October 2024 is shaping up to be a horror fan’s dream—or nightmare. With chills, thrills, and a few unexpected surprises lurking in every corner, this year’s lineup of spooky films promises to keep audiences wide-eyed and gripping their seats. Whether you’re looking to hit up the theater or stream from the comfort of your couch, there’s no shortage of horror to satisfy your darkest cravings. Here’s a rundown of the The Best Horror Movies Coming in October, both in theaters and on VOD platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Shudder, and MAX.
Coming In Theaters
Little Bites – Directed by Spider One
Release Date: October 4
Eat your heart out, literally. This twisted tale follows Mindy, a widow, trying to protect her daughter from a flesh-hungry monster. The kicker? Mindy’s been keeping the creature at bay by letting it feed on her own flesh. Gross? Absolutely. But the stakes are high, and it’s bound to be a gruesome, emotional ride.
Frankie Freako – Directed by Steven Kostanski
Release Date: October 4
Ready for a wild night? Conor Sweeney, a yuppie who calls a party hotline, gets way more than he bargained for when he unleashes a rock ‘n’ roll goblin named Frankie Freako. Fast-paced, freaky, and full of absurdities, this one’s for anyone who loves a dash of fun with their frights.
Terrifier 3 – Directed by Damien Leone
Release Date: October 11
Art the Clown is back, and it’s Christmas Eve. If you’ve seen the first two, you know what’s coming—brutal, unapologetic chaos. Let’s just say, you won’t be able to sleep after this.
Smile 2 – Directed by Parker Finn
Release Date: October 18
Fame comes with its own horrors. Skye Riley, a pop sensation, can’t shake the terrifying experiences haunting her just before her world tour. With supernatural encounters and her dark past closing in, this sequel promises to be one terrifying psychological showdown.
Die Alone – Directed by Lowell Dean
Release Date: October 18
A post-apocalyptic world, amnesia, mysterious creatures, and a lost love. This one’s packed with emotional punches and plenty of monstrous surprises. Plus, Carrie-Anne Moss and Frank Grillo lead a stellar cast in this adrenaline-fueled horror-thriller.
Your Monster – Directed by Caroline Lindy
Release Date: October 25
Love can be scary, especially when it comes with a monster in your closet. Laura Franco finds new purpose after her life falls apart, all thanks to the terrifying creature living just a few feet away. Strange, charming, and horrific in all the right ways.
Found Footage Horror Makes a Comeback
If you’re a fan of the shaky camera style of horror, you’re in for a treat. FOUND TV, the newest player in horror streaming, is making waves by kicking off its debut with “31 films in 31 days.” This marathon begins on October 1, and it’s bound to have something for every type of horror junkie. From gory slashers to paranormal spooks, FOUND TV is aiming high. Want the full schedule? Check it out here. October just got a lot scarier.
Worth Watching in VOD (Netflix, Max, Shudder, Hulu)
If theaters aren’t your thing, no sweat. October’s VOD horror lineup is packed with bone-chilling nightmares and mind-bending terrors that you can stream right from your couch. Whether you’re into supernatural scares, psychological thrillers, or creature features, this month’s collection on Netflix, Hulu, Shudder, and more has you covered.
Down Below – Directed by Spyder Dobrofsky
Release Date: October 1
Christmas Eve murders, demonic preachers, and a town haunted for 20 years? Sounds like the perfect recipe for terror. This one takes small-town horrors to a whole new level.
Hold Your Breath – Directed by Will Joines, Karrie Crouse
Release Date: October 3 on Hulu
Set in 1930s Oklahoma, this atmospheric horror follows a young mother fighting off both relentless dust storms and a supernatural threat. It’s a slow-burner that plays on isolation and psychological dread.
House of Spoils – Directed by Bridget Savage Cole, Danielle Krudy
Release Date: October 3
Opening a restaurant is hard enough without the added challenge of a haunting presence sabotaging your every move. If you like a little psychological horror with a side of culinary chaos, this is your film.
Salem’s Lot – Directed by Gary Dauberman
Release Date: October 3 on MAX
Stephen King’s iconic vampire tale returns to the screen, and it’s not for the faint-hearted. As vampires take over Jerusalem’s Lot, the fight for survival gets darker by the minute.
It’s What’s Inside – Directed by Greg Jardin
Release Date: October 4 on Netflix
An estranged friend shows up with a mysterious suitcase, and suddenly, a pre-wedding party becomes an existential nightmare. Get ready for some mind-bending horror.
The Platform 2 – Directed by Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia
Release Date: October 4 on Netflix
Fans of the first film will be itching to see this. The brutal feeding system is back, but this time, the fight for survival is even more intense. How far will you go when your life is literally on the line?
Operation Blood Hunt – Directed by Louis Mandylor
Release Date: October 4
Lycanthropes, aka werewolves, are wreaking havoc on a South Pacific Island, and a ragtag team is sent to investigate. This blend of military action and horror promises bloody thrills.
V/H/S/Beyond – Directed by Jordan Downey, Justin Long
Release Date: October 4 on Shudder
The “V/H/S” franchise takes a sci-fi turn, with lifeforms from forbidden worlds wreaking havoc. Expect blood, madness, and a barrage of surreal horrors.
Daddy’s Head – Directed by Benjamin Barfoot
Release Date: October 11 on Shudder
When a creature resembling a boy’s dead father starts creeping around, you know things are about to get terrifyingly weird.
I Will Never Leave You Alone – Directed by D.W. Medoff
Release Date: October 18
A man with a dark past has to clear a haunted house of its spirits, or he’ll be sent back to prison. The catch? The witch-ghost he’s dealing with may be the real punishment.
Children of the Pines – Directed by Joshua Morgan
Release Date: October 18
Riley visits her estranged parents, only to find they’ve resorted to supernatural methods to fix the cracks in their family. Terrifying doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Time Cut – Directed by Hannah Macpherson
Release Date: October 30 on Netflix
Time travel meets slasher horror. Lucy finds a time machine, travels to 2003 to stop her sister’s murder, and tries to solve the mystery—without ruining her future. No pressure.
Whether you’re grabbing tickets for a theater seat or cozying up with a streaming service, October 2024 promises plenty of sleepless nights and spine-tingling scares. Buckle up—this is going to be one thrilling, heart-pounding month of horror.
Stay tuned every month for the top horror releases!
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