[Review] Universal Studios Singapore’s Halloween Horror Nights 13: A Terrifying Triumph Led by Stranger Things and Asian Horrors

The annual pilgrimage for thrill-seekers in Singapore is back, and the gates to hell have creaked open wider than ever. Universal Studios Singapore’s Halloween Horror Nights 13 promises 18 nights of relentless terror, and this year’s edition delivers a potent mix of blockbuster scares, unsettling original concepts, and a few surprises that lean more into playful fun than pure fear.

Stepping into the all-new Stranger Things haunted house is like walking directly into the show’s most iconic and terrifying moments. Speaking from the perspective of a long-time fan of the Netflix hit series, the attention to detail is staggering, from the eerie, flickering lights of the Starcourt Mall to the visceral, blood-red nightmare of Vecna’s mind lair. You feel like you a character in the series as you navigate shadowy corridors, constantly watching for the menacing reach of the Mind Flayer or the sudden pounce of a Demodog. It is a thrilling immersion into the world of Hawkins that serves as the undeniable highlight for this year.

However, the most memorable chills might just come from closer to home. Singapore’s Most Haunted: Build to Horror scores top marks for featuring localised terror at it’s best, set in a fictional HDB estate. The concept of unsuspecting residents living on a cursed burial ground feels unnervingly plausible, and the haunted house expertly builds a claustrophobic atmosphere of dread. The familiar setting of a local neighbourhood, tainted by dark rituals, proves that the scares you can most easily imagine happening to you are often the most effective.

Another favourite for us is the mind-bending journey through The Unruly Immortals. This haunted house, the event’s first collaboration with a Chinese novel IP, is less about jump scares and more about psychological disorientation. The seamless blending of a grim, ancient cultivation world with the sterile, denying environment of a hospital ward is brilliantly executed. It leaves you questioning your own grip on reality alongside the protagonist, creating a uniquely cerebral and lingering sense of unease that stands apart from the more visceral horrors on offer.

Completing the Asian horror trilogy is Death Whisperer, a recreation of the Thai cinematic hit. It drenches guests in the oppressive atmosphere of rural folklore, from murky swamps to the witch’s twisted hut. The reliance on a vengeful spirit and traditional curses provides a classic horror that fans of the genre will appreciate.

Not every experience aims to shatter your nerves. The Realm of Yokai scare zone, inspired by the Japanese Night Parade of 100 Demons, is a visual spectacle that feels more silly and fun than truly frightening. The elaborate costumes and mythical creatures are impressive, creating a lively, almost celebratory atmosphere that offers a welcome, less intense breather between the high-tension haunted houses.

Similarly, The FEARground offers a diabolical carnival vibe, where the chaotic energy of its twisted carnies provides a different flavour of entertainment.

A new addition this year is the Blumhouse Bar which condenses the terrifying worlds of modern horror classics into a rapid-fire assault. While it can feel a bit like a “greatest hits” compilation compared to the deeper immersion of the other houses, fans will appreciate stepping into the tense, gritty scenes from films like The Black Phone and Insidious, making it a satisfying pit stop for cinephiles craving a taste of contemporary Hollywood horror.

The live shows, like the chaotic game show Dare or Die Live! and the dark fairytale twist of Once Upon a Time…to Die, provide solid, high-energy intervals. While the haunted houses are the main event, these performances ensure there’s never a dull moment throughout the night.

The terror even extends to your taste buds with this year’s spooky eats. Themed food and beverage offerings provide a necessary and often clever respite. While fuelling up, you can chuckle over ghoulishly named treats that add an extra layer of fun to the night. It is these details, from maggot-infested meat to dishes that looks suspiciously like something from a monster’s lab, that round out the immersive experience, making the entire park feel like part of the event.

Overall, Halloween Horror Nights 13 is a brilliantly curated collection of fears. It successfully leverages global IPs like Stranger Things while giving a powerful platform to Asian horror stories, with the local and Chinese offerings being particular highlights.

Universal Studios Singapore’s Halloween Horro Nights 13 is now on at Resorts World Sentosa from now till 1 November on selected nights only. Visit the official website for more details.