The Top 10 Halloween Movies to Watch This Spooky Season 

From Chilling Classics to Modern Horrors: A Movie Guide for Halloween Fans By

1. Halloween (1978) – R 

My personal favorite since it came out. John Carpenter’s iconic slasher film set the standard for the genre. Fifteen years after murdering his sister on Halloween night 1963, Michael Myers escapes from a mental institution and returns to his hometown to kill again. Laurie Strode (played by Jamie Lee Curtis) becomes the final girl in this film filled with real jump-off-the couch scares! “Halloween” is filled with suspense, eerie music, and unforgettable scares. It’s a must-watch for any horror fan. 

2. Hocus Pocus (1993) – PG 

This family-friendly comedy has become a Halloween staple. Three resurrected witches, played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, wreak havoc in Salem, Massachusetts. With its charming cast and magical storyline, “Hocus Pocus” is perfect for all ages. 

3. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) – PG 

Tim Burton’s stop-motion masterpiece blurs the lines between Halloween and Christmas. Follow Jack Skellington as he tries to take over Christmas with his own spooky twist. The film’s unique animation and catchy songs make it a holiday classic. There are some that argue that this film is a Christmas movie, but we all know that it is actually a Halloween movie. 

4. Trick ’r Treat (2007) – R 

An ultimate Halloween film, “Trick ’r Treat” features several interwoven stories that all take place on Halloween night. This film covers not just the holiday, but there’s so many different kinds of genres thrown in, from werewolf films to evil kids. It’s packed with dark humor, chilling tales, and the mysterious character Sam, making it a cult favorite for Halloween enthusiasts – including me! 

5. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966) – G 

The Peanuts gang celebrates Halloween by trick or treating in their neighborhood, while poor Linus waits for the Great Pumpkin. He talks Sally Brown into staying with him in the pumpkin patch and boy is she angry when nothing happens other than a visit from Snoopy. Having a crush on someone makes you do stupid things. 

6. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019) – PG13 

This is another anthology that begins on Halloween night in 1968. The core story begins when a group of teenagers (always!) breaks into a haunted house, where they find the mysterious book of stories written by Sarah Bellows. I love this film and it’s not quite as gory as “Trick ‘r Treat” and kind of has a happy ending. 

7. Halloweentown (1998) – G 

Another family favorite led by Debbie Reynolds as the lovable grandma. Her daughter and grandchildren follow her home to Halloweentown and find out that they come from a family of witches. Surprise! This is a really cute movie with an outstanding cast, and no big scares. 

8. Tales of Halloween (2015) – R 

Another anthology film that features 10 short stories that include ghosts, ghouls, monsters, the devil, aliens, and axe murderers that terrorize a suburb all on Halloween night. It’s funny, bloody and wicked, but definitely NOT family friendly.  

9. Cobweb (2023) – R 

While this is technically not set on Halloween night, it happens on the week leading up to the actual holiday. There is still plenty of spooky fall atmosphere to be considered an “early Halloween treat”. The basic story is that Peter is forbidden to go trick or treating due to a past event. I liked this film too much to not include it. 

10. Donnie Darko (2001) – R 

Some may disagree that this isn’t a Halloween film, but once again it’s events count down to October 31^st. This too is steeped in Halloween imagery. Like a creepy man in a giant bunny suit! Halloween is the setting in this film, not the plot. This one includes, psychological horror, science fiction and the coming of age. A little something for everyone has made this have a huge cult following. 

Whether you’re looking for a good scare or just some spooky fun, these movies are sure to set the mood for a fantastic Halloween. Grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and let the haunting begin!