10 Best Halloween Movies To Watch This Spooky Season: Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas, And More

Whether you’re gearing up for trick-or-treating or looking for a cozy night in, there’s a perfect film to match your mood in the Halloween season. Here's a list of the 10 best Halloween movies.

By Sakina Kaukawala

Published on Oct 30, 2024 | 04:30 PM IST | 85.5K

The Nightmare Before Christmas and Hocus Pocus (via IMDb)

As October unfolds, the excitement of Halloween fills the air. Whether you’re planning to watch scary movies or enjoy family-friendly films, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a list of the ten best Halloween movies to get you in the festive spirit.

10. Sleepy Hollow (1999)

Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow is a fantastic choice for Halloween. This film is based on Washington Irving’s classic story, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Starring Johnny Depp as Ichabod Crane, the movie follows his investigation of a series of gruesome murders committed by the Headless Horseman.

The film’s eerie atmosphere and focus on urban legends make it perfect for the season. Burton combines horror, fantasy, and romance, creating a suspenseful mystery that will captivate viewers.

9. House of 1000 Corpses (2003)

House of 1000 Corpses marks Rob Zombie’s directorial debut and sets a strong tone for his future work. The film follows four young adults on Halloween as they search for the legendary Dr. Satan.

Inspired by classic horror films like The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, this gruesome tale features a mix of quirky characters played by Rainn Wilson and Sid Haig. While filled with blood and gore, the film has a captivating story that showcases Zombie’s unique style, making it a cult classic.

8. Donnie Darko (2001)

Donnie Darko is a thought-provoking indie film that combines elements of horror and science fiction. Jake Gyllenhaal plays the troubled teen Donnie, who encounters a creepy figure in a rabbit costume. This figure warns him of the world’s impending doom on Halloween.

As Donnie navigates his increasingly bizarre experiences, the film explores themes of time travel and mental health. The haunting soundtrack, including Gary Jules’ cover of Mad World, adds to the movie’s eerie vibe, making it a popular Halloween pick.

7. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Although not a traditional Halloween movie, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial offers heartwarming moments perfect for family viewing. The film follows young Elliott as he befriends an alien stranded on Earth.

With a little imagination, kids can recreate iconic Halloween costumes inspired by Elliott and E.T. The film’s magical scenes, including a memorable bike ride through the sky, make it a beloved choice during the spooky season.

6. Pumpkinhead (1988)

Directed by Stan Winston, Pumpkinhead is a creature feature that has become a Halloween staple. The story follows a grieving father, played by Lance Henriksen, who seeks revenge after his son is killed by reckless teens.

He turns to a local witch for help, leading to the summoning of a terrifying Pumpkinhead monster. This film combines themes of grief and revenge, with impressive monster effects that continue to captivate horror fans.

5. Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)

The third installment of the Halloween franchise, Halloween III: Season of the Witch, diverges from the slasher format of its predecessors. This film focuses on a sinister plot involving masks that kill children on Halloween night.

With an intriguing storyline and a mix of horror and science fiction elements, the film has gained a cult following. Despite its initial poor reception, fans appreciate the creativity and unique approach to Halloween themes.

4. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

The Nightmare Before Christmas blurs the lines between Halloween and Christmas. Directed by Henry Selick, this stop-motion animated film features Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, who becomes bored with Halloween.

After discovering Christmas Town, he attempts to bring the joy of the holiday to his spooky home. The film’s stunning visuals and memorable songs, including This Is Halloween, make it a delightful choice for the season.

3. Trick ‘r Treat (2007)

Trick ‘r Treat is an anthology horror film that weaves together several Halloween-themed stories. Directed by Michael Dougherty, it features a character named Sam, a demon who embodies the spirit of Halloween.

The film’s clever storytelling and eerie atmosphere make it a standout choice. From tales of poisoned candy to werewolves, Trick ‘r Treat captures the essence of Halloween in a unique way, with strong performances from a talented cast.

2. Hocus Pocus (1993)

Hocus Pocus is a beloved Halloween classic featuring the iconic Sanderson sisters. Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker star as three witches who return to Salem, Massachusetts, on Halloween night.

The film blends humor and spooky elements, making it enjoyable for all ages. Memorable moments, such as Midler singing I Put a Spell on You, have solidified its status as a Halloween favorite.

1. Halloween (1978)

No Halloween movie list is complete without Halloween (1978). John Carpenter’s iconic slasher film features the infamous Michael Myers, who terrorizes a group of teenagers on Halloween night. The film’s suspenseful atmosphere and memorable score create a chilling experience.

As the original film in the Halloween franchise, it has inspired countless sequels and remakes. Jamie Lee Curtis, as Laurie Strode, became known as the quintessential scream queen, ensuring that Halloween remains a must-watch during the spooky season.

ALSO READ: ‘Todd Phillips Is The Joker’: Quentin Tarintino Shares His Thoughts On Joker: Folie à Deux