Top 10 Movies That Are Perfect for Spooky Season

If you know, you know. This is not the most popular Disney Channel Halloween movie, but it gets the job done. While it certainly feels like an early aughts movie, its storyline has quite a surprising amount of substance. We get a redeemable villain, some touching ideas about death and grief, and a conclusion that demonstrates how harmful groupthink can be. Plus, the small-town location decorated for the season does a lot for that nostalgic Halloween feeling. The Haunted Mansion” with Eddie Murphy is another one of our favorites as far as lesser-appreciated Disney Halloween movies go.

While this movie spends most of its time talking about Christmas, employing Christmas traditions, and visiting Christmas Town, there is of course lots of Halloween to enjoy too. It’s the perfect movie for those who are torn between which holiday is their favorite. And it’s also great for that in-between time when we’re transitioning from one holiday to the next. Between the host of spooky characters and mise-en-scène at the beginning of the film, it’s impossible not to feel wrapped up in the freaks and frights. Plus, “This Is Halloween” is up there for the soundtrack of the season.

Stop motion really is the theme for spooky animation and we are here for it! Corpse Bride, anyone? While “Coraline” doesn’t feature pumpkin-picking or talk of trick-or-treating, its creepy story and even creepier imagery more than make up for it. There is a talking black cat, so we’ll take it! “Coraline” was definitely one of those movies that gave you nightmares as a kid but that you learned to appreciate as you got older. The button eyes are a lot for any kid to handle, not to mention the severed hand and the Beldam’s true form. Shivers all around, folks!

“Who you gonna call?” Have we made that reference too many times? If nothing else, this franchise knows how to make a banger Halloween theme. If you’re looking for nostalgia, “Ghostbusters” is a go-to. There’s just nothing like a campy ‘80s flick. Still, there’s lots of modern content to get caught up on too. With a genderswapped cast starring Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones (and also Chris Hemsworth which we thought might be important to mention), there is no shortage of ghoul-stopping mayhem. Even more recent is the 2021 iteration with yet another star-studded cast. Which iteration is your favorite? Let us know in the comments.

Although there are any number of horror movies we could have included on our list, we thought we’d be remiss to leave out an absolute classic like “Scream”. It was the highest grossing slasher film until 2018’s “Halloween”, so that’s definitely saying something. Every year, we hear the annual discourse over which movie is the best and which ones are better left out of the marathoning experience. And there’s still more to debate to come with the seventh “Scream” being in the works as this video goes live. Once you’re a fan, you get to join in on all the Ghostface costume fun too!

“The Addams Family” extends so far beyond just film, but it’s a good place to start if you’re just getting into the franchise or if you don’t have a lot of time. The iconic 1991 movie is probably the most popular suggestion but, if you’re a fan of cartoons, two computer animated movies were released in 2019 and 2021. Regardless of the shape these characters take, there’s always so much to love. From Morticia and Gomez’s eccentric but loving marriage, to Wednesday’s deadpan way of expressing herself, to Lurch, everyone’s favorite Butler, they certainly make one heck of an all together ooky family.

Yet another movie with a soundtrack that visits us every year, “Beetlejuice” has been a fan favorite for a long time. Its world is absolutely immersive with all the trademark ‘80s sillies you could want. The premise of a house being haunted by the living is really adorable and there’s no doubt it’s become a comfort movie for those of us who grew up watching it. While it may not be the most groundbreaking plot or execution, it’s a fun time and that’s what the holiday is all about. Well, that and a few screams!

For this entry, we’re throwing it back to when Disney Channel had the best Halloween lineup ever, all culminating in the coveted “Halloweentown” movies. The “Twitches” movies were also a pair that we loved, so if Marnie and Aggie aren’t your preferred witches, long-lost twins might just be! Both have all the right amount of campiness, overacting, and Halloween aesthetics you could hope for. In fact, the “Halloweentown” movies were (and still are) such a force that you can actually visit the town IRL in St Helens, Oregon. That’s one way to kick up your experience of the season.

They literally named it after the holiday – what, were we supposed to leave it out? Michael Myers is one of the most recognizable faces of horror and while we’re aware we’re missing friends like Freddy and Jason, few beat out our old pal Mike. With Jamie Lee Curtis at the helm of this franchise, it’s an absolute powerhouse. With sequels, reboots, and remakes galore, you’ll have lots to chew on if you decide to dedicate yourself to the franchise. You’ll also get a nice bookend with “Halloween Ends”; even if it’s not the last film to feature Michael Myers, it’s been said to be Curtis’ last turn in the role of Laurie Strode.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Monster House” (2006)
Nothing Says Haunted House Quite Like Merging With the Foundation of It

“Goosebumps” (2015)
The Children’s Books Are Unparalleled, but We Love Seeing the Monsters Come to Life

“It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” (1966)
Ultimate Comfort Cartoon!

Any of the “Casper” Movies (1995-)
“Casper Meets Wendy” Is Our Personal Fave

“The Sixth Sense” (1999)
If the “I See Dead People” Line Doesn’t Do It for You, What Will?

Yes, there’s a “Hocus Pocus” sequel we could have included in the title but, let’s be real, nothing beats the original. Not only is it full of immaculate autumn vibes, the story, costumes, characters, and setting all scratch the itch in witch. The Sanderson Sisters absolutely steal the show, with a special mention obviously going to Bette Midler who will simply never be outdone as Winifred. If you’re going to watch one Halloween-themed movie this October, let it be “Hocus Pocus” – even if you’ve already seen it a thousand times!

Which spooky movie do you watch every Halloween? Let us know in the comments!