If you ask me, Halloween isn’t complete without the perfect lineup of spooky movies. Whether you’re into creepy classics, nostalgic throwbacks, or full-on nightmare fuel, there’s something magical about curling up with a good scare (or a not-so-scary comfort film) once October hits. I did some serious digging to pull together the movies people keep coming back to every October – creepy, nostalgic, and everything in between. So if you’re building your October movie calendar or just need something to throw on Halloween night, this list has you covered.
What Are The Best Halloween Movies To Watch?
Halloween Must-Watch Core Films
- Halloween (1978) – A true Halloween night staple. Almost every thread mentions this as a yearly must-watch.
- Trick ‘r Treat (2007) – Universally loved for nailing the Halloween spirit. Costumes, candy, spooky streets – it’s the Halloween vibe in movie form.
- The Nightmare Before Christmas – Great for both Halloween and November 1. A go-to for the transition from spooky season to holiday mode.
- Sleepy Hollow – A fan favorite for Halloween Eve. Multiple users described it as a tradition, especially for its mood and visuals.
- Hocus Pocus – Total millennial comfort movie. Nostalgic, funny, and endlessly rewatchable.
- Halloweentown (1 & 2) – Childhood magic and cozy autumn energy.
- Over the Garden Wall – Short animated series but mentioned often for its perfect fall/Halloween mood.
- The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown – Beloved seasonal special, especially with families.
Related: 25+ Halloween Finger Food Ideas to WOW Your Guests
Atmospheric & Vibe-Heavy Picks
- The Fog (1981) – Classic spooky vibes, heavily recommended for mood.
- The Witch (The VVitch) – Eerie and slow-burn; perfect for a chilly October night.
- Something Wicked This Way Comes – A moodsetter. Brings that mystical, nostalgic Halloween energy.
- Cobweb (2023) – Newer release, praised for Halloween atmosphere.
- Carnival of Souls – Dreamlike, low-budget horror that gives vintage chills.
- The Halloween Tree – Animated and sentimental with strong autumnal themes.
- The Exorcist / Rosemary’s Baby – Not Halloween-themed, but deeply unsettling and often included in October watchlists.
Scary, Disturbing, or Psychological Horror
- Ringu (1 & 2) – Unsettling Japanese horror. Highly recommended by those looking for true scares.
- Ju-on (The Grudge) – Another Japanese classic known for being deeply creepy.
- The Shining – Frequently mentioned as a terrifying, atmospheric must-watch.
- Us – For psychological tension with a creepy vibe.
- Hereditary – Genuinely disturbing. Several comments listed it as one of the most terrifying.
- Smile – Newer horror that left people freaked out.
- Event Horizon / Se7en (parts) – Psychological horror with lasting impact.
- Antrum – Referred to as cursed horror. Not for the faint of heart.
Related: 21+ Vintage Halloween Decor Ideas to Bring Back Old-School Spooky
Slasher + Gore + Found Footage
- Scream (1996) – Iconic, fun, self-aware. A Halloween night go-to.
- Idle Hands – Halloween comedy with a cult following.
- Night of the Demons – Classic party horror.
- Hell House LLC – Found footage horror. Multiple mentions as super creepy.
- Friday the 13th (1980) & Part 6: Jason Lives – Popular slasher marathon picks.
- Halloween III: Season of the Witch – Weird, cult-y, and gaining appreciation.
- The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
- A Nightmare on Elm Street
- Wrong Turn 2 / I Spit on Your Grave 2 – For those into darker gore-heavy options.
- Terrifier & Terrifier 2 – Extremely graphic; some users love it, others hate it.
- House of 1000 Corpses / The Devil’s Rejects – Rob Zombie horror, heavy on aesthetic and gore.
Weird, Offbeat, and Cult Favorites
- Dude Bro Party Massacre III – So-bad-it’s-good horror comedy, often watched drunk.
- The Autopsy of Jane Doe – Atmospheric and scary.
- The Ritual – Creepy forest horror with cult vibes.
- Doctor Sleep – Sequel to The Shining, praised for its tone and pacing.
- The Craft / Practical Magic / The Witches (1990) – Witchy but stylish.
- Tucker & Dale vs. Evil – Horror comedy that flips slasher tropes.
- Cabin in the Woods – Smart, meta, and spooky-fun.
- Elvira: Mistress of the Dark – Campy, nostalgic, and Halloween-perfect.
- Young Frankenstein / Clue / Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein – Horror-adjacent classics with humor.
Family-Friendly Picks
- Casper – Lighthearted and sweet.
- Coraline – Creepy stop-motion, but family-safe.
- Monster House / Monster Squad / Frankenweenie – Spooky without being too intense.
- Scooby-Doo: Witch’s Ghost / Zombie Island – Rewatchable and great for kids or nostalgic adults.
- Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire / Scream Team / Don’t Look Under the Bed – Disney Channel classics.
- The Muppet Haunted Mansion – Wholesome with a Halloween twist.
- Wallace & Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit – Quirky and underrated.
TV Shows + Specials
- Simpsons Treehouse of Horror (seasons 1–10)
- Stranger Things / Supernatural / The Walking Dead / AHS
- Bob’s Burgers / Gravity Falls / Brooklyn 99 Halloween episodes
- Are You Afraid of the Dark? / Goosebumps / Courage the Cowardly Dog
- The Venture Bros. (Halloween special)
- Midnight Mass / The Haunting of Hill House – Slow-burn, seasonal miniseries.
- Tales from the Crypt / Twilight Zone / Creepshow – Anthology series that bring the chills.
Related: 16 Healthy Halloween Recipes Even Kids Will Love
Where to Watch Halloween Movies?
You can find Halloween movies pretty much everywhere these days, you just have to know where to look. Netflix usually has a solid mix of thrillers and horror originals, perfect for late-night scares. If you’re into classics or want something darker, Max (HBO) is where you’ll find things like The Shining, The Exorcist, and a few hidden gems. Hulu leans into spooky season hard with their “Huluween” lineup, which covers everything from slashers to light scares. Disney+ is all about the nostalgic Halloween vibes, think Hocus Pocus, Halloweentown, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. If you’re into deep-cut horror or indie slasher stuff, Shudder is basically made for you. And if something isn’t on a subscription service, you can usually rent or buy it on Amazon, YouTube, or Apple TV. For old-school comfort, Freeform and AMC run marathons all October long, perfect for background watching while you carve pumpkins or set up decor.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about Halloween movie nights that hits different. Whether you’re all in on the scares or just want the cozy, nostalgic vibes, the right lineup sets the tone for the whole season. So grab a blanket, light a candle (or ten), make a snack that looks like it could bite you back, and hit play. Whatever your vibe, creepy, cute, or completely unhinged, there’s a Halloween movie that’ll match it perfectly.
