10 Queer Halloween Movies to Watch This Spooky Season

Halloween is a time for costumes, candy, and communal scares—but for LGBTQ+ audiences, it’s also an opportunity to see themselves reflected on screen in horror and thriller films that embrace queer identities. In recent years, filmmakers and streaming platforms have expanded the landscape of LGBTQ+ representation in horror, offering stories that range from campy fun to genuine frights. Whether you and your partner are seeking a cozy night in or a fright-filled date, these ten LGBTQ+ Halloween movies offer a spectrum of spooky delights.

1. Jennifer’s Body (2009)

Often cited as a cult favorite, “Jennifer’s Body” has undergone a queer reappraisal in recent years. The film stars Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried as high school best friends whose obsessive relationship turns deadly when Jennifer is possessed by a demon. The film’s biting humor, sapphic undertones, and bisexual representation have made it a Halloween classic among queer audiences .

2. Knife + Heart (2018)

Set in the world of gay pornography in 1970s Paris, “Knife + Heart” is a lush, erotic thriller that explores the intersections of desire, violence, and art. The film follows a lesbian film producer and her ex-girlfriend as they become entangled in a series of murders. The movie’s unapologetic depiction of queer sexuality and its stylish horror elements make it essential Halloween viewing .

3. Carnage for Christmas (2024)

For those who enjoy a holiday twist with their horror, “Carnage for Christmas” follows transfemme protagonist Lola as she returns to her hometown post-transition and gets swept up in the town’s deadly secrets. The film, helmed by queer filmmaker Alice Maio Mackay, is praised for its trans representation and thrilling narrative .

4. Bloody Axe Wound (2024)

This horror comedy centers on Abbie Bladecut, the queer daughter of a legendary slasher killer, who’s forced to choose between familial expectations and her love for one of her intended victims. The film is celebrated for blending supernatural slasher tropes with a coming-of-age queer romance, making it a standout in the genre .

5. Jagged Mind (2023)

“Jagged Mind” is a psychological thriller featuring a lesbian protagonist who finds herself trapped in a disturbing time loop, experiencing the same traumatic relationship over and over. The film’s exploration of abusive dynamics within a queer relationship and its tense narrative make it a memorable choice for a suspenseful Halloween night .

6. Scream VI (2023)

While the “Scream” franchise has long played with subtext and queer coding, “Scream VI” brings explicit representation to the forefront with Mindy Meeks-Martin, a queer Black character who navigates both romance and mayhem in New York City. The film’s diversity and nods to queer horror fans make it a timely and thrilling pick .

7. Wayward (2023)

This Netflix series blurs the line between thriller and horror, following a transmasculine protagonist played by Mae Martin as they navigate a psychological nightmare. Supported by a diverse cast, the series is acclaimed for its nuanced portrayal of gender identity and queer relationships amidst suspenseful storytelling .

8. Wendell & Wild (2022)

Not every Halloween movie needs to be terrifying. “Wendell & Wild” is a stop-motion animated adventure that features a goth Black girl and a Latino trans boy at its center, tackling themes of justice, identity, and the supernatural. Created by Henry Selick and Jordan Peele, it offers a playful and inclusive option for families or those seeking a lighter scare .

9. Midnight Kiss (2019)

Part of Hulu’s “Into the Dark” anthology, “Midnight Kiss” follows a group of gay friends and their ally as a New Year’s Eve party turns deadly. The film is noted for its blend of camp, queer romance, and slasher elements—a must-watch for lovers of both horror and LGBTQ+ dramas .

10. Cat People (1942)

For those who appreciate horror history, “Cat People” is an iconic film with queer subtext, written by gay screenwriter DeWitt Bodeen. The story’s themes of transformation, otherness, and forbidden desire have resonated with LGBTQ+ audiences for decades, making it a classic to revisit during the spooky season .

The horror genre has long provided a space for LGBTQ+ audiences to explore themes of identity, outsider status, and transformation. In recent years, representation has moved beyond subtext and villainy, offering complex queer protagonists and narratives that center LGBTQ+ experiences without relegating them to stereotypes or tragic endings. As film critic Drew Gregory notes, “Horror has always been queer, but now it’s more visible, more explicit, and more celebratory” .

Streaming platforms have played a significant role in increasing access to queer horror, with services like Shudder, Hulu, Netflix, and AMC+ curating collections that highlight LGBTQ+ filmmakers and characters . These films allow queer couples and their friends to see their fears, desires, and resilience reflected on screen—turning the act of watching horror into a communal, affirming experience.

Tips for the Ultimate Queer Halloween Movie Night

- Curate your own marathon by mixing genres—include both comedies and slashers for variety.

- Seek out films by queer directors, whose unique perspectives often challenge and expand the conventions of horror.

- Pair your screening with themed snacks and drinks, or dress up as your favorite characters.

- Use the opportunity to discuss representation: what does it mean to see queer love, friendship, and survival at the center of spooky stories?

The last decade has seen a surge in queer horror, with more filmmakers and audiences embracing stories that reflect the diversity of LGBTQ+ lives. As the industry continues to evolve, expect to see even more inclusive narratives—especially as independent creators and international voices gain greater visibility.

For now, this list offers a rich set of options for celebrating Halloween with your partner or chosen family. Whether you’re looking for gore, laughs, or heartfelt connection, these films prove that queer horror has something for everyone who wants to be both seen and scared this spooky season.