15 Movies To Watch For An At-Home Halloween Horror Nights Experience
Halloween Horror Nights time is finally here! The haunt, on both the East and West coasts at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood, is among the most popular in the world. We here at /Film know a thing or two about this annual event, but we also know that attending it could be a bit of a hassle. There's a lot of travel, planning, and strategizing that needs to happen in order for an HHN trip to come to fruition. Unless you're local to either Los Angeles or Orlando, it's not something you can just go to on a whim.
That's why we've created this handy streaming guide. Some of the movies here will be featured at either the Hollywood or Orlando events, while others are more similar to houses based on vibes and themes. No matter what, though, this guide will surely include something that will fill the HHN-sized hole in your heart.
Häxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages
House: Spirits of the Coven (Orlando)
Why it fits: Witches! They've had a major impact on horror and popular culture for as long as either concept has existed. While their history in the genre is far from incomplete, 1922's "Häxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages" tried its best to recap their supposed history, from medieval times to the early 1920s. These witches might not be flappers, per se, but they certainly are seductive and dangerous. Just how dangerous? Give this influential horror film a watch and find out.
Where to watch: The Criterion Channel, HBO Max, Kanopy, Google Play, iTunes, Prime Video, YouTube, Vudu
La Llorona/The Crying Woman
House: La Llorona: The Weeping Woman (Hollywood)
Why it fits: It's been a bit hard to nail down the legend of La Llorona on the big screen, and while Ramón Peón's film has its shortcomings, its cultural significance cannot be denied. It is largely considered to be one of the first movies to kickstart Mexico's film industry, but was unfortunately considered lost for decades. Thankfully, it has returned to the public consciousness through a rediscovered and somewhat restored reel. Take a trip through Mexico's cinematic history before experiencing Universal's return to the legend of La Llorona.
Where to watch: YouTube
House of Dracula
House: Universal Monsters: Legends Collide
Why it fits: While this movie doesn't feature the Mummy, "House of Dracula" does mark the first time that Dracula (John Carradine) and the Wolfman (Lon Chaney Jr.) ever shared the screen. Sure, the confrontation between the two could have been more drawn out, but hey, at least we got to see these titans together during the Classic Monsters' heyday. If you're curious about whether or not these two monsters like each other, given their appearances in "Universal Monsters: Legends Collide," this film will give you the answer you're looking for.
Where to watch: Google Play, iTunes, Prime Video, YouTube, Vudu
Them!
House: Bugs: Eaten Alive (Orlando)
Why it fits: Giant bugs were kind of a big deal in 1950s horror. In fact, giant animals in general seemed to have a bit of a moment in the horror genre at the time. However, arguably no other movie sent chills down audience's spines in 1954 like "Them!" While the reason why the film's bugs are so big isn't the same as the house's version of events, it is still a hallmark of a very specific horror niche that serves as an undeniable influence on Orlando's haunt. Just make sure you don't have a massive fear of, well, massive bugs before you turn this selection on.
Where to watch: IndieFlix, Google Play, iTunes, Prime Video, YouTube, Vudu
Halloween
House: Halloween
Why it fits: Well, this one is pretty self-explanatory. Returning to the event on both coasts, we will be able to once again walk through the events of this horror classic, coming face to face with The Shape himself. We can't imagine that you've forgotten the initial story of Michael Myers, considering how his epic feud with Laurie Strode has been retold so many times. However, if you do need a refresher, or simply just want to rewatch John Carpenter's slasher (both are extremely valid answers), now is the perfect chance.
Where to watch: The Roku Channel, Shudder, Google Play, iTunes, Prime Video, YouTube, Vudu
The Fog
House: Dead Man's Pier: Winter's Wake (Orlando)
Why it fits: Don't get this mixed up with the mediocre 2005 remake. John Carpenter's supernatural horror might not be as dreary as "Dead Man's Pier" is, but it is still a perfect example of ghostly dockside horror. It's interesting that the concept of fishermen ghosts haunting piers hasn't been explored all that often, but maybe "The Fog" and "Dead Man's Pier" prove that if an idea isn't broken, don't fix it.
Where to watch: Google Play, iTunes, Prime Video, YouTube, Vudu
Killer Klowns From Outer Space
House: "Killer Klowns From Outer Space" (Hollywood)
Why it fits: Why wouldn't this be featured? If you missed the haunted houses in either Hollywood or Orlando in 2019, you probably need to get used to the bizarre klowns made famous by the Chiodo Brothers in their oddball cult classic. Without this important context, the house is going to make no sense. There are several jokes and gags that many might not be able to appreciate unless they've seen the movie. While the majority of films adapted into Horror Nights houses aren't mandatory viewing before the event, this one definitely is.
Where to watch: Tubi, Google Play, iTunes, Prime Video, YouTube, Vudu
Doomsday
House: Descendants of Destruction (Orlando)
Why it fits: This is probably a movie you forgot even existed until you saw this slide. We won't blame you if you did, but the concept of "Descendants of Destruction" should be able to make you seek it out once more. The idea of a walled-off and toxic society where people are left to their own devices is a compelling one, especially now that we have COVID-19 to worry about. If you'd like to get an idea of the depravity people can result to when isolated from the world, give this 2008 Neil Marshall flick a chance.
Where to watch: DirecTV, Starz, Google Play, iTunes, Prime Video, YouTube, Vudu
The Innkeepers
House: Universal Horror Hotel (Hollywood)
Why it fits: While the ghosts of "Horror Hotel" are definitely more on the slasher side, you can't deny that there is something extremely gothic about a centuries-old haunted hotel. Ti West's chilling film centers around a similarly haunted establishment, although the potential victims this time around are two aspiring ghost hunters. If you're looking for something atmospheric and almost beautifully horrifying, check this film out.
Where to watch: Kanopy, Peacock, The Roku Channel, Tubi, Google Play, iTunes, Prime Video, YouTube, Vudu
The Cabin in The Woods
House: Hellblock Horror (Orlando)
Why it fits: Before you say anything, yes, "The Cabin in the Woods" has already gotten a maze at Halloween Horror Nights. That being said, it obviously has the cultural staying power that allows riffs on its concept to be executed. The first half of this movie is a bit of a prototypical slasher movie with some hints of its true nature sprinkled throughout. However, the true nature of the film is a full-on assault on the senses — one that's especially heightened when the idea of a monster prison is adapted into real life.
Where to watch: Tubi, Google Play, iTunes, Prime Video, YouTube, Vudu
Climax
House: The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare
Why it fits: There's no real proof that Abel Tesfaye has ever directly cited filmmaker Gaspar Noe in his work, but based on vibes alone, consider "After Hours Nightmare" a mirror to this 2018 film. While none of the horrific visions the central cast of characters experience are actually seen in "Climax," we can assume they look something along the lines of the imagery seen in the maze. Disturbing, sexy, and more than a little bit deranged, prepare to dance your way into Hell with this selection.
Where to watch: DirecTV, Showtime, Google Play, iTunes, Prime Video, YouTube, Vudu
Us and Nope
House: Terror Tram (Hollywood)
Why they fit: This double feature is one that you shouldn't want to miss any time it is recommended, but it certainly shouldn't be missed now. That's because both "Us" and "Nope" are part of a Jordan Peele-centric Terror Tram, a revamped version of Universal Hollywood's Tram Tour. With "Us" already having had a maze at HHN and the permanent fixture of "Nope" locale Jupiter's Claim on the tram tour, this is sure to be a unique experience that needs some important context. Why not take the time to prepare yourself?
Where to watch "Us" and "Nope": Google Play, iTunes, Prime Video, YouTube, Vudu
Freaky and The Black Phone
House: The Horrors of Blumhouse
Why they fit: Much like how "Us" and "Nope" are two movies featured prominently throughout Hollywood's Terror Tram, these two Blumhouse releases are the centerpiece of the "Horrors of Blumhouse" maze. This time, you'll be able to walk through both movies on both coasts, so if you need a refresher on what scares will await you, now is the perfect chance. Come on, don't you want to relive that fantastic table saw kill from "Freaky?"
Where to watch "Freaky": DirecTV, HBO Max, Google Play, iTunes, Prime Video, YouTube, Vudu
Where to watch "The Black Phone": Peacock, Google Play, iTunes, Prime Video, YouTube, Vudu