It’s that time of year again – the leaves are changing, there’s a chill in the air, and spooky season is upon us! One of the best ways to get into the Halloween spirit is by having a scary movie marathon. From classic horror films to family-friendly favorites, there are so many great movies to watch leading up to Halloween.
To help you plan the ultimate spooky movie night, we’ve rounded up the 25 best Halloween flicks of all time. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready for a frightfully good time!
1. Halloween (1978)
You can’t have a list of the best Halloween movies without including the one that started it all – John Carpenter’s 1978 classic Halloween. The film follows the story of Michael Myers, a deranged killer who returns to his hometown on Halloween night to terrorize the residents, including babysitter Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis). With its iconic score and spine-chilling scares, Halloween set the standard for slasher films and remains a must-watch every October.
2. The Exorcist (1973)
Based on the 1971 novel by William Peter Blatty, The Exorcist is often considered one of the greatest horror movies ever made. The film tells the story of a young girl named Regan (Linda Blair) who becomes possessed by a demon, leading her mother to seek the help of two priests to perform an exorcism. With its shocking visuals and terrifying performances, The Exorcist is not for the faint of heart – but it’s a true horror classic that holds up nearly 50 years later.
3. The Shining (1980)
Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of the Stephen King novel follows the Torrance family as they become caretakers of the isolated Overlook Hotel for the winter. As the hotel’s dark secrets begin to reveal themselves, father Jack (Jack Nicholson) descends into madness, putting his wife Wendy (Shelley Duvall) and psychic son Danny in grave danger. With its unsettling atmosphere, iconic performances, and unforgettable visuals (those creepy twins!), The Shining is a masterclass in psychological horror.
4. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
In Wes Craven’s A Nightmare on Elm Street, a group of teenagers are stalked and killed in their dreams by the vengeful spirit of a child murderer named Freddy Krueger. With his iconic striped sweater, fedora, and razor-sharp glove, Freddy (played by Robert Englund) quickly became a horror icon and the stuff of nightmares for a generation. The film spawned numerous sequels and a 2010 remake, but the original remains the best.
5. Hocus Pocus (1993)
For a more lighthearted Halloween watch, you can’t go wrong with the Disney classic Hocus Pocus. The film follows a trio of witches – the Sanderson sisters – who are accidentally resurrected on Halloween night by a teenage boy, his little sister, and his crush. As the witches attempt to secure their immortality, the kids must find a way to stop them before sunrise. With a stellar cast including Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, Hocus Pocus is a spooky, silly, and endlessly quotable family favorite.
6. The Conjuring (2013)
Based on the real-life case files of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, The Conjuring follows the couple as they attempt to help a family being terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse. Directed by James Wan, the film is a masterful exercise in slow-burn horror, gradually ratcheting up the tension until its terrifying climax. It also kicked off the hugely successful “Conjuring Universe” franchise, which includes sequels, prequels, and spin-offs like Annabelle and The Nun.
7. Scream (1996)
Wes Craven’s meta slasher flick Scream revitalized the horror genre in the mid-90s with its clever deconstruction of scary movie tropes. The film follows a group of high school students in the fictional town of Woodsboro who are targeted by a masked killer known as Ghostface. As the body count rises, the survivors must follow the “rules” of horror movies to stay alive. With a smart script by Kevin Williamson and memorable performances from Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, and others, Scream remains a fan favorite. It also spawned a successful franchise with multiple sequels.
8. The Craft (1996)
The Craft follows a group of outcast teenage girls who form a coven and begin practicing witchcraft to improve their lives and get revenge on their tormentors. However, as their powers grow, they soon learn that magic has dangerous consequences. Starring Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell, and Rachel True, the film taps into the ’90s fascination with witches and the occult. It’s a fun, spooky watch with a killer alt-rock soundtrack.
9. Beetlejuice (1988)
Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice stars Michael Keaton as the titular “bio-exorcist” hired by a recently deceased couple (Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis) to scare away the obnoxious new owners of their home. But when Beetlejuice’s antics get out of hand, the couple must find a way to save the home’s new residents, including goth teenager Lydia (Winona Ryder). With its zany humor, memorable characters, and eye-popping visuals, Beetlejuice is a one-of-a-kind Halloween treat.
10. The Sixth Sense (1999)
M. Night Shyamalan’s breakout hit follows a child psychologist (Bruce Willis) who tries to help a troubled boy (Haley Joel Osment) who claims he can see and talk to ghosts. The film is most remembered for its shocking twist ending, but it’s also a poignant and unsettling exploration of grief, trauma, and the afterlife. Osment received an Oscar nomination for his performance, and the film’s most famous line – “I see dead people” – has become a pop culture touchstone.
11. Poltergeist (1982)
Tobe Hooper’s Poltergeist, written and produced by Steven Spielberg, follows a suburban family whose home is invaded by malevolent ghosts that abduct their youngest daughter. The film is known for its groundbreaking special effects and some of the most iconic scares in horror movie history, including a killer clown doll and a terrifying tree. It’s a classic haunted house story that still holds up today.
12. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Shot on a shoestring budget, The Blair Witch Project helped popularize the found footage horror subgenre. The film is presented as the recovered video recordings of three student filmmakers who disappeared while investigating the legend of the Blair Witch in the Maryland woods. Its lo-fi visuals and improvised performances give it a chilling realism, and its ambiguous ending leaves plenty to the imagination. Love it or hate it, there’s no denying the impact The Blair Witch Project had on the horror landscape.
13. Trick ‘r Treat (2007)
This anthology film weaves together four interconnected stories set on Halloween night, each with a darkly comedic twist. The tales involve a high school principal with a deadly secret, a virgin in search of that special someone, a group of mischievous teens who play a cruel prank, a cantankerous old man besieged by a trick-or-treater, and more. Tied together by the iconic sack-headed character Sam, Trick ‘r Treat captures the mischievous spirit of the holiday.
14. Night of the Living Dead (1968)
George A. Romero’s classic zombie film follows a group of survivors holed up in a farmhouse while fending off hordes of undead ghouls. The film is a landmark of the horror genre, ushering in a new era of gory, socially conscious zombie movies. It also features a groundbreaking lead performance by Black actor Duane Jones. While some of its effects may look dated now, Night of the Living Dead remains a chilling and influential watch.
15. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Is it a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? The debate rages on, but one thing is certain – Henry Selick’s stop-motion musical is a stone-cold classic. The film follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who becomes obsessed with bringing Christmas to his spooky world. With unforgettable characters, eye-popping animation, and a hauntingly beautiful score by Danny Elfman, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a holiday must-watch.
16. Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Tim Burton puts his signature gothic spin on the classic Washington Irving story in this lush period horror film. Johnny Depp stars as Ichabod Crane, an eccentric detective sent to investigate a series of beheadings in the small town of Sleepy Hollow. As he unravels the mystery, he encounters the legendary Headless Horseman, a vengeful spirit who may be connected to the town’s dark past. With its atmospheric visuals, grisly violence, and an incredible supporting cast including Christina Ricci, Miranda Richardson, and Christopher Walken, Sleepy Hollow is prime Halloween viewing.
17. Carrie (1976)
Based on the novel by Stephen King, Carrie stars Sissy Spacek as a shy, telekinetic teenager who is relentlessly bullied at school and abused by her religious fanatic mother at home. When a cruel prank at prom pushes her over the edge, Carrie unleashes her powers in a horrific act of revenge. Directed by Brian De Palma, the film is both a disturbing portrait of high school cruelty and a tragic character study, anchored by Spacek’s heartbreaking performance. The prom scene remains one of the most iconic in horror history.
18. The Addams Family (1991)
They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky – they’re The Addams Family! This delightfully macabre comedy based on the classic TV series follows the eccentric Addams clan as they reconnect with a long-lost relative…who may be an imposter trying to steal the family fortune. With an incredible cast including Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd, and Christina Ricci, endlessly quotable dialogue, and morbidly charming visuals, it’s a perfect pick for those who like their Halloween with a side of laughs.
19. Coraline (2009)
Based on Neil Gaiman’s novella, this stop-motion animated film follows a young girl named Coraline who discovers a parallel world that’s an idealized version of her frustrating home life. But as she spends more time in this other world, Coraline realizes that it – and her button-eyed “Other Mother” – are not what they seem. With its dazzling animation, creepy imagery, and thought-provoking themes, Coraline is a modern Halloween classic for the whole family.
20. The Cabin in the Woods (2011)
This clever deconstruction of horror movie tropes follows a group of college students who visit a remote cabin for a weekend getaway, only to be besieged by zombies, monsters, and other terrors. To say more would spoil the wild ride, but let’s just say there’s a lot more going on than meets the eye. Scripted by Joss Whedon and directed by Drew Goddard, The Cabin in the Woods is a funny, surprising, and gory treat for horror fans.
21. Ghostbusters (1984)
Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters! This beloved supernatural comedy follows a trio of eccentric parapsychology professors who start a ghost-catching business in New York City. When a powerful demon threatens to bring about the apocalypse, the Ghostbusters must use their proton packs and witty one-liners to save the day. With an incredible cast including Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Sigourney Weaver, endlessly quotable dialogue, and groundbreaking special effects, Ghostbusters is a hilarious Halloween romp.
22. The Ring (2002)
Based on the Japanese horror film Ringu, Gore Verbinski’s The Ring kicked off a wave of American remakes of Asian horror in the early 2000s. The film follows a journalist investigating a cursed videotape that causes the death of anyone who watches it seven days later. With its unsettling visuals, moody atmosphere, and a terrifying performance by Daveigh Chase as the vengeful ghost Samara, The Ring is a chilling modern classic.
23. Donnie Darko (2001)
This mind-bending sci-fi thriller follows a troubled teenager named Donnie who narrowly escapes death and begins having visions of a man in a monstrous rabbit costume. As Donnie investigates the strange occurrences around him, he uncovers a world of time travel, alternate realities, and impending doom. With a star-making performance by Jake Gyllenhaal, a hauntingly beautiful score, and a complex, thought-provoking story, Donnie Darko has become a cult favorite since its release.
24. Casper (1995)
For a family-friendly Halloween pick, you can’t go wrong with this sweet and spooky comedy about a friendly young ghost and his uncles, the mischievous Ghostly Trio. When a father-daughter pair moves into the haunted Whipstaff Manor, Casper falls for the girl and tries to help her and her father, while also keeping his uncles’ antics in check. Featuring a young Christina Ricci and some impressive early CGI, Casper is a charming, lighthearted romp.
25. Halloween (2018)
Forty years after the original film, Jamie Lee Curtis returned as Laurie Strode in this direct sequel to the 1978 classic. In this timeline, Michael Myers has been locked up since that fateful Halloween night, while Laurie has spent decades preparing for his return. When he inevitably escapes and comes home to Haddonfield, Laurie must confront her trauma to protect her family. With Curtis’ fierce performance, some clever callbacks, and plenty of brutal kills, Halloween (2018) is a worthy follow-up that honors the legacy of the original.
So there you have it – 25 of the best spooky season movies to get you in the Halloween spirit! Whether you prefer your scares straight-up or with a side of laughs, there’s something on this list for every kind of Halloween fan.
So what are you waiting for? Grab some friends, some snacks, and settle in for a frightfully good movie marathon. Happy haunting!
