Scary Movie Favorites to Watch for Halloween
Today is Halloween. Neighborhoods are ablaze with the warm glow of jack-o'-lanterns, and trick-or-treaters will soon take to the streets in search of goodies. There is no better way to celebrate Halloween than to settle in for a series of scary films? From spine-tingling horrors to family-friendly favorites, you can program your own movie marathon to capture the spirit (and ghouls) of spooky season.
1. Hocus Pocus (1993
This cult classic follows the Sanderson sisters—three hilariously wicked witches accidentally resurrected by a teenager in Salem. With Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, Hocus Pocus combines humor with a touch of fright, making it a seasonal staple for all ages.
2. Halloween (1978)
No Halloween list is complete without John Carpenter’s Halloween. This suspenseful slasher introduced the world to the terrifying Michael Myers and features a spine-tingling score that sets the tone for any Halloween night.
3. Beetlejuice (1988)
Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice is a unique blend of humor and horror as the “bio-exorcist” Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) hilariously haunts the living. Perfect for those who enjoy quirky scares and laughs, it’s a Halloween classic like no other.
4. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Jack Skellington’s adventure through Halloween and Christmas Town makes The Nightmare Before Christmas a perfect holiday crossover. Tim Burton’s unforgettable stop-motion animation and catchy songs make it a must-watch for fans of both Halloween and Christmas.
5. The Exorcist (1973)
Known as one of the scariest movies of all time, The Exorcist tells the unsettling story of a young girl possessed by a demonic entity. Its eerie atmosphere and groundbreaking effects make it an unforgettable experience that’s perfect for Halloween.
6. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Credited with popularizing the found-footage genre, The Blair Witch Project follows three filmmakers who disappear while investigating a local legend. Its realistic, low-budget style makes the horror feel personal and adds to the lingering unease long after the movie ends.
7. Scream (1996)
Wes Craven’s Scream redefined horror with its satirical twist and iconic Ghostface killer. Clever and thrilling, Scream plays with horror tropes, delivering plenty of scares and laughs, making it a must-watch for horror fans with a taste for witty storytelling.
8. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
One of the grittiest horror films ever made, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre introduces audiences to Leatherface and his cannibalistic family in rural Texas. With its raw atmosphere and shocking imagery, it’s a horror essential that leaves a haunting impression on viewers.
9. Poltergeist (1982)
This supernatural thriller directed by Tobe Hooper (and produced by Steven Spielberg) follows a family haunted by terrifying spirits. Known for its suspenseful moments and classic line, “They’re here,” Poltergeist brings eerie supernatural horror to the Halloween lineup.
10. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
For a family-friendly pick, this Peanuts classic is lighthearted and nostalgic, following Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the gang as they celebrate Halloween. It’s a charming seasonal special that’s perfect for families or anyone looking to revisit childhood Halloween traditions.
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From cult classics and supernatural thrills to bone-chilling horror, this list has something for everyone. So dim the lights, grab your popcorn, and get ready to be spooked!