HorrorFam.com is bringing back the local video rental store vibe! Each of our writers is chooses one horror movie per month they recommend you watch. Just like the “employees’ picks” video shelf from back in the day – it’s super fun for us, and it helps you get to know which of our writers’ tastes most align with your own, so you can get extra excited on Fridays when they have a new article or review go live!
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Looking for horror films for tweens & teens specifically? We’ve got that covered too!
HorrorFam.com’s Faves for October 2026 Horror Movies Streaming Now
Lauren Spear’s Pick
I found Muppets Haunted Mansion when I was compiling my lists of Halloween films for all ages and I thought it was really cute. I wanted to choose something this month that was a safe pick for ALL ages and fear levels. The Muppets are truly for everyone! Due to its short runtime, the humor in this one leans more into pleasing children (usually the Muppets’ humor is more layered), but I think it’s a perfect pick if you want something on in the background at a party, if you’re hosting an event for children, or if you just want something gently on-theme to wind down with after a busy Halloween night. Rated TV-PG | Runtime 55m
Where to watch Muppets Haunted Mansion (2021):
Frank Spear’s Pick
Frank Spear says: “The original Halloweentown is one of my seasonal favorites, but I might like Halloweentown II even more. It stays true to the first film, but they don’t have to go through their ‘origin’ story. I love the fun, festive set pieces as well as the kooky characters. If you watched Halloweentown when it was recommended last year, you should watch the sequel this year. Or do a double-feature. It’s rare that a sequel matches or outshines the original, but I’d put Halloweentown II on that list. And it’s great for kids!” Rated TV-PG | Runtime 1h 21m
Where to watch Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge (2001):
Christi Bandy’s Pick
Christi Bandy says: “I’ll say 31. It’s set on Halloween. One of the best opening scenes of a horror film, has great gore, and that whole Rob Zombie vibe we all love! I love me some Doom Head and Richard Brake is phenomenal in the movie. Interesting characters and a great ending.” Rated R | Runtime 1h 43m
Where to Watch 31 (2016):
Isaiah Swanson’s Pick
Isaiah Swanson says: “An adventurer and oil tycoon go missing in Alaska, and a rescue team must go save them while steering clear of the fearsome yeti! Fun gore, practical effects, and a cool-looking creature design to appeal to monster movie fans and folklore freaks alike. The Yeti is a fine throwback to old adventure movies with a great cast, including genre favorites Brittany Allen, Corbin Bernsen, and William Sadler.” Rated R | Runtime 1h 33m
Where to watch The Yeti (2026):
AJ Spencer’s Pick
AJ Spencer says: “I’m gonna go with the cult classic Phantasm, in honor of the late, great Reggie Bannister!” Rated R | Runtime 1h 29m
Where to watch Phantasm (1979):
Robert Tharp’s Pick
Robert Tharp says: “What’s Halloween without a little mystery? You never know who’s going to show up at your door. So, I’m choosing a horror mystery movie. I like mysteries. I love Sherlock Holmes, but I’m definitely more of a Watson. Not from the books, though; I’m the constantly confused Watson from the 1940s who keeps falling into the bog. Now, imagine if Sherlock was also great at martial arts and battling monsters! That’s basically what Detective K is. He has a bumbling ‘Watson’ character for comedy relief, but they’re out solving mysteries while fighting vampires and zombies and other supernatural creatures. It’s fun! I enjoyed it. There are at least three of these movies and I think this is the third one, but you don’t need to watch the others to understand what’s happening.” Not Rated | Runtime 2h
Where to Watch Detective K: Secret of the Living Dead (2018):
Cathy Tharp’s Pick
Note: Lauren’s mom doesn’t write articles for HorrorFam.com, but she’s an important cheerleader behind-the-scenes and wanted to contribute to this page!
Mom chose Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) and says, “OOOOOOOHHHH! This one is so scary! I really like the original Invasion of the Body Snatchers too, but I think the ’70’s one is even scarier. Donald Sutherland is so good in it. It REALLY sticks with you! The dog with the human face?! OOOOH!!! Brrrrrr. It’s really, really good.” Rated PG | Runtime 1h 55m
Where to Watch Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978):
Adam Page’s Pick
Adam Page says: “Basket Case is all filthy contradictions. Frank Henenlotter shoots it with cheerful low-budget invention and Belial, a lumpy, snarling puppet in a wicker basket, is both hilarious and genuinely unnerving. The comedy lives in the absurdity and the fear lives in the brothers’ bond, a love that curdles into jealousy, rage, and bloody revenge on the surgeons. Check it out.” Rated R | Runtime 1h 31m
Where to Watch Basket Case (1982):
The Top 3 Horror Films/Shows Streaming Online for October 2026:
Note: This section changes/updates on the 1st, the 15th, and again on the 25th as more info for the month comes in!
#1 Furious (Horror Series)
Where to Watch Furious (2026-):
#2 Widow’s Bay (Horror Series)
Where to Watch Widow’s Bay (2026-):
#3 Backrooms (Movie)
Where to watch Backrooms (2026):
Thank you for supporting HorrorFam.com! We update every single Friday with new articles and reviews – and you can come back to this page for our latest pick-of-the-month.
Miss last month’s recommendations from our writers? Click here for September 2026’s picks!
Images for this page were purchased via MovieStillsDB and CineMaterial.