30 Must-Watch Halloween Movies!
Halloween is just around the corner, and that means it’s time for spooky movie marathons! There’s something magical about curling up with your favourite blanket, lighting a fall-scented candle, maybe mixing up a spooky cocktail (or two!), and diving into the best must-watch Halloween movies. Whether you’re in the mood for a terrifying thriller, a laugh-out-loud comedy, or even a spooky romance, this list has you covered.
I’ve handpicked 30 of the best Halloween movies that are perfect for any Halloween mood. You’ll find everything from classics to modern favourites. The best part? I’ve included where you can stream each one, so you can get your Halloween binge on as soon as possible. Let’s dive into this list of must-watch Halloween movies that are guaranteed to make your spooky season complete!
Classic Halloween Favourites
1. Hocus Pocus (1993)
Streaming on: Disney +
If you’re planning a night of must-watch Halloween movies, Hocus Pocus should be at the top of your list. This movie is the ultimate Halloween classic that follows three witches- played hilariously by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy- who are resurrected in modern-day Salem. The combination of humour, magic, and nostalgia makes this the perfect movie to tick off your spooky season. Hocus Pocus is one of those movies that instantly transports you to Halloween Night, no matter when you watch it!
2. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Streaming on: Disney +
Is it a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? Honestly, it’s both! Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is essential for your Halloween watchlist. The film follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, who’s grown tired of Halloween and decides to take over Christmas. The eerie yet whimsical atmosphere, paired with the unforgettable songs, makes this a must-watch Halloween movie for any spooky movie marathon!
3. Beetlejuice (1988)
Streaming on: Prime Video, Max
Beetlejuice is the perfect blend of quirky and spooky, making it one of my favourite Halloween movies to watch. This Tim Burton classic follows a recently deceased couple who haunt their old home and enlist the help of a wild spirit named Beetlejuice. Michael Keaton’s performance as Beetlejuice is hilarious and chaotic, and the movie’s unique visual style adds to its charm. It’s fun, a little spooky, and definitely a Halloween must-watch!
4. Halloweentown (1998)
Streaming on: Disney+
If you’re looking for something light-hearted and nostalgic, Halloweentown is a great choice. This Disney Channel original movie follows Marnie, a young girl who learns she’s a witch and travels to the magical Halloweentown, where it’s Halloween all year long. It’s a fun, family-friendly movie that captures the spirit of Halloween and is always a feel-good pick for the season.
5. Practical Magic (1998)
Streaming on: Max, Prime Video
Want a bit of romance with your witches? Practical Magic tells the story of two witch sisters (Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman) who must deal with a family curse that affects their love lives. It’s the perfect blend of magic, love, and a bit of spooky mystery, making it a great addition to any Halloween movie binge. This film is cozy, witchy, and perfect for a crisp fall night.
Horror-Comedy Fun
6. Ghostbusters (1984)
Streaming on: Prime Video, Max
For a fun mix of supernatural thrills and laughs, Ghostbusters is a must-watch. This iconic film follows a group of scientists who start a ghost-catching business in New York City, battling everything from slimy ghosts to giant marshmallow men. It’s the perfect blend of action, comedy, and paranormal fun, making it an ideal pick for a lighter Halloween movie night.
7. Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Streaming on: Peacock
If you love a good zombie movie but also want some humour, Shaun of the Dead is the perfect choice. This British horror-comedy follows Shaun, an average guy trying to survive a zombie apocalypse. The movie manages to be both hilarious and heartfelt while still delivering plenty of zombie action. It’s a clever and funny spin on the zombie genre, making it a must for any Halloween movie marathon.
8. Scary Movie (2000)
Streaming on: Netflix
If you want to laugh at some classic horror movie tropes, Scary Movie is the film for you! This parody pokes fun at slasher films like Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer, delivering absurd humour and over-the-top gags. It’s a fun, light-hearted choice when you’re in the mood to laugh rather than scream.
9. Zombieland (2009)
Streaming on: Hulu
Zombieland is another perfect blend of humour and horror, following a group of survivors navigating a post-apocalyptic world filled with zombies. With its sharp dialogue, over-the-top action, and lovable characters, Zombieland is the kind of movie that’s both entertaining and spooky. It’s a great choice for when you want zombie fun without the hardcore scares.
10. Casper (1995)
Streaming on: Peacock
Who doesn’t love Casper, the friendly ghost? This sweet, heartwarming movie is a perfect family-friendly pick for Halloween. It follows Casper, a lonely ghost who tries to befriend a young girl who moves into his haunted mansion. It’s a cute, feel-good movie with just enough spooky vibes to make it a great addition to your Halloween movie list.
Spooky Family Fun
11. The Addams Family (1991)
Streaming on: Prime Video, Paramount+
The creepy and kooky Addams family is always a Halloween favourite. This 1991 film perfectly captures the bizarre and darkly humorous nature of the iconic family as they deal with an imposter trying to steal their fortune. It’s full of quirky characters, laughs, and plenty of Halloween vibes, making it a great pick for a spooky family movie night.
12. Coraline (2009)
Streaming on: Peacock
Coraline might be animated, but don’t let that fool you- it’s incredibly creepy. This dark fantasy film tells the story of a young girl who discovers an alternate version of her life through a secret door in her new home. But this “other” world is more sinister than it seems. The eerie atmosphere and unique animation style make Coraline an excellent choice for anyone looking for a spooky, magical story.
13. Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Streaming on: Disney+
Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands is a beautiful blend of gothic fairy tale and romance, making it a great Halloween pick. The movie follows Edward, an artificial man with scissors for hands, as he tries to fit into the world around him. It’s a heartwarming yet haunting story about love, loneliness, and acceptance, and the film’s gothic aesthetic makes it a perfect fit for the Halloween season.
14. Corpse Bride (2005)
Streaming on: Prime Video, Max
Another Tim Burton favourite, Corpse Bride is a stunning stop-motion film that tells the story of a man who accidentally proposes to a dead woman and is whisked away to the Land of the Dead. The movie is darkly charming and beautifully animated, with a story that’s equal parts spooky and sweet. It’s a fantastic Halloween pick for anyone who loves a good gothic romance.
Scary and Spine-Tingling
15. Halloween (1978)
Streaming on: Prime Video, Max
No Halloween movie marathon would be complete without the original Halloween. This 1978 slasher film introduced the world to Michael Myers, a masked killer who terrorizes a small town on Halloween night. The movie is a masterclass in suspense and atmosphere, and it remains one of the most iconic horror films of all time. If you’re looking for a classic scary movie to get your heart racing, this is it!
16. Scream (1996)
Streaming on: Paramount+
Scream reinvented the slasher game with its clever, self-aware humour and terrifying moments. The film follows a group of high school students who are being hunted by a masked killer. What makes Scream so fun is that it pokes fun at the clichés of horror films while still delivering plenty of scares. It’s the perfect pick for a spooky movie night with friends.
17. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Streaming on: Max
Freddy Krueger is one of the most iconic horror villains, and A Nightmare on Elm Street is where it all started. The movie follows a group of teenagers who are haunted by Freddy in their dreams, with terrifying results. The concept of being attacked in your sleep is chilling, and the movie is full of eerie, unforgettable moments that make it a must-watch for horror fans.
18. The Exorcist (1973)
Streaming on: Max
The Exorcist is often regarded as one of the scariest movies ever made, and for good reason. The film tells the story of a young girl possessed by a demon and the two priests who try to save her. It’s full of disturbing, unforgettable scenes that will stick with you long after the credits roll. If you’re looking for a movie that will truly terrify you, The Exorcist is the one to watch.
19. The Shining (1980)
Streaming on: Max, Prime Video
Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining is a psychological horror masterpiece. The movie follows Jack Torrance, a writer who becomes the caretaker of a remote hotel and slowly descends into madness, driven by the hotel’s dark forces. Jack Nicholson’s performance is iconic, and the film’s eerie, atmospheric setting makes it a perfect Halloween watch.
20. Hereditary (2018)
Streaming on: Max, Prime Video
Hereditary is one of the most unsettling horror films of the past decade. The movie follows a family grappling with the death of their grandmother, only to uncover dark secrets and supernatural forces. The film is a slow burn, with tension that builds to a terrifying climax. It’s the kind of movie that gets under your skin, making it a great pick for anyone who loves a deeply unsettling scare.
Thrillers and Psychological Horrors
21. The Witch (2015)
Streaming on: Peacock
The Witch is a slow-burn horror film set in 1630s New England, following a family that begins to unravel as they suspect one of their own of being a witch. The film is deeply atmospheric, with a sense of dread that builds throughout. If you’re in the mood for a more psychological and eerie Halloween movie, The Witch is a must-watch.
22. Get Out (2017)
Streaming on: Peacock
Jordan Peele’s Get Out is a brilliant blend of social commentary and horror. The film follows Chris, a young black man who visits his white girlfriend’s family for the weekend, only to uncover sinister secrets. It’s a tense, thought-provoking movie that will have you on the edge of your seat, and it’s an essential watch for modern horror fans.
23. The Sixth Sense (1999)
Streaming on: Prime Video
“I see dead people.” Even if you’ve never seen The Sixth Sense, you’ve probably heard this iconic line. The movie follows a young boy who can see ghosts, and the child psychologist who tries to help him. The film is full of eerie, suspenseful moments, and the famous twist ending makes it a must-watch Halloween movie!
24. Donnie Darko (2001)
Streaming on: Max
Donnie Darko is a cult classic psychological thriller set around Halloween. The film follows Donnie, a troubled teen who starts having visions of a creepy rabbit named Frank, who leads him down a dark and mysterious path. It’s a mind-bending movie that mixes horror, time travel, and dark humour, making it a perfect pick for those who like their Halloween movies with a little extra depth.
25. The Others (2001)
Streaming on: Prime Video, Max
This atmospheric ghost story follows a woman (Nicole Kidman) living in a remote house with her children, who begin to suspect that they’re not alone. The Others is full of suspense and has one of the best twist endings of any ghost movie. It’s a slow-burn thriller with plenty of eerie moments, perfect for a quiet Halloween night.
Spooky Romance
26. Warm Bodies (2013)
Streaming on: Hulu
If you’re in the mood for a zombie movie with a romantic twist, Warm Bodies is the perfect choice. The movie follows R, a zombie who starts to regain his humanity after falling in love with a living girl named Julie. It’s a surprisingly sweet and heartwarming story, with plenty of zombie action to keep things spooky. It’s a unique take on the zombie genre that blends romance and horror in a fun way.
27. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Streaming on: Hulu
This cult classic is the ultimate Halloween party movie. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a wild, outrageous musical that follows a couple who stumble upon a strange mansion and meet its eccentric residents. It’s packed with catchy songs, outrageous costumes, and plenty of spooky fun. If you’re in the mood for something weird and wonderful, this is definitely one of those must-watch Halloween movies.
28. Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Streaming on: Max
Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hallow brings Washington Irving’s classic story to life with a dark, gothic twist. The movie follows Ichabod Crane, a police constable sent to investigate a series of murders committed by the legendary Headless Horseman. The film’s creepy atmosphere, combined with Burton’s signature visual style, makes it a perfect Halloween pick.
Modern Chills and New Favourites
29. It (2017)
Streaming on: Max
This modern adaptation of Steven King’s It is one of the scariest films in recent years. The movie follows a group of kids, known as The Losers’ Club, as they band together to face the terrifying clown, Pennywise. The film is full of heart-pounding scares and intense moments, but it’s also a heartfelt coming-of-age story about friendship and courage. If you’re in the mood for a truly terrifying experience, It is one of the best must-watch Halloween movies!
30. The Conjuring (2013)
Streaming on: Max
The Conjuring is based on the real-life experiences of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. The movie follows the Warrens as they help a family plagued by a dark presence in their home. The film is full of tension and spine-tingling scares, making it one of the best modern horror films for a truly spooky night in.
With these 30 must-watch Halloween movies, you’ll have no shortage of options for every Halloween mood! Whether you’re looking for a classic scare, a laugh-out-loud comedy, or something spooky with a romantic twist, this list has it all. What’s your go-to Halloween movie from the list? Let me know in the comments, and happy watching!
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