These terrifying horror movies are perfect for Friday the 13th — don’t watch them alone

Check your calendar if you're experiencing an odd sense of gloom this month; Friday the 13th is here.
While some choose to hide indoors, others just laugh it off. However, fear of this day is based on myth, history, and some genuinely strange facts, and it's not just bad luck. People have held superstitions regarding this date since the Middle Ages.

Friday and the number 13 can trigger phobias because of their long-standing negative associations. No day is better than today to watch a scary movie.

The creeps are out in full force on this Friday the 13th. This is the greatest day to watch a scary movie and get genuinely spooked outside of Halloween.

While most people think of Jason Voorhees, there are numerous films set on or around the famously unlucky day. These picks are eerie, unexpected, and ideal for streaming this week.

ALSO READ: Friday the 13th curse? Why this infamous day still terrifies millions across the globe

Here are top 13 terrifying horror movies are perfect for Friday the 13th:

Halloween (1978): A classic slasher film about Michael Myers stalking babysitters on Halloween night in Haddonfield. John Carpenter's iconic score heightens the tension and fear throughout the night.

The Evil Dead (1981): During a weekend getaway at a remote cabin, a group of college students unintentionally unleash a demonic entity, resulting in a night of terror. Sam Raimi's film is both terrifying and creatively groundbreaking.

Night of the Living Dead (1968): A group of strangers seek refuge in a farmhouse during a zombie apocalypse, establishing the modern zombie genre. George A. Romero's film is bold and influential, with themes that still resonate today.

The Strangers (2008): A couple's vacation becomes a nightmare when three masked intruders break into their secluded home. The film uses psychological and physical torment to explore the fear of home invasion.

Freaky: A magical weapon is activated when Millie, a shy teenager, meets the Blissfield Butcher, resulting in a body-swapping nightmare. This movie creates a distinctive horror-comedy experience by fusing slasher elements with poignant teen themes.

Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives: Tommy Jarvis goes back to Crystal Lake to demolish Jason Voorhees' remains, but the murderer is brought back to life by an unusual lightning strike. The traditional slasher formula is given humor and self-referential elements in this installment.

The Hound of Baskervilles (1959): In this gothic mystery, Sherlock Holmes and Watson look into a murder connected to a ghostly hound. Peter Cushing gives an outstanding performance, and the film, which is set in a dark manor, perfectly evokes the spooky atmosphere of the original book.

My Bloody Valentine (1981): A string of vicious killings results from the resurgence of the Harry Warden legend as Valentine's Bluffs gets ready for its first dance in 20 years. This cult classic culminates in a Valentine's Day massacre and blends romance-themed horror with slasher thrills.

Saturday the 14th: A humorous take on horror clichés, an all-American family inherits a haunted house full of monsters. This humorous spoof, which was produced by Roger Corman, explores Friday the 13th superstitions in a lighthearted manner.

The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016): While performing an autopsy on a mysterious body, a father-son coroner team discovers disturbing secrets. Slow-burning reveal scenes help to create a claustrophobic and eerie atmosphere in the film.

Dog Soldiers (2002): During a military training exercise in the Scottish Highlands, soldiers are pursued by a pack of werewolves. This action-horror film combines thrilling survival elements and gory creature features.

From Dusk Till Dawn (1996): Two fugitive brothers' gritty crime thriller takes a bloody turn when they seek refuge in a Mexican bar, only to face a vampire attack. This genre-bending film provides a wild and entertaining experience from sunset to sunrise.

FAQs

Are all of these films actually set on Friday the 13th?
Not all, some also revolve around the date, adding creepy vibes or referencing it in key scenes.

Is there a funny option for young viewers or scaredy-cats?
Yes! Saturday the 14th is a lighthearted spoof ideal for a family-friendly horror night.