31 Must-Watch Halloween Movies
Discover the perfect Halloween film for every mood, whether you're looking for some family-friendly fun or more frightful flicks
Halloween is one of the most festive times of the year—a time for treats, tricks, and, of course, scares. One day simply isn’t enough to appreciate all the thrills, so below are our top 31 films to keep you in spooky spirits throughout all of fall. Be sure to check out our final selection at the end of this movie list; it’s our top pick for the ultimate Halloween experience.
Family-friendly frights
If you’re looking for films that the whole family can enjoy, here are 10 must-watch Halloween movies that blend humor, adventure, and just the right amount of spookiness.
Hocus Pocus (1993) | Rated PG
A Halloween classic, Hocus Pocus follows the mischievous Sanderson sisters, three witches resurrected in modern-day Salem. With a mix of comedy, magic, and a bit of fright, this movie is perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy bring the Sanderson sisters to life with remarkable performances.
The Addams Family (1991) | Rated PG
The eccentric and macabre Addams Family is a delightfully spooky bunch. This film is full of dark humor and quirky characters, including the iconic Gomez and Morticia Addams, their children Wednesday and Pugsley, and the lovable butler Lurch. It’s a perfect choice for families who enjoy a bit of the bizarre with their Halloween celebrations.
Beetlejuice (1988) | Rated PG
Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice is a zany, offbeat comedy about a recently deceased couple who hire a "bio-exorcist" named Beetlejuice to scare away the new living inhabitants of their home. Michael Keaton’s wild performance as Beetlejuice, along with Burton’s signature cinematic style, makes this movie a spooky yet fun ride.
Harry Potter (Franchise) | Rated PG & PG-13
While not strictly Halloween-themed, the Harry Potter series is filled with magic, mythical creatures, and plenty of dark arts. From the eerie corridors of Hogwarts to encounters with Dementors and Death Eaters, these films provide an entertaining blend of adventure and spookiness that makes them ideal for a Halloween movie marathon.
Hotel Transylvania (2012) | Rated PG
In this animated comedy, Dracula runs a high-end resort for monsters, where they can relax away from the prying eyes of humans. But when a human boy stumbles upon the hotel, chaos ensues. Hotel Transylvania is filled with laughs and heartwarming moments, making it a hit with kids and parents alike.
Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023) | Rated PG-13
Based on the popular video game of the same name, Five Nights at Freddy’s is a spooky film that’s more on the edge of what’s appropriate for younger audiences. The story revolves around a night guard at a haunted pizzeria where animatronic animals come to life. It’s a thrilling watch that blends suspense and horror, but be sure to gauge whether it’s suitable for your family.
Halloweentown (1998) | Rated G
Halloweentown is a Disney Channel classic that follows a young girl who discovers she comes from a family of witches and embarks on a magical adventure in a town where Halloween is celebrated every day. It’s a light-hearted and charming film that’s perfect for younger audiences who enjoy a little magic without the scares.
Casper (1995) | Rated PG
Casper tells the heartwarming story of a friendly ghost who forms a bond with a young girl and her father after they move into a haunted mansion. With its mix of gentle spookiness, humor, and a touch of sentimentality, Casper is a great family film for Halloween.
Coraline (2009) | Rated PG
Based on Neil Gaiman’s novel of the same name, Coraline is a dark fantasy about a young girl who discovers a parallel world that seems perfect at first, but soon turns sinister. This stop-motion animated film is visually stunning and offers a spooky tale that’s a bit more intense, making it more suitable for older kids and teens.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) | Rated PG
Another Tim Burton classic, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a unique blend of Halloween and Christmas. The film follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, as he tries to bring Christmas to his spooky home. With its unforgettable songs and imaginative visual storytelling, this movie is a must-watch during the Halloween season.
Thrills and chills
These 10 movies are made for casual horror fans. Movies on this list may have a jump scare scene or two with a few gory scenes, but none will leave you up all night with the lights on.
Scream (Franchise) | Rated R
In Scream, a masked killer terrorizes a small town, targeting a group of high school students by making a deadly game out of horror movies. The franchise is celebrated for its witty dialogue, dark humor, and a clever twist on horror clichés.
Halloween (Franchise) | Rated R
Halloween follows Micheal Meyers who escapes from a mental institution 15 years after murdering his sister on Halloween night and returns to his hometown to kill again. The franchise explores the almost-supernatural nature of Myers, creating an atmosphere of dread and suspense for viewers.
Friday the 13th (Franchise) | Rated R
In Friday the 13th, a group of camp counselors are stalked and murdered by the vengeful masked killer near Crystal Lake, a location cursed by its dark past. The series is notorious for its creative and gruesome death scenes, with the ruthless killer's identity remaining a mystery.
Orphan (2009) | Rated R
Orphan tells the story of a seemingly sweet adopted child who turns out to be a cunning sociopath with a dark secret. The film excels in building tension and psychological horror as the audience is drawn into the disturbing unraveling of the child's true nature.
Edward Scissorhands (1990) | Rated PG-13
In Edward Scissorhands, an isolated and gentle man with scissors for hands struggles to fit in when he is introduced to society. Tim Burton's unique blend of whimsy and melancholy combined with Johnny Depp’s moving portrayal of Edward leaves a haunting and endearing impression on the audience.
Ready or Not (2019) | Rated R
Ready or Not combines horror with dark comedy as a young bride is forced into a deadly game of hide-and-seek by her wealthy in-laws, who make her participate as part of a twisted wedding tradition. The high-stakes game and riveting satire creates a suspenseful and entertaining watch.
The Craft (1996) | Rated R
The Craft follows a group of outcast teenage girls who discover their witchcraft powers and use them for revenge and personal gain. The film explores themes of power, friendship, and the consequences of dark magic, presenting an edgy coming-of-age horror story. Its mix of teenage angst and supernatural elements has cemented its status as a cult classic.
Megan (2020) | Rated PG-13
In Megan, an AI doll designed to be a lifelong companion becomes the nightmare of a lifetime when it grows dangerously obsessed with a young girl. The movie explores the unsettling implications of artificial intelligence and its ominous dangers.
Sleepy Hollow (1999) | Rated R
Sleepy Hollow follows Ichabod Crane as he investigates a series of mysterious decapitations in the town of Sleepy Hollow, leading him to the legendary Headless Horseman. Tim Burton’s adaptation manages to bring Washington Irving’s classic tale to life with a blend of horror, fantasy, and romance set against an eerie backdrop.
Fear Street Trilogy | Rated R
The Fear Street trilogy explores the sinister history of Shadytown, Ohio, a fictional town where a series of terrifying events across different time periods unfolds. Each film builds on the peculiar folklore of the fictional town, offering a rich narrative that explores supernatural events and historical horrors. The trilogy offers a comprehensive and immersive horror experience.
Fraught with fear and daring
The following 10 films are for horror movie enthusiasts who appreciate a good scare. This list is not for the easily frightened. Watch at your own risk—and enjoy!
Alien (Franchise) I Rated R
A true classic stemming back to the 1979 Alien that continues to grow strong with the new Alien: Romulus entering theaters this year. Take your pick from nearly nine films dedicated to this chilling sci-fi horror focused on humans fighting for their lives against huge deadly exterritorial beings in the deepest depths of space. Not for the squeamish, these films tend to be quite graphic and obscene. It might be difficult to look at E.T. the same after viewing this.
IT (Original and Remake) I Rated PG-13 & R
A group of children running from a creepy clown named Pennywise may seem innocent enough, but don’t be fooled. As with many Stephen King stories, IT comes with some strangeness and creepiness surrounding a tale with many deeper elements. Pennywise likes to prey on his victims both physically and mentally. It’s probably best not to watch this right before bedtime.
Carrie (Original and Remake) I Rated R
Another Stephen King gem, Carrie will make you not miss high school. An outcast bullied by her peers and her mother—and then comes prom night. What could go wrong?
The Conjuring Universe I Rated R
This, the Marvel of horror movie franchises, is based on the cases of real-life paranormal investigators Lorraine and Ed Warren. The Warrens used their Christian faith and Lorraine’s professed psychic abilities to dedicate their lives to fighting dark entities. Haunted houses, witchcraft, and possessions are the norm in these films, which are definitely above The Avengers’ pay grade.
Jeepers Creepers (Franchise) I Rated R & UR (Unrated)
The Creeper from the Jeepers Creeper franchise is no sight for sore eyes, and even after multiple movies, not very much is revealed about the horrific demonic figure. Although he is known for popping out in the springtime, his story still fits well with the dark glamour of fall and Halloween. After watching this movie, you’ll want to plan your next spring vacation a bit more carefully.
The Ring (Franchise) I Rated PG-13, R, & UR (Unrated)
In the modern world of cell phones and movie streaming, The Ring may not seem as scary as it was 20-plus years ago, but there’s still some lingering chills left in the franchise. It was quite a time to be afraid when the phone rung or whenever you picked up an unmarked VHS tape. Although we now live with modern technology, there are still plenty of terrifying moments that will leave viewers shaken for at least a week.
The Grudge (Franchise) I Rated PG-13, R, & UR (Unrated)
A similar vibe to The Ring, especially because of its roots in original Japanese horror films, The Grudge combines curses and haunted houses. Do yourself a favor: Watch both The Ring and The Grudge on the same night for a frightening perspective on cursed objects and cursed environments.
It Follows (2015) I Rated R
While on the topic of curses, have you ever felt cursed by the thought of an ex romantic partner? Surely, many can relate. Now imagine that the curse is actually a physically manifested shape-shifting monster that constantly follows you while attempting to end your life. Oh, and only you can see it. You’ll be a little bit more selective in your future partners after seeing It Follows, for sure.
Jennifer’s Body (2009) I Rated R
A bit of a cult classic from the 2000s, Jennifer’s Body fits well into the high school horror genre. If you’re a fan of Megan Fox, you’ll enjoy watching her in one of her earliest lead roles in this dark-toned occult film that includes some campy vibes. That’s not always a common mix, but when it works, it works!
Dawn of the Dead (Original & Remake) I Rated R and UR (Unrated)
We couldn’t make a list without including a zombie film, and Dawn of the Dead is one of the best of the best. You could go for either the original or the remake, but the 2004 Zack Snyder edition is the latest and greatest. Being stuck in a mall doesn’t seem like a bad deal when the rest of the world is slowly succumbing to hordes of the living dead, especially during a time when people still enjoyed going to malls.
Top overall pick
A Quiet Place (Franchise) I Rated PG-13
Our overall number-one pick is the wildly popular A Quiet Place franchise. A perfect blend of all three of our categories, this franchise is full of intensity and suspense but still appropriate to watch with a group of friends or family. This franchise is about humans having to remain as silent as possible while trying to survive on a post-apocalyptic alien-invaded Earth. There are currently three films starring Hollywood A-listers Emily Blunt, Lupita Nyong’o, Cillian Murphy, and John Krasinski (who is the director of the first two films). Millicent Simmonds is a deaf actress who does an amazing job at creating another level of authenticity to the franchise, as her and her family’s use of sign language in the films is crucial to their survival. From friendly frights to terrifying thrills, these films are sure to capture the true spirit of the spooky season. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween movie marathon or simply seeking an evening scare, we hope that our curated list of Halloween movies can help you pick movies for everyone to enjoy. Have a creepy good time!