Happy Summerween!  Here Are the 13 Best Horror Movies to Watch

Summerween is real, and it’s here to stay.

The term originated in the cult-favorite Disney animated series “Gravity Falls”, where it was portrayed as a tongue-in-cheek holiday celebrated in the middle of summer. But what started as a fictional tradition has taken on a life of its own for fans of spooky season who aren’t willing to wait until October to get their horror fix.

Summerween has turned into a full-fledged seasonal aesthetic. From TikTok hashtags to themed parties, it’s now common to see people embracing the creepy vibes during the year’s hottest months.  Think pineapples carved like jack-o-lanterns.

If you’re planning a Summerween movie night, there are certain horror flicks that hit just right this time of year. Whether they’re set in summer or simply ooze the kind of dread that lingers long after the campfire’s out, these 13 movies are perfect for the vibe:

1. “IT” (2017) – A modern classic that feels like summer break gone horribly wrong.
2. “Wrong Turn” (2003) – For those who fear the backroads.
3. “I Know What You Did Last Summer” (1997) – A ‘90s teen slasher with beachy vibes.
4. “Midsommar” (2019) – A daylight horror that’s all about summer rituals.
5. “Jeepers Creepers” (2001) – A road trip movie that devolves into pure terror.
6. “Jaws” (1975) – The OG summer horror movie.  Admit it, you were scared of a shark coming through your pool drain.
7. “Fear Street Part Two: 1978” (2021) – A throwback to classic slasher camp horror, with axes, secrets, and summer bloodshed.
8. “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” (1974) – Oppressive heat, sweat, and chainsaws.
9. “Sleepaway Camp” (1983) – Summer camp horror at its campiest.
10. “Sinners” (2025) – Small town. Big heat. Even bigger secrets.
11. “The Final Girls” (2015) – A clever, funny, and heartfelt love letter to ‘80s slasher tropes—with a killer summer-camp backdrop.
12. “The Lost Boys” (1987) – Vampires, boardwalks, and a killer soundtrack. A goth summer dream.
13. “Friday the 13th” (1980) – Because Summerween wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Camp Crystal Lake.

Pro-tip: Take your movie night outside with a screen and projector. But don’t forget the mosquito repellent, or that’ll be the real horror.