There’s nothing quite like the experience of watching a horror movie in a cinema right? If you’re a bit of a horror movie buff like I am, then you’ll be ecstatic by all the offerings that our cherished capital is throwing up this spooky season. From an all-night horror movie marathon at the Prince Charles Cinema to a screening of the Little Shop of Horrors hosted by a drag king, here’s our roundup of the best Halloween film screenings in London:
1. Rooftop Film Club – Bussey Building, Peckham
The Rooftop Film Club at Bussey Building offers a unique Halloween movie experience under the stars. Their Halloween event features a selection of spooky films perfect for the season starting from the beginning of October to the weekend of Halloween. Viewers can enjoy comfortable deck chairs and get cozy with blankets along with wireless headphones while taking in panoramic views of London’s skyline. The venue also offers a bar and street food options to complete the experience.
Rooftop Film Club’s Halloween schedule:
- 🎬 American Psycho – October 4th
- 🎬 Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – October 5th
- 🎬 Practical Magic – October 6th
- 🎬 The Rocky Horror Picture Show – October 10
- 🎬 Scream – October 12
- 🎬 Beetlejuice Beetlejuice – October 17
- 🎬 A Quiet Place: Day One – October 18
- 🎬 Beetlejuice Beetlejuice – October 20 and 27
- 🎬 The Substance – October 25
- 🎬 MaXXXine – October 26
- 🎬 The Addams Family (1991) – October 26
- 🎬 Hocus Pocus – October 27 and 31
- 🎬 Joker: Folie à Deux – October 30 and 31
📍Address: Roof A, Bussey Building, 133 Rye Ln, London SE15 4ST
🚇 Nearest Station: Peckham Rye
2. Prince Charles Cinema, Leicester Square
Known for its eclectic programming and for being one of the best cinemas in London, the Prince Charles Cinema goes all out for Halloween with their “Horroctober!” Halloween special. This month-long celebration of horror includes classic films like “The Shining” and “The Sixth Sense,” as well as modern favourites like “Shaun of the Dead.” They also offer special all-night movie marathons with themes such as classic horror, modern horror, and teen horror.
Prince Charles Cinema’s Halloween schedule is extensive… but here’s some to give you a gist:
- 🎬 The Shining – October 1
- 🎬 Poltergeist – October 2
- 🎬 The Exorcist – October 4
- 🎬 Suspiria (1977) – October 7
- 🎬 Young Frankenstein – October 10
- 🎬 Longlegs – October 11
- 🎬 The Evil Dead – October 14
- 🎬 The Silence Of The Lambs – October 12
📍Address: 7 Leicester Pl, London WC2H 7BY
🚇 Nearest Station: Leicester Square
3. The Clapham Grand, Clapham
The Clapham Grand, a historic venue with over a century of history, transforms into a Halloween cinema paradise. They screen beloved Halloween classics on a massive 25-foot screen, including “Hocus Pocus” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” The Grand encourages audience participation, costume contests, and even offers interval games and themed cocktails. It’s an immersive cinema experience that goes beyond just watching a film.
- 🎬 Rocky Horror Picture Show Movie Night – October 26 and November 2
- 🎬 Hocus Pocus Movie Night – October 31
📍Address: 21-25 St John’s Hill, Battersea, London SW11 1TT
🚇 Nearest Station: Clapham Junction
4. The Others, Stoke Newington
For those who prefer their scares in smaller doses, The Others in Stoke Newington hosts a Halloween Short Film Night. This curated event showcases a selection of horror and dark thriller short films, offering a diverse range of chills and thrills. The venue’s funky atmosphere adds to the experience, and there’s a bar serving throughout the evening. It’s an excellent opportunity to discover new filmmakers and enjoy a variety of horror styles in one night.
(P.S.- The bar is cash only!)
📍Address: The Others, 6 Manor Road, London N16 5SA
🚇 Nearest Station: Stoke Newington
5. Rivoli Ballroom Halloween Pop-Up Cinema, Brockley
For a touch of vintage glamour with your Halloween frights, the Rivoli Ballroom is the place to be. As London’s only remaining 1950s ballroom, it provides a unique backdrop for classic horror films. Their Halloween program includes screenings of “The Lost Boys,” “Carrie,” “The Shining,” and a double bill of “Hocus Pocus” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” on Halloween night. The venue’s two vintage bars serve up spooky cocktails and snacks, adding to the spooky atmosphere.
- 🎬 The Lost Boys – October 28
- 🎬 Carrie – October 29
- 🎬 The Shining – October 30
- 🎬 Hocus Pocus – October 31
- 🎬 The Rocky Horror Picture Show – October 31
📍Address: 350 Brockley Road, London SE4 2BY
🚇 Nearest Station: Crofton Park
6. Fright Fest, West End
In a two-day film extravaganza, Fright Fest is back with its annual Halloween event. With recently celebrating 25th anniversary of its annual horror bonanza in August – the city’s horror film festival will return to Odeon Luxe West End to catch 18 screenings of 9 really spooky movies over the Halloween weekend.
You can buy tickets here.
📍Address: Freemens Park, 90 Aylestone Rd, Leicester LE2 7LB
7. Halloween Screenings In Concert, Hammersmith
This Grade II listed cinema – the iconic Eventim Apollo is h0sting two incredibly spooky screenings with live bands on Halloween Sunday. Immerse yourself in the spirit of Halloween with Hocus Pocus and Twilight on screen.
While you might have seen those Halloween classics a million times, there’s nothing like experiencing it with live music!
You can find ticket information here.
So there you have it – a roundup of the best Halloween film screenings in London this year. So whether you want to watch A Quiet Place from a rooftop in Peckham or enjoy a marathon of all the Friday the 13th films – then you’ll be more than happy with this lot listed above. Just make sure you bring something (or someone) to hide behind…