10 Psychological Horror Movies to Watch This Halloween

As Halloween approaches, it's the perfect time to immerse yourself in the spine-tingling world of psychological horror. So, dim the lights, grab your favourite snacks, and watch these movies.

1.Psycho (1960)

*Title:* Psycho
*Director:* Alfred Hitchcock
*Release Date:* June 16, 1960
*Runtime:* 109 minutes
*Genre:* Psychological Thriller, Horror
*Cast:*

- Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates
- Janet Leigh as Marion Crane
- Vera Miles as Lila Crane
- John Gavin as Sam Loomis
- Martin Balsam as Detective Milton Arbogast

*Plot:*

Marion Crane, a young secretary, steals a large sum of money from her employer and flees Phoenix. She checks into a remote motel, where she meets the disturbed owner, Norman Bates. When Marion's sister and a detective search for her, they uncover Norman's dark secrets and his possessive relationship with his mother.

*Awards and Nominations:*

- Academy Awards (1961):
- Nominated for Best Director (Alfred Hitchcock)
- Nominated for Best Supporting Actress (Janet Leigh)
- Nominated for Best Cinematography (Robert Burks)
- Golden Globe Awards (1961):
- Won Best Supporting Actress (Janet Leigh)

*Impact and Legacy:*

- "Psycho" is widely considered one of the greatest films of all time, ranking 14th on IMDb's Top 250.
- The film's iconic shower scene has become a cultural reference point.
- "Psycho" was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 1992.

*Trivia:*

- The film was shot in black and white to save money and create a more eerie atmosphere.
- Alfred Hitchcock made a cameo appearance in the film, walking outside Marion's office.
- Anthony Perkins was paid $40,000 for his role as Norman Bates.
Alfred Hitchcock's iconic film that explores the disturbed mind of a motel owner.

2.Hereditary (2018)

_Title:_ Hereditary
_Director:_ Ari Aster
_Release Date:_ June 8, 2018
_Runtime:_ 127 minutes
_Genre:_ Horror, Drama, Mystery
_Cast:_

- Toni Collette as Annie Graham
- Alex Wolff as Peter Graham
- Milly Shapiro as Charlie Graham
- Ann Dowd as Joan
- Gabriel Byrne as Steve Graham

_Plot:_

After the death of her mother, Annie Graham's family begins to unravel cryptic and terrifying secrets about their ancestry. As Annie's grip on reality begins to slip, she must confront the dark forces that have haunted her family for generations.

_Awards and Nominations:_

- Independent Spirit Awards (2019):
- Won Best Cinematography (Pawel Pogorzelski)
- Nominated for Best First Feature (Ari Aster)
- Nominated for Best Editing (Lucien Johnston, Jennifer Lame)
- Gotham Awards (2018):
- Won Breakthrough Director (Ari Aster)
- Nominated for Best Feature
- Sundance Film Festival (2018):
- Won Directing Prize (Ari Aster)

_Impact and Legacy:_

- "Hereditary" received widespread critical acclaim for its unsettling atmosphere, standout performances, and Ari Aster's direction.
- The film has been praised for its exploration of grief, trauma, and family dynamics.
- "Hereditary" has become a modern horror classic, with many considering it one of the best horror films of the 2010s.

_Trivia:_

- The film's script was inspired by Ari Aster's own experiences with grief and family trauma.
- Toni Collette's performance as Annie Graham received widespread critical acclaim, with many considering it one of the best performances of 2018.
- The film's unsettling score was composed by Colin Stetson, who incorporated unconventional instruments like the contrabass clarinet.
A modern horror masterpiece that delves deep into a family's disturbing secrets

3. "Get Out" (2017)

_Title:_ Get Out
_Director:_ Jordan Peele
_Release Date:_ February 24, 2017
_Runtime:_ 104 minutes
_Genre:_ Horror, Thriller, Mystery
_Cast:_

- Daniel Kaluuya as Chris Washington
- Allison Williams as Rose Armitage
- Bradley Whitford as Dean Armitage
- Catherine Keener as Missy Armitage
- Caleb Landry Jones as Jeremy Armitage

_Plot:_

Chris Washington, a young African American man, visits his white girlfriend's family estate, only to discover a sinister plot to steal black bodies and minds.

_Awards and Nominations:_

- Academy Awards (2018):
- Won Best Original Screenplay (Jordan Peele)
- Nominated for Best Picture
- Nominated for Best Director (Jordan Peele)
- Nominated for Best Actor (Daniel Kaluuya)
- Golden Globe Awards (2018):
- Won Best Motion Picture - Horror or Comedy
- Nominated for Best Director (Jordan Peele)
- Nominated for Best Actor (Daniel Kaluuya)
- BAFTA Awards (2018):
- Won Best Original Screenplay (Jordan Peele)
- Nominated for Best Film
- Nominated for Best Director (Jordan Peele)
- Nominated for Best Actor (Daniel Kaluuya)

_Impact and Legacy:_

- "Get Out" received widespread critical acclaim for its unique blend of horror and social commentary.
- The film has been praised for its exploration of racism, identity, and microaggressions.
- "Get Out" has become a cultural phenomenon, with many considering it a landmark film in the horror genre.

_Trivia:_

- Jordan Peele's directorial debut.
- The film's script was inspired by Jordan Peele's own experiences with racism and microaggressions.
- The film's iconic "sunken place" scene has become a cultural reference point.
- "Get Out" was made on a budget of $4.5 million and grossed over $255 million worldwide.
Jordan Peele's thought- provoking horror film with a focus on social issues like everyday casual racism.

4. "The Babadook" (2014)

_Title:_ The Babadook
_Director:_ Jennifer Kent
_Release Date:_ May 22, 2014
_Runtime:_ 93 minutes
_Genre:_ Psychological Horror, Drama
_Cast:_

- Essie Davis as Amelia Vanek
- Noah Wiseman as Samuel Vanek
- Daniel Henshall as Robbie
- Hayley McElhinney as Claire
- Barbara West as Mrs. Roach

_Plot:_

A mother and son are haunted by a supernatural entity known as the Babadook, which invades their home and minds after they read a mysterious children's book.

_Awards and Nominations:_

- Sundance Film Festival (2014):
- Won Grand Jury Prize (Jennifer Kent)
- Australian Academy Awards (2014):
- Won Best Film
- Won Best Director (Jennifer Kent)
- Won Best Actress (Essie Davis)
- Won Best Actor (Noah Wiseman)
- Independent Spirit Awards (2015):
- Nominated for Best First Feature (Jennifer Kent)
- Nominated for Best Cinematography (Radek Ladczuk)

_Impact and Legacy:_

- "The Babadook" received widespread critical acclaim for its atmospheric tension, standout performances, and exploration of grief and mental illness.
- The film has become a modern horror classic, with many considering it one of the best horror films of the 2010s.
- The Babadook has become a cultural icon, symbolizing the manifestation of grief and trauma.

_Trivia:_

- The film's script was inspired by Jennifer Kent's own experiences with grief and motherhood.
- The Babadook's design was inspired by German Expressionist art and Tim Burton's characters.
- The film's setting, a haunted house, was actually a real house in Adelaide, Australia.
- "The Babadook" was made on a budget of $200,000 and grossed over $10 million worldwide.
A gripping exploration of grief and maternal fear, disguised as a supernatural tale

5."Black Swan" (2010)

_Title:_ Black Swan
_Director:_ Darren Aronofsky
_Release Date:_ December 3, 2010
_Runtime:_ 108 minutes
_Genre:_ Psychological Horror, Thriller, Drama
_Cast:_

- Natalie Portman as Nina Sayers
- Mila Kunis as Lily
- Vincent Cassel as Thomas Leroy
- Barbara Hershey as Erica Sayers
- Winona Ryder as Beth MacIntyre

_Plot:_

A ballerina's grip on reality begins to slip as she prepares for a production of "Swan Lake," descending into a dark world of paranoia, hallucinations, and obsession.

_Awards and Nominations:_

- Academy Awards (2011):
- Won Best Actress (Natalie Portman)
- Nominated for Best Picture
- Nominated for Best Director (Darren Aronofsky)
- Nominated for Best Cinematography (Matthew Libatique)
- Golden Globe Awards (2011):
- Won Best Actress (Natalie Portman)
- Nominated for Best Motion Picture - Drama
- Nominated for Best Director (Darren Aronofsky)
- BAFTA Awards (2011):
- Won Best Actress (Natalie Portman)
- Nominated for Best Film
- Nominated for Best Director (Darren Aronofsky)

_Impact and Legacy:_

- "Black Swan" received widespread critical acclaim for its atmospheric tension, standout performances, and exploration of obsession and mental illness.
- The film has become a modern horror classic, with many considering it one of the best horror films of the 2010s.
- Natalie Portman's performance as Nina Sayers is widely regarded as one of the greatest performances of the decade.

_Trivia:_

- Natalie Portman trained in ballet for a year to prepare for the role.
- The film's script was inspired by Darren Aronofsky's own experiences with obsession and perfectionism.
- The film's cinematography was influenced by German Expressionist art and the works of David Lynch.
- "Black Swan" was made on a budget of $13 million and grossed over $329 million worldwide.
A psychological thriller with elements of horror, focusing on a ballerina's descent into madness.

7. "The Witch" (2015):

_Title:_ The Witch
_Director:_ Robert Eggers
_Release Date:_ February 19, 2016
_Runtime:_ 92 minutes
_Genre:_ Horror, Mystery, Drama
_Cast:_

- Anya Taylor-Joy as Thomasin
- Ralph Ineson as William
- Kate Dickie as Katherine
- Harvey Scrimshaw as Caleb
- Ellie Grainger as Mercy
- Lucas Dawson as Jonas

_Plot:_

In 17th-century New England, a Puritan family is banished from their community and struggles to survive in the wilderness. When their newborn son vanishes, the family's fears and suspicions turn against each other, and they become convinced that a witch is among them.

_Awards and Nominations:_

- Sundance Film Festival (2015):
- Won Directing Prize (Robert Eggers)
- Won Best Cinematography (Jarin Blaschke)
- Independent Spirit Awards (2016):
- Nominated for Best First Feature (Robert Eggers)
- Nominated for Best Cinematography (Jarin Blaschke)
- Empire Awards (2017):
- Won Best Horror

_Impact and Legacy:_

- "The Witch" received widespread critical acclaim for its atmospheric tension, standout performances, and exploration of fear, superstition, and paranoia.
- The film has become a modern horror classic, with many considering it one of the best horror films of the 2010s.
- The film's use of natural lighting, cinematography, and production design has been widely praised.

_Trivia:_

- The film's script was inspired by Robert Eggers' own fascination with witchcraft and folklore.
- The film was shot on location in Ontario, Canada, using only natural light.
- The film's cast underwent extensive research and training to prepare for their roles.
- "The Witch" was made on a budget of $1 million and grossed over $40 million worldwide.
A slow-burning, atmospheric horror film set in 17th-century New England

8. "The Sixth Sense" (1999)

_Title:_ The Sixth Sense
_Director:_ M. Night Shyamalan
_Release Date:_ August 6, 1999
_Runtime:_ 107 minutes
_Genre:_ Psychological Horror, Thriller, Mystery
_Cast:_

- Bruce Willis as Dr. Malcolm Crowe
- Haley Joel Osment as Cole Sear
- Toni Collette as Lynn Sear
- Olivia Williams as Anna Crowe
- Donnie Wahlberg as Vincent Gray

_Plot:_

A young boy communicates with spirits, and seeks help from a disillusioned psychologist, who tries to uncover the truth behind the boy's claims.

_Awards and Nominations:_

- Academy Awards (2000):
- Nominated for Best Picture
- Nominated for Best Director (M. Night Shyamalan)
- Nominated for Best Supporting Actor (Haley Joel Osment)
- Nominated for Best Original Screenplay (M. Night Shyamalan)
- Golden Globe Awards (2000):
- Nominated for Best Motion Picture - Drama
- Nominated for Best Director (M. Night Shyamalan)
- Nominated for Best Supporting Actor (Haley Joel Osment)

_Impact and Legacy:_

- "The Sixth Sense" received widespread critical acclaim for its twist ending, standout performances, and atmospheric tension.
- The film's iconic twist ending is widely regarded as one of the most shocking plot reveals in cinema history.
- The film has become a classic of the psychological horror genre, influencing many other films and TV shows.

_Trivia:_

- The film's script was inspired by M. Night Shyamalan's own experiences with ghost stories and urban legends.
- Haley Joel Osment was only 11 years old when he filmed his role as Cole Sear.
- Bruce Willis was not told about the film's twist ending until the final day of filming.
- "The Sixth Sense" was made on a budget of $40 million and grossed over $672 million worldwide.
M Night Shyamalan's film about a young boy who can see and communicate with the dead.

9."Donnie Darko" (2001)

_Title:_ Donnie Darko
_Director:_ Richard Kelly
_Release Date:_ October 26, 2001
_Runtime:_ 113 minutes
_Genre:_ Science Fiction, Thriller, Drama
_Cast:_

- Jake Gyllenhaal as Donnie Darko
- Jena Malone as Gretchen Ross
- Drew Barrymore as Karen Pomeroy
- Mary McDonnell as Rose Darko
- Holmes Osborne as Eddie Darko
- Katharine Ross as Dr. Lilian Thurman
- Patrick Swayze as Jim Cunningham

_Plot:_

A troubled teenager is plagued by visions of a giant rabbit predicting the end of the world in 28 days. As he tries to uncover the truth, he must navigate his complex relationships and confront his own dark past.

_Awards and Nominations:_

- Sundance Film Festival (2001):
- Won Grand Jury Prize (Richard Kelly)
- Independent Spirit Awards (2002):
- Nominated for Best First Feature (Richard Kelly)
- Nominated for Best Cinematography (Steven B. Poster)
- Empire Awards (2003):
- Won Best Independent Film

_Impact and Legacy:_

- "Donnie Darko" has become a cult classic, praised for its original storytelling, atmospheric direction, and standout performances.
- The film's exploration of themes such as time travel, free will, and existentialism has made it a favorite among fans of science fiction and philosophy.
- The film's iconic visuals, including the giant rabbit and the " Tangent Universe" concept, have become ingrained in popular culture.

_Trivia:_

- The film's script was inspired by Richard Kelly's own experiences with teenage angst and existential crises.
- Jake Gyllenhaal was only 19 years old when he filmed his role as Donnie Darko.
- The film's budget was only $4.5 million, but it has since grossed over $7 million worldwide.
- "Donnie Darko" has been named one of the greatest films of the 2000s by numerous publications, including Rolling Stone and Entertainment Weekly.
A mind-bending cult classic that mixes elements of psychological horror with science fiction.

10. "Rosemary's Baby" (1968)

_Title:_ Rosemary's Baby
_Director:_ Roman Polanski
_Release Date:_ June 12, 1968
_Runtime:_ 137 minutes
_Genre:_ Psychological Horror, Thriller, Mystery
_Cast:_

- Mia Farrow as Rosemary Woodhouse
- John Cassavetes as Guy Woodhouse
- Ruth Gordon as Minnie Castevet
- Sidney Blackmer as Roman Castevet
- Maurice Evans as Edward Hutchins
- Ralph Bellamy as Dr. Sapirstein

_Plot:_

A young woman becomes pregnant and begins to suspect a Satanic cult is behind her husband's mysterious behavior and her own eerie experiences.

_Awards and Nominations:_

- Academy Awards (1969):
- Won Best Supporting Actress (Ruth Gordon)
- Nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay (Roman Polanski)
- Golden Globe Awards (1969):
- Won Best Supporting Actress (Ruth Gordon)
- Nominated for Best Director (Roman Polanski)
- Nominated for Best Actress (Mia Farrow)

_Impact and Legacy:_

- "Rosemary's Baby" is widely regarded as a horror classic, praised for its slow-burning tension, atmospheric direction, and standout performances.
- The film's exploration of themes such as paranoia, gaslighting, and the occult has made it a favorite among fans of psychological horror.
- The film's influence can be seen in many other horror movies and TV shows, including "The Exorcist" and "American Horror Story".

_Trivia:_

- The film's script was adapted from Ira Levin's novel of the same name.
- Mia Farrow was only 23 years old when she filmed her role as Rosemary Woodhouse.
- Roman Polanski's direction was heavily influenced by his own experiences with paranoia and the occult.
- "Rosemary's Baby" was made on a budget of $3.2 million and grossed over $33 million worldwide.
A classic film about a woman who suspects that Cher neighbours and husband are part of a satanic cult.