13 Classic Halloween Movies That You Shouldn’t Watch Alone.
In a deep dive into Hollywood’s expansive filmography, it’s evident that Halloween holds a unique spot among celebrated holidays. Perhaps it’s the blend of gripping suspense films, iconic horror franchises brimming with eerie antagonists, or delightful family adventures sprinkled with a hint of spookiness.
With October offering a mere 31-day window, curating a watchlist is imperative for cinema aficionados. As your guide, we’ve curated a list of top Halloween films to experience this season. So, prep your popcorn (or whatever your favorite movie treat) and find a blanket to hide under. It’s time for a cinematic October.
Friday the 13th (1980)
It is one of horror’s most iconic franchises, with its beginnings in the eponymous 1980 film. The movie unfolds a gripping tale of revenge and terror, forever altering the landscape of summer camp tales. As a cornerstone of the slasher genre, “Friday the 13th” promises a chilling journey perfect for the Halloween season.
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
A Nightmare on Elm Street undeniably carved its niche in the world of horror, introducing audiences to the haunting figure of Freddy Krueger. Its innovative premise, where danger lurks in the very act of sleep, tapped into universal fears, making it both groundbreaking and deeply unsettling. The chilling soundscape, coupled with Robert Englund’s iconic portrayal of Krueger, ensures it’s a film that lingers long after viewing. A movie that helped shape the slasher genre and paved the way for “Halloween” (1987).
Halloween (1987)
Often heralded as the quintessential slasher film that set the template for many horror movies that followed. The film introduced audiences to the menacing figure of Michael Myers, whose silent and relentless pursuit of Laurie Strode, played brilliantly by Jamie Lee Curtis, has become iconic in horror lore. Simply put, no Halloween movie marathon is complete without this classic namesake feature.
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
The era of 90’s Halloween masterpieces started with Tim Burton, who paints a tale of an outsider trying to find his place in a world that doesn’t quite understand him. Johnny Depp delivers a mesmerizing performance as Edward, a gentle soul with scissor blades for hands, navigating the intricacies of suburban life. The film’s captivating blend of fantasy, romance, and gothic elements sets it apart as a modern fairy tale with a dark twist.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Perhaps I’m a bit nostalgic, but Hocus Pocus reminds me of my childhood while it effortlessly blends humor with a dash of spooky allure. Centered around the misadventures of three enchanting witches from Salem, the film strikes a chord for those who remember its debut. Its memorable soundtrack, paired with unforgettable performances by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, elevates it beyond mere seasonal entertainment. The movie’s captivating storyline and vibrant characters make it suitable for both first-time viewers and those revisiting. In short, “Hocus Pocus” encapsulates the very essence of Halloween, making it an indispensable pick for your October movie nights.
Scream (1996)
Scream revitalized the horror genre in the mid-90s with a fresh take on classic slasher films. Directed by the legendary Wes Craven, the movie ingeniously blends suspense, self-aware humor, and a series of unpredictable twists. Its iconic Ghostface killer has since become a staple in pop culture, recognizable to many, and a popular Halloween costume. For a heart-pounding trip down memory lane coupled with wit, “Scream” is a must-watch this Halloween season.
Addams Family (1991)
This film adaptation of the beloved television series captures the eccentric charm and dark comedy that fans have adored for decades. With a stellar cast including Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, and Christopher Lloyd, the movie offers both laughs and light-hearted chills in equal measure. Its unique portrayal of family values, albeit wrapped in gothic humor, resonates with audiences both young and old.
Child’s Play (1988)
The now-infamous “Chucky doll” all started here. The film skillfully blends suspense with dark humor, thanks in large part to Brad Dourif’s iconic voice performance as Chucky. Its cultural impact was immense, leading to multiple sequels and firmly establishing Chucky as the ultimate horror icon.
Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
This film’s nuanced approach to horror, favoring atmospheric dread over jump scares, sets it apart in the genre. As a touchstone of cinematic suspense and an enduring classic, “Rosemary’s Baby” is a must-watch for those seeking a profound and chilling Halloween experience.
Halloweentown (1998)
For something a little less scary and a bit more family-friendly, I recommend Halloweentown, a delightful movie that brings magic, mischief, and monsters to the forefront of Halloween entertainment. For those seeking a sprinkle of magic with their Halloween spooks, “Halloweentown” is a must-watch classic.
Beetlejuice (1988)
Centered around a mischievous spirit, portrayed with undeniable charisma by Michael Keaton, the film delves into the zany afterlife and its quirky inhabitants. Beetlejuice offers a fresh take on a ghost story that balances humor with just the right amount of spookiness. Winona Ryder’s portrayal of the goth teenager Lydia further elevates the film, making it relatable across generations.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Don’t let the name fool you. A dazzling animated fusion of Halloween and Christmas, brought to life by the visionary director Tim Burton. This animated musical spectacle follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, as he discovers the joyous world of Christmas and endeavors to bring its magic to Halloween Town. With its entrancing stop-motion animation and memorable songs by Danny Elfman, the film has solidified its place as a holiday classic for both spooky and festive occasions.
The Sixth Sense (1999)
Night Shyamalan took audiences by storm with his intricate storytelling and the iconic phrase, “I see dead people.” This psychological thriller delves into the life of a young boy, Haley Joel Osment’s character, who possesses the uncanny ability to communicate with spirits. Bruce Willis delivers a gripping performance as a child psychologist trying to unravel the mystery behind the boy’s unsettling revelations.
Josh Dudick
Josh is the owner and lead writer at Daily Wisely. His career has taken him from finance to blogging, and now shares his insights with readers of Daily Wisely.
Josh's work and authoritative advice have appeared in major publications like Nasdaq, Forbes, The Sun, Yahoo! Finance, CBS News, Fortune, The Street, MSN Money, and Go Banking Rates. Josh has over 15 years of experience on Wall Street, and currently shares his financial expertise in investing, wealth management, markets, taxes, real estate, and personal finance on his other website, Top Dollar Investor.
Josh graduated from Cornell University with a degree from the Dyson School of Applied Economics & Management at the SC Johnson College of Business.