One of my favorite activities is to unwind and watch seasonal movies during Halloween time. With the spooky holiday right around the corner, I compiled a list of some of the best movies to watch this season that will appeal to anyone’s taste!
Horror
Even though they may be available year-round, horror movies always hit differently around Halloween. I may be a horror movie aficionado myself, but I know they may not be for everyone. However, if you are like me and want to get your adrenaline pumping, these are for you!
Friday the 13th
- This is always one of the first horror movies that come to mind around the Halloween season. The original Friday the 13th has forever left its mark in the 80s summer camp slasher trope that we still adore today. (Better yet, October 13th falls on a Friday this year!)
It (2017)
- This 2017 remake of the classic 1990 horror movie about Pennywise the Clown is one of the rare occasions where I (personally) believe a remake is better than the original. It includes an amazing cast and perfectly balances comedic elements and horror, especially Bill Skarsgard’s absolutely terrifying performance as Pennywise.
The Shining
- Stephen King is one of the most prominent modern horror novelists, so film adaptations of his novels are expected to go above and beyond. The Shining, a story about the Torrance family living in the haunted Overlook Hotel, does just that. Combining both paranormal and slasher film elements, the movie is sure to thrill you.
A Cozy Night In
If a relaxing night is more your vibe, these picks will be perfect for you. Whether you choose to invite some friends over or decompress with some alone time, these movies are great for curling up on the couch with your favorite warm drink and some cookies.
Coraline
- Coraline is, without a doubt, the most visually stunning movie on this list. There are spooky vibes, a gripping storyline, and amazing claymation! The scenes where Coraline travels to the Other World have such beautiful effects and set designs. You won’t want to look away!
Hocus Pocus
- When I think of Hocus Pocus, I always think of when my classmates and I would watch it during elementary school Halloween parties. I have always loved witchy stuff, so the Sanderson sisters and the setting of Salem, Massachusetts, make it a perfect Halloween movie for a cozy night! (A sequel was just released on Disney+ last year, so be sure to check that out as well!)
The Nightmare Before Christmas
- Tim Burton has been a part of many iconic movies in his time, but I believe the top of that list has to be The Nightmare Before Christmas! The designs of the citizens of Halloween are amazing, and the movie has such a fun soundtrack! There is still a huge debate on whether this is a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie, but I believe it is a perfect movie to watch during both seasons!
Beetlejuice
- This 80s movie is so iconic that there’s been a Broadway musical and a sequel planned to release in 2024! Winona Ryder as Lydia and Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice could not have been better casting choices, as they bring a well-remembered, lovable charm to these quirky characters.
Many of these movies and so much more run all month long as a part of Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween!
Binge-Worthy Sagas
With these movie series, you can have multiple all-day spooky marathons! These sagas have stood the test of time and are iconic to this day.
Halloweentown
- The Halloweentown franchise is one of my earliest memories of Halloween, and I watch them to this day! I loved watching Marnie and her siblings embrace the Cromwell witch legacy and seeing all the kooky Halloweentown residents they meet along the way. Furthermore, how could a movie go wrong with an actress as iconic as Debbie Reynolds?
Scream
- “Do you like scary movies?” If you do, then you undoubtedly know about the Scream franchise and the Ghostface name that has been kept alive for well over 20 years. If you like slasher thrillers and being on the edge of your seat, binging the saga’s six movies will definitely do the trick!
Ghostbusters
- These movies may not be all that scary, but regardless, they are always super fun to watch around the Halloween season. They include a star-studded cast with huge names such as Bill Murray, Sigourney Weaver, and Rick Moranis, as well as a catchy theme song that is always on everyone’s Halloween playlist!
Make sure to take some time for yourself this season and unwind from midterms by watching some of these movies. I hope everyone has a fun month and makes lots of great memories!