My Favorite Halloween Movies to Watch During the Spooky Season
Photo credit: Zukovic
Halloween is the perfect time of year to watch your favorite spooky films. There’s literally a movie for everyone to get into the Halloween spirit. Here are some of my personal favorite Halloween movies that have stood the test of time, bringing laughs and nostalgia to audiences year after year!
1. Halloween (1978)
John Carpenter’s Halloween is the quintessential slasher film that started the craze for masked killers terrorizing suburban neighborhoods. The film follows Michael Myers, an escaped mental patient, as he stalks babysitter, Laurie Strode, on Halloween night. Its minimalistic score and relentless tension have cemented it as a must-watch every October and the holiday doesn’t feel complete without it! My personal favorite of the entire Halloween franchise is Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988). Set ten years after his original massacre, Michael Myers awakens on Halloween Eve and returns to Haddonfield to hunt down his seven-year-old niece. The acting in this film perfectly complements the eerie atmosphere of the spooky season.
2. Hocus Pocus (1993)
Hocus Pocus is a Halloween favorite because it perfectly blends magic, humor, and nostalgia, making it enjoyable for all ages. The dynamic performances by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy bring the Sanderson sisters to life with a quirky and lovable charm. Its catchy musical numbers, timeless humor, and Halloween aesthetic have helped it grow into a cult classic, making it a go-to seasonal favorite.
3. I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)
This classic 90s slasher film follows a group of teenagers who are hunted down by a mysterious figure one year after covering up an accidental death. With its suspenseful twists, I Know What You Did Last Summer is a great horror movie that’s perfect for Halloween nights filled with scares. I watch this movie year round but it’s also a great movie to add to your Halloween watchlist!
4. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Tim Burton’s stop-motion masterpiece, The Nightmare Before Christmas, is a magnificent blend of Halloween and Christmas. The film follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who grows tired of the spooky routine and decides to take over Christmas. The stunning animation and catchy songs have made it a beloved holiday crossover film to get you hooked on the holiday spirit!
5. Scream (1996)
Wes Craven’s Scream reinvented the slasher genre with its meta-horror approach. The film blends traditional horror tropes with self-aware humor, following a group of high school students being stalked by a masked killer. Scream remains a staple of modern horror and a popular choice for Halloween. Any movie from the franchise will do, however, I always recommend the original no matter what.
6. Beetlejuice (1988)
Beetlejuice is a quirky and visually imaginative comedy that’s perfect for Halloween. Directed by Tim Burton, the film follows a recently deceased couple who hire a mischievous ghost to scare away the new inhabitants of their home. With its eccentric characters and dark humor, Beetlejuice is a cult classic that balances creepy and comical. I haven’t watched the second film, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024), yet but I’m hoping it reaches my expectations.
7. Girl vs. Monster (2012)
For fans of Disney Channel original movies, Girl vs. Monster is another family-friendly Halloween adventure. The film is about a fearless teenage girl who discovers that her parents are monster hunters and must face off against a powerful creature on Halloween night. The movie’s mix of the supernatural and teen drama makes it a fun choice for younger audiences.
8. The Addams Family (1991)
The Addams Family is a darkly humorous film about a gothic family who relishes all things macabre. With its quirky characters and spooky mansion, the film is a fun and charming choice for Halloween. Its witty dialogue and eccentric style have earned it a permanent place as a classic in pop culture!
9. Twitches (2005)
Twitches is another Disney Channel favorite of mine that combines magic, sisterhood, and Halloween fun. Starring Tia and Tamera Mowry, the film follows twin sisters who discover they are witches separated at birth and must come together to save their magical kingdom from darkness. Its magical feel-good vibes make it a light festive choice for Halloween!
10. Coraline (2009)
Coraline, based on Neil Gaiman’s novella, is a beautifully animated stop-motion film that is wonderful for both kids and adults looking for something spooky yet imaginative. The story follows a young neglected girl, Coraline, who discovers a perfect parallel world that seems too good to be true. Its eerie tone and creative visuals make it a Halloween favorite. I love this film so much and can never stop raving about it to close friends!
11. Jennifer’s Body (2009)
Jennifer’s Body is a darkly comedic horror film, starring Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried, that centers on a high school girl possessed by a demonic force turning her into a killer who preys on her male classmates. The film blends sharp wit, horror, and a feminist twist, making it stand out from the traditional slasher movie. As one of my Halloween favorites, Jennifer’s Body gives a unique mix of scares and satire that is perfect for the spooky season.
12. Jeepers Creepers (2001)
I obviously saved the best for last with Jeepers Creepers (2001). A horror-thriller about two siblings who accidentally uncover a terrifying ancient creature while on a road trip through the countryside. The film is known for its suspenseful pacing, eerie atmosphere, and the menacing Creeper that relentlessly hunts its victims.
As my favorite film ever, Jeepers Creepers perfectly captures the sense of dread and mystery I love during the spooky season, keeping me on edge every time I watch it. Jeepers Creepers 2 (2003) is also worth the watch because it’s my sibling’s favorite, but the first one is incredible!
These Halloween movies have proven to be timeless classics offering something for every type of viewer. Whether you’re looking for true terror, family fun, or a mix of both, this list is bound to get you invested in the holiday spirit!
