Best Halloween Movies: Scary, Funny, and Classic Movies
Top 25 Halloween Movies:
1. Hocus Pocus
Released In: 1993
Main Actors: Bette MidlerSarah Jessica ParkerKathy Najimy
IMDb Rating: 6.9
About Movie: Halloween is a time for tricks and treats, for costumes and candy. But most importantly, it’s a time for watching Hocus Pocus! This classic film follows the story of three evil witches who are accidentally freed from their imprisonment and must be stopped before they take over Salem.
With the help of some young friends, the witches are thwarted in this hilarious and spooktacular adventure. So gather your family around the TV and get ready to have a fiendish good time.
2. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
Released In: 1974
Main Actors: Marilyn BurnsAllen DanzigerPaul A. Partain
IMDb Rating: 7.5
About Movie: The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is one of the best Halloween movies of all time. It is a horror classic that was released in 1974 and is still popular today. The film follows a group of teenagers as they stumble across a family of psychopaths in the Texas countryside.
This abattoir of a movie is noisy, relentless, and about as subtle as having your leg sawed off without an anesthetic. With sledgehammers, meathooks, and chainsaws, this movie is sure to scare the pants off of you!
3. The Addams Family
Released In: 1991
Main Actors: Raul JuliaAnjelica HustonChristopher Lloyd
IMDb Rating: 6.9
About Movie: The delightfully macabre Addams family must prove that a man claiming to be Uncle Fester is who he says he is. With dark humor, kooky characters, and ghoulish charm, this film has become a Halloween staple. It balances family-friendly laughs with spooky ambiance, perfect for seasonal viewing. A cult favorite with clever wit and an iconic cast.
4. Halloween (1978)
Released In: 1978
Main Actors: Jamie Lee Curtis, Donald Pleasence
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
About Movie: Michael Myers escapes from a mental hospital and returns home to wreak havoc on Halloween night. Stalking babysitter Laurie Strode, he becomes the face of slasher horror. With chilling music and slow-building tension, it defined a genre. John Carpenter’s classic still terrifies decades later.
5. Hocus Pocus (1993)
Released In: 1993
Main Actors: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
About Movie: Three witch sisters are resurrected in Salem on Halloween after 300 years. With kids, a talking cat, and plenty of spooky laughs, they must be stopped before sunrise. A festive, lighthearted adventure full of campy charm and magic. This Disney classic is a Halloween tradition for families.
6. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Released In: 1993
Main Actors: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
About Movie: Jack Skellington, ruler of Halloween Town, becomes obsessed with Christmas and decides to take it over. His well-meaning plan leads to chaos as he blends two holidays. Stunning stop-motion animation and iconic music define this Tim Burton creation. It’s spooky, heartwarming, and perfect for both Halloween and Christmas.
7. Trick ‘r Treat (2007)
Released In: 2007
Main Actors: Anna Paquin, Brian Cox, Dylan Baker
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
About Movie: This horror anthology intertwines four creepy stories that all take place on Halloween night. Each tale is connected by a mysterious child in a burlap mask named Sam. With twists, gore, and moral lessons, it’s a love letter to Halloween. It’s scary, clever, and a modern cult favorite.
8. Beetlejuice (1988)
Released In: 1988
Main Actors: Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Alec Baldwin
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
About Movie: A deceased couple haunts their former home and hires the eccentric ghost Beetlejuice to scare off the new owners. Chaos ensues as Beetlejuice’s antics spiral out of control. Tim Burton’s gothic humor shines through with vibrant visuals and quirky characters. A spooky comedy that remains endlessly rewatchable.
9. Casper (1995)
Released In: 1995
Main Actors: Christina Ricci, Bill Pullman, Devon Sawa
IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
About Movie: A kind ghost named Casper lives in a haunted mansion with his mischievous uncles. When a paranormal therapist and his daughter move in, they form an unlikely friendship. Combining heartwarming themes with mild spooks, it’s perfect for younger viewers. Ghostly fun for the whole family.
10. Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Released In: 1999
Main Actors: Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci, Miranda Richardson
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
About Movie: Ichabod Crane investigates grisly decapitations in the eerie town of Sleepy Hollow. He confronts the legend of the Headless Horseman in this gothic horror mystery. With Tim Burton’s trademark style, it’s visually haunting and richly atmospheric. A moody blend of mystery, horror, and historical fiction.
11. The Witches (1990)
Released In: 1990
Main Actors: Anjelica Huston, Mai Zetterling, Jasen Fisher
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
About the Movie: A boy stumbles upon a secret convention of witches who plot to eliminate all children by turning them into mice. With the help of his grandmother, he must stop their wicked plan. The film blends dark fantasy and whimsy in a truly memorable way. Anjelica Huston’s performance as the Grand High Witch is unforgettable.
12. Poltergeist (1982)
Released In: 1982
Main Actors: JoBeth Williams, Craig T. Nelson, Heather O’Rourke
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
About Movie: Strange events plague a suburban family after their daughter is abducted by malevolent spirits through the TV. As supernatural forces escalate, they turn to paranormal experts for help. The film delivers eerie suspense with a suburban twist. It’s a chilling mix of ghost story and family drama.
13. The Ring (2002)
Released In: 2002
Main Actors: Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson, Brian Cox
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
About Movie: A cursed videotape causes anyone who watches it to die in seven days. A journalist races against time to uncover the origin of the curse and stop the deadly cycle. With moody visuals and terrifying imagery, it redefined American horror. The film’s atmosphere is haunting and unforgettable.
14. It (2017)
Released In: 2017
Main Actors: Bill Skarsgård, Jaeden Lieberher, Finn Wolfhard
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
About Movie: In the town of Derry, a group of kids faces a malevolent entity that preys on fear. Known as Pennywise the Dancing Clown, it emerges every 27 years to feed. The story blends coming-of-age drama with supernatural terror. It’s both emotionally resonant and deeply frightening.
15. Donnie Darko (2001)
Released In: 2001
Main Actors: Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Maggie Gyllenhaal
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
About Movie: A troubled teen begins experiencing visions of a man in a creepy rabbit costume who predicts the end of the world. As time unravels, Donnie questions reality, fate, and his place in it. The film combines sci-fi, horror, and psychological mystery. It’s a haunting cult classic with emotional depth.
16. The Shining (1980)
Released In: 1980
Main Actors: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
About Movie: A writer and his family move into a remote hotel where an evil presence drives him mad. As isolation and supernatural visions grow, danger builds for his wife and son. Stanley Kubrick’s eerie visuals and Jack Nicholson’s performance are iconic. It’s a slow-burning descent into psychological terror.
17. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
Released In: 1968
Main Actors: Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
About Movie: After moving into a strange apartment building, a pregnant woman suspects her neighbors are part of a cult. As paranoia grows, she fears they want her baby for a dark ritual. The suspense builds with quiet dread and psychological tension. It’s a chilling tale of manipulation and motherhood.
18. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Released In: 1974
Main Actors: Marilyn Burns, Edwin Neal, Jim Siedow
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
About Movie: A group of friends encounters a family of cannibals, including the chainsaw-wielding Leatherface. What begins as a road trip turns into a horrific fight for survival. Its gritty, documentary-style feel intensifies the terror. It’s raw, relentless, and one of the most disturbing horror films ever made.
19. The Conjuring (2013)
Released In: 2013
Main Actors: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Lili Taylor
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
About Movie: Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren help a family plagued by a sinister force in their farmhouse. As supernatural events intensify, they uncover a horrifying history. Based on true events, the film mixes old-school scares with emotional storytelling. It launched a major horror franchise for a reason.
20. Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998)
Released In: 1998
Main Actors: Jamie Lee Curtis, Adam Arkin, Michelle Williams
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
About Movie: Laurie Strode has changed her identity and built a new life, but Michael Myers returns after two decades. She must face her past and protect her son from the masked killer. This sequel brings Jamie Lee Curtis back in a powerful role. It’s a suspenseful revival of the iconic slasher series.
21. The Evil Dead (1981)
Released In: 1983
Main Actors: Bruce Campbell, Ellen Sandweiss, Richard DeManincor
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
About Movie: Five friends vacationing in a remote cabin unleash ancient demonic forces after reading from the Necronomicon. One by one, they become possessed in gruesome, nightmarish ways. Sam Raimi’s direction mixes horror and wild creativity. It’s a cult classic that redefined indie horror filmmaking.
22. The Babadook (2014)
Released In: 2014
Main Actors: Essie Davis, Noah Wiseman, Daniel Henshall
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
About Movie: A grieving mother and her troubled son are haunted by a sinister creature from a mysterious pop-up book. As their fear deepens, the line between reality and madness blurs. This horror film explores trauma through eerie, symbolic storytelling. It’s emotionally gripping and spine-chilling in equal measure.
23. The Witch (2016)
Released In: 2015
Main Actors: Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
About Movie: Banished from their Puritan colony, a family settles near a dark forest where strange occurrences unfold. Their faith is tested as paranoia and supernatural forces tear them apart. The film’s historical realism heightens the dread. It’s a slow, atmospheric descent into folklore horror.
24. The Haunting (1963)
Released In: 1963
Main Actors: Julie Harris, Claire Bloom, Richard Johnson
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
About Movie: A group of people is invited to a mansion to investigate reports of paranormal activity. One woman, in particular, becomes the focus of increasingly disturbing events. The film builds tension with psychological scares over special effects. It’s a chilling and elegant classic of haunted house horror.
25. Death Becomes Hers (1992)
Released In: 1992
Main Actors: Goldie Hawn, Bruce Willis, Meryl Streep
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
About Movie: Two women obsessed with youth and vanity take a magical potion that grants them immortality—with unexpected side effects. As their rivalry escalates, dark comedy and fantasy collide. The film satirizes beauty culture with gothic flair and campy performances. It’s twisted, hilarious, and visually unforgettable.
Editor’s Picks for the Best Halloween Movies
While every film on this list offers something unique, a few stand out as must-watch Halloween staples. Hocus Pocus is our top pick for family-friendly fun with nostalgic charm and magical mischief. For pure horror, The Shining delivers unforgettable atmosphere and psychological terror that still resonates. And if you want something clever and creepy, Trick ‘r Treat perfectly blends Halloween tradition with dark storytelling. These editor-approved choices capture the spirit of Halloween across genres.
Frequently Asked Questions About Halloween Movies
What are the best Halloween movies for kids and families?
Family-friendly Halloween movies like Hocus Pocus, Casper, and The Addams Family are great choices. These films provide just the right amount of spookiness without being too scary, making them fun for all ages.
Which Halloween movie is considered the scariest?
The Shining, The Conjuring, and The Ring are often cited as the scariest Halloween films due to their psychological tension and supernatural themes. These films are perfect for horror enthusiasts looking for a fright.
Are there any Halloween movies that are also funny?
Yes! Beetlejuice, Death Becomes Her, and The Addams Family mix dark humor with spooky elements. These movies are ideal for those who want Halloween flair without full-on terror.
Can Halloween movies be enjoyed year-round?
Absolutely. While these movies are especially popular in October, many horror fans enjoy watching spooky films throughout the year. They’re great for anytime you want a thrilling or eerie viewing experience.
Tips for Enjoying the Best Halloween Movie Night
Want to make your Halloween movie marathon even more memorable? Start by setting the mood with candles, dim lighting, and Halloween-themed decorations. Choose a mix of funny, scary, and classic films to keep everyone entertained. Provide a snack station with popcorn, candy, and themed treats like caramel apples or “witches’ brew” punch. Don’t forget to include comfy seating, blankets, and maybe even a costume dress code to really get in the spirit. And for a tech-savvy touch, use one of our recommended movie streaming websites to access the full list.
