Here’s 16 Must-Watch Halloween Movies This October
Peak spooky season is upon us! Halloween movies come around each year and remind us of why some films are cult classics worth an annual rewatch. These holiday themed films seem to stand the test of time and somehow never get old even after multiple rewatches. Pop Culture Planet contributors Jordan Bohan and Danielle Forte break down all the Halloween movies worth a rewatch this October.
A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting
A high schooler is recruited by a secret society of babysitters and must battle the Boogeyman and his monsters when they abduct the boy she’s watching on Halloween. This film is based on the book of the same name by Joe Ballarini. For a lighthearted cozy Halloween watch, this movie gives you just enough scare without keeping you up all night.
A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting is streaming on Netflix.
- Jordan Bohan
Beetlejuice
This list just had to have two movies starring Winona Ryder because I love her and she’s amazing. Other than my slight obsession with her, she truly became a pinnacle figure in late ‘80s and early ‘90s Tim Burton films as the young, off kilter character. She did so perfectly, I might add. Don’t come for me, I didn’t forget Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin! Their performances in Beetlejuice mark the tenacity of blooming actors in Hollywood, giving it their all in these performances. Burton’s style of directing, while eccentric for sure, gives a Halloween aura in every little thing he does. From the makeup to the graphic effects, it’s everything you want and more to get into the October mood!
You can stream Beetlejuice on Sling.
- Danielle Forte
Candyman
A direct sequel to the first film that came out in 1992, Candyman hit theaters in 2021 and has become a fixture in the iconic villain lineup. While I say villain, it’s truly hard to categorize the Candyman character into a singular bracket. The movie starts with an explanation of his very conception: Candyman's legend was used to help Black people in a society plagued with police brutality. This begs the question, is Candyman a villain or a hero? In modern day, where the movie takes place, I would argue he’s a supernatural villain, but you’ll have to watch to find out for yourself!
Candyman is streaming on MGM+ and Prime Video.
- Danielle Forte
The Curse of Bridge Hollow
When an ancient and mischievous spirit causes Halloween decorations to come to life, a father and daughter must team up to save their town. In this feel good family watch, you can expect comedy and a spooky season story!
The Curse of Bridge Hollow is streaming on Netflix.
- Jordan Bohan
Double Double Toil and Trouble
Major flashback here for all ‘90s and 2000s babies with Double Double Toil and Trouble! Determined twins (Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen) try to trick their seemingly evil aunt (Cloris Leachman) out of a magic moonstone in order to save their family home. The film came out back in 1993 and has been a kid’s classic ever since.
You can stream Double Double Toil and Trouble on Prime Video or Apple TV+.
- Jordan Bohan
Edward Scissorhands
Edward Scissorhands is a film for all the girls out there that always had a crush on the ~quiet~ boys in school. And, of course, the combination of Winona Ryder and Tim Burton together just screams Halloween vibes. The movie starts with Burton-esque scenery — a scientist’s castle — where inside he is assembling, what the audience can assume, is a type of human robot. Before the scientist can finish his creation, he passes, leaving Edward (the humanoid, played by Johnny Depp) with a jarring appearance accentuated with blades for hands. A suburban mom takes Edward home only for him to slowly gain feelings for her daughter, *in walks Winona Ryder. This heartwarming film is ideal for those seeking out a gothic romance.
You can stream Edward Scissorhands on Max, Prime Video, and Hulu.
- Danielle Forte
Fear Street Trilogy
Calling all R.L. Stine fans! The Fear Street trilogy, directed by Leigh Janiak, is based on Stine’s Fear Street book series which were published in the ‘90s. The great thing about these movies is that it can be watched in any order and still be entertaining and a fun watch overall. Or, if you want a good movie day, watch all three in order to understand the full extent and origin of the evil force that's plagued the town of Shadyside for centuries.
The Fear Street trilogy is streaming exclusively on Netflix.
- Danielle Forte
Ghostbusters
Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters! Sorry, I had to.
I love this movie with all of its cheesy humor and 1980’s New York imagery. Oh, and, of course, the icons that are Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Harold Ramis and Sigourney Weaver. A team of scientists decide to use their abilities to create new technology to become New York City’s “Ghostbusters.” In doing so, they open a gateway to another dimension, which leads in Sigourney Weaver being possessed. The Ghostbusters are now on a mission to stop evil from entering the city. Besides all of the pop culture references from this movie, it’s a fun watch for the whole family with a story that never gets old.
You can stream Ghostbusters on Peacock and Hulu.
- Danielle Forte
Halloween
This movie has everything: the woman who ultimately coined the term ‘scream queen,’ an iconic score, and is set on Halloween — need I say more?
Another classic on the list, the 1978 slasher film Halloween is a staple and the blueprint for so many other horror projects. The film was directed by John Carpenter and put Jamie Lee Curtis on the map. It opens on a chilling Halloween night in 1963, as the camera pans to beautiful 17-year-old Judith brushing her hair in the mirror. She’s startled by her kid brother wielding a knife, the infamous Michael Myers. She’s brutally murdered and he’s then locked up for 15 years. Now 21 years old, Michael is on the loose as he escapes Smith’s Grove and returns to his hometown — although not for trick or treating.
You can stream Halloween on Prime Video and Sling.
- Danielle Forte
Halloweentown
The Halloweentown film franchise tells the story of Marnie who learns that she comes from a long line of witches that must fight against an evil threatening to take over the world. This year, Disney is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Halloweentown franchise by airing a 13-hour marathon featuring all four of the Disney Channel Original Movies back to back starting at 1pm ET on Tuesday, October 31.
Watch Halloweentown on Disney Channel or Disney+.
- Jordan Bohan
Hocus Pocus
For those who can’t make it to Salem, Massachusetts this October, just watch Hocus Pocus! It’ll transport you to Salem on a chilly Halloween night with a bewitching story. Three wicked witches, played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, have been resurrected by a teenage boy when he lights the Black Flame Candle in their old cottage. Can Max, alongside his crush, his sister, and, oh yeah, a talking cat, stop the witches from becoming immortal and terrorizing Salem forever? This movie leans more on the cheesy side, but, hey, it came out in theaters in 1993, making this a nostalgic film for all 90’s kids who want a taste of childhood again. It brings me back to fond memories of running in after trick-or-treating and flicking on a movie for a fun watch in the background while I sorted my candy!
Hocus Pocus and its sequel are both streaming now on Disney+.
- Danielle Forte
Hubie Halloween
When October 31 hits in Salem, Massachusetts, the town's eccentric and devoted community volunteers to be the good-natured object of Hubie Dubois’ pranks and antics. But this year, Hubie surprisingly finds himself in the midst of an investigation… for a real murderer. Starring Adam Sandler, this family friendly comedy is a fresh take on the Halloween genre.
Watch Hubie Halloween on Netflix.
- Jordan Bohan
It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
Charlie Brown’s Halloween special It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is a cult classic holiday favorite. The cartoon follows the Peanuts gang as they dress up in costumes, go trick-or-treating, and bob for apples. Meanwhile Linus is waiting for the Great Pumpkin to rise from the pumpkin patch and bring toys to all the children of the world. Will this be the year the magical legend finally makes an appearance? This feel good fall favorite is a great lighthearted watch for people of all ages.
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is streaming on Apple TV+.
- Jordan Bohan
Monster High: The Movie
Another nostalgic film for your October watchlist here!
Based on the Monster High fashion doll franchise by Mattel, this musical fantasy movie was released by Paramount+ in October 2022. The movie follows Clawdeen, a half-human, half-werewolf girl (played by Miia Harris) who is figuring out how to accept both sides of her identity with the help of her friends she meets while attending Monster High. But finding her identity is difficult when no one can know that she is half-human as only "true monster hearts" are allowed in the school. But when a devious plan to destroy Monster High threatens to reveal her real identity, Clawdeen must learn to embrace her both sides and find a way to save the day.
Monster High: The Movie is streaming on Paramount+ and Prime Video, with a sequel dropping October 5.
- Danielle Forte
The Nightmare Before Christmas
The Nightmare Before Christmas follows the misadventures of Jack Skellington, Halloweentown's beloved pumpkin king, who is sick of the same annual routine of frightening people in the real world. When Jack accidentally stumbles on Christmastown, he gets inspired to bring Christmas under his control by kidnapping Santa Claus and taking over his job. Jack soon discovers even the best plans can go seriously awry. There is some fan discourse over whether the film is a Halloween or Christmas movie, but director Henry Selick categorizes it in the Halloween genre.
Watch The Nightmare Before Christmas on Disney+.
- Jordan Bohan
Vampires vs the Bronx
When a trio of friends discover a sinister plot to destroy their neighborhood, they decide to join forces in order to save the Bronx from vampires. With a charming cast and refreshing take on the vampire genre, this film is worth a watch this Halloween season.
Vampires vs. the Bronx is streaming on Netflix.
- Jordan Bohan
