School house Screams: A High School/College Horror Flicks List - My Favorites UPDATED*

 What's going on everyone and it's that time of year again... 

BACK TO SCHOOL aka PRE-HALLOWEEN SEASON! 

Since grade school when August hits, I start to move away from the summer and slowly start my walk into autumn, my favorite time of year! So what better way to get in the mood than watching School House Horror?

Let me also reiterate, this list consists of MY personal favorites, so if a film you love doesn't make the list, don't be offended! 

1. Cherry Falls (2000)

A Killer shows up in the town of Cherry Falls to kill any students that are virgins. Yes, you read that right, so you can imagine how this makes the high schoolers react. This is a vastly underrated slasher that deserves to be mentioned more often. The twist here is something I don't think you'll see coming. Also.... "CLASS DISMESSED!" (Yes that's an actual line lol). 

2. I Know What you Did Last Summer (1997)

A group of drunken high school kids accidentally hit a guy and dumps his body hoping that'll be the end of it all. A year later, a killer shows up to hunt them down. This movie has summer in the title (and I even included it in my Summer horror list) but it doesn't really scream summer. I think it could also fit right in as a film to bring on autumn. A personal fav of mine.

3. Final Exam (1981)

As Final Exams roll around, a fraternity filled with toxic masculinity pulls a prank to help clear out the campus for their own fun. That fun quickly comes to an end when a killer arrives, hunting those left on campus one by one. This one is pure 80s over the top fun that really doesn't make much sense but it's worth watching!

4. Scream (1996)

A masked killer is on the hunt for high schoolers in what seems like a random pattern at first, but as time passes, we learn that this slaughter is well planned out. One of the most iconic movies on this list and also a personal all time favorite. It's suspenseful, it's funny, it's smart, it's bloody & great anytime of year, but even better during this season. 

5. Scream 2 (1997)

Same premise as it's predecessor, but we move the action to college this time. This one definitely takes full advantage of the school campus setting and throws you right into the 'back to school,' season. I love this film just as much as the first!

6. Ripper (2001)

A girl escapes tragedy in her old city and attempts to restart in a new town, new swag and all. With her arrival to a new college campus, a masked killer also appears, recreating the murders done by Jack the Ripper. Eyebrows are definitely raised and now her and the students of her forensic psychology class put the investigation in their own hands at a major cost.  This is a big sleeper but I understand why! This film is extremely hard to find but if you get a copy online (even if it from the *bay* area lol) watch it!

7. Ginger Snaps (2000)

Two emo sisters growing up and growing apart, have an even larger strain on their relationship when one of them is brutally attacked by a werewolf. From that night on, both have to figure out how to handle this new change. This is an emotional punch of story seeing these sister fall apart and the practical effects are FANTATSIC. The school setting is a perfect backdrop and the fall vibes are on 100, not to mention the 3rd act takes place on Halloween. 

8. Urban Legend 1 (1998)

A hooded killer arrives at a college campus to kill people in the form of famous urban legends. That premise alone makes for a very intriguing watch that will bring back childhood memories of ghost stories with friends. Till this day, I still forget which ones are used in the movie, making it fun re-watch every time! 

9. Urban Legend 2 (2000)

A great sequel that takes place at a different college but the killer is coming after film majors. Instead of a hood, the killer sports a fencing mask that is unexpectedly terrifying. If you liked the first one, you'll like this one too. 

10. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019)

On Halloween Night, some kids in middle school enter an abandoned house that is known to be haunted. They make the mistake of taking a book from the house, unknowingly releasing creatures to bring on their demise. The practical effects and set design really bring this novel to life in such a frightening way. Each chapter, brings a new monster. I love this movie & it has become a new classic for me. 

11. Disturbing Behavior (1998)

The high school students in Cradle Bay are acting pretty strange and the new kid in town takes notice but it appears that no one else does. As this behavior continuously spreads, he has to figure out why before he's next. This movie is like a late 90s version of invasion of the body snatchers. I'm being kind of vague because you just have to see what happens for yourself lol.  A lot of school house action to see here too!

12. The Craft (1996)

The new girl in town is alienated and finds refuge with some other girls who are cast out. They soon discover they have powers and flip the school upside down. I mean, c'mon. One of the ultimate school house horror films in all it's Grunge glory. You could watch this movie for style tips alone. I know I do. 

13. Fear (1996)

An innocent high school girl looks for love but soon finds out she made the worst mistake of her life. We've seen this story before but this one is a slow burn into insanity. That third act is truly haunting because of the change you see Marky mark go through (man is WILDIN). It's scary because of how real it seems it could be. The cherry on top is the 90s energy oozing from it. 

14. Halloween H20 (1998)

20 years later after the events of Halloween 2, Laurie is a principal at a private school that her son also attends. When the 31st rolls around, so does Michael. The majority of this film takes place on the school campus so that back to school energy is all over this. It gives off scream vibes and I adore it for that. A personal favorite on my list.

15. The Faculty (1998)

When the teacher/staff of a high school start acting stranger than usual, a group of unsuspecting students must figure out & stop  whatever is going on before they're next. This is really invasion of the body snatchers 90s style. The movie opens with, "The kids not alright," and this song perfectly prepares you for what you're going to see. Some of the VFX are outdated but the 3rd act offers some spectacular practical effects that are a must see. A personal favorite of mine.

16. Carrie 2: The Rage (1999)

Carrie's half sister is a simple girl, that stays to herself. She has one best friend that she confines in and when she finds out a group of jocks played a part her suicide, things go haywire. This is pretty much the same story/movie as the original character, with that late 90s energy that I love so much. If you're a fan of this late 90s era of horror, you'll enjoy yourself thoroughly. 

17. Jeepers Creepers 2 (2003)

The creeper is back and has his eyes set on a high school basketball team traveling back home from a game. When the adults get picked off first, the kids have to find a way to survive on the bus. While not taking place on campus, it's kinda impossible to ignore the school house aspect when the entire film takes place on a school bus. Another fav (I know, I've said that a lot lol).

18. Fear Street Part 1 (2021)

It's 1994 and a murder shakes the city of Shadyside/Sunnydale. What should be a night of reunion to remember the death of a high school students, changes to unleashing an unspeakable evil. Yes this one just dropped but it has to be added to the list. This film is dripping with school house energy that will forever be a joint I think of during this time a year.

19. Slumber Party Massacre (1982)

A group of high school girls plan a slumber party, only for it be interrupted by a power drill wielding psychopath. What you just read is what you get with this movie lol. This one is worth the watch for the choice of weapon alone. Think about all the different type of kills could be done with a power drill... Go watch this classic.

20. Final Destination 3 (2006)

A group of kids having a night of fun at a carnival, cheat death by rollercoaster because one of them has a premonition to avoid it. Like the others, death comes back to collect. Out of the entire franchise (all of which I love) this one keeps the theme of school going throughout. If it does so happen to stray away, you're quickly brought back to that theme with an explosively epic weight lifting scene. If you've seen it you know what I mean... "F*** DEATH!"

21. Idle Hands (1999)

You've heard of demonic possession of the body right? What if your hands were the only thing to get possessed and you were fully aware of the awful things they did but could do nothing? Unfortunately for this high school stoner, we see it play out in all it's gory glory. This film could have been extremely disturbing but the comedic under tone makes it so enjoyable. 

22. Thriller (2018)

(As seen on my 2010 slasher list) A childhood prank gone wrong sends one of the kids involved away to juvenile detention. Years later on homecoming weekend, he returns and with him came a killer and now they have to figure out who it was. This movie isn't the greatest but I enjoy it just for the fact that it's a slasher with a black cast, that operates how any slasher would. We need more of this!

23. It Follows (2014)

The sex in this movie is to die for. No, I literally mean that. What starts as some horny ass teenagers spreading their love, quickly changes to the spreading of an entity that follows you to death. A lot of people skipped out on this movie initially (myself included) because it sounds dumb but man is that wrong. This is one of my favorite films period. Excellent cinematography even with natural lighting. This movie is gorgeous looking and also provides an eerie yet playful atmosphere that encapsulates the school vibe with it's setting. 

24. Sorority Row (2009)

A prank gone wrong ends with the death of a sorority sister and instead of the group fessing up to it, they cover it up. A year later, a masked killer shows up to pick off those who were there on that tragic night. One of my favorite late 2000s slashers that is so of the time. Besides everyone looking way too old to be in college, you're always reminded of this theme because the entire movie takes place on campus. 

25. All the Boys Love Mandy Lane (2006)

Once school has returned from the summer, a girl named Mandy Lane is stuck in the mind of all the boys. So much so that they're willing to do... Anything for her. This film doesn't fully take place on a campus, but the sheer adolescent behavior that takes place is definitely what I've seen from people in my high school days. For that, this makes the list. 

26. Cry Wolf (2005)

A murder happens right before a new student transfers to a private school. When he's introduced and inducted into a group of misfits, they create a prank that surrounds the murder but it quickly spirals out of control. This movie is one that think it's smarter than it is and it's more of a mystery thriller than horror. I honestly like this movie for the full on school autumn vibe it has. The opening sequence of the foliage filled campus is gorgeous. 

27. Pieces (1982)

A kid treated cruel by his mother comes back to slaughter students at a university in Massachusetts. I'll be honest, the plot for this one doesn't make much sense to me but it's still worth watching. A classic 80s slasher that I rarely see mentioned. 

28. Haunting of Moley Hatley (2008)

After being attacked by her mother, she moves and attends a different school. Thinking that craziness is behind her, more crazy s*** resurfaces that amalgamates to a third act that was definitely out of left field. The ending of the movie really shocked the hell out of me and not because it was some over the top spectacle, it's just an unexpected turn. 

29. My Soul to Take (2010)

7 kids are all born on the same night of a killer's massacre. He is caught and killed that night & before death vowels to return to finish what he started. 16 years later.... He's back. This is a pretty good slasher that is so of the time, but operates like a classic, "Who's the Killer," film. It has some truly scary moments, haunting imagery, brutal kills, & natural humor you'd expect from a Wes Craven film. A personal fav of mine.

30. Heathers (1988)

When the new boy comes to town and joins the other high school kids, he's able to sweep one girl off her feet. So much off her feet, that his charm convinces her to go on a killing spree. Another 80s classic  that I just stumbled on to recently and I'm so glad I did. Think The Breakfast Club with 80s style kills thrown in and you get this. 

31. Ma (2019)

A middle age woman with no kids of her own, decides to be the hip adult of the town by allowing kids to party at her house. This is their safe haven where they can smoke, drink, f*** & whatever else as long as they call her 'Ma'. I'm going to leave it there for those who've never seen this movie because it's quite entertaining and deserves a watch.

32. Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

I'm kind of mad at myself for leaving this off, on my first go around on the list. Never the less, the classic is definitely a school house scream that needs no explanation. 

33. Asylum (2008)

The first semester of college has started and a small group of students are assigned to the new wing of dorm rooms. Their first night together, they talk about the schools history of being an asylum and the rumored evils that happened in the locations of their rooms. Pretty spooky s*** but it's just a rumor right? RIGHT?

34. Unhuman (2022)

Some High school kids take a bus for a field trip, when it crashes into the woods. Once everyone wakes up from a daze, their attacked by "Something," they must escape from. It sound typical but there's a twist here you have to see for yourself. I did a review on my channel for this movie and it's one of my favorites to release in 2022. 

35. Graduation Day (1981)

Graduation is approaching and kids are getting taken out one by one in some of the most interesting ways I've ever seen. I also like the costume choice of the killer. I won't spoil it, but that costume always kind of creeped me out. It's a pretty simple story but I think it's worth the watch for some good laughs. 

36. Tragedy Girls (2017)

In the words of the great Offset, "They do anything for clout." This Meta horror comedy follows two girls who want to go viral so bad, they're willing to follow and document a serial killer that is loose in their town. There's definitely way more to this movie than that sentence but as always, I'm not trying to spoil it so go watch it!

37. Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988)

Another classic to add. I don't hear this movie being mentioned much but I thoroughly enjoyed it more on the re-watch recently. This one spends the most time on school campus out of the series and for that reason, it HAS to be featured on the list. 

38. Dead Man's Curve (1998)

When 1 of 3 college roommates takes his own life, a rule called 'Dead man's Curve,' is placed in action for the other two. What's Dead man's Curve you ask? It allows the roommates to automatically bypass taking finals due to tragedy. Which means they graduate Scott free... You can already see where this leads. Quick heads up, this is more of a mystery thriller than a Horror but the energy makes it feel like a slasher from the late 90s. 

39. Donnie Darko (2001)

A kid named Donnie sleepwalks one night and is given visions of the world ending in 28 days. When he wakes up, he tries to figure out how to stop it & the trippy ride begins. This movie is all around strange and I didn't know how to feel about it on my first watch (I still don't lol) but it stayed on my mind. This film is definitely not for everyone but I love the aesthetic and overall mood of it. 

40. Freaky (2020)

A serial killer nicknamed the Butcher is on the loose & one night after a varsity football game, he's face to face with 17 year old Millie Kessler. He chasers her down and goes for the kill with a mysterious dagger he stole but instead of slaying her as he intended; their bodies magically switch places because of the weapon. If that doesn't make you wanna watch this movie, Idk what would. I love this joint.

41. There's Someone Inside Your House (2021)

A killer wearing masks that resemble the faces of their victims, shows up to murder students, and leave their secrets exposed to the town afterwards. This Gen-Z classically structured slasher dropped on Netflix last year, with barely any promotion; which is a shame because I found it extremely entertaining. It's shot well, the acting is good, & there are plenty of kills to scratch that gore itch you may have. 

42. Polaroid (2019)

Have you ever seen that Goosebumps episode (or read the book) called, "Say Cheese & Die?" Well, this movie is that but ramped up with an R rating. A girl who works at a thrift shop finds a camera that kills anyone who had their picture taken & I'll save the 'how,' for you to watch and see. Pretty cliché, but still quite entertaining and perfect for this list. 

There you go! 40* school house screams to help celebrate the ushering in of fall! As I say with all my list, you're sure to find a flick you haven't seen or one you forgot that will make your day to watch. Is there a favorite of yours that isn't on the list? Let me know in the comments & thanks for reading!