Halloween has passed, and here we are on the eve of Krampus season. That’s a thing; there is no need to look it up. I feel like I haven’t had long enough to settle into November, and I am in the mood for that Autumn feeling. What screams pumpkin spice, colorful leaves, cozy weather, cornfields, and apple picking? Scarecrows, werewolves, and demons, of course. Clearly, we could all use some Fall vibes horror to prepare us for the holiday season.
Naturally, Halloween (1978) is the first film that comes to mind when I think of the perfect Fall day. The clothes, the weather, the trees, and the boogeyman in a creepy mask. There’s Freddy Krueger, always dressed for Autumn in his cozy striped sweater. Thus, I’ve made a watchlist of horror movies with that sweater weather feel. For the purposes of this streaming guide, I’ll stay away from anything Halloween-centric or related to Turkey Day. Here are a random number of movies streaming now and where to find them.
Dark Night of the Scarecrow (1981)
Where You Can Watch: Shudder, AMC+, Peacock, Tubi, and Fandango at Home
It’s not an original pick for this type of list, but it’s always been my Fall favorite. I was a child in the 1980s, and Dark Night of the Scarecrow was on rotation every Fall on a regular old public TV station. The story of Bubba was so sad, and I was bawling by the time those rotten men walked free. In fact, this was probably one of the first movies I watched that had me cheering for revenge. Most notably, nothing could have prepared me for that chilly ending.
Pumpkinhead (1988)
Where You Can Watch: Tubi, Pluto, Hoopla, and Roku
Nothing screams fall vibes like a demon named Pumpkinhead. The witchcraft, the woods, and the gnarly demon make me want to get cozy on the couch with a cup of hot tea. Or maybe it’s a young Mayim Bialik barefoot and dirty in a sack dress? Okay, the portrayals of the poor and the country folk are silly, but Lance Henriksen is stellar. A loving father, a cute boy and his dog, and an asshole on a dirt bike, what could go wrong? Overall, it’s a feel-good, fuck around and find out, revenge tale.
Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006)
Where You Can Watch: AMC+
This is a mockumentary for the ages. The tropes are troping, the camp is camping, and the horror references are, well, there are a lot. Autumn is in the air in this cozy town. A documentary crew is shooting all the bloody details of the making of a serial killer. Break out the apple cider and maple cookies because Leslie Vernon has found the ideal survivor girl.
The House of the Devil (2009)
Where You Can Watch: Prime Video, AMC+, Peacock, Hoopla, Shudder, Tubi, Plex, Pluto, and Fandango at Home
This might sound strange, but which decade comes to mind when you think of Fall? I know I asked the question, but the answer is most definitely the 1970s. I tend to go on about the clothes. This decade’s sweaters, scarves, boots, and films look like Autumn. Yet, here I am with a Ti West film from the early aughts. West took us back in time with this one, and I can almost smell the crisp air and the maple trees. When you want to do some cult stuff, summon some demons, or call forth the End Times, the 70s was the time to do it.
Dark Harvest (2023)
Where You Can Watch: Prime Video, and MGM+
Yes, I did state that I wouldn’t include any Halloween-centric movies. Please, don’t throw my words back in my face and hear me out. It’s prime time for a stalking scarecrow to run at you in a cornfield. Mainly, I kept circling back to Sawtooth Jack. I enjoy watching supernatural monster movies with sacrificial traditions. The townsfolk are wicked, the kills are fantastic, and Sawtooth Jack is frightening!
Ginger Snaps (2000)
Where You Can Watch: Shudder, Peacock, Plex, and AMC+
Ginger Snaps is a sweater weather movie. Also, Autumn is a time for werewolves. Late-night walks under a gorgeous full moon are peak November activities. Not to mention, death-obsessed sisters are my jam. I’m also a lot biased because I love women monsters.
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Where You Can Watch: Plex
If you are going to hunt for witches in the woods, it will be done in the Fall. Those are facts you cannot argue. I need to watch this in my backyard, with a soothing breeze, around a campfire, roasting marshmallows. I’m adding a projector to my wish list. What exactly were these three unfortunate souls expecting? Wrap yourself in a cozy flannel for this “good for her” found footage film. The Blair Witch is the official mascot of the season.
There are so many great horror movies to fill your haunting season watchlists. What would you add? We need Vampires in Uggs and cable-knit sweaters. If you’re looking for more streaming guides, browse our many suggestions. I’ll be seeing you on Krampusnacht!
