Halloween is all about horror movies. While Black characters haven’t always had the best luck in the genre, we’ve experienced a resurgence lately. Ryan Coogler, Lee Daniels and Jordan Peele are some of the filmmakers bringing Black voices to the realm of horror. We’re also seeing stars like Michael B. Jordan, Luke James, Niecy Nash, Keke Palmer and more breathe new life into these stories.
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We know you’re looking for thrilling, unpredictable scary movies and series to watch for Halloween, so we saved you the trouble of aimlessly scrolling through your streaming apps. Before we trade in spooky season for the holidays, check out some fan favorite Black horror movies and TV series.
“Sinners”- HBO Max, Prime Video
Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” is arguably still the best film of the year and 2025 is almost over with! Who knew vampires, the blues in the Jim Crow-era South, and seeing Michael B. Jordan playing twin brothers would be the perfect recipe to deliver such an enjoyable horror film. If you haven’t checked it out by now, do yourself a favor and get to it expeditiously. You won’t regret it!
“Him”- Prime Video, AppleTV+, Fandango
You already know a film is gonna be good when Marlon Wayans gets into his dramatic bag and that’s exactly what he did in the recently released, Jordan Peele-produced film “Him.” This time around though, Wayans leans more spooky and sinister and delivers what some viewers have described as his best performance in years. Newcomer Tyriq Withers holds his own too, so don’t sleep on that— check it out!
“Them: The Scare”- Prime Video
Most people may know Luke James for his superb vocals or his dramatic acting on “The Chi,” but he turns things all the up in this hella creepy and spooked out series, “Them: The Scare.” Trust us when we say, you’re in for a whole ride and a half with this show.
“Grotesquerie”- Hulu
Another show to tap into is the Niecy Nash-led Hulu series, “Grotesquerie.” With a supporting cast like Courtney B. Vance, Travis Kelce, and Nicolas Alexander Chavez— this project is truly one that lives up to it’s namesake and delivers some moving performances all at the same time.
“The Man in My Basement” – Hulu
A new film to add to your queue is “The Man in My Basement,” inspired by Walter Mosley’s book of the same name. But you might want to really lock in for this one because the way Corey Hawkins and Willem Dafoe are breaking it down, you’re gonna want to be tapped in to really get to the root of what’s going on. Be prepared to be equal parts creeped out— and enraged.
“Imaginary” – Starz, Prime Video, Google Play, Apple TV
DeWanda Wise must save her daughter from the truth behind her childhood imaginary friend. Spoiler alert: the stuffed bear is not as cute as it looks. And the trailer turns a classic Temptations’ love song into a super creepy ballad.
“Scare Tactics” – Peacock
The prank show returns with Jordan Peele as one of its producers, so you know it’s way more messed up this time. People play horrifying pranks on their friends, then laugh at their trauma. If you make me think our Airbnb is haunted, we are no longer friends and you’re walking home.
“The Deliverance” – Netflix
This buzzy Lee Daniels movie is absolutely bonkers and hilarious, but it’s also very creepy. It’s a lot fun and perfect for a spooky season movie night.
“FROM” – MGM+
This extremely creepy series chronicles the residents of a small town who are trapped by mysterious, deadly monsters. As the citizens try to survive their ordeal and unravel secrets, they deal with increasing tensions. Do not watch this one with the lights off.
“The Blackening” – Starz
This hilarious film effortlessly blends horror tropes with an examination of Blackness. You just might be too busy laughing to be scared.
“Black Mirror” – Netflix
What makes “Black Mirror” so terrifying is that a lot of its stories are totally plausible. Seriously, how many videos of robot dogs have you seen on social media?
“Talk to Me” – Paramount+ with SHOWTIME
These kids will never learn to not play the weird, old game they find in the basement of a creepy house. Some folks will never learn. SMH.
“Get Out” – Peacock
There may be no film on this list scarier for Black folks than “Get Out.” Jordan Peele brilliantly explores all of our worst fears about white people, in real life, while Lil Rel Howery acts as the audience’s voice.
“Us” – Peacock, Hulu, Disney+
It’s Lupita Nyong’o’s creepy voice that gets us in Jordan Peele’s scary identity tale.
“Nope” – Starz
The Jordan Peele trilogy wraps up with his weird alien story that we’re still trying to completely figure out. Watch all three back-to-back-to-back and plan to stay up all night— with the lights on that is.
“Swarm” – Prime Video
Dominique Fishback puts the fanatic in fan as the biggest admirer of a very familiar pop star named Ni’Jah.
“His House” – Netflix
Guilt and grief are so palable they’re seen as actual ghosts in this story of African refugees trying to make a new life in England.
“Blade Trilogy” – Prime Video, Google Play, Apple TV
If you’re still excited about Wesley Snipes big return as the DayWalker in “Deadpool & Wolverine,” now is the time to back and check out the original movies.
“Tales From the Hood” – Peacock
This very ‘90s film features three extremely scary stories set against the backdrop of an unusual funeral home.
“Bones” – Tubi
Snoop Dogg wants revenge on those responsible for his murder, and he’s a compelling, scary figure.
“Anne Rice’s Interview With the Vampire” – amc+
In this adaptation of the popular Anne Rice book, Jacob Anderson’s Louis adds so many fascinating layers to the character, and he’s finally not being overshadowed by the far more flashy Lestat.
“Lovecraft Country” – Max
Courtney B. Vance, Jurnee Smollett and Jonathan Majors lead a captivating combination of race and the supernatural in the Jim Crow south. We were still holding out hope for a Season 2, but it was officially cancelled after one season.
“Candyman” (1992) – Peacock
Tony Todd was typecast as the mysterious stranger who single handedly terrified an entire generation of moviegoers.
“Candyman” (2021) – Prime Video
When you’re going to remake a classic, it’s all about the casting. We thought no one could live up to Tony Todd’s frightening legacy, but Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is both captivating and scary. We know we should look away, but we can’t.
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