There’s honestly nothing I love more than a movie marathon. Getting cosy, eating snacks, it’s just all so good. Having never experienced a true Halloween before, one of the things I’m most looking forward to is the movies. Here’s my current list of movies (and maybe a few sneaky TV shows) to watch.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
I know there’s debate about whether this is a Christmas or Halloween movie, I personally feel it’s good for both occasions.
The Addams Family
This one’s a classic. To me, it feels like everyone and their dog raves about it. I haven’t personally seen it, but don’t worry I will this year.
Halloweentown (series)
I watched one of these when I was a kid, because our TV channels always air like one Halloween movie back home even though it’s not really a thing. I know they’re hugely popular, and I do remember really loving the one I saw. That being said, I gotta ask, why is there a different girl in the later one?
Hocus Pocus
Another classic I feel like everyone raves about. I feel like I’ve seen this movie but I also can’t recollect every seeing it. I see people talking about it all over social media, so I’ll definitely give it a watch.
Casper Meets Wendy
Okay, I know the Christina Ricci one is probably the more popular one. But Hilary Duff was my favourite actress growing up, so I loved this movie. I might watch the Christina Ricci one too.
The Haunted Mansion
This movie was actually released in Australia and I remember watching it in theatres. Weird. I would definitely watch it again, though, because I remember loving it as a kid.
Twilight (series)
I know, hilarious. Honestly, I think there are better movies you can watch for a Halloween movie marathon, but I figured I’d throw this one in if you’re looking for something a little supernatural without being terrifying. I think you should just watch it at any time of year and laugh at it like I do, though.
Double, Double Toil and Trouble
I’ve never actually seen this, but I absolutely loved any and all Mary-Kate and Ashley movies growing up, so I’d give it a watch just for that. I still have a bunch on tape back home. Now that I think about, I actually hated the Australian one. That vegemite was so obviously Nutella. And no one has a pet kangaroo.
Scooby-Doo (series)
Need I really say much, we all know these series were the best growing up and are one hundred percent watching this Halloween.
Hotel Transylvania (series)
I haven’t seen these, but they look cute and they’re on Netflix so they’re definitely an good option for a fun, easy movie to watch.
The Spiderwick Chronicles
I loved these books growing up and was so excited when they made a movie. Perfect for a movie to watch in between watching more terrifying ones.
Matilda
One of my all-time favourite books and an absolutely classic. Want Carrie without the teen pregnancy and death? Here you go.
Pride & Prejudice & Zombies
As a devoted fan of Pride and Prejudice, I thought this would be trash but it is indeed fabulous. I should’ve known that Elizabeth having a sword would make everything one hundred times better.
Jumanji
I know this might be debatable, but honestly this movie terrified the hell out of me as a kid. I had nightmares for ages. That being said, it’s still not a full-blown scary movie. If you’re looking for a movie that’s a little bit scary but not too far gone, this one is for you.
The Ring (series)
Now we’re on to the truly scary movies. This is one of the first horror movies I ever watched, and it’s withstood the test of time.
The Conjuring (series)
After watching this movie, I sat in my sister’s wardrobe and clapped my hands. I know, evil. This movie is so good they made two more, and then made three spin-offs that had all had sequels made or planned. That’s more than enough for one marathon itself.
Paranormal Activity (series)
These movies are classics, and at the time of release were some of the scariest movies ever made. I haven’t watched them in years so I’m not sure how they’ve withstood the test of time, but there’s only one way to find out.
It (series)
I am honestly too scared to watch this, I hate clowns. But everyone seems to think they’re great, so if the thought alone of clowns doesn’t make you want to cry here you go.
Orphan
This movie is absolutely terrifying, and we all know it. Add in weird similarities to that one story lots of people read as kids about the woman with ribbon around her neck, and the very real case of a woman adopted from overseas who might have been a full-grown adult, and you have a great start for several nightmares.
I Know What You Did Last Summer
Ah, a classic. The source of many memes. This movie is still scary, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not nightmare-inducing. Perfect to add in with some other classic Halloween movies for a marathon.
Hereditary
I haven’t watched this bar a few clips on social media (you know the iconic ones). It’s one a lot of people rave about, and definitely on my list to watch.
The Haunting of Molly Hartley
I watched this movie when I was younger and honestly, it’s so bad. It leans towards ‘so bad it’s good’, though, and also stars Chace Crawford who is very nice to look at.
Crush
This movie is a random one I watched that wasn’t horrible and, aside from a cover ruining it, not super predictable. It has some recognisable faces, and it’s a good one to insert in between more serious horror movies.
The Amityville Horror
The classic “white family moves into a haunted house” movie. Also, there’s Ryan Reynolds.
Happy Death Day (series)
Even though I found the connection between Tree and her killer to be a bit disappointing in the first movie, I still enjoyed this movie. It’s not so scary you won’t be able to sleep, and definitely has a few comedic movies to break up the horror.
Veronica
I haven’t seen this movie, but it made news for being ridiculously scary. It’s easily accessible, being on Netflix, and is definitely one I’ll watch.
A Quiet Place
I, very surprisingly, have not watched this. Obviously, it’s received a lot of praise and if you haven’t seen it you should add it to your list.
Mine Games
A random one I watched back when you could pick up random movies you’d never heard of at Blockbuster. It’s a little bit time-loop, a little bit ‘group of friends go to a cabin in the woods’.
Wolf Creek
Of course, I had to throw in an Aussie film. Somewhat based on a true story, this is everything we don’t want tourists to think of when visiting Australia.
There’s obviously plenty more movies you could add to this list, but I couldn’t list them all. Please leave more in the comments though!
I thought I’d also add in a few TV Show options, if you’re just not feeling a movie.
Haunting of Hill House
I binge-watched this whole thing and at first, I thought it wasn’t too scary but definitely changed my mind by the end. I mean that in the best way possible. I like this show so much I’m considering watching it again.
American Horror Story
Now I haven’t seen all seasons of this, but the cult following of the show speaks for itself. If you’re trying to be as Halloween-themed as possible, go for the Coven season.
Stranger Things
While not super scary, this show definitely has its moments. Definitely a good one to watch while curled up eating your Halloween candy.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Everyone loves a good vampire show, there’s just something about them that’s so good. This one is one of the OGs, way before Edward Cullen made his mark.
Vampire Diaries
Another vampire show, this show definitely has its scary moments. If you’ve already watched it, try watching its spin-offs Originals or Legacies (which is currently airing!).
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
If you’re looking for those spooky season vibes, here’s your show. While you’re at it, just watch the original show too.
Glitch
This one is another Aussie show, and I can confirm it’s great. I’ve been waiting patiently for the newest season to come out, but you lucky things can binge-watch all three seasons on Netflix in one go. It follows a group of people who resurrect from the dead in perfect health, with no obvious reason why.
Any Disney/Nickelodeon Halloween episode
How nostalgic. As an Australian, we never got these Halloween-themed episodes on time. They’d arrive on paid channels a few weeks late, then air on public channels even later. Even still, I loved watching them and love the throwback on watching them now.