Halloween is upon us, meaning it’s the season for horror movies! Whether it be an animated Tim Burton film or a gory slasher, everyone can agree that horror movies are one of the best parts of Halloween. 

For horror buffs, 2022 has been a never-ending gift. A variety of hit horror films have been released this year, from esteemed producers and directors such as A24 and Jordan Peele. 

There is an abundance of new scary movies to choose from. But here lies the terrifying dilemma: which one will you watch this Halloween? 

‘X’

Directed by Ti West and starring Mia Goth, this film follows a group of filmmakers in the late ‘70s setting out to make an adult film in rural Texas. However, strange behavior from their elderly hosts turns the trip into a fight for survival. This film is by A24, which has produced other acclaimed horror movies such as “Midsommar” and “Hereditary.” 

“I love this movie, and even though it was gory and terrifying at parts, it’s one of the most fun movies I’ve seen,” said Thomas Copher ‘25.

“Overall it’s just such a fun slasher movie that ends up having some great intense moments. It’s the year of Mia Goth and I’m so happy about that!”

‘Pearl’

In the prequel to “X,” also directed by Ti West, Mia Goth returns as the villain of what will eventually be an “X” trilogy. Isolated, ambitious, and longing for a life of fame, Pearl soon turns terrifying in this iconic origin story.

‘Smile’

Written and directed by Parker Finn, this film depicts a therapist who witnesses a patient’s suicide and then undergoes strange and deranged—and maybe even supernatural—experiences.

Avani Chugh ‘26 and Aly Arena ‘26, however, had mixed opinions about this movie. “I thought it was kind of a mid movie because it didn’t really have a plot and I feel like it was all just jump scares,” said Chugh. According to Arena, “I think it was definitely scary. It was fun going to see it but the ending really bothered me. Other than that I thought it was fun and pretty good.”

‘Nope’

This science horror film, written and directed by Jordan Peele, follows two siblings attempting to capture proof of an ominous flying object.

According to Alia Garron ‘24, it’s such a different and interesting movie and you just need to watch it. It’s not your traditional horror movie, it has some aspects of horror but it takes a little bit of a sci-fi and it’s a bit of a psychological thriller as well.”

‘Barbarian’

“Barbarian,” directed by Zach Cregger, explores our worst house-rental fears.

When a young woman discovers that her Airbnb has been double-booked, darker secrets begin to unfold. 

Lucas Countryman ‘25 stated that this movie was “a lot scarier than I thought it was going to be. The plot twist was very well done.”

‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’

Directed by Halina Reijn and starring Amandla Stenberg and Maria Bakalova.

A wealthy group of people throw a party at a mansion—however, a party game goes horribly wrong. This film is also by A24.