Halloween Movie Guide: 25 Unmissable Spookfests to Watch This October
As the calendar turns to fall, October invites a movie marathon season filled with nostalgia, scares, and a dash of whimsy. From timeless horror masterpieces to modern thrillers and cult favorites, here are 25 Halloween films that span moods and eras—perfect for blanket-wearing nights, big bowls of popcorn, and a little scream-prone fun.
1) Hocus Pocus (1993) — A nostalgic family favorite about three witches in Salem whose mischievous spellcasting has kept audiences giggling and gasping for decades.
2) Nosferatu (2024) — Robert Eggers reimagines the 1922 classic with a modern gothic eye, delivering a chilling portrait of isolation and obsession through a Count Orlok who haunt the screen.
3) Shaun of the Dead (2004) — A clever mash-up of horror and comedy as a group of friends navigates a zombie outbreak with wit and heart.
4) Beetlejuice (1988) — Tim Burton’s exuberant haunted-house caper, where a vibrant afterlife collides with the living in wildly imaginative fashion.
5) The Witches of Eastwick (1987) — A star-studded blend of fantasy, feminism, and devilish mischief that explores friendship, power, and temptation.
6) Candyman (2021) — A tense, thought-provoking horror that blends social themes with atmospheric terror, expanding a modern myth.
7) The Silence of the Lambs (1991) — A landmark psychological thriller featuring sharp twists, a tenacious FBI trainee, and one of cinema’s most notorious villains.
8) The Corpse Bride (2005) — A Burton-helmed animated romance with gothic flair, where love and the afterlife collide in musical numbers and witty heartbreak.
9) Carrie (1976) — A definitive King adaptation about a bullied teen whose prom-night vengeance becomes a cultural touchstone for the genre.
10) Practical Magic (1998) — A spellbinding sisterhood tale that blends magic, romance, and family warmth with humor and heart.
11) Onibaba (1964) — A stark, black-and-white Japanese drama of survival, fear, and symbolism set in feudal ruins and jagged landscapes.
12) Death Becomes Her (1992) — A gleefully dark comedy about aging, rivalry, and a magical potion that defies death with stylish flair.
13) Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984) — A high-octane slasher entry known for its relentless suspense and a notorious villain at Crystal Lake.
14) Midsommar (2019) — A sunlit nightmare as a group retreat to a Swedish festival unravels into ritual and dread, driven by Ari Aster’s unmistakable style.
15) It (2017) — A coming-of-age horror that follows a group of kids confronting a shape-shifting, all-too-real villain in the town of Derry.
16) The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) — A campy cult classic that, through song and spectacle, invites audiences to join in a celebration of theatrical weirdness.
17) Jennifer’s Body (2009) — A sharp, satirical horror that blends teen angst with supernatural horror and a bite of feminist commentary.
18) Train to Busan (2016) — A kinetic Korean zombie thriller aboard a speeding train, where sacrifice and solidarity drive the pulse-pounding action.
19) The Shining (1980) — Stanley Kubrick’s iconic psychological horror set in an isolated hotel, renowned for its atmosphere, visuals, and unsettling descent into madness.
20) The Craft (1996) — A cult favorite about four girls who explore witchcraft and its consequences, balancing moodiness with sharp social undercurrents.
21) A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014) — An artful Iranian vampire tale presented in stark black and white, blending romance, genre thrills, and atmosphere.
22) The Addams Family (1991) — A loveable, eerie family comedy that revels in gothic charm and offbeat humor, with a memorable ensemble.
23) Get Out (2017) — A razor-sharp horror-thriller that doubles as social commentary, examining race, power, and identity with biting wit.
24) Psycho (1960) — Alfred Hitchcock’s suspense masterclass, a masterful study in psychological dread and one of cinema’s most enduring twists.
25) Scream (1996) — A self-aware slasher that reinvigorated the genre with smart commentary, meta-horror humor, and a new generation of iconic villains.
Why this lineup works
– A wide spectrum: from classic atmospheric horrors and psychological thrillers to boundary-pushing modern takes and clever comedies.
– Global flavor: includes Western, Japanese, Iranian, and Korean entries, showing how different cultures approach fear, fascination, and fun.
– Pairing ideas: mix nostalgia with fresh fright—think lighter, campy picks one night and heavier, thought-provoking titles another.
Editor’s notes and reader tips
– Create mini-features: group the films by mood (nostalgia, scares, feminist horror, thought-provoking) to tailor evenings for friends and family.
– Pair with a themed menu: popcorn upgrades, glow-in-the-dark treats, or vintage candy bowls to boost the retro vibe.
– Engage readers: invite comments on which film holds their own personal “scariest moment” or favorite performance from the list.
Summary
This curated set of 25 Halloween films spans decades and sensibilities, offering something for every movie-night mood. Whether you’re chasing chills, laughs, or a touch of gothic romance, these titles provide a festive blend that can carry October’s celebrations from dusk till the last credits roll.
Positive note
The mix encourages both rewatch value and discovery, making October feel like a cinematic parade of classics and contemporary twists. It’s everything you’d want for a cozy, thrilling, and entertaining fall season.
Optional extra for posting
Consider adding quick capsule reviews or short filming-location notes for readers who want a deeper dive into each entry, and maybe run a poll asking readers to vote for their all-time favorite on the list.