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It’s Halloween and no spooky season is complete without at least one on-brand movie, if not an entire marathon.
Whether it’s viewing not-so-scary flicks with the kids like “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” or nail-biters like “Friday the 13th,” it’s the perfect time of year to crawl under the blankets and watch classic Halloween movies.
If you’ve set aside a weekend to fit in all your favorites, allow us to add a few to your list. Because much like a perfectly-curated Halloween songs playlist, the right collection of flicks can make or break the whole experience.
Whether you’re searching for a fang-tastic vampire flick or an eerie ghost story, there’s a little something here for everyone.
Looking for something witchy? There’s “Practical Magic,” along with “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” Fans of classic ‘80s and ‘90s Halloween movies will rejoice to learn that perennial favorites “Beetlejuice” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” also make the cut.
Of course, you’ll also find slasher films, family fare and plenty more.
So, grab a bowl of popcorn and prepare to get your spooky on because these Halloween movies are guaranteed to deliver the ultimate fright night.
‘Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice’ (2024)
Michael Keaton, Catherine O’Hara and Winona Ryder are joined by Jenna Ortega in this sequel to Tim Burton’s 1988 classic, “Beetlejuice.” Campy, silly, and just plain fun, “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice” is a must-watch this season.
‘The Mummy’ (1999)
It doesn’t get any better than Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz in “The Mummy.” This 1999 classic has all the ingredients necessary for the perfect Halloween flick. There’s romance, mystery, adventure and one super-scary mummy. This one is not to be missed.
‘The Witch’ (2015)
Anya Taylor-Joy stars in this truly terrifying film about a 1600s Puritan family who discovers that an evil witch shares the dark, forbidding New England woods they call home. Fair warning: This horror film isn’t for the kids.
‘Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit’ (2005)
An annual vegetable competition prompts Wallace and Gromit to start “Anti-Pesto,” a new business that helps control pests so locals can protect their prized veggies. In the process, however, they uncover a mystery and a rabbit monster who’s terrorizing the townsfolk. This hilarious Halloween classic is fun for the whole family.
‘The Witches’ (1990)
A young boy faces off against a group of witches who are plotting to rid England of all its children. Anjelica Huston and Rowan Atkinson star in this 1990 adaptation of Roald Dahl’s novel by the same name.
‘Hotel Transylvania’ (2012)
Things are status quo at Hotel Transylvania, an exclusive vacation getaway for monsters. That is, of course, until Dracula throws a birthday party for his daughter, which leads to a human (GASP) discovering the secret destination. After that, nothing is the same again. Adam Sandler and Kevin James star in this family-friendly animated adventure.
‘Frankenweenie’ (2012)
When a young Victor Frankenstein’s beloved dog Sparky dies, he’ll do anything to bring Sparky back — including taking on a risky science experiment. This Tim Burton-directed flick is the perfect mix of scary and sweet.
‘Goosebumps’ (2015)
If you grew up reading R. L. Stine’s classic “Goosebumps” books, this movie will be right up your (dark, scary) alley. The “Goosebumps” movie features some of Stine’s most beloved monsters, as well as plenty of comedy (and a little romance) too.
‘Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror’ (1922)
It doesn’t get more classic than this 1922 silent movie. Widely considered a masterpiece of early horror films, “Nosferatu” is an early (and unauthorized) adaptation of Bram Stoker’s quintessential vampire novel “Dracula.” Over 100 years after its original release, “Nosferatu” is getting a modern update in a new adaptation directed by Robert Eggers that’s set to hit theaters in December 2024.
‘Corpse Bride’ (2005)
Another Tim Burton classic, “Corpse Bride” is the story of Victor, a young man who accidentally proposes to a ghostly bride. The ghost, Emily, who was murdered on her own wedding night, spirits him away to the Land of the Dead as her prospective groom.
‘Halloween’ (1978)
In the serial-killer movie that started them all, Jamie Lee Curtis stars as Laurie Strode, babysitter extraordinaire and survivor of Michael Myers’ 1978 murderous Halloween spree in Haddonfield, Illinois. Start here, then follow it up by watching 40 years of sequels before wrapping up the franchise with 2022 finale “Halloween Ends.”
‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ (1993)
Tim Burton’s 1993 classic features Jack Skellington (Danny Elfman and Chris Sarandon), the king of Halloween Town, who discovers Christmas then inadvertently kidnaps the holiday’s jolly mascot with the help of Lock, Stock and Barrel. Halloween’s most popular anthem, “This is Halloween” comes from this classic film.
‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ (1966)
This 1966 “Peanuts” classic is pure nostalgia. Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Snoopy and the rest of the gang celebrate Halloween by trick-or-treating, hosting a Halloween party and waiting for the Great Pumpkin to rise out of the pumpkin patch.
‘Hocus Pocus’ (1993)
“Hocus Pocus” was beloved when it was first released in the early 1990s and has only risen in popularity since then. The Salem-set movie follows three witches awakened from slumber by unwitting children. Now, they’re desperate to reclaim their youth.
‘Hocus Pocus 2’ (2022)
A movie so nice, you’ll want to watch it twice! Nearly three decades after the first movie premiered, the Sanderson sisters return for more mischief in “Hocus Pocus 2.” The sequel delves into the Sanderson sisters’ backstory while bringing the terrifying trio into the modern world. Legend has it that Disney is working on another movie, so keep an eye out for “Hocus Pocus 3.”
‘The Addams Family’ (1991)
“The Addams Family” is a macabre yet kid-friendly watch. Once a popular TV show in the ‘60s, the ghoulish family was introduced to a new audience in this 1991 movie. Starring Anjelica Huston and Raul Julia, this film is a classic right along with its enduring theme song, finger snaps and all.
‘Scary Movie’ (2000)
What better way to kick off a scary movie marathon than by watching “Scary Movie?” This Keenen Ivory Wayans classic pokes fun at serial-killer movies like “Scream,” “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” “Friday the 13th,” and other classics.
‘The Shining’ (1980)
If you’ve seen this classic flick directed by Stanley Kubrick, and starring Jack Nicholson, you understand why we put this movie on our list. Between the evil twins, the hallway flooded with blood and Jack Nicholson saying, “Here’s Johnny!” this is a thriller you won’t want to miss. Consider it essential to any Halloween movie rundown.
‘Haunted Mansion’ (2023)
What’s more Halloween-y than a haunted mansion? Nothing, that’s what. Taking a page from the Disney ride by the same name, this 2023 movie stars LaKeith Stanfield and Rosario Dawson who attempt to rid a house of its ghostly inhabitants. Read on to find out about the 2003 version by the same name featuring comedian Eddie Murphy.
‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ (2001)
The movie that started them all, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” brings J.K. Rowling’s best-seller to life and what better film to celebrate the spooky season? Featuring witches, sorcery and fan favorites Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson), this spellbinding classic is what Halloween is all about.
‘The Craft’ (1996)
Four high schoolers delve into witchcraft and in the process discover their dark talents. As their abilities grow, so does their rivalry. In the end, the girls conjure up way more than they bargained for. Robin Tunney, Neve Campbell, Fairuza Balk and Rachel True star in this witchy thriller.
‘Alien’ (1979)
Aliens are scary business, especially when you don’t know whose body they’re hiding in. Sigourney Weaver stars as Ripley, an astronaut battling a shape-shifting stowaway in deep space. The tag line “In space, no one can hear you scream” sums this scary movie up perfectly.
‘Night of the Living Dead’ (1968)
More than 55 years since this iconic George Romero horror film was released, it’s still as scary as it was back then. Shot in black and white, “Night of the Living Dead” was eventually colorized, though the original version is arguably more terrifying. Either way, this movie is a precursor to every zombie flick that’s been made since.
‘Trick ‘r Treat’ (2007)
Despite the title, these tricks aren’t for the kids. But if you’re in the market for a few adult-grade scares, then “Trick or Treat” needs to be on your list. Starring Anna Paquin (“True Blood”) and “Succession” star, Brian Cox, “Trick ‘r Treat” hands out screams instead of candy. What more could you ask for?
‘Creepshow’ (1982)
What do you get you pair horror writer Stephen King with “Night of the Living Dead” director George Romero? This 1982 movie that features a series of vignettes, each creepier than the next. Whether it’s a farmer being taken over by an alien fungus or a grisly Father’s Day party (Where’s my cake?), “Creepshow” is funny, scary and best for adults since it includes a serious dose of gore.
‘The Haunted Mansion’ (2003)
Disney’s famous spooky ride gets a big-screen makeover in the 2003 movie “The Haunted Mansion.” Starring Eddie Murphy, Marsha Thomason and Jennifer Tilly, the story revolves around a self-involved realtor who drags his wife and kids to view a creepy old house instead of taking them on a promised vacation. Once they arrive, they discover the supernatural occupants of the mansion want them to stay on … forever.
‘Addams Family Values’ (1993)
The sequel to the 1991 hit movie “The Addams Family” is just as much fun as the original (which you’ll find a bit further down the list). Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd and Christina Ricci reprise their roles as the creepy, kooky and altogether ooky, Morticia, Gomez, Wednesday and Uncle Fester and face off against a new nanny (Joan Cusack) who’s got sinister plans for the spooky family.
‘Psycho’ (1960)
If you’re scared to shower after watching this classic movie, we don’t blame you. “Psycho,” directed by Alfred Hitchcock, epitomizes nostalgic psychological thrillers, making this a perfect movie to get you in the mood for spooky season.
‘Us’ (2019)
Jordan Peele certainly knows how to get audiences on the edge of their seats — and his 2019 smash movie “Us” is no exception. This horror flick, starring Lupita Nyong’o, poses an intriguing question — what if there was another version of you existing somewhere in the world? In “Us,” there is — and the “others” (who call themselves “the tethered” in the movie) are out for blood.
‘Midsommar’ (2019)
Ari Aster directs “Midsommar,” an unexpectedly chilling movie about a Midsommar festival in Sweden. When Dani’s (Florence Pugh) family dies, she seeks refuge through her boyfriend and his friends, and they retreat to Sweden for Midsommar, per the invite of a friend. Sounds nice, right? Wrong. Watch this absolutely;y insane flick to find out why.
‘Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark’ (2019)
If you grew up enjoying the scary stories your older family members or friends would tell you, you’ll definitely enjoy this movie. It compiles a collection of short, yet chilling tales that are sure to send shivers up your spine this Halloween (or any time, really.)
‘The Invisible Man’ (2020)
Elizabeth Moss stars in this modern horror movie about one of the scariest things of all time: an ex-boyfriend. Just kidding — but actually, this movie really is about her seemingly deceased ex-boyfriend who appears to be terrorizing her from beyond, which is pretty much the scariest thing we’ve ever heard. This one really is freaky though, so don’t take it lightly.
‘Ready or Not’ (2019)
Sometimes, love is worthy of a rom-com. And sometimes it’s worthy of a horror story. A young bride, played by Samara Weaving, learns that her in-laws are of the monster variety when she’s invited to play a dangerous game of hide and seek on her wedding night.
‘Casper’ (1995)
And now, for something family-friendly. A young girl (Christina Ricci) befriends the ghost — the friendly ghost — living in her house.
‘The Exorcist’ (1973)
Maybe Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair) is having a bad day … or maybe she’s possessed. Two priests are summoned to exorcise the young girl, who had been so normal just days prior, in this acclaimed movie on the border of the divine and the horrifying.
‘Candyman’ (2021)
Nia Da Costa directed the sequel to the 1992 film “Candyman,” with Yahya Abdul-Mateen II playing an artist who becomes intrigued by the urban legend of the Candyman, and ends up summoning a force laden with history and violence. Watch the reboot or check out the original starring Virginia Madsen and Xander Berkeley.
‘Practical Magic’ (1998)
In this movie based on a novel by Alice Hoffman, two sisters (Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman) have both perks of being witches (powers!) and the drawbacks (a family curse that destins any man they love to death). Is it possible to have it all?
‘Get Out’ (2017)
A guy (Daniel Kaluuya) goes to visit his girlfriend’s (Allison Williams) parents, nervous, but thinking it’ll be a standard visit. What happens next is anything but. Jordan Peele’s film has become a modern classic, just as much a meditation on race relations in the U.S. as a movie in conversation with the horror genre.
‘Annabelle’ (2014)
We’re just going to tell you not to watch Annabelle if you’re afraid of dolls — even a little bit afraid of dolls. Part of the “Conjuring” movie universe, this film sees paranormal hunters Ed and Lorraine Warren investigating a doll locked in an occult museum, and all its sordid capabilities.
‘The Silence of the Lambs’ (1991)
Yes, many of the movies on this list involves supernatural beings, like ghosts — but often humans are the scariest villains of all. A staple in the serial killer movie genre, “The Silence of the Lambs” is the only horror movie to have received the Academy Award for Best Picture.
‘Hereditary’ (2018)
As the title suggests, much of “Hereditary” is about what we inherit. Some families pass down blue eyes — the family in “Hereditary” may pass down something like bad luck. Brace yourself for a jump scare or two, and a haunting performance from Toni Collette that lingers like grief.
‘The Ring’ (2002)
If you’re browsing to find a movie to watch with a group of people and talk out loud at the screen as it unfolds, then you have arrived at a very good option. A remake of a Japanese film, “The Ring” is one of the scarier flicks on this list. In it, characters are condemned to die after watching a cursed videotape. You’ll probably never want to be near a VCR player again.
‘Scream’ (1996)
“Scream” is both a satire of the slasher film genre and a terrifying slasher film. High school student Sidney Prescott (Campbell) and her friends are terrorized by a masked killer. Jump scare after jump scare, the movie worked well enough to inspire multiple sequels including one that came out in 2022.
‘Halloweentown’ (1998)
Are you tempted to keep up your Halloween decor year round? If so, this Disney Channel original movie probably speaks to you. Debbie Reynolds stars as Aggie Cromwell, grandmother to Marnie Piper (Kimberly J. Brown), a pre-teen who discovers she has ties to an enchanted town where Halloween creatures are real.
‘Child’s Play’ (1988)
A list of Halloween movies certainly wouldn’t be complete without a mention of our favorite (or least favorite?) scary doll, Chucky. This 1980s horror film definitely has its fair share of gruesome and gory moments — so beware.
‘Beetlejuice’ (1988)
This classic Halloween flick is weird, wonderful and a right of passage Halloween movie to boot. You also will be singing “shake, shake, shake, señora” all day long after viewing. No, we will not elaborate.
‘Friday the 13th’ (1980)
This is another Halloween film that just oozes nostalgia. If you’re looking for a gory slasher film to watch with a group of friends that’ll leave you screaming at jump scares (thanks to Mr. Jason Voorhees himself), pick this one.
‘The Amityville Horror’ (1979)
Ah, yes: The classic trope of “house is haunted by a former tenant who was possessed by the devil and a priest comes in to exorcise the spirit.” This 1979 movie and its 2005 remake put a supernatural twist on real crimes that happened in the New York house.
‘Carrie’ (1976)
Have you ever had a full vat of pig’s blood dropped on you at a school dance? No? Carrie (the main character of this classic movie based on the Stephen King novel, played by Sissy Spacey) has. We promise you don’t want to miss this movie during spooky season.
‘Coraline’ (2009)
“Coraline” is about the stark divide between the world of children and adults and what happens when adults lose their imagination. It’s also about people with buttons for eyes. Bored in her new house, Coraline goes through a secret door and meets her “other mother,” who is nurturing, caring and thoughtful — and not quite right.
‘Sleepy Hollow’ (1999)
“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” was originally a story by Washington Irving. Then, director Tim Burton reimagined the classic Gothic story for this film, which sees Ichabod Crane (Johnny Depp) as a rational doctor who certainly doesn’t believe in legends like the Headless Horseman.
‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ (1975)
Do the time warp again and again. While “Rocky Horror” is best enjoyed in a movie theater, this cult classic also makes for fun movie night fare, especially when viewed with other fans. Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon) stop by Frank-N-Furter’s (Tim Curry) mansion for help after they get a flat tire, and end up drawn into the mysterious man’s world of song and strange experiments.
‘It’ (2017 and 2019)
If you’re not already afraid of clowns, get ready to be. This classic Stephen King novel features a millennia-old antagonist who adopts the guise of a clown to scare the children of Derry, Maine every 27 years. The preteen members of the Losers Club do the impossible by beating Pennywise the Clown, but must return years later to do it all again.
‘A Quiet Place’ (2018)
“A Quiet Place” and its sequel are set in a world taken over by alien creatures that hunt by sound. Using ASL, the Abbott family manages to survive in silence but their tenuous peace is threatened when Evelyn (Emily Blunt) becomes pregnant. A collaboration between real-life husband and wife, Emily Blunt and John Krasinski, “A Quiet Place” is a movie about the lengths we go to for love.
‘Paranormal Activity’ (2007)
If you’re looking for a movie marathon, consider this franchise. “Paranormal Activity” and all of its green-tinged movies that follow are great to watch if you crave jump scares and ghost activity. There are lots of both.
‘Poltergeist’ (1982)
If ghost movies are your thing, then add this classic, written by Steven Spielberg, to the list. The Freelings begin to hear messages from the beyond through their television set.
‘The Blair Witch Project’ (1999)
“The Blair Witch Project” is filmed in a way that will make you wonder: Is this real? Three young filmmakers attempt to find a local legend the Blair Witch in the woods.
‘The Conjuring’ (2013)
Instead of calling the Ghostbusters, try calling Ed and Lorraine Warren, paranormal investigators. The characters in the extended “Conjuring” universe turn to Ed and Lorraine’s abilities to investigate the sounds and spooks in their creaky New England homes.
‘Nightmare on Elm Street’ (1984)
The effects may seem a bit dated in this classic Halloween film, released in 1984. But the concept is evergreen in its creepiness. Freddie Krueger preys on people in their dreams.
‘Young Frankenstein’ (1974)
Exchange scares for silliness with this Mel Brooks movie, which stars Gene Wilder as Dr. Frankenstein looking to create his own monster. Nothing, of course, goes to plan. Also, it’s pronounced “Fronkensteen.”
‘Bram Stoker’s Dracula’ (1992)
You know the drill with this one — “he’s come to drink your blood” and all that. Except, this time, he’s in love! This movie, starring Winona Ryder and Gary Oldman and directed by Francis Ford Coppola, exudes macabre vibes without being too scary.
‘The Haunting’ (1999)
In this haunted house movie based on a novel by Shirley Jackson, Liam Neeson plays a professor studying fear — yes, apparently that’s a job. He has been conducting research in a mansion called Hill House, and along with three of his students, learns he’s not alone in the house. Talk about case work!
‘Ghostbusters’ (1984)
Who you gonna call? Your friends — to come over and watch this unmistakable 80s movie, filled with ghost fighting and lots of great music.
‘Edward Scissorhands’ (1990)
We couldn’t possibly compile a list of Halloween movies without mention of our favorite scissor-handed dude, Edward Scissorhands himself. This Tim Burton movie, like many Tim Burton movies, has a bit of a following for the creepy-but-not-scary vibes Johnny Depp brings to the titular role.
‘The Witches’ (2020)
Like the 1990 movie before it, this 2020 film is a riff on Roald Dahl’s children’s book (though it’s scary enough to spook adults). A boy and his grandmother (Octavia Spencer) are deceived by a clan of cunning witches.
‘Hubie Halloween’ (2020)
This 2020 movie about Hubie Dubois (Adam Sandler), a good-hearted numbskull who protects his hometown of Salem, Massachusetts from those with ulterior motives, is silly fun for Halloween-lovers who don’t take the holiday too seriously. Full of mature gags and zany hijinks, “Hubie Halloween” is best suited for older kids and adults.
‘An American Werewolf in London’ (1981)
It’s not Halloween without at least one werewolf flick. This 1981 classic is gruesome, scary and seriously good fun. Written and directed by John Landis, its groundbreaking special effects, at the time, were the inspiration for Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video, which Landis directed and co-wrote with Jackson in 1983.
