Halloween movie picks for a spooky season in North America

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Halloween is celebrated in many places, and in Spain people are embracing the night with more enthusiasm each year. Going door to door in search of treats is not a common practice there, but wearing costumes on October 31 has become a familiar sight. Costume parties multiply, and the energy lasts late into the night. November 1 is a nationwide holiday, which adds a festive breath to the days around All Saints’ Day.

Yet plans for All Souls’ Night can go beyond leaving the house. A dinner with friends or a relaxed afternoon of games with kids are always good options. And of course, a good scare is part of the evening for many, with a selection of horror films ready to be enjoyed after the sun goes down.

Streaming services have broadened the landscape, offering a vast catalog that can feel endless at times. This is why a curated list of top picks from Netflix was created, catering to different tastes and moods.

Veronica

Veronica, a Spanish phenomenon that stirred Netflix audiences, surprised many with its breakthrough success. Based on the eerie events surrounding a mysterious death in Madrid during the 1990s, the film centers on a teenager named Veronica who tries to contact the dead using a Ouija board during a solar eclipse. From that moment, the home becomes a stage for strange and threatening supernatural occurrences that escalate into peril for Veronica and her family. The film is noted for its tense atmosphere and chilling sequences that keep viewers on edge from start to finish.

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022)

Leatherface returns in a new chapter of the infamous franchise. This direct sequel to the original 1974 film brings back the iconic Sawyer family with a modern twist. The movie opens with a stark retelling of the past murders and follows a survivor who has carried the trauma for years, confronting a renewed wave of brutality. The atmosphere blends grotesque imagery with a relentless tempo that fuels dread through the screen. Fans of classic horror will find familiar echoes while appreciating the contemporary updates that sharpen the fear factor.

Ouija: Origin of Evil

A prequel to the 2014 horror, this film dives into the origins of a haunted tabletop game and the unsettling history tied to it. Set in Los Angeles in the mid sixties, a widow and her two daughters become involved in sessions that reveal a darker force at work. The family’s home becomes a pressure cooker of spiritual activity, with a chilling presence that grows as the plot unfolds. The story leans into psychological tension as much as supernatural chills, building toward a memorable and suspenseful finale.

Red Summit

This gothic tale from a renowned director threads psychological suspense with a carefully crafted visual style. The narrative follows a young writer who falls for a mysterious and persuasive suitor. When a loved one dies under puzzling circumstances, the relationship is pushed to the edge, and the pair head to an imposing estate that hides secrets as old as the hills. The setting and mood are carefully balanced to produce a haunting story that lingers long after the credits roll.

The House with the Clock on the Wall

This film offers a lighter entry point for younger viewers who want to join in the Halloween spirit. An orphaned boy, his eccentric uncle a quirky neighbor, and a clock hidden within the mansion walls set off a series of odd adventures. The action blends whimsy with peril as the characters work to contain an old evil before it fully awakens. The cast brings energy and warmth to a story that mixes humor with mystery and a touch of magic.

The lineup emphasizes a mix of scares and smiles, inviting viewers to choose based on mood. Each film brings its own tone, from eerie suspense to outright thrills, ensuring there is something for different ages and sensitivities. The Netflix catalog has become a reliable portal for seasonal viewing, helping households decide what to watch, when to watch, and why it fits the night.

For audiences seeking atmosphere, character depth, and a hint of the supernatural, these titles deliver. The films showcase a range of storytelling, from intimate dread to grand, cinematic fright. Viewers are treated to pacing that rises with intensity, careful cinematography that enhances mood, and performances that bring the characters to life in memorable ways. Whether a long plan is in place for a Halloween marathon or a casual evening with a single feature, the selections offer pacing that suits different preferences and energy levels.

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