The best horror movies on Rakuten TV for a Halloween & Day of the Dead marathon
Halloween (Oct 31) and Día de Muertos (Nov 1–2) deserve a proper scare-fest. If you want a marathon that actually builds tension, varies subgenres, and keeps your guests glued to the screen, Rakuten TV has a deep catalogue of horror across eras and styles—classic possession tales, elevated psychological nightmares, creature features, and fast-moving zombie chaos.
Below is a curator’s guide to planning a marathon that flows from eerie to all-out terrifying, with hand-picked titles you can find on Rakuten TV (availability varies by country).
How to structure the perfect two-night scare marathon
Night 1 (Halloween): Lean into haunted houses, slashers, and possession. Start with a creepy slow burn to set the mood, escalate to mainstream scares everyone recognizes, then land on one high-octane crowd-pleaser.
Night 2 (Día de Muertos): Keep the supernatural thread, but add folk horror, grief-driven terror, and moral dread. Día de Muertos is about remembrance and the thin veil between worlds—so pick films that explore loss, legacy, and spirits.
Pro tip: When your friends arrive, let them vote on the running order within each “block.” The mix matters more than any single title.
Halloween night picks (Fear to full-throttle)
1) The Conjuring (2013) — The gold standard of haunted house terror
James Wan’s modern classic nails atmosphere, pacing, and payoffs. It’s both accessible for casual viewers and satisfying for genre lovers, making it a perfect opener or centerpiece. The Warrens’ case-file framing gives it that based on true events tingle and it plays brilliantly with an audience. Available on Rakuten TV in multiple regions.
Why it belongs on Halloween: It sets a benchmark. If your group handles The Conjuring without hiding behind cushions, you can safely dial up intensity.
2) 1408 (2007) — Locked-room mind games
Adapted from Stephen King’s short story, 1408 traps a skeptical writer in the world’s most evil hotel room. What starts as smug debunking spirals into a harrowing, reality-bending ordeal. It’s a strong “middle slot” film—big mood, big ideas, and just enough jump scares. Featured among Rakuten TV’s horror selections (including free/AVOD rotations in some countries).
Marathon tip: Keep the lights dim and the room a touch cooler during this one—your guests will feel the hotel’s chill.
3) Halloween (Franchise Selections) — The Slasher DNA
A Halloween night without Halloween is like a pumpkin without a candle. If your region’s Rakuten TV has Carpenter’s original or entries spotlighted on seasonal pages, slot one here for that pure stalk-and-slash energy. Rakuten often curates “Top Halloween Horror” lists that surface Halloween and other seasonal titles.
Why it works here: After the haunted-house mind-games, a clean, relentless slasher resets the room with primal, heartbeat-paced terror.
4) Train to Busan (2016) — Crowd-pleaser, crowd-screamer
Cap your night with kinetic zombie survival. Train to Busan marries emotional stakes with ferocious set-pieces as passengers battle an infection racing through the carriages. It’s edge-of-seat, occasionally tear-jerking, and guaranteed to wake up even the most jaded horror fan. Available on Rakuten TV in various markets.
Closer energy: You want something propulsive to send people into the night buzzing. This is it.
Día de Muertos night picks (Spirits, grief, and the beyond)
5) The Exorcist (1973) — The unshakable classic
For a night that contemplates spirits, faith, and mortality, nothing hits like The Exorcist. Beyond its infamous scenes, the film’s power lies in doubt, love, and sacrifice. Rakuten TV offers the title for rent/buy in several countries (e.g., Spain and the UK).
Why on Nov 1: It’s a profound meditation on good and evil—perfect when you’re already reflecting on life, death, and remembrance.
6) Hereditary (2018) — Grief as a supernatural conduit
Few films intertwine family trauma and occult dread like Hereditary. Toni Collette’s performance is a force of nature, and the film’s final act leaves audiences stunned. Available on Rakuten TV in select regions.
Marathon placement: Middle slot. Let it quietly hollow out the room before you rebuild morale with the next pick.
7) The Babadook (2014) — The monster you invite in
Another grief-infused masterpiece, The Babadook turns a children’s pop-up book into a metaphor for the darkness we repress. It’s intimate, unnerving, and—crucially—empathetic. Available for rent/buy on Rakuten TV in multiple locales.
Why it belongs on Nov 2: Día de Muertos isn’t only about fear; it’s about memory and acceptance. This film meets the day’s spirit without losing the scares.
8) Train to Busan Presents: Peninsula (2020) — Adrenaline bookend
If the room needs a jolt after two emotionally heavy titles, finish with Peninsula. It expands the Busan universe into post-apocalyptic heist-horror territory—bigger, pulpier, and fun for a late slot when your group wants spectacle. Also on Rakuten TV in many regions.
Closer energy: A cathartic, popcorn-friendly end to a contemplative night.
Bonus Add-Ins (Swap-ins depending on your region)
- The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005) — Courtroom drama meets possession case, great if your group likes “is it real?” debates. Available to rent/buy on Rakuten TV in several markets.
- Seasonal/Free Lists — Rakuten TV often curates free (ad-supported) horror selections and seasonal Halloween rows that surface additional gems (e.g., Open 24 Hours, Child’s Play, and others). Check your local FREE and STORE horror lists before the weekend to see what’s featured.
Availability note: Rakuten TV’s catalogue and pricing vary by country and device. Titles listed above appear on regional Rakuten TV pages (UK/IE/ES as examples) and may rotate. Always check your local Rakuten TV app/site for current availability.
Programming Your Two-Night Lineup (Sample Schedules)
- The Conjuring → 2) 1408 → 3) Halloween (franchise selection) → 4) Train to Busan
Why this works: You ramp from atmospheric to psychological to iconic slasher, then blow the doors off with kinetic zombie mayhem.
- The Exorcist → 2) Hereditary → 3) The Babadook → 4) Peninsula
Why this works: Deep spiritual and emotional themes up front, then a cathartic, late-night action-horror finisher.
Make It an Experience: Hosting tips that elevate the marathon
- Set the scene: Switch to warm, low lighting and add marigolds or candles on Nov 1–2 as a nod to Día de Muertos tradition (respectfully and safely).
- Sound matters: Use a soundbar or headphones—The Conjuring and Hereditary weaponize quiet and sub-bass.
- Themed breaks: Between films, give 10–12 minutes for snacks and decompression. Offer “exorcist pea soup” shots (green smoothie) as a gag before The Exorcist.
- Consent & comfort: Tell guests the rough intensity curve. Let them opt out or take a breather—especially during possession sequences.
- Accessibility: Subtitles on by default help everyone catch whisper-track scares and non-English dialogue (Train to Busan).
Why Rakuten TV is a smart pick for horror weekends
- Rent/Buy Flexibility: Perfect if you want to mix brand-new releases with evergreen classics without juggling multiple subscriptions.
- Seasonal Rows & Lists: Rakuten often highlights Halloween collections and free (ad-supported) horror picks, which is ideal when you need a fifth wild-card title.
- Multi-Device Convenience: Fire TV, Smart TVs, mobile, and web apps make it easy to host at home or on a projector setup. (Check your local app store/device list.)
Quick shopping list (so you don’t pause the fear)
- Candles/LEDs, blankets, and a small fan (cooler rooms heighten goosebumps).
- Silent snacks: Avoid crinkly packaging during slow burns.
- Backup picks: Check your local Rakuten TV lists for a couple of alternates in case a title rotates out on your night.
The best thing of all is that all these items for your terrifying weekend you can buy from the comfort of your home from the CY.SEND catalogue. And while you're at it, you earn SND points that you can use to make more purchases.
Watch smarter, save smarter
Ready to queue up The Conjuring, The Exorcist, Hereditary, The Babadook, Train to Busan, and Peninsula for the ultimate two-night Halloween + Día de Muertos marathon? Grab your Rakuten TV rentals or purchases—and pay the smart way:
Buy a CYSEND gift card and use it to access Rakuten TV so you can set up your marathon in minutes while keeping your entertainment budget flexible. Stock up now and hit play when the lights go out.
Some questions and curiosities
- What are the best horror movies to watch on Rakuten TV right now?
Rakuten TV currently offers popular titles like The Conjuring, Smile, Midsommar, and The Nun II, mixing new releases with cult classics for every horror fan. - Which horror movies on Rakuten TV are based on true stories?
Look for The Conjuring, Annabelle Comes Home, and The Amityville Horror — all inspired by real-life paranormal investigations. - What are the scariest horror movies of all time?
Films like The Exorcist, Hereditary, The Shining, and Psycho remain legendary for their storytelling, suspense, and psychological terror. - What are some underrated horror movies worth watching?
Titles like The Autopsy of Jane Doe, The Invitation, and The Wailing often fly under the radar but deliver exceptional scares. - Which psychological horror movies really mess with your mind?
Black Swan, Get Out, and The Babadook use fear to explore obsession, trauma, and identity, making them mentally chilling. - What upcoming horror movies should I watch in 2025?
Expect new sequels like It: Welcome to Derry, Smile 2, and original works from Jordan Peele and A24. - What’s the difference between horror and thriller?
Thrillers focus on suspense and tension; horror adds fear, supernatural elements, or violence to evoke emotional shock. - Why do people love horror movies so much?
Horror lets us face fear safely — a mix of adrenaline, curiosity, and the satisfaction of surviving the scare. - What makes a horror movie truly scary?
A mix of tension, atmosphere, unpredictability, and emotional attachment to the characters creates true fear. - How do sound effects make horror movies more terrifying?
Low frequencies, sudden silence, and distorted noises trigger instinctive fear responses in the brain. - What is “elevated horror” and why is it popular now?
It’s a modern subgenre combining art-house cinematography with deep psychological or social themes, seen in films like Hereditary or Us. - How has horror evolved over the decades?
From gothic monsters in the 1930s to found-footage terror in the 2000s, horror reflects each generation’s social fears. - Are there female directors shaping modern horror?
Yes — creators like Jennifer Kent (The Babadook) and Rose Glass (Saint Maud) bring emotional and psychological depth to the genre. - What’s the most disturbing horror movie ever made?
Martyrs, The Human Centipede, and Salò often top lists for their extreme content and emotional shock value. - How do the Halloween movies connect to each other?
The Halloween timeline includes multiple reboots and parallel storylines, but all revolve around Michael Myers’ unstoppable evil. - Who are the most iconic horror villains of all time?
Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers, and Ghostface dominate the genre’s nightmares. - What’s the true story behind The Conjuring universe?
It’s based on real cases from paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, connecting films like Annabelle and The Nun. - Why is Hereditary considered a modern classic?
Its slow-burn dread, shocking twists, and focus on family trauma redefine psychological horror. - Who are the most famous “final girls” in horror movies?
Laurie Strode (Halloween), Sidney Prescott (Scream), and Ellen Ripley (Alien) symbolize survival and resilience. - Where can I find horror movie merchandise?
Stores like Etsy, Amazon, and official studio shops sell posters, Funko Pops, masks, and replica props. - How can I host a perfect horror movie night?
Pick a theme (e.g. slashers or classics), dim the lights, add themed snacks, and stream from Rakuten TV for HD scares. - Are there horror festivals or conventions to attend?
Yes — major events include FrightFest UK, Sitges Film Festival (Spain), and Monsterpalooza (USA). - What are the best horror games for movie fans?
Try Resident Evil Village, The Last of Us Part II, and Outlast for cinematic terror experiences. - What horror podcasts or YouTube channels are worth following?
The Last Podcast on the Left, Dead Meat, and Horror Explained deliver deep dives, reviews, and fun trivia. - Can I use gift cards to rent horror movies on Rakuten TV?
Yes — Rakuten TV gift cards let you rent or buy any horror title instantly, perfect for horror marathons or Halloween nights. - Which horror movies are trending in 2025?
Audiences are loving Longlegs, Immaculate, and The First Omen — stylish blends of mystery and dread. - Are there real haunted locations used in horror movies?
Yes — places like the Stanley Hotel (The Shining) and the Conjuring House are real, and you can visit some of them. - How much do horror movies usually cost to make?
Budgets vary, but many like Paranormal Activity ($15,000) prove that low-budget horror can yield massive profits. - What horror remakes are better than the originals?
Evil Dead (2013) and It (2017) updated classics with modern visuals and intense storytelling. - Which famous actors started in horror movies?
Stars like Johnny Depp (A Nightmare on Elm Street), Jennifer Aniston (Leprechaun), and Leonardo DiCaprio (Critters 3) began in horror.