Top Terrifying Thrills: The Best Free Horror Movies to Watch for Halloween in the UK

As Halloween approaches, it’s time to indulge in some spooky entertainment. Whether you’re throwing a Halloween party or staying in to enjoy the festivities, there are plenty of free horror films available for streaming in the UK that will send shivers down your spine.

We have curated a list of the best free horror films to watch this Halloween, suitable for watching with family, friends, or even on your own. Just keep in mind that if you choose to watch on ITVX or Channel 4, there may be ad breaks, while BBC iPlayer offers ad-free viewing.

If you’re traveling abroad during Halloween, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with tips on how to watch BBC iPlayer from anywhere.

Best horror films for parties

SAW I-X – available for free on ITVX

For a marathon viewing session at your Halloween party, the Saw series is a perfect choice. While the first film is essential viewing, the entire series offers around 20 hours of gory entertainment. Follow John Kramer, a unique life coach who challenges his victims with deadly traps, in this gripping series.

These films also make for great drinking games with recurring themes like the famous line “I want to play a game” and appearances of the Jigsaw puppet.

Escape Room and Escape Room: Tournament of Champions – streaming for free on BBC iPlayer

If you enjoyed the Saw movies, Escape Room offers a similar thrill with its inventive death traps. Follow a group of individuals as they navigate through deadly puzzles and challenges in a race against time.

Scream 1-3 – available for free on BBC iPlayer

The Scream franchise offers a perfect blend of horror and humor, making it an ideal choice for a Halloween gathering. Join Sidney Prescott and her friends as they face off against the iconic killer Ghostface in a series of chilling encounters.

Carpenter classics

The Thing – streaming for free on ITVX

John Carpenter’s 1982 thriller, The Thing, is a masterpiece of paranoia and practical effects. Set in an Antarctic research base, the film follows a group of survivors as they uncover a shape-shifting alien threat among them.

Halloween – available for free on BBC iPlayer

Experience the essence of Halloween with Carpenter’s 1978 classic. Follow the terrifying journey of Michael Myers as he terrorizes the town of Haddonfield, setting the stage for a night of pure horror.

Modern monsters

It Follows – streaming for free on ITVX

It Follows offers a fresh take on horror with its haunting concept of a relentless monster that stalks its victims until it catches them. Dive into this suspenseful film starring Maika Monroe for a truly chilling experience.

The Blair Witch Project – available for free on BBC iPlayer

Take a trip back to the iconic found-footage horror film, The Blair Witch Project. Follow a group of filmmakers as they venture into the woods in search of the legendary Blair Witch, only to encounter unimaginable terror.

Barbarian – streaming for free on Channel 4

Immerse yourself in the suspenseful world of Barbarian, where unexpected twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat. Follow Tess and Keith as they navigate a chilling encounter in this gripping horror film.

All the atmosphere, none of the gore

If you prefer a gentler Halloween experience, there are plenty of family-friendly options available:

Family-friendly Halloween films:

Corpse Bride

The Addams Family

The Witches

Edward Scissorhands

Comedy horror:

Shaun of the Dead

What We Do in the Shadows