Halloween is upon us, which for previous years means knocking on strangers’ doors in an effort to stock up on sweet snacks. While this year may look a little different, it doesn’t mean you can’t get into the Halloween spirit. After all, it isn’t really spooky season until you christen the turn of autumn with a classic Halloween movie. Because does anything say (or scream) Halloween more than a fright-filled film fest, a big bowl of popcorn, and bite-size candy bars? We think not. Luckily for us, there is a whole range of scary movies to fill the chilly October days. From the horror comedies to the full-on slashers, ring in the season with the most perfect movie marathon. 

 

Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) 

This cult-favorite musical focuses on Janet and Brad, a couple who stumbles upon Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s scary castle on a stormy night. Watch it solo, or grab some friends and do the Time Warp again — either way, it’ll make you shiver with antici……pation. 

 

Sleepy Hollow (1999)

Based on New York folklore, the movie follows detective Ichabod Crane as he investigates the decapitations of three Sleepy Hollow residents. Come for the thrills and squeals; stay for a young Johny Depp. 

 

Hereditary (2018)

It wouldn’t be a complete Halloween movie list without a true horror movie. Exploring grief and family secrets, Hereditary explores the passing of the Graham family’s matriarch and the respective sinister fate they have inherited. We suggest watching this with the lights on. 

 

 

Beetlejuice (1988)

Halloween master Tim Burton strikes again with this comedy/horror film. After Barbara and Adam Maitland die in a car accident, they find themselves unable to leave their country residence. When a family plans to move into their house, they seek help from a neighborhood poltergeist, Beetlejuice, to scare them away. Both laughs and screams are guaranteed. 

 

Paranormal Activity (2007)

Recently moving into their new home in San Diego, a young couple starts to experience supernatural things. After the lights go out and the hidden cameras go up, they discover they aren’t exactly alone. As if one wasn’t scary enough, this horror franchise consists of six more films to binge. 

 

The Craft (1996) 

Think of it as Heathers with spells. In hopes of turning their popularity around, four friends at a Catholic prep school decide to embrace witchcraft. As these things go, however, they learn their magic comes at a price. 

 

The Shining (1980)

This Stanley-Kubrick directed film is not for the faint of heart. Centered on psychological horror and filled with parable still chills, the plot follows a family who heads to an isolated ski resort. The movie takes a turn as husband Jack Torrance morphs into a person his family doesn’t recognize. 

 

The Blair Witch Project (1999)

Three film students vanish as they explore the truth behind the legend of Blair Witch. Presented entirely of found footage from the students, the movie shows their adventure into a Maryland forest. Featuring a deliciously creepy turn, this movie a Halloween must-watch. 

 

Practical Magic (1998)  

If you’re looking for a Halloween rom-com, Practical Magic is your choice. Two witch sisters use their magical powers to fight a family curse that prevents them from love. Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock star as the last in their family’s line of witches — do we need to say more?

 

Hocus Pocus (1993)

Would any list be complete without this 1993 classic? This OG Halloween movie starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy started all the trends. Accidentally awakening, these three 17th century witch sisters, teenager Max Dennison must steal the book of spells to stop them from becoming immortal.