The Best Halloween Movies of All Time: Must-Watch for a Spooky Season
With endless options and so many classics, it can feel overwhelming to pick a Halloween movie to watch. To take away the hassle of deciding, this blog post highlights some of the greatest Halloween films ever made. Whether you’re in the mood for a heart-pounding horror flick, a nostalgic family film, or something spooky with a sense of humor, we’ve rounded up top selections to make your choice easy. From classic horror staples to lighthearted family favorites, these films will help you embrace the eerie atmosphere and bring the magic of Halloween to life.
The Classics: Timeless Horror for True Frights
1. Halloween (1978)
John Carpenter’s Halloween is the quintessential Halloween horror movie. This iconic slasher flick set the tone for decades of horror films, introducing the masked menace, Michael Myers, as he stalks babysitters on Halloween night. With its ominous score and chilling atmosphere, Halloween is a masterclass in slow-burn terror.
Expert horror critic Matthew Jackson from Looper says, “Halloween remains the gold standard of slasher films. Its genius lies in its simplicity—terrorizing the audience with tension rather than gore.”
2. The Exorcist (1973)
No Halloween movie list is complete without The Exorcist, widely regarded as one of the scariest films ever made. This supernatural horror tells the story of a young girl possessed by a demonic entity, and the desperate attempts to exorcise her. The terrifying imagery, disturbing themes, and excellent performances cement The Exorcist as a horror classic.
Roger Ebert described it as “a deeply affecting film that makes horror tangible.“
3. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Wes Craven’s A Nightmare on Elm Street introduced Freddy Krueger, a burned killer who stalks teenagers in their dreams. Mixing supernatural elements with the slasher genre, this film plays on the fear of sleep, making it one of the most innovative horror movies of its time.
According to film blogger Scott Tobias, “This film forever changed how audiences viewed their dreams—turning them into literal nightmares.”
4. Psycho (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho is often credited as one of the earliest examples of the modern horror genre. With its shocking murder scenes and unforgettable twist ending, Psycho revolutionized horror cinema. The infamous shower scene alone made film history and left an indelible mark on the genre.
As film critic Richard Brody from The New Yorker puts it, “Psycho shattered taboos and established new rules for the genre.”
5. The Shining (1980)
Based on Stephen King’s novel, The Shining is a haunting exploration of isolation and madness. Directed by Stanley Kubrick, the film follows Jack Torrance, a writer who becomes the caretaker of an isolated hotel and slowly descends into insanity. The film’s eerie visuals, unsettling atmosphere, and Jack Nicholson’s iconic performance have made it a must-watch horror classic.
Renowned horror blog Bloody Disgusting describes The Shining as “a psychological and supernatural triumph that continues to haunt audiences.“
6. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is an unrelenting, gritty horror that introduces Leatherface, a terrifying killer who wears the skin of his victims. The film’s raw and disturbing tone set it apart from other horror films of the 1970s, creating a brutal atmosphere that made audiences squirm.
Film blogger Mike Muncer from The Evolution of Horror notes that “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a nightmare in every sense of the word—a gruesome and merciless journey into madness.”
Modern Scares: Contemporary Horror Films
7. Hereditary (2018)
Ari Aster’s Hereditary is one of the most critically acclaimed horror films in recent years. This psychological horror explores family grief, generational trauma, and dark secrets, creating an intense atmosphere of dread and suspense. The film’s terrifying climax will stay with you long after it’s over.
Film experts at Rotten Tomatoes praise Hereditary as “a modern masterpiece of horror that challenges genre conventions.“
8. The Conjuring (2013)
Based on real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, The Conjuring revives the haunted house genre with its terrifying depiction of a family tormented by an evil spirit. The film, directed by James Wan, is a throwback to old-school horror, relying on atmosphere, tension, and well-executed scares rather than gore.
Film critic Peter Travers from Rolling Stone calls The Conjuring “one of the most genuinely terrifying films in decades.“
9. Midsommar (2019): This Swedish folk horror film follows a group of American friends who travel to a remote Swedish commune for a midsummer festival. As the festivities unfold, they become increasingly disturbed by the commune’s strange rituals and unsettling traditions. The film explores themes of grief, loss, and the dangers of blind faith.
10. The Lighthouse (2019): Set on a remote island in the 1890s, this black-and-white psychological horror film follows two lighthouse keepers, Thomas and Ephraim, who are driven to madness by isolation and paranoia. The film’s claustrophobic atmosphere and surreal imagery explore the depths of the human psyche and the destructive power of unchecked desire.
- Saint Maud (2019): A devout hospice nurse named Maud becomes convinced she’s been tasked with saving a dying woman’s soul. As she becomes increasingly obsessed with her mission, Maud’s religious fervor begins to blur the lines between reality and delusion. The film explores themes of faith, redemption, and the dangers of religious extremism.
- The Invisible Man (2020): A woman named Cecilia is terrorized by her abusive ex-boyfriend, Adrian, who becomes invisible after faking his death. Cecilia is convinced that Adrian is still alive and is tormenting her, but no one believes her. As she fights for her sanity and survival, Cecilia must confront the terrifying reality of being hunted by someone who cannot be seen.
- Come True (2020): A young woman named Sarah joins a sleep study to help pay for college. As she delves deeper into the study, Sarah begins to experience terrifying nightmares and hallucinations. She soon discovers that she is being targeted by a sinister force that is exploiting the power of dreams.
- Hereditary (2018): A family’s grief is compounded by a series of disturbing events that suggest they may be cursed. As the family descends into a spiral of madness and despair, they must confront the horrifying truth about their lineage and the dark forces that are controlling their lives.
- The Witch (2015): A Puritan family is banished to a remote wilderness, where they are plagued by supernatural forces and their own dark impulses. The film’s slow-burn approach and atmospheric cinematography create a sense of dread and unease as the family’s faith is tested and their bonds are strained.
- Green Room (2015): A punk rock band finds themselves trapped in a neo-Nazi bar and must fight for their survival. The film’s intense violence and claustrophobic setting create a sense of tension and desperation as the band faces off against a ruthless group of white supremacists.
17. Get Out (2017)
Jordan Peele’s Get Out blends horror with social commentary, delivering a unique and unsettling story about race and identity. The film follows Chris, a young Black man who visits his white girlfriend’s family for the weekend, only to uncover their sinister intentions. Get Out is a modern horror film that not only scares but makes you think.
Experts at The Atlantic hail it as “one of the most important horror films of the 21st century, blending fear with thought-provoking messages.“
18. It Follows (2014)
It Follows offers a fresh take on the supernatural horror genre, following a young woman who is pursued by a mysterious, slow-moving entity after a strange sexual encounter. The film taps into universal fears of being followed, using dread-filled tension to create a sense of helplessness.
Film critics at Screen Rant describe It Follows as “a haunting film that uses minimalist horror to maximum effect.“
19. The Babadook (2014)
A story about grief disguised as a monster movie, The Babadook tells the tale of a widowed mother and her son who are tormented by a sinister creature. The film is more than just jump scares—it’s an exploration of mental illness, trauma, and the hardships of parenthood.
Popular blog Vulture calls it “an intelligent, emotionally complex horror film that rises above typical genre fare.“
Family-Friendly Halloween Films
20. Hocus Pocus (1993)
This Disney classic has become a Halloween staple. Hocus Pocus follows three witches resurrected in modern-day Salem, Massachusetts, after 300 years of being trapped. With its humorous characters, magical spells, and nostalgic charm, Hocus Pocus is the perfect film for families to enjoy during the spooky season.
Film review site Collider describes Hocus Pocus as “the ultimate family Halloween movie—fun, magical, and timeless.“
21. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Is it a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? The debate continues, but there’s no denying that The Nightmare Before Christmas is a holiday classic for both seasons. The stop-motion animation film tells the story of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, as he tries to take over Christmas. With its beautiful animation and unforgettable soundtrack, this Tim Burton film is a must-watch.
Popular site Screen Rant notes, “The Nightmare Before Christmas is a masterful blend of the spooky and the festive, capturing the magic of both Halloween and Christmas.”
22. Coraline (2009)
Based on Neil Gaiman’s novel, Coraline is a dark fantasy that tells the story of a young girl who discovers a seemingly perfect alternate world—until she realizes it hides sinister secrets. This visually stunning stop-motion film is eerie yet suitable for kids, making it a Halloween favorite for all ages.
Critics at Vulture praise Coraline as “a visually rich and unsettling animated feature that toes the line between family-friendly and frightening.“
23. Casper (1995)
For those who prefer a lighter touch during Halloween, Casper is a heartwarming, family-friendly ghost story. Following the adventures of Casper, the friendly ghost, and a young girl named Kat, this charming film offers gentle spooks and feel-good moments.
The AV Club describes Casper as “a sweet and nostalgic film that perfectly balances humor and spooky fun for kids.“
Conclusion
Halloween is the perfect time to indulge in spooky, eerie, and thrilling films. Whether you’re in the mood for a blood-pumping horror, a nostalgic family flick, or something in between, this list of the best Halloween movies offers something for everyone. So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready for a night of frightful fun!
Citations:
- Jackson, Matthew. “The Enduring Legacy of Halloween (1978).” Looper, 2023.
- Ebert, Roger. “The Exorcist Movie Review (1973).” RogerEbert.com, 2019.
- Tobias, Scott. “A Nightmare on Elm Street and the Evolution of Horror.” Vox, 2022.
- Brody, Richard. “The Legacy of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho.” The New Yorker, 2015.
- “The Shining: A Masterpiece of Horror Cinema.” Bloody Disgusting, 2019.
- Muncer, Mike. “The Brutal Genius of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.” The Evolution of Horror, 2020.
- “Hereditary: A Modern Horror Masterpiece.” Rotten Tomatoes, 2018.
- Travers, Peter. “The Conjuring: Genuinely Terrifying.” Rolling Stone, 2013.
- “The Importance of Get Out in Modern Horror.” The Atlantic, 2017.
- “The Minimalist Horror of It Follows.” Screen Rant, 2014.
- “The Babadook and Mental Illness in Horror.” Vulture, 2014.
- “The Charm and Magic of Hocus Pocus.” Collider, 2021.
- “The Blend of Halloween and Christmas in The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Screen Rant, 2020.
- “The Visual Splendor of Coraline.” Vulture, 2010.
- “The Nostalgic Fun of Casper.” The AV Club, 1995.
- “Why Monster House is a Halloween Classic.” Empire, 2006.
