As someone who really appreciates lore and backstories I always make a watch list for myself before I go to a special event like Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort. I just feel like when you have the movies and shows fresh in your mind, you can appreciate the theming and the hidden easter eggs a bit more.
If you’re a seasoned HHN fan you already know the drill with Halloween Horror Nights Watchlists! But if you’re new here, these films will help set the mood for the haunted houses, scare zones, and live shows. If a house or scare zone doesn’t have a specific movie tie-in, I’ve suggested one that I feel like fits the theme or is inspired by the theme!
You can download the word doc or pdf file HERE if you want to skip the summary below!
Haunted Houses
A Quiet Place
“Make a sound and you won’t last long. Monstrous creatures will hunt you down as the world of the first two films comes to terrifying life.”
Must Watch:
- A Quiet Place: Day One (2024): This upcoming prequel takes us back to the origins of the alien invasion, showing the chaos and panic as the Earth first encounters these deadly, CREEPY AF creatures. Watching this film will give you insight into the initial terror.
Extra Credit:
- A Quiet Place (2018): Follow the Abbott family as they tiptoe through their lives because making a noise could get you killed. The suspense cranks up with every quiet step and whispered conversation, making this film a nail-biter from start to finish.
- A Quiet Place Part II (2020): Keep up with the Abbotts as they leave their home and face new dangers and meet new people. The sequel broadens the story, bringing in more threats and adding depth to this scary, silent place.
Why Watch:
The A Quiet Place series is renowned for its unique use of sound (or the lack thereof) to create a feeling of constant tension. The films’ innovative approach to horror really focuses on the characters’ silent struggle for survival. For this year’s house, I could picture a cityscape of New York City with elements from the trailer, I haven’t personally watched this one yet (I have 21 days to knock it out!), but I also imagine based on the trailers, there will be a bit more sound in this one making it more immersive as well, because in this one, they are still kind of figuring out what causes the attacks.
Ghostbusters Frozen Empire
“An ancient artifact has released a chilling new entity, Garraka. He’ll stop you cold. Only the Ghostbusters can keep you from getting iced.” Another New York City based IP. Hmmm…
Must Watch:
- Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024): The latest installment in the Ghostbusters saga, this film introduces a fun, slightly campy, spooky adventure in a frozen New York City. I’m thinking we’ll see a lot of frozen vignettes in this house.
Extra Credit:
- Ghostbusters (1984): Revisit the original ghost-busting crew and their hilarious antics. This classic sets the foundation for everything that comes after.
- Ghostbusters II (1989): Follow the team as they take on even more paranormal threats, including a river of slime under New York City.
- Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021): Meet a new generation of Ghostbusters while still enjoying nods to the original films. This movie expands the universe and brings fresh, exciting elements to the story.
Why Watch:
Revisiting the ghostly escapades and paranormal activities of the Ghostbusters series will get you pumped for the haunted house experience. These films mix humor, scares, and iconic ghost-busting action, making them timeless classics.
Insidious: The Further
“Enter The Further as demons try to ensnare you. The Red-Faced Demon will lure you into his lair. KeyFace will unlock your fears. And more.”
Watch:
- Insidious (2010): Meet the Lambert family as they discover that their son is a vessel for malevolent entities from a creeptastic dimension known as The Further.
- Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013): Continue the story as the family tries to uncover the mysteries of The Further and rid themselves of its evil grip.
- Insidious: Chapter 3 (2015): A prequel that explores how psychic Elise Rainier first ventured into The Further to help a young girl tormented by an evil spirit.
- Insidious: The Last Key (2018): In this one you’ll learn about Elise’s past and the horrors she faced in her childhood home, connecting deeper into The Further.
- Insidious: The Red Door (2023): Return to the Lamberts as they confront the secrets that still haunt them, with The Further looming larger than ever.
Why Watch:
The Insidious series explores the Further, which is an alternate dimension filled with restless spirits and demonic entities. Each film builds on the lore, introducing new elements and characters that make the world more complex and horrifying. I’m actually catching up on some of these myself, so I’m curious to see what the house will look like.
Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines
“Get caught in an epic battle as Saskia Van Helsing and the Bride of Frankenstein go up against Dracula’s daughter and her monstrous mavens.”
Get ready for an epic clash of legendary horror icons in the Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines haunted house. This thrilling experience will drop you into a new storyline where classic female Universal Monsters duke it out, and you’re caught right in the middle.
Must Watch:
- Dracula’s Daughter (1936): Follow Countess Marya, Dracula’s daughter, as she deals with her convuleted heritage and thirst for revenge.
- Bride of Frankenstein (1935): Check out the creation of the Bride, a key player who teams up against Dracula’s daughter.
- The Mummy (1932): This is the tale of Anck-Su-Namun and her resurrection, tying into ancient curses and undead lore.
- She-Wolf of London (1946): Learn about the She-Wolf’s curse and the creepy transformations she goes through.
Extra Credit:
- The Invisible Woman (1940): This one’s more light-hearted but still introduces a female twist on the invisible character concept, adding to the monster universe. Even though we probably won’t see her in this house, I felt she had to be included
Why Watch:
These films get you familiar with the female horror icons who take center stage in the Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines storyline. I have always loved the Universal Monster houses, and with Dark Universe coming to Epic Universe in 2025, this could be a small glimpse of future theming.
Monstruous: The Monsters of Latin America
“Tres Monstruos. Una Pesadilla. ¡Ten cuidado! With La Muerte as your guide, try to survive the night with three terrifying legends: Tlahuelpuchi, La Lechuza and El Silbón.”
Watch:
- Kilómetro 31 (2006): This film gets really into Mexican folklore, similar to the story of Tlahuelpuchi, with its high strange and supernatural elements.
- La Lechuza(Short 2023): A film about a shape-shifting witch blending horror with folklore.
- El Silbón: Orígenes (2018): Directly based on the legend of El Silbón, this film explores the haunting story of the whistling ghost.
Extra Credit:
- La Llorona (2019): While not directly related to the haunted house’s specific legends, it’s another staple of Latin American horror folklore and a great atmospheric piece.
Why Watch:
Get up close and personal with these Latin American legends. They provide a solid backstory, enhancing your experience of the Monstruous: The Monsters of Latin America haunted house, making every scare even more spine-chilling.
Slaughter Sinema 2
“It’s time for another horror movie marathon at the Carey Drive-in! Scream through scenes from creature features, grindhouse gore and more.”
Watch:
- Chopping Mall (1986): A classic B-movie where killer robots turn a shopping mall into a slaughterhouse. Perfect for the grindhouse vibe.
- TerrorVision (1986): This campy creature feature about aliens invading through a satellite dish will get you in the mood for some retro sci-fi horror.
- The Blob (1988): A gooey, gruesome remake that embodies the creature feature genre, making it perfect for this haunted house theme.
- Planet Terror (2007): Part of the Grindhouse double feature, this film by Robert Rodriguez has all the gore, camp, and action you’d expect.
- Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988): A cult classic that combines horror, comedy, and sci-fi, making it a perfect fit for a B-movie horror marathon.
Why Watch:
These films truly capture the essence of B-movie horror, from killer robots and invading aliens to monstrous blobs and grindhouse gore. Watching these movies will set the perfect tone for your journey through the Slaughter Sinema 2 haunted house, giving you a full dose of cheesy, gorrific fun.
The Museum: Deadly Exhibits
“A folklore museum’s newest exhibit, The Rotting Stone, has released an evil spirit that decays everything. And it’s coming for you.”
Must Watch:
- The Night at the Museum (2006): Follow the fun and chaotic adventures of exhibits coming to life after night. While more family-friendly, it sets the stage for the concept of museum exhibits taking on a life of their own.
- Velvet Buzzsaw (2019): Here is where art turns deadly, with a supernatural twist that makes every piece a potential threat.
Extra Credit:
- The Relic (1997): A thriller set in a museum where a mysterious artifact brings forth a deadly creature, aligning well with the theme of a dangerous exhibit.
- As Above, So Below (2014): Set in the catacombs of Paris, this film’s archaeological horror ties into the mysterious and ancient themes of museum exhibits.
- The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016): While not set in a museum, this film’s exploration of an ancient, cursed body can evoke similar feelings of dread and decay.
Why Watch:
These films provide a mix of perspectives on museums and exhibits. The Night at the Museum is a classic that adds a fun element with the loveable Brendan Fraser, while Velvet Buzzsaw, The Relic, As Above, So Below, and The Autopsy of Jane Doe give us a bit more sinister takes. I feel like this combination will get you in the mood for some horror and history.
Major Sweets Candy Factory
“You’re chaperoning a field trip to a candy factory when the free samples transform the kids into candy-coated killers.
Watch:
The Stuff (1985): A horror flick where a popular dessert starts turning people into mindless zombies. This movie’s blend of delicious treats and deadly consequences mirrors the sinister transformation in Major Sweets Candy Factory.
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971): Follow the awe-inspiring yet slightly creepy adventures in Willy Wonka’s candy factory. The film’s mix of wonder and underlying menace sets the stage for a candy factory gone wrong.
Why Watch:
These films blend childhood whimsy and horror, giving you a new, terrifying perspective on candy and sweets. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory provides the merriment, while The Stuff, Gremlins, Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters, and Escape Room bring in the deadly consequences, perfectly preparing you for the chilling experience of the Major Sweets Candy Factory haunted house.
Goblin’s Feast
Enter a goblin village, where a feast is being prepared for goblins, orcs, hobgoblins, and witches. And you’re the main course.
Watch:
- Labyrinth (1986): Follow Sarah’s journey through a mystical labyrinth filled with goblins, magical creatures, and mind-bending landscapes. The film’s fantastical yet macabre setting perfectly captures the essence of a goblin-infested village.
Why Watch:
Labyrinth is a perfect fit for the Goblin’s Feast haunted house. Its mix of enchanting and unsettling elements provides the ideal backdrop for a village teeming with goblins, orcs, hobgoblins, and witches. This movie will set the mood for your journey, where, who knows, you might just end up as the main course at the goblin feast.
Triplets of Terror
“You’re invited to the Barmy triplets’ birthday celebration. But their kind of party involves recreating the murders of their entire family.”
Watch:
Orphan (2009): A chilling story of a seemingly innocent child with a deadly secret. The twisted family dynamics and shocking revelations align well with the murderous birthday party theme.
The Shining (1980): This classic horror film features the stomach-churning Grady twins, whose ghostly presence and sinister backstory set the perfect tone for the unsettling nature of the Barmy triplets’ murderous celebration.
Why Watch:
With a blend of psychological horror, spooky landscapes, and twisted family dynamics, watching these movies will help you feel more at home with the Barmy triplets’ murderous birthday celebration.
Scare Zones
Enter the Blumhouse
“Escape a terrifying gauntlet of Blumhouse characters as you navigate through this scare zone filled with some of the most iconic and chilling figures from Blumhouse Productions.”
Watch:
- The Purge (2013): Enter a dystopia where all crime is legal for one night each year. The chaotic and violent nature of The Purge sets the stage for a hair-rising night of survival and anarchy.
- Happy Death Day (2017): Follow Tree Gelbman as she relives the same day repeatedly, trying to solve her own murder. This comedic horror flick brings a unique twist to the slasher genre with suspenseful and surprising turns.
- The Black Phone (2022): A kidnapped boy who can communicate with the past victims of his captor through a mysterious phone. This gripping thriller blends supernatural elements with intense psychological horror.
- M3GAN (2022): Witness the chilling story of a lifelike doll programmed to be a child’s greatest companion, but who becomes a little TOO overprotective. M3GAN introduces a high-tech horror element to the Blumhouse lineup.
Why Watch:
Blumhouse Productions is renowned for its innovative approach to horror, mixing scares with unique and creative storytelling. Each movie offers a different style of horror, from dystopian terror to time-loop slasher, body-swap mayhem, and high-tech terror, ensuring you’re ready for anything this scare zone throws at you. I’m hoping for the M3GAN horde again because I kept missing them last year!
Duality of Fear
“Choose your path between SINIST3R and SURR3AL in this scare zone, where you’ll face the dichotomy of supernatural and psychological horror.”
Watch:
- Sinister (2012): Follow a true-crime writer who uncovers a series of grisly home movies that reveal a sinister entity.
- Jacob’s Ladder (1990): Experience the mind-bending psychological horror of a Vietnam War veteran haunted by disturbing hallucinations and flashbacks.
Why Watch:
These films explore the dichotomy of fear in both supernatural and psychological realms, providing a deep understanding of what we might expect with the two distinct paths in the Duality of Fear scare zone. Sinister transports you straight into supernatural terror, while Jacob’s Ladder takes you on a journey through psychological horror and surreal experiences. As someone who is a Gemini I am really looking forward to this particular scare zone. Wink wink.
Demon Queens
“Encounter four merciless queens in a hellscape, each one more terrifying than the last. Prepare yourself for an encounter with the darkest and most powerful female rulers of the underworld.” We’ve got an all female Universal Monsters house and a female led scare zone! I’m excited to see who these queens are. The movies below are just inspirational considering the theming.
Watch:
- Drag Me to Hell (2009): Follow the story of a young woman cursed by a vengeful old woman. This film’s intense depiction of curses and demonic forces aligns with the brutal power of the Demon Queens.
- The Witch (2015): Experience the chilling tale of a Puritan family encountering witchcraft and dark forces in the 1600s. The film’s atmospheric horror and powerful portrayal of witches make it a perfect match for the hellish realm of the Demon Queens.
Why Watch:
These films portray themes of curses, witchcraft, and demonic forces, giving us a fitting backdrop for what could be a look into the theming of the Demon Queens. Drag Me to Hell showcases relentless demonic vengeance, while The Witch explores the primal fear of witchcraft and black magic.
Swamp of the Undead
“Navigate through a zombie-infested Louisiana bog, where the undead rise from the murky depths and the atmosphere is thick with Southern gothic dread.” Again, no specific movies I know of related to this house, but I think the below would be fun to watch if you are feeling froggy.
Watch:
- The Beyond (1981): Explore a Louisiana hotel that serves as a gateway to hell, unleashing all manner of supernatural horrors, including zombies. This film’s blend of eerie Southern settings and undead terror sets the perfect tone for your journey through the swamp.
- The Skeleton Key (2005): Set in a Southern gothic horror, a caregiver uncovers the secrets of an old plantation house. The film’s atmospheric tension and supernatural elements align well with the haunted Louisiana bog.
Why Watch:
These films traverse into Southern gothic horror and zombie lore, providing a rich backdrop for the Swamp of the Undead scare zone. The Beyond offers a chilling depiction of undead horrors in a Southern setting, while The Skeleton Key drops you straight into Louisiana. Definiteley watch these beforehand if you want to get that feeling of navigating through a zombie-infested bog before your trip to MCO.
Torture Faire
“Brave a medieval torture-themed renaissance faire, where the grim and gruesome past comes to life in horrifying detail.”
Watch:
- The Pit and the Pendulum (1961): Edgar Allan Poe’s tale of torment and suspense, set in a grim medieval setting. This classic horror film’s themes of torture and fear align perfectly with the Torture Faire from what I can tell now.
- Season of the Witch (2011): Follow the journey of knights transporting a suspected witch during the medieval period, filled with supernatural elements and rituals. The film’s blend of medieval horror and witchcraft fits well with the theme of a torture-themed faire.
- The Princess Bride (1987): While primarily a fantasy adventure, the scenes involving the Pit of Despair and the torture of Westley provide a lighter yet still relevant take on medieval-style torture. Plus, it adds a bit of lighthearted contrast to the otherwise dark theme.
Why Watch:
These films offer a glimpse into the horrors and fantasy elements of medieval and renaissance times, providing the perfect backdrop for the Torture Faire scare zone. The Pit and the Pendulum digs into the psychological and physical torment of the era, while Season of the Witch adds a supernatural twist to medieval horror. The Princess Bride brings in a lighter, fantastical element, with memorable scenes of medieval-style torture. I almost wanted to put in Monty Python just purely for the “It’s just a flesh wound” quote but figured too many light hearted movies might ruin the theming for y’all. Hehe.
Live Shows
Nightmare Fuel: Nocturnal Circus
“Experience a fiery blend of pyrotechnics and aerial stunts in this explosive live show that will leave you breathless.”
Watch:
- Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant (2009): A young boy joins a circus full of fantastical and dark characters. The film’s blend of circus spectacle and supernatural elements will get you in the mood for the thrilling atmosphere of the Nocturnal Circus.
- The Greatest Showman (2017): A dazzling world of circus performances and grand spectacles. While not a horror film, its vibrant portrayal of circus life and stunning visuals provide a perfect contrast to the darker elements of Nocturnal Circus.
Why Watch:
There’s not a particular movie associated with Nocturnal Circus, but if you’re looking for something to get you pumped for watching the amazing performers I think both of these movies are great for that. And be sure to follow The Fuel Girls on instagram for a look into all their training for the fiery pyrotechnics and aerial stunts that await you!!
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