31 Days of Horror: Screenwriter's Halloween Watchlist 2024
Your Screenwriter Halloween Watchlist 2024
Looking for fresh inspiration for your horror scripts this spooky season? You’re in the right place because we’ve curated an epic Halloween watchlist that spans decades, countries, and subgenres—designed specifically for screenwriters like you.
So, what’s on the list? Let’s dive in!
Welcome back to Writing Chops, where we help screenwriters hone their craft and market themselves and their projects. Today, we’re kicking off our first-ever October Halloween Watchlist—a curated list of horror films for every single day of the month.
Like a Halloween Advent Calendar!
We’ve got haunted houses, creature features, classic horrors, and even some satire thrown in. This list is designed to inspire and give you new ideas for your own scripts. Whether you’re a fan of the slow-burn tension or heart-racing jump scares, there’s something here for every kind of horror writer.
And because we’re screenwriters, it’s not just about watching—it’s about analyzing. From Hollywood blockbusters to low-budget indies, these films have a lot to teach us about narrative structure, character development, and subverting genre expectations.
Here’s how it works: Every day of the week is dedicated to a specific horror subgenre. For example, Each Tuesday brings you face-to-face with terrifying creatures, while every Thursday is all about slasher films.
Let me show you:
Screenwriter's Halloween Watchlist Breakdown
Screenwriter Halloween Watchlist Week 1
Monday: Haunted House
We’re starting the week with spine-chilling haunted house films:
Lake Mungo (2008) – A hidden gem from Australia, this one takes the mockumentary approach to its horror.
House on Haunted Hill (1959) – A classic for learning how atmosphere builds tension.
Sinister (2012) – Watch for its brilliant use of sound design.
The Changeling (1980) – Not to be confused with the 2012 version—this film offers some of the most gripping ghost storytelling."
Tuesday: Creature Feature
Tuesday’s all about creatures, from the underwater beasts to underground monsters.
The Descent (2006) – A claustrophobic nightmare that’ll inspire your next monster concept.
Godzilla Minus One (2023) – A fresh take on the Godzilla mythos you can’t miss.
The Shallows (2016) – A masterclass in creating tension with a single character and a shark.
Hatching (2022) – This Finnish indie brings a surreal horror that’s as much about the creature as it is about transformation.
The Thing (1982) – An all-time great in practical effects and paranoia.
Screenwriter Halloween Watchlist Week 2
Wednesday: Comedic/Satire
Horror-comedies offer fantastic lessons in tone and subversion.
The Cabin in the Woods (2011) – A meta-twist on the entire horror genre.
What We Do in the Shadows (2014) – Learn how to infuse comedy into traditional horror settings.
Shaun of the Dead (2004) – A modern classic that plays with zombie tropes.
An American Werewolf in London (1981) – Perfect blend of horror and humor.
Ready or Not (2019) – A dark, fun thriller about survival and family dynamics.
Thursday: Slasher Films
Thursday gets bloody with slasher icons.
You’re Next (2011) – Brilliant for its twists on home-invasion horror.
Peeping Tom (1960) – A psychological take on voyeurism and violence.
Black Christmas (1974) – An underrated gem that helped define the genre.
Hush (2016) – A tense, modern twist on the slasher formula.
Halloween (1978) – The original slasher, and still one of the best for studying pacing…. And yes, this is for October 31st.
Screenwriter Halloween Watchlist Week 3
Friday: Paranormal
Step into the supernatural with these eerie selections.
The Witch (2015) – This one’s all about atmosphere and slow-building terror.
Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016) – Mike Flanagan is back with a second entry on our list - A surprisingly well-crafted paranormal thriller.
Talk to Me (2022) – This Australian horror brings a fresh perspective on the paranormal genre.
The Omen (1976) – A study in dread and the power of suggestion.
Screenwriter Halloween Watchlist Week 4
Saturday: Wild Card
Saturdays are for surprises, with films that push boundaries.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) – The paranoia is palpable, and the ending is unforgettable.
Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight (1995) – A fun mix of action and horror.
Don’t Look Now (1973) – Donald Sutherland is back in the Wild Cards with a haunting, psychological horror that will leave you thinking.
Us (2019) – Jordan Peele’s twisty, layered thriller offers plenty to analyze."
Sunday: Classic Horror
Finish your week with timeless classics.
Frankenstein (1931) – The one that started it all.
Bride of Frankenstein (1935) – A rare sequel that’s just as powerful.
The Invisible Man (1933) – Ahead of its time in both effects and storytelling.
The Raven (1935) – Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi in a dark, gothic gem."
Screenwriter Halloween Watchlist Week 5
To make it even easier to follow along with this watchlist, we’ve created a downloadable calendar just for you! Click the link in the description to grab your copy and track each day’s film throughout October.
This is just the beginning! We’ll be back next year with a brand-new list of films and subgenres, so let us know on our YouTube Channel: What did you think of this year’s list? Are there any films you’d swap out or subgenres you’d like to see next time?
There you go! A 31-day October Halloween Watchlist designed to inspire your next horror project. Whether you’re diving into creature features or classics, this is the perfect way to explore the many facets of horror while sharpening your screenwriting chops. Happy Halloween!
