Cinema Meets Halloween in Amsterdam: Freaky Films, VR Worlds & Dark Stories to Watch
‘Bugonia’, the new film by Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos
31 Oct 2025
Amsterdam already has that naturally gothic vibe, a mix of dark canals, moody skies, and centuries-old streets that feel made for stories. Like much of Europe, the city has slowly fallen under the spell of Halloween. What once felt like a distant American tradition has become another cultural reason to celebrate, get together with friends, and take to the streets to enjoy life.
The roots of Halloween run deep in ancient Europe. It all began with the Celtic festival of Samhain, marking the end of summer and the start of winter, a time when the veil between the living and the dead was said to grow thin. In the 8th century, the Catholic Church moved All Saints’ Day to November 1st, and the night before became All Hallows’ Eve, which eventually evolved into Halloween. Irish immigrants later carried the tradition to the United States, where it exploded into the mix of costumes, carved pumpkins, and “trick or treat” fun we know today.
Now, Halloween is finding its way back across the Atlantic, not as an import, but as a revival. And in Amsterdam, it’s becoming something uniquely its own: a fusion of gothic charm, artistic flair, and that unmistakable Dutch love for different cultures, art, and experiences.
Halloween Screenings in Amsterdam
Let’s talk about cinema. What matches the Halloween vibe better than an old-school movie theatre, red curtains, dim lights, and that eerie feeling someone might be watching you? Cinema has that perfect spooky charm, so why not highlight the films now lighting up the big screens? Not just the scary ones, but the ones worth ditching the couch for and soaking in that hauntingly good atmosphere.
Bugonia
The Movies- Drama, Mystery, Psychological Thriller
A surreal journey that blends myth, madness, and human transformation, perfect for those who like their Halloween with a dose of cinematic strangeness.
From visionary Lucile Hadžihalilović (Evolution), The Ice Towermixes fairy tale and cinema in a story about a runaway girl trapped inside a surreal film set. Marion Cotillard shines in this hypnotic dream.
Wrong Husband
FilmHallen - Fantasy, Indigenous Cinema, Mythical Drama
An Inuit fairy tale set in 2000 BCE - Spirits, shamans, and lost lovers in the Arctic. Zacharias Kunuk reclaims pre-colonial myths through breathtaking visuals and spiritual storytelling.
Directed by Ari Aster (Midsommar, Hereditary), Eddington is a brutal portrait of a small town unraveling under pressure. Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, and Emma Stone lead this chilling descent into chaos.
A multi-user VR experience exploring sexuality, identity, and transformation. You travel through dreamlike chambers that blur lines between documentary and fantasy, confronting the shadows of desire.
A wild, campy cult classic where a young couple stumbles upon Dr. Frank'N. Furter’s bizarre castle. Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, and Barry Bostwick lead this outrageous musical adventure full of chaos, costumes, and unforgettable songs.
Fifteen years after murdering his sister on Halloween night, Michael Myers escapes a psychiatric hospital and returns to Haddonfield, Illinois, to terrorize the town once again. Directed by John Carpenter and starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Donald Pleasence, this iconic slasher set the standard for Halloween horror and remains a chilling must-watch.
Discover Halloween Cinema with Outhere
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Outhere helps you find film screenings, VR experiences, and cultural events across Amsterdam and the Netherlands. Our app and guides make it easy to see what’s playing, where, and when.
We track a wide variety of screenings so you can plan your Halloween cinema night and more. Use the Outhere app or website to explore the schedule, book tickets, and discover the most interesting film experiences in the city.
