60 Best Halloween Movies To Watch For A Good Scare This October
From cult classics to new favorites, this list features every flavor of horror to stream now.
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When October rolls around, it gets dark early, there's a chill in the air and it always seems like a good time to throw on a classic scary film for a spooky night in. But there are also so many to choose from across streaming services like Amazon, Hulu, Disney+ and Netflix. Here, we've put together your roadmap through decades of horror with a list of the best Halloween movies ever made. Next time you're looking for a movie fright at home — I mean uh, movie night at home — just choose any film off this list and you're good to go.
So, what kind of thrill are you in the mood for? Some of these are classic monster movies, giving us our first film glimpses of icons like Dracula, the Wolfman or the Invisible Man. Others kicked off horror franchises that have tons of sequels — some that are either still going strong or being rebooted today. Others are more indie/arthouse horror movies, the ones that scare you more by what they don't show. And when it comes to scary movies for kids (or adult wimps who want to watch a Halloween movie that is decidedly not scary), there are a few funny Halloween horror-comedies (and even a rom-com) that you can enjoy together as a family.
Now, just remember to check that you've locked all the doors before you go to sleep afterward.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
The ultimate Disney Halloween movie, this whimsical classic makes chatty black cats and goofy witches the epitome of Halloween fun. A sequel is planned for Disney+ in 2022, so we'll watch this on repeat until then.
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The Addams Family (1991)
This kid-friendly classic is an easy choice for a spooky — but not nightmare-inducing — Halloween movie night. There's a recent cartoon version with a sequel out in October, but you can't beat the OG — and its 1993 sequel, Addams Family Values — for its chemistry between Raul Julia and Anjelica Houston.
Beetlejuice (1988)
A Tim Burton invention, Beetlejuice is a family-friendly horror film tracing a couple who find themselves stuck haunting their home in the afterlife. It's one of the few movies that puts you on the side of the ghosts haunting the house.
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Get Out (2017)
Jordan Peele's masterpiece, which uses racism as a vehicle for supernatural horror, is an absolute must-see. You'll be thinking about this one long after you turn the lights out.
Practical Magic (1998)
Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock as sibling witches? Sign us up. This delightful cult-classic rom-com is a perfect pick for anyone who wants a gentle, lovelorn Halloween.
RELATED: 20 of the Best Horror Movies You Can Stream on HBO Max
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Another Tim Burton cult classic, this surprisingly heartwarming tale of a young man with scissors for hands is packed with lush cinematography, romance and life lessons.
Halloween (1978)
Given that this iconic film — featuring the unstoppable killing machine that is Michael Myers — shares a name with the year's spookiest holiday, it's just about as classic as they come. It's worth it for the spooky score alone.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
It's up for debate whether this classic falls into the Halloween or Christmas category. Either way, Tim Burton's imaginary world is a sheer delight. (So maybe watch it once a week from October to December?)
It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
For many, it's simply not Halloween season until the whole family has gathered on the couch to watch this animated special starring the Peanuts gang.
Ghostbusters (1984)
Before you take in the new Ghostbusters: Afterlife this November, refresh yourself with the ensemble comedy that started it all. This is a good one to throw on for a mixed-aged group.
Us (2019)
A brilliant invention from Jordan Peele, this allegorical horror features a family who discover their violent doppelgängers while on vacation. The only thing scarier than a monster is ... yourself.
Scream (1996)
This clever classic reinvigorated the slasher genre with deadly wit. Watch to learn the rules of the genre, like why you should never get too close to the man in the mask.
Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Host your own midnight showing of this musical comedy horror film starring a young Susan Sarandon and Tim Curry — then just try to hold yourself back from singing along to the "Time Warp."
Hubie Halloween (2020)
If you're on the hunt for a funny, warm-hearted Halloween movie — and you're the type of person who'll appreciate a good Adam Sandler Easter egg — then this movie is for you.
RELATED: The Best Halloween Movies on Netflix
Children of the Corn (1984)
Stephen King has a penchant for making the mundane mortifying, so it’s no surprise this adaptation of his 1978 short story made corn fields become one of the creepiest places to spend Halloween.
RELATED: The Best Halloween Movies on Hulu
Casper (1995)
Since she was a child, Christina Ricci has reigned supreme as the queen of Halloween movies. In this one, she befriends the friendliest of ghosts ... Casper!
The Shining (1980)
Easily one of the most recognizable entries on this list, The Shining features Jack Nicholson's breathtaking performance as the writer-turned-madman Jack Torrance. It's a Stephen King classic that director Stanley Kubrick truly makes his own.
It (2017)
Since Pennywise the Clown has consistently been one of the most popular Halloween costumes in recent years, it's only fitting that the 2017 remake of Stephen King's bone-chilling story makes the cut. Make it a double-feature by following it up with 2019's It: Chapter 2.
A Quiet Place (2018)
This inventive post-apocalyptic thriller takes place in a world where even the slightest sound can spell your imminent death. Real-life lovebirds Emily Blunt and John Krasinksi play the parents in this tale of how we can never really keep our children safe. After many pandemic delays, A Quiet Place Part II came out earlier this year — you can catch it on Paramount+ or rent it on Amazon.
Halloweentown (1998)
If your kids wish that Halloween could be every night of the year, you’re in luck: In the magical Disney classic Halloweentown, that’s basically how it goes.
Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; previously, she wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother. She lives with her toy-collecting husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found helping out her team at bar trivia or posting about movies on Twitter and Bluesky.
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