As the air gets colder and the sun sets earlier in the evenings, the opportunities to stay indoors (as well as to see lurking shadows around corners) become more recognizable. For some, this time of year allows us to be our spookiest selves for the sake of fun, whether that be dressing in Halloween costumes, flinching through haunted houses or watching scary movies with friends in the dark.

Here are six genre-shaping cult horror classics to fill the time and keep your heart pounding.  

“Carrie” (1976) – Netflix

“Carrie” was a screenplay based on a written work of the same title by popular horror writer Stephen King. The titular character, Carrie White, is shy, unpopular and frequently ostracized, with an abusive mother. Carrie eventually discovers telekinetic powers and uses this to avenge herself, simultaneously creating chaos. Available on Netflix.

© Everett Collection / Everett Collection

“Child’s Play” (1988)

Now a franchise with seven full-length and two short films, an iOS video game and an upcoming Syfy series, Chucky instilled the belief in so many parents that children’s dolls are, in fact, creepy. “Child’s Play,” the first film in the franchise, tells the story of a serial killer who has transferred his soul into a doll to avoid death and then wreaks havoc on a boy and his family. Available on Hulu.

© MGM/UA Communications Co.

“Invasion of the Body Snatchers” (1978)

Originally a remake of a1956 film of the same title, “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” follows a health inspector (played by Donald Sutherland) and his colleague investigating the spread of aliens replacing humans, looking like an exact replica but without the personality and feelings. This movie is the perfect blend of the science fiction and horror genres—think “Black Mirror” if it took place in the ’70s. Available on Hulu.

© Solofilm

“Scream” (1996)

Partially a satirical shot at the overuse of clichés in preceding horror films and partially a thriller/mystery, “Scream” follows the drama of high school as well as the story of a masked murderer known as Ghostface terrorizing teenagers. This film was unique for its time in how the characters were aware of popular scary movies and because of the decision to cast already-famous actors. Available on Netflix.

© Miramax

 “The Evil Dead” (1981)

A movie with a notoriously low budget that was first shown at the 1982 Cannes Film Festival, “The Evil Dead” is hailed (by fans, critics and even Stephen King) as one of the greatest independent films of the time. It almost immediately received status as a cult classic horror movie, inspiring new angles for the genre that was popularized in the 80s. “The Evil Dead” focuses on a trip taken by five college students, a tape recorder and demonic possession. Available on Hulu.

© Renaissance Pictures

“Rosemary’s Baby” (1968)

Described as a “psychological supernatural horror thriller,” and sometimes regarded as the film that ignited the genre, “Rosemary’s Baby” depicts a young woman (aptly named Rosemary) who conceives and carries the child of Satan. The film was so successful that the Library of Congress selected it for  preservation in the National Film Registry because it grew into something so “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.” Available on Hulu.

© Paramount Pictures

Whether or not you’re an avid fan of horror films or only watch to laugh at them with friends, these cult classics are sure to put anyone in the Halloween spirit.