Halloween season is all about the scary stories, chilling movies and the visuals that draw us in. From spine-tingling horrors to fun family movies, these posters set the tone before you hit play. A great Halloween movie poster will do more than just advertise the film. It captures the mood, sparks curiosity, and, sometimes, sends shivers down your spine. In this article, we’ll dive into our 10 favourite Halloween movie posters (in no particular order), from original cult classics to modern remakes, these movie posters are a visual treat on the eyes!
1. Halloween (1978)
One of the most iconic Halloween films created is the Halloween franchise. First released in 1978, the franchise now consists of an impressive 13 films. This poster is the original poster for the first Halloween film ever released. It is super simple yet visually appealing. Your attention is pulled towards the slogan, rather than the imagery, which gives a slight hint about who the antagonist will be. This poster is very indicative of the style of posters that were produced around the 70’s and 80’s.
2. Trick ‘r treat (2007)
The Trick ‘r Treat poster is visually striking due to its vivid orange glow. Unusually, the poster features a range of the characters from the film, inviting you to imagine what their story is. This poster presents the viewer with a lot to look at, creating questions that itch to be answered.
3. IT (2017)
The IT franchise began with its first film released in 1990, and was followed by a further two films. We think this is the best poster out of the three as the imagery of the yellow-coated child and balloon is distinct and memorable. The combination of the small child and the implied antagonist, who is eerily hidden, is powerful as you feel concerned for the child’s wellbeing. Another great example of how a simple poster can be super effective.
4. The Evil Dead (1981)
The Evil Dead is the first film within the Evil Dead franchise, now consisting of a total of 5 films. The poster pulls focus onto a female victim, who is portrayed to be helpless as she is attacked by another hand. This plays on your emotions and gives you a visually shocking insight into what might happen in the film, making you curious to know the outcome.
5. Hocus Pocus (1993)
Our fifth pick is a 1993 family-friendly Disney classic, Hocus Pocus. Despite its lack of horror imagery, the poster perfectly captures the essence and feel of the film. The three witches can be seen flying over the town with a vacuum cleaner, rather than the more traditionally seen witches’ broom. This comedic element is amusing to see and portrays the film accurately as a comical yet spooky watch.
6. A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010)
Another major horror franchise is the Nightmare on Elm Street series, which spans nine films, starting with the 1984 classic. We picked the 2010 film poster as the standout from the series due to its eerie emphasis on the iconic antagonist. What sets this poster apart is its decision to place the villain front and center. In contrast, many horror posters tend to highlight the protagonist or potential victims, leaving the antagonist a mystery. This one takes a bold approach by showcasing the menace head-on.
7. Graveyard Shift (1990)
From the well-known writer Stephen King, comes the Graveyard shift. This poster is another great example of using one of the victims to create shocking visuals that pull on the emotions of the viewer. The copy at the top of the poster implies that this film will be even more horrifying than the rest, creating intrigue for the viewer. Looking at this poster you want to know more and challenge the movie’s bold claim.
8. The Cabin in The Woods (2012)
The poster from the well-loved film The Cabin in The Woods is a very visually powerful one. We are presented with a cabin that has been sliced into segments, mimicking the look of a Rubix or puzzle cube. The unusual perspective of this cabin creates questions in the viewer’s mind, encouraging you to want to know more.
9. Dark Tower (1987)
Despite the films mixed reviews, the Dark Tower movie poster is a hit. The placement of the coffin over the high-rise office building to imitate the buildings form is a clever move. It provides one of the only hints as to what might happen in the film, as the rest of the poster is fairly ambiguous. Posters that play with perceptions and clever imagery are the most memorable.
10. Return of The Living Dead (1988)
From the Return of The Living Dead franchise, the poster for Part 2 stands out as one of the best. The swirling cloud and sunset hues create a visually appealing imagery. Unlike the other posters in the series, this one is less graphic or grotesque, opting for a more artistic approach. The graveyard setting has an impressive, almost painting like quality, giving the poster a unique and memorable look compared to the others in the franchise.
These 10 posters are just a glimpse of the amazing Halloween movie posters that are out there. Whether you’re a horror fanatic or just enjoy the seasonal spirit, these posters showcase the art of visual storytelling and leaving a lasting impression after the credits roll. Let us know in the comments your thoughts on these posters or if we missed one of your favourites.
At Discount Display we produce custom-printed posters with a wide range of poster frames available. Check out our range if you’re interested in displaying your own Halloween poster this year.
