Must-Watch Movies For Halloween Night
As Halloween approaches, there’s no better way to get into the spooky spirit than with a marathon of frightful films. Whether you’re a horror aficionado who craves jump scares and twisted plotlines, or someone looking for light-hearted spookiness, there’s a Halloween movie out there for you. From timeless classics to more recent chilling releases, here’s a list of some must-watch movies that are perfect for Halloween night…
Halloween (1978) – No Halloween movie list would be complete without the film that shares the holiday’s name. Directed by John Carpenter, Halloween follows the infamous masked killer Michael Myers, who escapes from a mental institution and returns to his hometown to terrorize the locals, particularly Laurie Strode (played by Jamie Lee Curtis). With its iconic score and relentless suspense, this slasher classic set the standard for horror films to follow.
Why It’s A Must-Watch: It’s the quintessential Halloween movie, and Michael Myers has become one of the most recognizable horror villains of all time.
Hocus Pocus (1993) – For a lighter, family-friendly Halloween flick, Hocus Pocus is a nostalgic favorite. This movie tells the story of three witches—the Sanderson sisters—who are resurrected in modern-day Salem on Halloween night. As they plot to steal the souls of children, a group of teens must stop them before it’s too late.
Why It’s A Must-Watch: Filled with humor, catchy songs, and unforgettable performances (especially from Bette Midler), Hocus Pocus is perfect for those who want a magical Halloween without the terror.
The Exorcist (1973) – If you’re in the mood for a truly chilling experience, The Exorcist remains one of the scariest movies ever made. The film centers on a young girl, Regan, who becomes possessed by a demonic force, and the desperate efforts of two priests to save her soul. The intense atmosphere, terrifying visuals, and disturbing themes have cemented this movie as a horror masterpiece.
Why It’s A Must-Watch: Its spine-tingling scenes and powerful performances still hold up, making it a hauntingly good choice for Halloween night.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) – Is it a Halloween movie? Is it a Christmas movie? The Nightmare Before Christmas is the perfect bridge between the two holidays. Directed by Tim Burton, this stop-motion animated film follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, as he stumbles upon Christmas Town and becomes obsessed with bringing Christmas to his spooky realm.
Why It’s A Must-Watch: With its enchanting animation, unique characters, and Danny Elfman’s haunting score, this movie is a Halloween staple for viewers of all ages.
Hereditary (2018) – For those who prefer psychological horror, Hereditary offers a slow-burn, deeply unsettling story about family trauma and hidden secrets. The film follows the Graham family, who begins to unravel after the death of their grandmother, leading to terrifying discoveries about their ancestry.
Why It’s A Must-Watch: It’s a modern horror film that builds tension masterfully, with disturbing imagery and a sense of dread that lingers long after the credits roll.
Scream (1996) – Wes Craven’s Scream revived the slasher genre in the ‘90s by blending horror with humor and self-awareness. The movie follows a group of high school students who are targeted by a masked killer known as Ghostface. As they try to survive, they must also navigate the “rules” of surviving a horror movie, making for an entertaining and suspenseful ride.
Why It’s A Must-Watch: Scream is a clever mix of satire and scares, perfect for horror fans who like a bit of fun with their frights.
The Shining (1980) – Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s The Shining is a psychological horror masterpiece. Jack Nicholson stars as Jack Torrance, a writer who takes a job as the winter caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel. As he slowly descends into madness, his wife and son must survive his increasingly erratic behavior—and the sinister forces that haunt the hotel.
Why It’s A Must-Watch: From Nicholson’s unforgettable performance to the chilling atmosphere, The Shining is both visually stunning and deeply terrifying.
Coraline (2009) – If you’re looking for a more family-friendly film with spooky vibes, Coraline is a perfect choice. Based on Neil Gaiman’s novel, the movie tells the story of Coraline, a young girl who discovers a parallel world behind a mysterious door in her new home. At first, this world seems perfect, but soon, Coraline realizes it hides dark and dangerous secrets.
Why It’s A Must-Watch: The stop-motion animation and eerie, imaginative storyline make this a creepy yet whimsical movie for Halloween.
Get Out (2017) – Jordan Peele’s Get Out is a modern horror film that combines social commentary with psychological terror. The story follows Chris, a young Black man who visits his white girlfriend’s family estate, only to discover that something sinister is happening beneath the surface. The film explores themes of racism, exploitation, and the horror of the unknown in a deeply unsettling way.
Why It’s A Must-Watch: Get Out is a smart, thought-provoking horror film that keeps viewers on edge from start to finish.
Trick ‘r Treat (2007) – Trick ‘r Treat is an anthology film that weaves together several Halloween-themed stories, all taking place on the same night in a small town. From a murderous school principal to a vengeful spirit of Halloween, this movie offers a mix of scares, dark humor, and gore, making it perfect for the holiday.
Why It’s A Must-Watch: It’s a love letter to Halloween traditions and folklore, offering something for every kind of horror fan.
Whether you’re into movies that make you jump out of your seat, psychological thrillers, or family-friendly fun, there’s a Halloween movie for everyone. From the terror of The Exorcist to the magic of Hocus Pocus, these films will set the perfect tone for your Halloween night. So, grab your popcorn, turn off the lights, and get ready for a frightful evening and until next week, be happy, healthy and beautiful!
2 Comments
Lalita Rudy
Halloween is my number one pick Horror movie all the time. I’ll have to see if I can find the others on the list.
The Glam Budget Lifestyle
Halloween is my #1 pick as well! The Shining is #2 (though scary, at least for me) & #3 is Hocus Pocus.