I have always been a big fan of movies. No matter the genre, I will give it a watch. However, when it comes to horror, I am often skeptical. For me to enjoy a horror movie, it has to be scary, but not too miserable to endure. I like a creative villain that keeps me on my toes. The movie has to have a harmonious balance between gore, fright, humor, and sometimes a bit of romance. In my opinion, the best horror movies will encompass all of these attributes. With that being said, every spooky season, I always gravitate towards my nostalgic reliables (with a few new additions to the line-up) for a Halloween movie night in.
My first recommendation will always be Tim Burton’s The Corpse Bride (2005). I saw this film for the first time a couple of years ago, and I wish I had found it sooner. This movie gets me into the Halloween spirit every year, without fail. With its spooky but whimsical atmosphere, as well as its timeless claymation production, this movie sets itself apart from your typical scary movie. It’s a more fun, lighthearted movie option for the spooky season, with elements of romance and drama that never fails to entertain me. I highly recommend if you’re looking for a Halloween film that won’t leave you scared to go to bed at night.
A new addition to my list of favorite scary movies is Zach Cregger’s recent release Resident Evil (2026). This was one of my most anticipated movies of the year, and it did not disappoint. Based on the Resident Evil video game franchise, the film follows its main character, Bryan, in his journey to deliver a very important package into Raccoon City, the horror-filled, zombie-ridden city. With a quick pace and only 94-minute runtime, the movie kept my attention the whole way through. It was exactly what I wanted from the adaptation: a masterful culmination of laughs, screams, and tears. This movie has definitely claimed a spot in my annual Halloween movie marathon.
My most nostalgic pick is Gil Kenan’s Monster House (2006). A staple in my early childhood, this movie has stood the test of time as one of my favorite animated movies ever. Its depictions of preteen friendships, curiosity, and awkwardness has always felt so genuine and realistic to me, something I feel movies often exaggerate or miss completely. Despite being able to recite almost the entire movie, it has never failed to make me laugh and keep me entertained. It’s witty humor and emotional storytelling makes it a hit for a family night of all ages. I personally love to put this movie on when I’m doing a Halloween-themed craft, pumpkin carving, or baking. It takes me right back to my most cherished childhood memories of my favorite holiday.
Finally, my last movie recommendation would be David Bruckner’s The Ritual (2017). Now, this movie is genuinely terrifying. I have only watched it a couple of times, mostly for my own sanity. It’s about four friends that go on a hike in the Swedish wilderness who have very strange and unexplainable encounters. From beginning to end, I had my face halfway under a blanket, jumping at every small noise in fear of what was to come. Being in the woods at night is scary enough, let alone with a mysterious entity trying to get you. I watch this movie strictly when I’m looking for a good scare, so if that is something you want from horror movies, I highly recommend this film. If not, I still recommend it, just watch with plenty of caution and company.
Halloween movies have so much more to offer than just scares! My favorites actually tend to be not very scary at all. Even if none of these movies fit what you’re looking for, I highly recommend finding your own go-to Halloween movies to get yourself into the festive spirit. They’re often the best with some fun fall activities, friends, and a side of commentary.