National Horror Movie Day
October 23
About National Horror Movie Day
National Horror Movie Day is celebrated every year on 23 October, inviting horror fans to mark the genre that has thrilled and terrified audiences for more than a century. Falling just over a week before Halloween, it is the perfect excuse to dim the lights, gather some snacks and lose yourself in a marathon of scares. The day was created by Black Vortex Cinema in 2020 and chosen to coincide with the birthday of filmmaker Sam Raimi.
How to Celebrate National Horror Movie Day
This is a day built for participation, so the best way to mark it is simply to watch and share horror films. Here are plenty of ideas:
- Host a horror movie marathon – Line up a run of films, from classic monster movies to modern slashers, and settle in for an evening of frights with friends or family.
- Discover a new sub-genre – Branch out into folk horror, body horror, supernatural ghost stories or psychological thrillers to find something that unsettles you in a fresh way.
- Watch a Sam Raimi film – In honour of the day’s connection to his birthday, screen “The Evil Dead”, “Drag Me to Hell” or another of his cult favourites.
- Revisit a genre-defining classic – Films such as “Psycho”, “Halloween”, “The Exorcist” or “Night of the Living Dead” shaped horror as we know it.
- Theme your snacks and drinks – Serve up blood-red punch, popcorn and other spooky treats to set the mood.
- Make it social – Invite friends over, vote on a watchlist, and compare who flinches first.
- Support independent horror – Seek out work from independent filmmakers and smaller studios who keep the genre inventive.
- Share your favourites online – Post your watchlist, recommendations and reactions to spark conversation among fellow fans.
What is National Horror Movie Day?
National Horror Movie Day is an unofficial holiday celebrating horror cinema in all its forms. It is aimed at lifelong horror enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike, encouraging everyone to appreciate the craft, creativity and sheer entertainment value of scary films. The day champions the genre’s filmmakers, performers and special-effects artists, and gives fans a shared moment to celebrate what they love.
When is National Horror Movie Day?
National Horror Movie Day takes place on Friday, 23 October 2026. It is observed on the same date every year, deliberately placed just before Halloween to help build anticipation for the spookiest night of the calendar.
The History of National Horror Movie Day
National Horror Movie Day was founded in 2020 by Christian Ackerman and the team at Black Vortex Cinema. Ackerman brought the idea to his collaborators Chuck Foster, Felissa Rose, Joshua McKevitt and Sean Decker, who together settled on 23 October as the ideal date.
The date was chosen to honour the birthday of filmmaker Sam Raimi, the director behind “The Evil Dead” and “Drag Me to Hell”, as well as blockbusters including the original “Spider-Man” trilogy and “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”. Placing the day in late October also means it arrives at the height of the Halloween season, when appetite for horror is at its peak.
Horror itself has roots stretching back to the earliest days of cinema, with silent films such as “Nosferatu” (1922) establishing many of the genre’s enduring conventions. From Universal’s monster pictures of the 1930s to the slashers of the 1970s and 1980s and today’s wave of acclaimed independent horror, the genre has continually reinvented itself. National Horror Movie Day gives all of that history a single day in the spotlight.
Fun Facts About National Horror Movie Day
- The day was created in 2020, making it one of the newer entries on the horror calendar.
- It is set on Sam Raimi’s birthday in tribute to his contribution to the genre.
- “Nosferatu”, one of the earliest horror films, was released in 1922 and remains hugely influential.
- The day sits just eight days before Halloween, bridging the gap to the genre’s biggest night.
- Horror is one of the most cost-effective genres to produce, which is why independent filmmakers flock to it.
- Black Vortex Cinema, the day’s creator, is a horror media outlet run by genre enthusiasts.
Why National Horror Movie Day Matters
Beyond the scares, the day celebrates a genre that has always reflected society’s deeper fears and anxieties. Horror gives audiences a safe space to confront the things that frighten them, and it has launched the careers of countless filmmakers and performers. If you enjoy a good fright, you might also like Frankenstein Friday, another October celebration of classic horror.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Horror Movie Day?
It is an unofficial holiday celebrating horror films and the people who make them, encouraging fans to watch, share and appreciate the genre.
When is National Horror Movie Day in 2026?
It takes place on Friday, 23 October 2026, and is held on the same date every year.
Who created National Horror Movie Day?
It was founded in 2020 by Christian Ackerman and Black Vortex Cinema, who chose 23 October to coincide with filmmaker Sam Raimi’s birthday.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share your scariest film recommendations on social media with #NationalHorrorMovieDay and #HorrorMovieDay2026. Tag your friends and challenge them to sit through your spookiest picks!
Related Awareness Days
- Frankenstein Friday – Celebrates Mary Shelley’s iconic monster and the wider horror tradition.
- Halloween – The biggest night of the year for all things spooky and supernatural.
- National Moon Day – A different kind of cinematic inspiration, celebrating humanity’s giant leap.
Links
Featured image: Photo by Arjun Raj on Unsplash.
2026 Awareness Days Wall Planner
Every key awareness day at a glance. Perfect for offices, staff rooms, and team planning.
View Calendar →
