I saw my first pumpkin spice product sighting out there in the wild at Target so that means it’s time to talk about Halloween stuff, right? Right?? WELL IT IS FOR ME. Ohh boy! I can’t wait.
I have two favorite holidays. Halloween and Christmas. It’s a tie. Which is probably why I love The Nightmare Before Christmas so much. It literally has both of my all time favorite Holidays combined! Do I wish the year was split up evenly with 6 months of Halloween and 6 months of Christmas? Yes. But unfortunately, that’s not how the world works, so as soon as there’s even an inkling that its gettin’ close to Halloween time I get antsy to get into the spirit of things and make it last as long as I can!
If you’re like me and grew up watching the Disney Channel, you couldn’t wait for Halloween time to come around because they did a month long Halloween themed movie marathon! The best. I’m all about that cheesy holiday themed movie binge so I decided to make my own!
These are 31 of the Best Halloween-themed movies that I guarantee you I’ll be rewatching this year… and every year. So here they are, just in case you were gettin’ that Halloween feelin’ like me! One for every day of October, just like the old days!
1. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
“Jack Skellington, king of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town, but his attempts to bring Christmas to his home causes confusion.” – IMDB
I mean, obviously I was going to include this first. I can’t imagine that any of you haven’t seen this yet, but if you haven’t – it’s a must see. Some of the most classic creepy Halloween characters that you’ve definitely seen before are in this. Jack Skellington, Sally, The Mayor with the twisting head, The Evil Scientist, The three evil kids – Lock, Shock, and Barrel, and of course, Oogie Boogie. It’s a musical, and I hate musicals, but I LOVE this movie. The stop motion is so rad. The visuals are that classic Tim Burton creepy awesomeness. I just love it. I’ve seen this more times in my life than I can count.
2. Tower of Terror (1997)
“A disgraced reporter investigates an abandoned luxury hotel where five people mysteriously disappeared sixty years earlier.” – IMDB
A classic based on the terrifying Disneyland/Disneyworld ride. Starring a young Kirsten Dunst and that guy from every 90s movie – Steve Guttenberg. I love rewatching this every year. If you love good ol’ cheesy 90s movies you’ll love this.
3. When Good Ghouls Go Bad (2001)
“When 12 year old Danny Walker moves to his father’s hometown in Minnesota, he finds that the town doesn’t celebrate Halloween and things aren’t quite what they appear to be.” – IMDB
I LOVE this Halloween movie, but I feel like no one ever knows what I’m talking about when I reference it? Which is strange. To me, this is totally another classic. And Christopher Lloyd is in it! It’s super cheesy and has cliche characters, but it’s all in good fun! Also, it has an eerie real life story attached to it. The lead kid in this (Joe Pichler) went missing a few years after filming this on January 5th 2006. He still hasn’t been found to this day. What. The. Heck.
4. The Haunted Mansion (2003)
“A realtor and his wife and children are summoned to a mansion, which they soon discover is haunted, and while they attempt to escape, he learns an important lesson about the family he has neglected.” – IMDB
It’s no secret that The Haunted Mansion is one of my favorite rides at Disneyland/Disneyworld, I think it may actually be my favorite just because it’s my dream home. I totally want to live in it. ESPECIALLY when it’s the holidays and they dress it up like The Nightmare Before Christmas. Legit, it’s what my dreams are made of. ANWAY. This is another movie based on Disney ride, just like The Tower of Terror as mentioned above. It stars Eddie Murphy who is the best, always, and Terrance Stamp who you’ll definitely recognize as the creepy old dude from everything. It’s a fun watch that’s not really scary so you can watch it with the youngin’s if you have ’em.
5. Hocus Pocus (1993)
“A curious youngster moves to Salem, where he struggles to fit in before awakening a trio of diabolical witches that were executed in the 17th century.” – IMDB
I think it’s safe to say this is one of the best movies of all time, not just one of the best Halloween themed movies. I stand by that. This has always been one of my favorites, and as far as I can tell everyone else loves it too! It’s another classic 90s movie, starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and the littlest Thora Birch! She’s so amazing in this. It’s another one that’s not very scary but super entertaining. I mean, the set dec is so amazing, it just makes you want to go there. To this day I still haven’t been to Salem, Massachusetts around Halloween, but you better believe that’s one of my life goals. Witch houses? Downtown Salem? The Hocus Pocus house? Fall foliage!? Yes, please!
6. Coco (2017)
“Aspiring musician Miguel, confronted with his family’s ancestral ban on music, enters the Land of the Dead to find his great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer.” – IMDB
I mean, he enters the Land of the Dead you guys. How Halloween is that!? I mean, even though it takes place during Dia de los Muertos which obviously isn’t Halloween, but it starts on October 31st. So I figured I could include it. I recently learned more about Dia de los Meurtos from my friends here in Los Angeles and I think it’s such a cool concept. If I had to choose to stand behind any belief it’s definitely the one I could stand behind. I really love the idea of gathering around and sharing stories about your loved ones that are no longer with us. It’s a great way to celebrate their lives and keep their memories alive. I think it’s all very beautiful. Coco is definitely a great movie, visually it’s striking, the story is great, heck, even the music is good. And like I said before, I hate musicals. I do like this one though! I highly recommend this, but be prepared, you may cry.
7. Frankenweenie (2012)
“When a boy’s beloved dog passes away suddenly, he attempts to bring the animal back to life through a powerful science experiment.” – IMDB
Ah, another Tim Burton movie. I relate a lot to Frankenweenie because if I could have, I totally would have made Goob into a Frankenweenie, though after watching this we all know why that wouldn’t be the best idea. But still. I miss him. This movie is in black and white which isn’t my favorite, but I understand the choice. I just prefer bright visuals personally. This has some creepy characters, like every Tim Burton movie, so if you’re into anything Tim Burton-esque, you’ll love this!
8. The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)
“An animated adaptation of “The Wind in the Willows” followed by an adaptation of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” – IMDB
I remember watching this as a kid. Not the Mr. Toad part though, I guess I must’ve just watched the second part because I vividly remember the scene where Ichabod is running away from the Headless Horseman. It’s a classic. Legit. I mean, it’s from freakin’ 1949. If you like old school Disney, you’ll love this.
9. Sleepy Hollow (1999)
“Ichabod Crane is sent to Sleepy Hollow to investigate the decapitations of three people, with the culprit being the legendary apparition, The Headless Horseman.” – IMDB
I mean, speaking of Ichabod Crane here’s another version. A live action version starring Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci, and directed by my favorite – Tim Burton. The set dec is amazing, as usual for Tim Burton. It’s super creepy and dark. Classic Tim Burton style. It can get a bit gross… so maybe don’t let the chilluns watch this until you have and decide if they can or not. I’m gonna say probably don’t let them watch it but, whatever. Lol.
10. Casper (1995)
“A paranormal expert and his daughter bunk in an abandoned house populated by three mischievous ghosts and one friendly one.” – IMDB
When you think of Halloween movies you definitely think of Casper. Am I right or am I right? It’s such a classic. I always wanted to live in the house. All the secret passage ways and the spiral swirl on the ground in the great hall with the stairs. I love it. Starring Christina Ricci and Bill Pullman. If you haven’t seen this yet, you gotta!
11. The Craft (1996)
“A newcomer to a Catholic prep high school falls in with a trio of outcast teenage girls who practice witchcraft, and they all soon conjure up various spells and curses against those who anger them.” – IMDB
A classic 90s movie. Are most of these Halloween movies from the 90s? Seems so. I guess it was just a great time for movies. The weird thing is a lot of the kids these days don’t seem to know about this one though!? What the heck? When I was a kid we were all obsessed with this movie. It’s basically like mean girls, but with witches. A must see for sure!
12. Practical Magic (1998)
“Two witch sisters, raised by their eccentric aunts in a small town, face closed-minded prejudice and a curse which threatens to prevent them ever finding lasting love.” – IMDB
Another classic 90s movie. Another house I want to live in. Ahhh, good times. This one stars Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman who are not only sisters, but also witches! They have a curse though, and it ends up haunting them. It’s great!
13. Beetlejuice (1988)
“The spirits of a deceased couple are harassed by an unbearable family that has moved into their home, and hire a malicious spirit to drive them out.” – IMDB
Another classic Tim Burton movie. I was also obsessed with this as a kid. Weird? Yes. Did the weird dude at Makeup School call me Lydia because of Beetlejuice instead of my actual name? Yes. Do I still want to change my middle name to Lydia because of this movie? Yes. This stars Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice, a totally evil but also totally likeable villain. Geena Davis, Alec Baldwin, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’hara. If those names don’t pull you in I don’t know what else to say. It’s one of the best!
14. It (2017)
“In the summer of 1989, a group of bullied kids band together to destroy a shape-shifting monster, which disguises itself as a clown and preys on the children of Derry, their small Maine town.” – IMDB
I meaaan, hot damn. This movie is creepy AF. They did an amazing job. I think it’s definitely scarier than the original. A must see for sure. This will scare you. Just a heads up!
15. It Follows (2014)
“A young woman is followed by an unknown supernatural force after a sexual encounter.” – IMDB
Who knew something so simple could be so damn creepy?! This movie will have you looking over your shoulder for days. Basically, she catches a murderous STD, lol. For real though. This is definitely a must see though, it will definitely creep you out.
16. Double Double Toil and Trouble (1993)
“On Halloween night, two precocious little girls try to save their parents from the greedy clutches of their nasty old Capitalist aunt. Magic abounds and they meet new albeit strange friends along the way.” – IMDB
Growing up I was given every Mary Kate and Ashley movie in existence. This was always one of my favorites. It’s extremely silly, but it’s still a classic that I love to watch. It’s definitely a kids movie, but it’s cute. So if you’re looking for a silly Halloween movie check this one out!
17. Ernest Scared Stupid (1991)
“Ernest accidentally unleashes an ugly troll that plots to transform children into wooden dolls in the town of Briarville, Missouri.” – IMDB
I used to LOVE Ernest movies when I was a kid because they were just so comforting and sily. He’s such a goofball. This one was slightly creepy and kinda gross, but still funny! If you want to watch a ridiculous and silly Halloween movie, this is it.
18. Ghostbusters (1984)
“Three former parapsychology professors set up shop as a unique ghost removal service.” – IMDB
Another classic. You can probably hear the music in your head already can’t you – lol. This is a great movie to watch around Halloween because of all of the ghosts (Duh), but also it’s great if you want something lighthearted with lots of comedy. I mean it stars Bill Murray. My all time favorite. Done and done.
19. The Addams Family (1991)
“Con artists plan to fleece an eccentric family using an accomplice who claims to be their long-lost uncle.” – IMDB
I freakin’ love the Addams family. They’re so creepy but also, very wholesome? They’re just the best. For me it’s a tie between this one and the Addams Family Values (1993). I mean, you can’t go wrong with either. It’s probably best just to watch both. But start with this one first! I can’t wait for the new cartoon one to come out. Looks so good!
20. Death Becomes Her (1992)
“When a woman learns of an immortality treatment, she sees it as a way to outdo her long-time rival.” – IMDB
I thought this was one of the best movies as a kid. Her giant hole in her stomach!? The coolest. Clearly, I was a weird kid. LOL. What’s changed though? Nothing. And I still love this movie. It stars Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Bruce Willis. It’s so creepy, so funny, so good. You gotta watch this one.
21. Halloweentown (1998)
“After learning she is a witch, a girl helps save a town full of other supernatural creatures.” – IMDB
I actually hadn’t watched this until recently. It’s definitely ridiculous and extremely cheesy, but that doesn’t mean I still don’t want to live in Halloweentown. Definitely a kids movie, super simple plot and there’s a lot of bad writing and overacting, but you gotta watch it at least once. I mean, it’s called Halloweentown.
22. Trick ‘r Treat (2007)
“Five interwoven stories that occur on Halloween: An everyday high school principal has a secret life as a serial killer; a college virgin might have just met the guy for her; a group of teenagers pull a mean prank; a woman who loathes the night has to contend with her holiday-obsessed husband; and a mean old man meets his match with a demonic, supernatural trick-or-treater.” – IMDB
Okay, this seems to be another one a lot of people haven’t seen. Which blows my mind. It’s definitely one of the best ones out there. For real. You have to see this. Everything about it is extremely well done. You’ll be pleasantly surprised, I promise! There is some gore though, so be prepared for that.
23. Poltergeist (1982)
“A family’s home is haunted by a host of demonic ghosts.” – IMDB
SO CREEPY. SO GOOD. I love this movie. I think I saw it for the first time when I was about 6? I legit remember laying on a blanket in the living room in our tiny little house in Scarborough watching this during the day. I thought it was legit. I still do. I totally shouldn’t have seen it then, but whatever. LOL.
24. ParaNorman (2012)
“A misunderstood boy takes on ghosts, zombies and grown-ups to save his town from a centuries-old curse.” – IMDB
I love me some animated movies, and definitely the stop motion weird kind. This is super entertaining and the visuals are rad. Basically Norman is considered weird, cause he totally sees ghosts. Hijinks ensue. Definitely check this one out.
25. The Haunting (1999)
“When Eleanor, Theo, and Luke decide to take part in a sleep study at a huge mansion they get more than they bargained for when Dr. Marrow tells them of the house’s ghostly past.” – IMDB
Another movie I watched as a kid. I definitely was watching movies that were way too scary for me, but I loved them. This one is a classic I keep coming back to because it’s so creepy. Starring Liam Neeson, Catharine Zeta-Jones, Owen Wilson, and Lili Taylor, who you may remember from the more recent scary movie “The Conjuring”. Definitely see this!
26. The Conjuring (2013)
“Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren work to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse.” – IMDB
I love these movies. I love Vera Farmiga. The actors and acting in this is great. The FX are great, it’s just creepy AF. I love this movie. And as mentioned above, Lili Taylor is in it! She’s great in this. If you want to be totally creeped out, watch this! There’s also a series connected to these that are just as good. So if you like them, you’ll be able to continue on with the story. The best.
27. The Halloween Tree (1993)
“Four children learn the origins of Halloween customs while trying to save the life of their friend.” – IMDB
Another movie that no one ever knows what I’m talking about when I reference it. It’s funny because when I found the trailer the comments were like, “I thought I imagined this movie because it took me so long to figure out what it was called and no one ever knows what I’m talking about.” Same and same. It’s another dumb kids movie, but it’s still entertaining.
28. Halloween (1978)
“Fifteen years after murdering his sister on Halloween night 1963, Michael Myers escapes from a mental hospital and returns to the small town of Haddonfield, Illinois to kill again.”
I meaaan, I had to include one of the originals right? Though I think the newer expansions of Halloween are better… you gotta watch the first one. The music is so classic. Gets me every time!
29. Sinister (2012)
“Washed-up true-crime writer Ellison Oswalt finds a box of super 8 home movies that suggest the murder he is currently researching is the work of a serial killer whose work dates back to the 1960s.” – IMDB
Surprisingly good. Super creepy. Basically he’s a writer who moves into a new house with his family and finds homemade movies of murders, and creepy AF things start happening. Starring Ethan Hawke. I wasn’t expecting much from this but when I saw it I remember thinking wow, that was actually really good. Definitely check this one out if you want to be sufficiently creeped out.
30. Monster House (2006)
“Three teens discover that their neighbor’s house is really a living, breathing, scary monster.” – IMDB
Though the visuals read very similar to a GTA cutscene, which I don’t love, I still like watching this around Halloween. The writing is pretty decent for a kids movie. The characters are funny. It’s just a good fun watch. It’s a good one for the youngin’s, or you, if you’re anything like me.
31. Scream (1996)
“A year after the murder of her mother, a teenage girl is terrorized by a new killer, who targets the girl and her friends by using horror films as part of a deadly game.” – IMDB
Last, but definitely not least, Scream. Arguably one of the best Halloween movies of all time. Still holds up today. Skeet Ulrich is a total babe, and Matthew Lillard is hilarious and gives an amazing performance like always. If you haven’t seen this yet, not sure how you wouldn’t have, but if you haven’t, definitely check this out. And if you have, re-watch it, duh! Lol. Definitely the best one of the bunch.
So there you have it. 31 movies for 31 days. Or just a bunch of times before Halloween. Or, if you’re me, anytime, all-year-round.
What are your favourite Halloween themed movies!? What should I watch next?
Until next time,
