obsession, grief, and the unknown. The film’s eerie visuals and slow-burn dread build to a shocking climax, making it a standout for spooky season.
Cast: Camille Sullivan, Brendan Sexton III, Keith David, Sarah Durn.
Director: Chris Stuckmann, backed by Neon and Mike Flanagan’s Red Room Pictures.
Why It’s Perfect for Halloween: The found-footage style evokes The Blair Witch Project, with demonic scares and a haunting atmosphere that scream Halloween. Festival screenings at SXSW 2025 have praised its chilling authenticity and emotional depth, making it a must for group watches under dim lights.
Critical Reception: Early reviews project a 75% Rotten Tomatoes score, lauding its atmospheric tension and Sullivan’s gripping performance.
Where to Watch: Theatrical release; check Fandango, AMC, or Regal for tickets. Expected to stream on Hulu post-theatrical (November 2025).
Halloween Appeal: Its paranormal investigation premise and jump scares make it perfect for a Halloween night scream-fest, especially for fans of Paranormal Activity.

2. Good Boy (October 3, 2025)

Plot: Directed by Ben Leonberg, Good Boy offers a unique twist on the haunted house trope, told from the perspective of a loyal dog named Indy. When his owner, Maggie (Judy Greer), moves into an old house, Indy senses a ghostly presence threatening her. As supernatural events escalate, Indy’s protective instincts drive a tense, emotional battle against unseen forces. The film’s 70-minute runtime packs a punch with eerie visuals and a fresh canine viewpoint.
Cast: Judy Greer, Indy (voiced by TBD), Michael C. Hall, Mia Goth.
Director: Ben Leonberg, known for indie horror shorts.
Why It’s Perfect for Halloween: The haunted house setting and ghostly chills align perfectly with Halloween’s spooky vibe. SXSW 2025 buzz highlights its innovative narrative and heart-wrenching pet loyalty, making it a unique addition to a Halloween marathon.
Critical Reception: Projected 70% Rotten Tomatoes score, with praise for its concise scares and emotional core.
Where to Watch: Theatrical release; check Fandango or local theaters. Expected to stream on Shudder post-theatrical (November 2025).
Halloween Appeal: The ghostly atmosphere and dog’s perspective offer a fresh, creepy twist for Halloween, ideal for pet lovers and horror fans alike.

3. Bone Lake (October 24, 2025)

Plot: Directed by Mercedes Bryce Morgan (Fixation), Bone Lake is an erotic horror-thriller-comedy following two couples—Sara and Diego (Maddie Hasson, Alex Roe) and an enigmatic pair—who share a secluded lakeside estate. What begins as a tense vacation spirals into a chaotic nightmare of betrayal, dark humor, and shocking violence. The film’s You’re Next-style twists and graphic kills keep you on edge.
Cast: Maddie Hasson, Alex Roe, Marco Pigossi, Andra Nechita.
Director: Mercedes Bryce Morgan, with Neon distributing.
Why It’s Perfect for Halloween: Its blend of seductive tension, gore, and dark comedy makes it a thrilling Halloween watch, perfect for fans of chaotic horror like Ready or Not. Fantastic Fest 2025 screenings have called it a “wild, bloody ride.”
Critical Reception: Early reviews suggest a 70% Rotten Tomatoes score, praising its unpredictable energy and stylish kills.
Where to Watch: Theatrical release; check Fandango, AMC, or Regal. Expected to stream on Hulu post-theatrical (December 2025).
Halloween Appeal: The mix of eroticism, betrayal, and gore is tailor-made for a thrilling Halloween date night or group watch.

4. V/H/S/Halloween (October 3, 2025)

Plot: The seventh installment in the V/H/S anthology series, V/H/S/Halloween, delivers six chilling short films set in a sci-fi-inspired hellscape, each tied to Halloween themes. Directors like Jay Cheel and Jordan Downey craft tales of cosmic horror, demonic rituals, and technological terrors, pushing the franchise’s gore-soaked boundaries. Expect twisted narratives and shocking visuals that amplify the spooky season.
Cast: Thom Hallum, Dane DiLiegro, Bobby Slaski, Libby Letlow, with various actors across segments.
Directors: Multiple, including Jay Cheel, Jordan Downey, and others, produced by Shudder.
Why It’s Perfect for Halloween: The anthology’s Halloween-themed chaos and diverse scares make it a festive pick for horror fans craving variety. Its bite-sized terror is ideal for a Halloween party, keeping everyone on edge.
Critical Reception: The V/H/S series typically scores 65–75% on Rotten Tomatoes; expect similar for its bold, gory approach.
Where to Watch: Streaming exclusively on Shudder; possible limited theatrical screenings via Fandango.
Halloween Appeal: Its quick, intense scares and Halloween focus make it a perfect choice for a spooky group viewing with candy and screams.

5. Black Phone 2 (October 17, 2025)

Plot: Directed by Scott Derrickson, Black Phone 2 continues the chilling story of Finney Shaw (Mason Thames), now 17, grappling with the trauma of his abduction by The Grabber (Ethan Hawke). When his sister Gwen (Madeleine McGraw) receives new visions through the cursed black phone, they’re drawn to a winter camp where a fresh wave of supernatural horrors unfolds. The film deepens the original’s psychological dread with new mysteries and a darker tone.
Cast: Ethan Hawke, Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, Jeremy Davies, Demián Bichir.
Director: Scott Derrickson, with C. Robert Cargill co-writing, distributed by Universal.
Why It’s Perfect for Halloween: The Grabber’s sinister return and the phone’s eerie supernatural pull make this a Halloween must-see. Early buzz calls it a “terrifying escalation,” ideal for fans of The Black Phone and Sinister.
Critical Reception: The original scored 81% on Rotten Tomatoes; expect 75–80% for the sequel based on early test screenings.
Where to Watch: Theatrical release; check Fandango, AMC, or Regal. Expected to stream on Peacock post-theatrical (December 2025).
Halloween Appeal: Its creepy supernatural elements and psychological intensity make it a gripping choice for a Halloween night scare-fest.

Why These Films Are Perfect for Halloween

These October 2025 releases are crafted for Halloween, delivering a spectrum of horror subgenres: found-footage (Shelby Oaks), haunted house (Good Boy), erotic thriller (Bone Lake), anthology horror (V/H/S/Halloween), and supernatural suspense (Black Phone 2). Each film taps into the spooky season’s essence with atmospheric settings—haunted houses, secluded lakes, cursed camps—and themes of fear, betrayal, and the unknown. Their October release dates align perfectly with Halloween’s buildup, offering fresh scares for theater-goers and streamers. Whether you’re seeking jump scares, psychological dread, or gory chaos, these movies cater to every horror fan, making them ideal for solo chills or group scream sessions under jack-o’-lantern glow.

Cultural Impact and Anticipation

The October 2025 horror slate reflects the genre’s enduring popularity, with horror accounting for 17% of 2025’s North American box office, per industry reports. Black Phone 2 and Shelby Oaks carry high anticipation due to their established franchises and indie credibility, with Stuckmann’s debut backed by horror titan Mike Flanagan. Bone Lake and V/H/S/Halloween showcase Neon and Shudder’s knack for bold, boundary-pushing horror, while Good Boy introduces a fresh narrative voice from Leonberg. These films are poised to dominate Halloween 2025 conversations, blending nostalgia (V/H/S’s anthology legacy) with innovative scares (Indy’s canine perspective). Social media buzz on platforms like X highlights fan excitement for Black Phone 2’s return of The Grabber and Bone Lake’s chaotic energy, ensuring cultural impact.

Where to Find These Films

Here’s where to catch these Halloween-ready horrors (check local availability):

• Shelby Oaks (October 3, 2025): Theatrical release; check Fandango, AMC, or Regal. Expected on Hulu post-theatrical.
• Good Boy (October 3, 2025): Theatrical release; check Fandango or local theaters. Expected on Shudder post-theatrical.
• Bone Lake (October 24, 2025): Theatrical release; check Fandango, AMC, or Regal. Expected on Hulu post-theatrical.
• V/H/S/Halloween (October 3, 2025): Streaming on Shudder; possible limited theatrical via Fandango.
• Black Phone 2 (October 17, 2025): Theatrical release; check Fandango, AMC, or Regal. Expected on Peacock post-theatrical.

Check platforms for ticket purchases or subscriptions. Theatrical releases typically hit streaming 45–60 days later, and some may require platform add-ons.

Final Thoughts

October 2025 delivers a terrifying lineup of horror movies perfect for Halloween night, from the demonic chills of Shelby Oaks to the chaotic thrills of Bone Lake. With Black Phone 2 bringing back The Grabber, Good Boy offering a fresh haunted house tale, and V/H/S/Halloween serving anthology scares, there’s something for every horror fan. These films, rooted in atmospheric dread and innovative storytelling, are set to make Halloween 2025 a scream-filled celebration. Whether you’re braving a packed theater or streaming with the lights off, these movies will keep your heart racing. Which one will you watch on October 31? Share your Halloween plans in the comments, and happy (terrifying) viewing!