As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, it’s time to embrace the spirit of the spooky season. Whether you’re in the mood for family-friendly fun or spine-chilling horror movie, this list of a few of the best Halloween movies has something for everyone. From timeless favorites to modern classics, get ready for a cinematic journey that will leave you with a sense of Halloween magic.

Hocus Pocus (1993)

Genre: Family-Friendly, Comedy

Director: Kenny Ortega

Description: Follow the misadventures of three witches resurrected in Salem on Halloween night. A delightful mix of humor and spookiness, perfect for the whole family to watch before going out trick or treating. Starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Nanjimy. 

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Genre: Family-Friendly, Fantasy

Director: Henry Selick

Description: Join Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, as he leaves Halloween Town to discover Christmas Town in this Tim Burton classic that blurs the lines between Halloween and the holiday season.

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)

Genre: Family-Friendly, Animation

Director: Bill Melendez

Description: Step into the whimsical world of Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts gang in “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” a timeless animated classic directed by Bill Melendez. This family-friendly tale, first broadcast in 1966, continues to enchant audiences of all ages with its heartwarming story and beloved characters.

Psycho (1960)

Genre: Horror, Thriller

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

Description: Hitchcock’s masterpiece, “Psycho,” remains a horror classic. Follow the unsettling events at the Bates Motel for a spine-chilling experience – and don’t forget to visit the Angelika all October for Hitchcocktober!

Halloween (1978)

Genre: Horror

Director: John Carpenter

Description: No list is complete without the iconic slasher film that introduced Jamie Lee Curtis to the horror genre. Serial killer Michael Myers returns to his hometown for a night of terror.

Halloween (2018)

Genre: Horror, Thriller

Director: David Gordon Green

Description: Jamie Lee Curtis returns to the iconic franchise in the 2018 installment of Halloween, directed by David Gordon Green. This film serves as a direct sequel to John Carpenter’s 1978 classic, reuniting audiences with the enduring horror icon, Michael Myers, on a killing spree in Haddonfield once again.

Night of the Living Dead (1968)

Genre: Horror, Thriller

Director: George A. Romero

Description: Enter the realm of the living dead with “Night of the Living Dead,” a groundbreaking horror film directed by the visionary George A. Romero. Released in 1968, this cult classic is a seminal work that redefined the zombie genre and set the standard for countless horror films that followed.

The Addams Family (1991)

Genre: Family-Friendly, Comedy

Director: Barry Sonnenfeld

Description: Join Gomez, Morticia, and the rest of the macabre Addams family in this darkly comedic adaptation of the classic TV series. Starring Raul Julia, Anjelica Huston, Christopher Lloyd, Christina Ricci, Jimmy Workman, and Carel Struycken as the iconic Addams family.

Beetlejuice (1988)

Genre: Comedy, Fantasy

Director: Tim Burton

Description: When the Maitlands find their home haunted by the living, they call on the chaotic Beetlejuice for help in this quirky and visually stunning film.

Halloweentown (1998)

Genre: Family-Friendly, Fantasy

Director: Duwayne Dunham

Description: Embark on a spellbinding journey in this Disney Channel Original Movie to a place where every day is Halloween in the enchanting film “Halloweentown,” directed by Duwayne Dunham. This family-friendly fantasy unfolds as Marnie Cromwell, played by Kimberly J. Brown, discovers her supernatural heritage on her 13th birthday.

Scream (1996)

Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller

Director: Wes Craven

Description: Do you like scary movies? Brace yourself for a self-aware and spine-chilling ride into the heart of horror with “Scream,” a groundbreaking film directed by the legendary Wes Craven. Released in 1996, this film not only reinvigorated the slasher genre but also introduced a new level of meta-commentary on horror tropes.

The Shining (1980)

Genre: Horror

Director: Stanley Kubrick

Description: Adapted from the classic Stephen King novel, “The Shining” is a psychological horror masterpiece that explores isolation, supernatural elements, and madness – and is often considered one of the greatest movies of all time.

Available on Angelika Anywhere: https://www.angelikaanywhere.com/film/the-shining/

Ghostbusters (1984)

Genre: Family-Friendly, Comedy

Director: Ivan Reitman

Description: Join the Ghostbusters as they battle supernatural forces in this classic comedy that blends scares with laughs.

Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

Genre: Musical, Comedy

Director: Jim Sharman

Description: Embrace the cult classic that has become a staple of Halloween screenings. Sing along to the iconic tunes and revel in the absurdity of the “Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

Practical Magic (1998)

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Comedy

Director: Griffin Dunne

Description: Enter a world where magic, love, and family ties intertwine in “Practical Magic,” a captivating film directed by Griffin Dunne. Released in 1998, this enchanting tale follows the Owens sisters, played by Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, who come from a long line of witches, as they navigate the challenges of love and the supernatural.

The Conjuring (2013)

Genre: Horror

Director: James Wan

Description: For those seeking a modern horror classic, “The Conjuring” delivers chilling scares as paranormal investigators tackle a haunted farmhouse.

Corpse Bride (2005)

Genre: Family-Friendly, Fantasy

Director: Tim Burton

Description: In this gem of a Tim Burton movie, a young groom accidentally proposes to a deceased bride, leading to a heartwarming and visually stunning tale.

Friday the 13th (1980)

Genre: Horror, Slasher

Director: Sean S. Cunningham

Description: “Friday the 13th,” directed by Sean S. Cunningham, is the quintessential summer camp slasher film that became a cornerstone of pop culture. Released in 1980, it set the stage for a franchise that would redefine the tropes of the genre.

Scary Movie (2000)

Genre: Comedy, Horror

Director: Keenen Ivory Wayans

Description: A hilarious parody of the horror genre, “Scary Movie” satirizes popular scary stories with a comedic twist.

The Exorcist (1973)

Genre: Horror

Director: William Friedkin

Description: Regarded as one of the scariest films of all time, “The Exorcist” tells the story of a young girl possessed by a demonic entity, testing the limits of faith.

The Blair Witch Project (1999)

Genre: Horror, Mystery, Found Footage

Directors: Daniel Myrick, Eduardo Sánchez

Description: Experience the unnerving journey into the unknown with “The Blair Witch Project,” a landmark film in the found-footage genre, co-directed by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez. Released in 1999, this innovative horror film became a cultural phenomenon for its unique storytelling approach and its ability to blur the line between fiction and reality.

Available on Angelika Anywhere: https://www.angelikaanywhere.com/film/the-blair-witch-project/

Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

Genre: Horror, Drama

Director: Roman Polanski

Description: Prepare to be immersed in a tale of psychological horror and suspense with “Rosemary’s Baby,” a masterpiece directed by Roman Polanski. Released in 1968, this film is a chilling exploration of paranoia, supernatural terror, and the fragility of sanity as a young mother begins to realize that her baby was born into a cult.

Coraline (2009)

Genre: Family-Friendly, Fantasy

Director: Henry Selick

Description: A visually stunning movie based on Neil Gaiman’s novel, “Coraline” offers an enchanting and slightly eerie stop-motion adventure suitable for the whole family. When Coraline Jones crawls through a secret door in her family’s new home, she discovers a new world – though things may not be entirely as magical as they seem.

It (2017)

Genre: Horror

Director: Andy Muschietti

Description: Stephen King’s classic horror novel comes to life as the town of Derry faces an ancient evil that takes the shape of a sinister clown, taking on your deepest fears from jump scares to the downright psychological.

The Haunted Mansion (2003)

Genre: Family-Friendly, Comedy, Fantasy

Director: Rob Minkoff

Description: Prepare for a spooky and hilarious adventure as director Rob Minkoff and star Eddie Murphy bring Disney’s “The Haunted Mansion” to life. This family-friendly fantasy film combines elements of comedy and supernatural mystery as a family gets trapped in a haunted house, offering a thrilling ride for audiences of all ages.

Harry Potter Movie Series

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure

Director: Various (Chris Columbus, Alfonso Cuarón, Mike Newell, David Yates)

Description: Immerse yourself in the magical world of Hogwarts with the epic “Harry Potter” movie series, adapted from the beloved novels by J.K. Rowling. 

Labyrinth (1986)

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Family

Director: Jim Henson

Description: Embark on a magical journey into the labyrinthine realm of dreams and imagination with “Labyrinth,” a fantasy masterpiece directed by the visionary Jim Henson. David Bowie stars as Jareth the Goblin King as Sarah Williams, a high school student, who must find her baby brother in a fantasy world.

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Genre: Horror, Slasher

Director: Wes Craven

Description: Brace yourself for a journey into the realm of nightmares with “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” directed by the legendary Wes Craven, introducing a young Johnny Depp. Released in 1984, this horror classic introduces audiences to the haunting figure of Freddy Krueger, a malevolent entity who terrorizes the dreams of unsuspecting teenagers in the fictional town of Springwood.

Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun or spine-tingling scares, these classic Halloween movies are sure to set the mood for a bewitching October – and get you into the Halloween spirit. Check out Angelika Anywhere for our Haunting Thrillers collection, featuring our selection of films you can enjoy from the comfort of your own haunted home: https://www.angelikaanywhere.com/page/haunting-thrillers/