Halloween is the best time to put on some scary movies and tremble at some of the tense, spooky moments. While films from the Halloween or Friday the 13th franchise might fit the mood of the more macabre celebrations, there are a few science-fiction movies that are just as frightening and rank among the best movies to stream this time of the year.
From slow-burn science fiction such as Annihilation to the action-packed events of Predator, here are five movies that a perfect to check out this Halloween.
We also have guides to the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, the best movies on Max, and the best movies on Disney+.
Annihilation (2018)
Based on the first book in Jeff VanderMeer’s Southern Reach trilogy, Annihilation offers a terrifying story of a group of scientists entering a mysterious quarantine zone called the Shimmer, where the ecosystem inside changes in an odd and frightening fashion. Led by Natalie Portman and co-starring Oscar Isaac, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tessa Thompson, and Gina Rodriguez, Annihilation is a slow-burn science-fiction film that will have viewers’ jaws drop due to its shocking visuals and sound design. The Alex Garland film also features one of the scariest creatures ever put on film that’s sure to give viewers nightmares.
Ultimately, Annihilation is a beautifully made film that scares as much as it amazes. As such, it’s a great film to watch this Halloween.
Stream Annihilation on Paramount+.
Nope (2022)
From the brilliant mind of horror maestro Jordan Peele (Us, Get Out), Nope represents the talented director’s most direct venture into the science-fiction genre, with the film eschewing the work of Steven Spielberg classics such as Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
However, the project, starring Keke Palmer and Daniel Kaluuya as siblings trying to uncover the mystery of an alien saucer hiding among the clouds, is absolutely terrifying when it needs to be, continuing Peele’s streak of bone-chilling, thoughtful horror films.
Stream Nope on Starz.
Predator (1987)
The first installment of the Predator franchise remains one of the most influential action-packed science-fiction horror films, largely thanks to its lead monster and its macho cast led by Arnold Schwarzenegger as Dutch Schaefer. Co-starring Carl Weathers, Elpidia Carrillo, Bill Duke, Jesse Ventura, Richard Chavez, and Shane Black, Predator follows a team on a rescue mission in Central America that goes awry when the titular creature hunts them for sport.
With plenty of explosions, gunfire, blood and guts, and gruesome alien kills, the 1987 film is popcorn material at its finest with a tense story of survival against near-impossible odds. Plus, who doesn’t love to see Schwarzenegger take on an alien? The series has spawned numerous sequels, remakes, and spinoffs, with an exciting overarching story beginning with the exhilarating film.
Stream Predator on Disney+.
Alien (1979)
The first installment of Alien arrived in theaters in 1979, years before the launch of the Predator franchise it would eventually crossover with. The Ridley Scott-directed film tells the tale of a crew that investigates an alien spaceship and brings aboard a creature who doesn’t waste time in taking them out one by one.
Starring Sigourney Weaver as Ripley, Alien is a bona fide sci-fi classic thanks to its terrifying H.G. Giger-designed creatures, brilliant use of practical effects, world-building, and intelligent script and direction. The franchise remains relevant today, with Alien: Romulus coming out in 2024.
“In space, nobody can hear you scream.” If that tagline isn’t enough to get you interested in the terrifying space encounter with the alien Xenomorph in Alien, then nothing will.
Stream Alien on Hulu.
10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)
The second film of the Cloverfield series is the franchise at its best. It is a largely contained story about Howard (John Goodman) capturing a young woman named Michelle (Ahsoka‘s Mary Elizabeth Winstead) in an underground bunker. It is basically two films miraculously weaved into one.
Most of the film involves Michelle’s efforts to escape the bunker, while she’s thwarted by Howard, who claims the outside world is no longer inhabitable, and he’s brought her to safety. However, throughout 10 Cloverfield Lane, hints at what’s happening outside are revealed, connecting it to the monster franchise from J.J. Abrams, as viewers are left questioning whether Michelle escaping is worth it rather than staying with her captor.
The Dan Trachtenberg-directed film features an excellent Goodman performance as the ongoing mystery of whether Howard is telling the truth is up in the air until what actually occurred is revealed. Whether audiences are watching as a standalone movie or as part of the more extensive Cloverfield franchise, 10 Cloverfield Lane appeals to all types of movie enthusiasts.
Watch 10 Cloverfield Lane on Amazon Prime Video.
