Nothing says October like a dark room, a bowl of popcorn, and a good scary story. But the best Halloween movies aren’t all about screams.
Some are cozy. Some are silly. Some will have you checking the locks before bed.
This list has a bit of everything. Pick the mood you’re in, grab a blanket, and press play.
Cozy Halloween Movies for the Whole Family
1. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
This gentle special first aired in October 1966. It’s short, sweet, and full of autumn charm.
Linus waits all night in the pumpkin patch. Charlie Brown gets a bag of rocks. It’s a small story with a big heart.
It’s perfect for a quiet evening with the kids.
2. Hocus Pocus (1993)
Three witches return to Salem after 300 years. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy are hilarious in the roles.
The movie flopped at first. Then TV made it a Halloween favorite. Now it’s a yearly tradition for many families.
It’s spooky enough to be fun, but never too scary.
3. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Jack Skellington is tired of Halloween Town. So he decides to take over Christmas. Chaos follows.
The stop-motion animation is gorgeous. The songs by Danny Elfman are catchy and clever. You can watch it in October or December.
4. Coraline (2009)
Coraline finds a tiny door in her new home. Behind it is a world that seems better than hers. Of course, it isn’t.
This stop-motion film is based on a Neil Gaiman story. It’s beautiful, but it’s also creepy. Younger children may find it too scary, so use your judgment.
Funny Halloween Movies That Still Give You Chills
5. Ghostbusters (1984)
Three scientists start a ghost-catching business in New York. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis make a great team.
The jokes still land. The ghosts are still fun. The theme song will be stuck in your head for days.
6. Beetlejuice (1988)
A recently deceased couple tries to scare away the new family in their house. They hire a rude “bio-exorcist” named Betelgeuse to help.
Michael Keaton is wild in the title role. Tim Burton’s strange sets and creatures give the film its unique look.
7. Young Frankenstein (1974)
Mel Brooks made this black-and-white spoof of the old monster movies. Gene Wilder plays the grandson of the famous doctor.
It’s full of classic gags and lovable performances. If you enjoy old-school comedy, don’t miss it. It’s a great pick for a Halloween night in.
Creepy Halloween Movies for Real Scares
8. Halloween (1978)
John Carpenter’s low-budget horror film started a whole genre. A masked killer stalks a quiet small town on Halloween night.
Jamie Lee Curtis became a star because of this film. The simple piano score is still terrifying.
This one is rated R, so it’s for grown-ups only.
9. Trick ‘r Treat (2007)
Four stories take place in one town on one Halloween night. The tales overlap in clever, creepy ways.
The film celebrates Halloween traditions and the rules that go with them. It has become a cult favorite for good reason.
It’s rated R, so save it for the adults.
10. The Sixth Sense (1999)
A child psychologist helps a frightened young boy. M. Night Shyamalan’s film is more eerie than bloody.
Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment give wonderful performances. We won’t spoil the famous twist. If you haven’t seen it, go in fresh.
It’s rated PG-13 and works well for teens and adults.
How to Plan the Perfect Halloween Movie Night
A great movie night is more than a good film. A few small touches make it special.
- Pick the right mood. Match the movie to your crowd. Younger kids need cozy picks, while adults may want something scarier.
- Dim the lights. Use lamps, candles, or string lights. Battery-powered candles are a safe choice.
- Make themed snacks. Popcorn, caramel apples, and pumpkin seeds all fit the season. Hot cider is a great drink.
- Build a double feature. Pair a funny movie with a scary one. Start with the laughs and end with the chills.
- Check the ratings. Always look at the rating before you press play. Some films are not meant for kids.
- Dress up. Wear your costume for the night. Need ideas? See our post on last-minute Halloween costumes made from your own closet.
- Movies. Settle in for th enigh with our Top 10 Halloween Movies for the perfect movie night.
Final Thoughts
Whether you want giggles or goosebumps, there’s a film here for you. Many of these are best watched with friends and family.
Start with the cozy favorites early in the month, adding a new title every few days, save the scariest picks for the final week. By Halloween night, you’ll be ready.
Want to know why we trick-or-treat in the first place? Read our post on the history of trick-or-treating for some surprising answers. Planning your own Halloween fun?
Check out our ideas for last-minute Halloween costumes made from your own closet. Then settle in with our Top 10 Halloween Movies for the perfect movie night.
What’s your favorite Halloween movie? Tell us in the comments. We might have missed one!