It’s that time of year. The air is crisp. Pumpkins are in sight almost everywhere. Leaves crunch beneath your feet and ghosts and witches peruse the neighborhood to get candy from their neighbors. It can be a nostalgic time no matter what age you are, and there’s nothing like staying in and cozying up with a spooky or not-so-spooky movie.
Whatever your mood, kick back with your favorite people, and set the scene for a binge-worthy Halloween movie night with these films. Trust us; there is something for everyone.
Fun for the Whole Family
These films are the best for families with kids of all ages. Teenagers can appreciate the silly yet nostalgic classics like Hocus Pocus in this roundup. While younger kids won’t be so scared by the fantasy and bright colors in movies like Coco.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, YouTube, or Disney+
Casper (1995)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, YouTube, Hulu, Freeform, fuboTV, or Sling TV
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, YouTube, or Disney+
Coco (2017)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, YouTube, or Disney+
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
Where to Watch: Apple TV
If you’re a Tim Burton fan, check out Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, Sleepy Hollow, Corpse Bride, Coraline, and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, too! While comical meets eerie in some of these Burton films, not all of them will be appropriate for young children.
Spooky Enough
Combining classics like Rosemary’s Baby and newer picks makes for a fun night of creepy stories that feel timeless. Even throwing in some humor here and there with choices like Zombieland and Young Frankenstein make a well-rounded Halloween movie night.
Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, YouTube, Hulu, Starz, Philo, or Sling TV
Zombieland (2009)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, YouTube, or Apple TV
A Quiet Place (2018)
Where to Watch: Hulu
Young Frankenstein (1974)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Signs (2002)
Where to Watch: Hulu
It’s Getting Creepier
Be prepared to keep the lights on with these films, because they are sure to creep you out.
Us (2019)
Where to Watch: Hulu
Hush (2016)
Where to Watch: Netflix
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, YouTube, HBO Max, Apple TV, or Peacock
Psycho (1960)
Where to Watch: Hulu
Ready or Not (2019)
Where to Watch: Apple TV
Psychologically Thrilling
These flicks will get in your head. They’re even more enjoyable upon a second viewing due to all of the twists and turns these plots take.
There’s Someone Inside Your House (2021)
Where to Watch: Netflix
Se7en (1995)
Where to Watch: Hulu
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, YouTube, or Apple TV
Donnie Darko (2001)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Tubi, Pluto TV, or Apple TV
10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Pluto TV, YouTube, or Apple TV
Black Swan (2010)
Where to Watch: Hulu
If you like movies with twists, check out Knives Out, Shutter Island, Mystic River, Identity, A Simple Favor, Basic Instinct, and Gone Girl.
Haunted Homes & Places
There’s nothing like a good haunted house movie, and with these choices, you’ll be able to pick out just how terrified you’ll be. The Shining is a classic. The Others is a quiet yet frightening marvel. Crimson Peak is a fantastic gothic tale that will keep you guessing until the end.
The Others (2001)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video or Shudder
The Conjuring (2013)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, YouTube, Netflix, or Apple TV
The Shining (1980)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, YouTube, Apple TV, fuboTV, Sling TV, or Philo
Crimson Peak (2015)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, YouTube, Apple TV, or Netflix
What Lies Beneath (2000)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, YouTube, Hulu, Apple TV, Starz, Sling TV, or Philo
Downright Disturbing
These films are in this section for a reason. They’re not for the faint of heart. The Exorcist has stood the test of time in terms of just how frightening it is. Frailty may surprise you, and Prisoners is a parent’s worst nightmare.
Frailty (2001)
Where to Watch: Tubi
The Exorcist (1973)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, YouTube, Apple TV, fubo TV, Starz, or Philo
Cape Fear (1991)
Where to Watch: Hulu
Prisoners (2013)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, YouTube, Apple TV, or Hulu
The Thing (1982)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, YouTube, Hulu, Starz, Philo, or Sling TV
Other truly disturbing movies to consider in your line-up include Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, IT: Chapter One, IT: Chapter Two, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Saw, and Last House on the Left.
Grab your popcorn and settle in for a fun, creepy—or a little bit of both—for your own unique Halloween movie night.
If you think we forgot your favorite horror flick, let us know on Instagram using our hashtag #yhmmovienight.