Let’s face it, everyone faces the end someday. Whether it happens naturally or at the hands of a fictional killer like Michael Myers, it’s part of life.

With that clock ticking, why not revisit some classic horror films, or dive in for the first time if you’re new to the genre? Just remember, these could be your last viewings—after all, there’s always that creepy girl from the TV lurking around! But if you prefer to avoid thinking about mortality, these films are perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit as you dodge all that doom and gloom. (And we aren’t talking about the upcoming presidential race: those dreadful mini dark-chocolate bars that pop up every October are a much bigger nightmare!)

Here’s your chance to explore. IF YOU DARE:

1. ‘The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari’ (1920)

This silent film, one of the earliest horror movies, might not captivate everyone at first glance. But take a moment to get lost in the story of a sleepwalker (played by Conrad Veidt) who is hypnotized into committing murder, and let the captivating German expressionist visuals and surprising twist ending sweep you away.

2. ‘The Bride of Frankenstein’ (1935)

This film showcases some of the most beloved creatures from Universal Studios. Here, Boris Karloff returns as Frankenstein’s Creature, joined by Elsa Lanchester who plays the electrifying bride with wild hair. It’s a classic two-for-one treat!

3. ‘Horror of Dracula’ (1958)

Throughout time, Hollywood has brought us various portrayals of Dracula, from Bela Lugosi to Gary Oldman. However, the most terrifying version may be from Britain’s Hammer Horror, featuring Christopher Lee as a ferocious Dracula pitted against Peter Cushing’s iconic vampire hunter, Van Helsing.

4. ‘The Birds’ (1963)

Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” gave us a disturbing killer who lurks in motels. But that’s nothing compared to flocks of seemingly sweet birds suddenly attacking and becoming a real threat—you’ll never look at birds the same way again.

5. ‘Night of the Living Dead’ (1968)

If you’re going to watch only one zombie film, make it George Romero’s seminal piece. Even decades later, the imagery of the living dead descending upon a farmhouse remains chilling. Plus, the film’s shocking conclusion is just as impactful as ever.

6. ‘The Exorcist’ (1973)

William Friedkin’s chilling exploration of faith and innocence destroyed has terrified countless viewers. Linda Blair delivers a haunting performance as a girl possessed, and it’s the deeper themes of good versus evil that linger long after watching—as memorable as the infamous images of her spinning head and inappropriate use of a crucifix.

7. ‘Jaws’ (1975)

This is a nostalgic reminder of those times when beaches reopened prematurely, not due to a pandemic but because of a monstrous shark. Steven Spielberg’s classic summer hit introduced a terrifying great white shark that added a thrilling twist to a beach adventure.

8. ‘Halloween’ (1978)

John Carpenter’s horror classic introduced us to Michael Myers, a renowned masked killer targeting babysitter Jamie Lee Curtis in a quiet town in Illinois. While there are many iconic horror villains like Freddy, Jason, and Leatherface, Michael Myers’ backstory and chilling nature make “Halloween” stand out.

9. ‘Alien’ (1979)

Whether seen as sci-fi, horror, or a terrifying haunted house scenario set in space, Ridley Scott’s movie is a thrilling journey gone horribly awry. The feelings of fear are palpable, and the lurking alien adds to the claustrophobic tension in deep space.

10. ‘The Shining’ (1980)

If watching Jack Nicholson lose his mind in a deserted hotel while wielding an ax wasn’t eerie enough, the blood-drenched elevator, unsettling twin girls, and an elderly ghastly woman in the bathtub will surely send chills down your spine.

11. ‘An American Werewolf in London’ (1981)

Two American tourists in England encounter a werewolf, leading to one of them transforming into a hairy menace during the full moon, resulting in some truly bizarre and bloody antics in London. With undead friends, incredible special effects, and a shocking transformation sequence, it leans heavily into comedy as well as horror!

12. ‘The Thing’ (1982)

John Carpenter’s gripping tale depicts a snowy setting inhabited by a bearded Kurt Russell and a shape-shifting alien that takes on other life forms, growing increasingly horrific as the plot unfolds. Both the alien and Kurt Russell are impressive in their own unique ways.

13. ‘The Fly’ (1986)

You absolutely must see the national treasure, Jeff Goldblum, undergo a terrifying transformation into a grotesque insect creature, thanks to the genius of body horror filmmaker David Cronenberg. Plus, Geena Davis’s over-the-top reaction after a nightmare involving a giant maggot adds an extra layer of humor.

14. ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ (1986)

This musical serves as a refreshing change from various other horror films. The catchy tunes by Alan Menken will have you humming along with a nostalgic storyline centered around a shy florist (Rick Moranis) who has feelings for a colleague (Ellen Greene) and builds a toxic friendship with a plant that devours people.

15. ‘Candyman’ (1992)

Although Nia DaCosta’s sequel is also commendable, returning to the original film featuring Tony Todd as the hook-handed ghost seeking revenge—a spirit of a murdered slave’s son from the time after the Civil War— is worthwhile. The original addresses themes of gentrification and the ongoing cycle of violence, making it timeless.

16. ‘Scream’ (1996)

Wes Craven’s slasher film reinvented the genre and remains impressively relevant. Ghostface became the iconic horror villain of the 1990s, and the unforgettable opening scene featuring Drew Barrymore on the phone is still a classic, proving its cleverness as horror clichés persist.

17. ‘American Psycho’ (2000)

Watching Christian Bale commit murder in Mary Harron’s film, set in the 1980s, is surprisingly entertaining. The film presents a cold, emotionless New York investment banker with fascinating quirks, and you’ll definitely reinterpret “Hip to Be Square” after viewing.

18. ‘May’ (2003)

This hidden gem, inspired by Frankenstein, has gained a following over time, featuring Angela Bettis as a socially awkward vet’s assistant who not only keeps a creepy doll but also assembles a unique companion from spare human parts.

19. ’28 Days Later’ (2003)

If you’re planning to watch two zombie films, consider starting with “Night of the Living Dead” and following it up with this one. A virus that triggers rage sweeps through England, leaving London hauntingly deserted while fast-moving zombies hunt for flesh, all within a plot rich in symbolism that resonates with today’s pandemic experiences.

20. ‘Kill List’ (2011)

A British army veteran (Neil Maskell) returns home, reconnects with family, and takes a job as a hitman. Ben Wheatley’s remarkable film merges genres, remaining a crime thriller until it spirals into chilling territory, evolving into something much more haunting.

21. ‘It Follows’ (2015)

Combining adolescents and sexuality with horror is a classic blend. David Robert Mitchell creatively uses a sexually transmitted curse as his antagonist, with Maika Monroe as the protagonist who must deal with the relentless pursuit of a dark entity after a sexual encounter until she can transmit it to another person.

22. ‘The Witch’ (2016)

Would you like to live deliciously? Yes, indeed! This eerie historical drama intertwined with family tragedy follows Anya Taylor-Joy as a troubled teen in the 17th century, who embarks on a sinister journey alongside Black Phillip, the ultimate hellish goat.

23. ‘Get Out’ (2017)

If you can’t feel for Daniel Kaluuya’s tormented character and his surprised, tear-streaked expression as he faces the Sunken Place, you might be lacking a soul. Jordan Peele’s social horror masterpiece offers a meticulously crafted exploration of racial themes that transformed the horror genre.

24. ‘Hereditary’ (2018)

Hail Paimon? Let’s hear it for Toni Collette! She delivers a captivating performance in Ari Aster’s tense, supernatural journey about a family unraveling in darkness, plagued by a grandmother with some unsettling secrets. “Hereditary” is packed with shocking moments, brutal fatalities, and an inescapable sense of dread.

25. ‘Talk to Me’ (2023)

With “Talk to Me,” Australian filmmakers Danny and Michael Philippou have made a significant mark in the horror genre with this unforgettable independent film. It follows a teenager (Sophie Wilde) and friends who stream their experiences of being possessed by spirits using a mysterious embalmed hand, prompting a reevaluation of your next social media post.