Looking for some movies to make it really feel like you’ve entered the spookiest season of the year? Here are, in my opinion, 10 must-watch movies you should check out this October.
- It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
What better classic to watch with the entire family than It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! Though this Halloween short film is over 50 years of age, the characters and storyline give viewers the very best sense of nostalgia. Charlie Brown, Linus, Snoopy, and the rest of the gang come together in this 25-minute movie to show children (and adults) the meanings of friendship, hope, and perseverance.
- Hocus Pocus (1993)
Though Hocus Pocus 2 just flew onto Disney+, it may never top the classic, original movie. Starring three of the most iconic witches in Salem, Massachusetts, Hocus Pocus stands as a perfect movie to celebrate the spooky season. The film combines killer costumes, some small scares, and enjoyable laughs for everyone in the family to enjoy.
- Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Have you ever heard of the “Time Warp”? Are you aware of what film this iconic song originates from? Rocky Horror Picture Show rises back into popularity every October, as it’s easily a cult-favorite Halloween musical. The movie is sure to celebrate the differences that keep individuals from feeling confident, and does so in empowering and humorous ways. If any Halloween classic is “camp,” it HAS to be Rocky Horror Picture Show.
- Get Out (2017)
Something important to know about me before writing anything regarding this film is that I despise horror movies. I instantly become a nervous wreck and always fail to last throughout the entire film. However, Get Out had such an engaging, twisted, jaw-dropping plot that no matter how frightened I got, I could not stop watching. If you’re looking for an eerie movie that will quite literally blow your mind, Get Out is the perfect thriller for you.
- Us (2019)
Another horror flick directed by Jordan Peele that I ignored my nerves for was the movie Us. Each actor serves a killer performance as their character. Living in a world they previously assumed was normal, each character comes face-to-face with their violent doppelgängers. In my opinion, this movie presents one of the most interesting storylines I’ve learned of and is absolutely worth the watch this Halloween.
- It (2017)
While my main reason for watching this horror movie was the fact that I had previously read the original book written by Stephen King, I had no regrets after viewing this movie. Though Pennywise was completely and utterly horrifying, It possessed a fantastic storyline, featured lovable characters, and highlighted themes of friendship and loyalty. I will note that this movie, in my opinion, is definitely a scary one, so I would suggest watching it with some friends or family members this October.
- The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Though this movie is very controversial when determining whether it stands as a Christmas movie or a Halloween film, The Nightmare Before Christmas can be enjoyed just as much in October as it is in December. This movie shows the journey of one peculiar Jack Skellington as he accidentally finds his way into Christmas Town. This animated classic is a family-friendly movie full of laughs.
- Ghostbusters (1984)
If you’re looking into less scary but more family-friendly Halloween movies, look no further than Ghostbusters! This film has been a classic for 38 years, and even has a remake with female leads! The movie has some very minor scares, but is a great option for an easy night spent at home. However, just as a warning, the popular Ghostbusters theme song will likely become trapped in your head quickly after watching the movie.
- Scream (1996)
Though this film includes some “fun” kills, it brings just as many laughs as it does screams. Rather than a horror movie, I would refer to it as a dark comedy, as this film didn’t exactly frighten me. This movie has been iconic for decades, and is a great classic to watch by yourself, with some friends, or with your family this Halloween.
- Ready or Not (2019)
Wrapping up this must-watch list is Ready or Not, a horror comedy that takes a spin on the classic game of hide-and-seek. The film has a twisted, but rather refreshing ending, and a bad bleep of a female protagonist. Samara Weaving acts excellently as this said protagonist, as it is so entertaining and engaging to watch fight for her life in a child’s game. I am not lying when I tell you that I adore this movie.