Spooky Movies to Watch This Halloween
Halloween is the perfect time to cozy up with your favorite treats and indulge in some thrilling, spooky, and sometimes downright terrifying movies. Whether you’re a fan of heart-pounding horror or prefer more light-hearted Halloween fun, there’s a movie for everyone to get into the Halloween spirit. Grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and check out these spooky movies to watch this Halloween season!
1. Hocus Pocus (1993)
No Halloween movie list is complete without the beloved Disney classic, Hocus Pocus. This family-friendly film follows three resurrected witches from 17th-century Salem, played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, who wreak havoc in modern-day Salem. With humor, magical hijinks, and plenty of spooky charm, Hocus Pocus is a Halloween staple that will make you laugh and get you in the festive mood.
Why Watch: It’s lighthearted, nostalgic, and perfect for all ages. Plus, the Sanderson Sisters are iconic Halloween figures!
2. The Conjuring (2013)
If you’re looking for a movie that will send shivers down your spine, The Conjuring is a must-watch. This supernatural horror film, based on the real-life investigations of paranormal experts Ed and Lorraine Warren, is set in a haunted farmhouse in the 1970s. The film builds tension with eerie visuals and a chilling atmosphere, making it one of the scariest modern horror movies.
Why Watch: With its terrifying jump scares and creepy true-story inspiration, it’s perfect for those looking for serious Halloween scares.
3. Beetlejuice (1988)
Directed by Tim Burton, Beetlejuice is a quirky, gothic comedy that perfectly captures the Halloween vibe. After a young couple dies in a car accident, they find themselves haunting their former home, only to be tormented by the obnoxious, mischievous ghost Beetlejuice. With its offbeat humor, unique visuals, and memorable performances, this film is a cult classic that blends spooky and fun effortlessly.
Why Watch: It’s the perfect mix of comedy, spookiness, and bizarre Tim Burton magic. Plus, who can resist Michael Keaton’s zany performance as Beetlejuice?
4. Hereditary (2018)
Hereditary is one of the most disturbing and critically acclaimed horror films of recent years. The film follows a family grappling with a series of tragic events, but soon they discover their family history holds dark, supernatural secrets. Known for its unsettling atmosphere, shocking twists, and emotional intensity, Hereditary will leave you thinking about it long after the credits roll.
Why Watch: If you’re a fan of psychological horror that gets under your skin, Hereditary is the perfect choice for a terrifying Halloween night.
5. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Is it a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? The Nightmare Before Christmas is both! Directed by Henry Selick and produced by Tim Burton, this stop-motion musical tells the story of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who stumbles into Christmas Town and decides to take over the holiday. With its whimsical, gothic charm, catchy songs, and memorable characters, it’s a must-watch during both Halloween and the holiday season.
Why Watch: It’s a visually stunning film that’s fun for all ages and perfectly captures the magic of both Halloween and Christmas.
6. Scream (1996)
If you’re a fan of slasher flicks with a clever twist, Scream is the ultimate meta-horror movie. Directed by Wes Craven, this film follows a group of high school students terrorized by a masked killer known as Ghostface. Scream not only delivers plenty of jump scares and suspense, but it also pokes fun at horror movie tropes, making it a self-aware classic that redefined the genre.
Why Watch: With its blend of horror and humor, Scream is a perfect choice for fans who love slasher films with a clever edge.
7. The Exorcist (1973)
Considered one of the scariest movies of all time, The Exorcist is a true classic in the horror genre. Based on a true story, the film tells the harrowing tale of a young girl possessed by a demonic force, and the priests who attempt to save her through exorcism. The film’s eerie atmosphere, terrifying special effects, and iconic scenes have earned it a permanent place in horror history.
Why Watch: If you want a timeless, truly terrifying experience this Halloween, The Exorcist will deliver all the chills and thrills you need.
8. Coraline (2009)
Coraline is a visually stunning stop-motion animated film that’s both eerie and enchanting. Based on the novel by Neil Gaiman, the film follows Coraline, a young girl who discovers a hidden door in her new home that leads to an alternate reality where everything seems perfect—until it’s not. The film’s dark and whimsical tone, paired with its creepy “Other Mother,” makes it a perfect Halloween watch for both older children and adults.
Why Watch: With its beautifully crafted visuals and creepy storyline, Coraline is a modern-day Halloween fairy tale.
9. Halloween (1978)
John Carpenter’s Halloween is one of the most influential horror films of all time and the movie that popularized the slasher genre. The story follows Michael Myers, a masked killer who escapes from a mental institution and returns to his hometown to wreak havoc on Halloween night. The tension, music, and suspense make it a quintessential Halloween movie.
Why Watch: If you want to stick to a true classic, Halloween is the ultimate film to watch on October 31st.
10. Practical Magic (1998)
For a more lighthearted, mystical vibe, Practical Magic is a perfect choice. Starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, this romantic fantasy follows two sisters who come from a family of witches cursed to lose the men they love. The film mixes magic, romance, and drama, making it a cozy, witchy movie to enjoy during the Halloween season.
Why Watch: It’s a charming and whimsical take on witchcraft, perfect for those looking for a touch of magic rather than horror.
Whether you’re in the mood for lighthearted Halloween fun, spine-chilling horror, or something in between, these spooky movies offer the perfect lineup for a Halloween movie marathon. So, grab some candy, settle in, and enjoy the thrills, chills, and spooky vibes of these Halloween favorites. Happy watching! 🎃