The Halloween season has witnessed the rise of horror films, with Nielsen’s latest report providing insight into viewing habits. This October, “M3GAN 2.0” emerged as a frontrunner among horror movies, captivating audiences with its thrilling storyline and garnering 115 million viewing minutes on Peacock during the week of October 1-7. Despite its mixed reception, the film has reaffirmed its popularity among viewers looking for a fright during Halloween.
Nielsen’s Overview of Horror Movie Viewership
Nielsen compiled horror movie viewership statistics dating back to 2021, highlighting trends in audience preferences. Following “M3GAN 2.0,” the original “Scream” (1996) held the second spot with 113 million minutes on various platforms, including Paramount Network and Showtime.
Top Horror Movies of October 2025
- 1. M3GAN 2.0 – 115 million minutes
- 2. Scream (1996) – 113 million minutes
- 3. Bring Her Back
- 4. 28 Years Later
- 5. Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)
- 6. Halloween
- 7. Tremors (1990)
- 8. Sinners
Several films that debuted in 2025 marked their presence in the rankings alongside classics. Just “Scream” has showed up in previous years’ charts, indicating its lasting appeal.
Viewing Trends by Demographics
Nielsen also analyzed horror viewership patterns from 2021 to 2024, focusing on racial and age demographics. In 2022, “Curse of Bridge Hollow” was the top choice for Hispanic, Black, and Asian viewers. Over the years, common trends emerged, showcasing a more unified audience during Halloween.
Horror’s Percentage of Total Movie Viewing
The percentage of horror movies within overall viewership during October has fluctuated. It made up:
- 14.7% in 2021
- 14.6% in 2022
- 15.8% in 2024
In contrast, Gracenote reported that horror films represent 7.43% of total movie viewership across major streaming platforms by September 2025. This indicates a significant preference for horror content during the Halloween season compared to the rest of the year.
The Unifying Power of Horror
Despite the growing variety of content available, horror films have consistently brought viewers together. Nielsen’s comprehensive report emphasizes the genre’s appeal, suggesting that horror transcends demographics and continues to attract a wide audience. As audiences rediscover classic films and embrace new releases, the horror genre remains a staple during the festive horror viewing season.
