31 Nights of Halloween - The Ultimate Halloween Movie Watch List
October is one of my favorite months each year! The winds may not bring a chill and the leaves might not flutter down in a burst of autumnal colors in sunny Los Angeles, but the magic of Halloween lives vibrantly in my heart. Living in LA, I don’t get the rain-soaked cobbles or misty evenings that many associate with the Halloween spirit, but as long as I've got my cozy corner, a big TV, and a smorgasbord of streaming options, every night of October becomes as mystical and magical as my fave Fall movies.
Some of my all-time favorite movies like Edward Scissorhands, Coraline, Final Girls, and the wickedly perfect yet terrifying The Craft, are among the ones I CANNOT skip each year. And you combine those with these other 27 movies and you’ve got the essential 31 Nights of Halloween Movie list and probably the only Halloween movie list you’ll need this or any year! In no particular order, each film holds a unique charm and resonates with the spirit of this season and is guaranteed to have you feeling like your coziest, spookiest self all Spooky Season long. So, are you ready for the chills, thrills, and heartwarming tales? You can find the full list below and be sure to save and share the handy infographic too so you always know what to watch next!
1. Coraline (2009)
A young girl discovers a mysterious alternate world that seems perfect but hides sinister secrets.
Why's this perfect for Halloween? Its eerie atmosphere and dark fantasy themes set the perfect spooky tone.
2. Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town, leading to delightful chaos.
Why's this perfect for Halloween? This Tim Burton classic is a unique blend of Halloween and Christmas magic.
3. Corpse Bride (2005)
A young groom accidentally proposes to a deceased bride while rehearsing his wedding vows in the woods.
Why's this perfect for Halloween? The beautifully animated macabre tale captures the essence of the season.
4. The Addams Family (1991)
The delightfully odd Addams family navigates normalcy and macabre in their spooky mansion.
Why's this perfect for Halloween? Their kooky antics and love for all things morbid embody the Halloween spirit.
5. Halloween (1978)
A masked killer escapes from a mental institution and returns to his hometown, terrorizing babysitters.
Why's this perfect for Halloween? This classic slasher film set the standard for modern horror.
6. Edward Scissorhands (1990)
A synthetic man with scissor blades for hands finds love in a suburban neighborhood.
Why's this perfect for Halloween? Tim Burton's gothic fairy tale explores love and acceptance through a dark lens.
7. Friday the 13th (1980)
Camp counselors are stalked by a mysterious killer at an abandoned summer camp.
Why's this perfect for Halloween? A quintessential slasher film, it delivers suspense and scares.
8. Trick 'r Treat (2007)
Four interwoven stories on Halloween night involve a vengeful spirit, a werewolf, a serial killer, and more.
Why's this perfect for Halloween? This anthology captures the essence of the holiday's traditions and legends.
9. Halloweentown (1998)
A young witch discovers her magical heritage and must save her family from an evil force.
Why's this perfect for Halloween? This Disney Channel classic offers a charming mix of magic and adventure.
10. Twitches (2005)
Twin sisters with magical powers reunite on their 21st birthday to save their kingdom from darkness.
Why's this perfect for Halloween? A tale of sisterhood and the supernatural with a sprinkle of humor.
11. Hocus Pocus (1993)
Three witches are resurrected in modern-day Salem and wreak havoc as they seek eternal youth.
Why's this perfect for Halloween? This cult favorite features comedic witches and a nostalgic vibe.
12. Beetlejuice (1988)
A recently deceased couple hires a bio-exorcist ghost to rid their home of the living.
Why's this perfect for Halloween? Quirky and visually stunning, it's a Tim Burton gem.
13. The Haunted Mansion (2003)
A realtor and his family encounter ghosts and dark secrets in a haunted mansion.
Why's this perfect for Halloween? Inspired by the Disneyland attraction, it's spooky fun for all ages.
14. ParaNorman (2012)
A young boy with the ability to see ghosts must save his town from a curse.
Why's this perfect for Halloween? This stop-motion animated film offers a blend of comedy and supernatural adventure.
15. Monster House (2006)
Three friends discover their neighbor's house is a living, breathing monster.
Why's this perfect for Halloween? A family-friendly spooky tale that's equal parts fun and fright.
16. Final Girls (2015)
A group of friends gets transported into an '80s slasher movie and must survive to escape.
Why's this perfect for Halloween? A clever homage to the horror genre that adds a unique twist.
17. Casper (1995)
A friendly ghost helps a young girl and her father in this heartwarming comedy.
Why's this perfect for Halloween? A charming ghostly tale that focuses on friendship and family.
18. The Witches (1990)
A young boy stumbles upon a convention of witches led by the Grand High Witch.
Why's this perfect for Halloween? This Roald Dahl adaptation brings whimsical horror to the screen.
19. Ghostbusters (1984)
Paranormal investigators battle supernatural entities threatening New York City.
Why's this perfect for Halloween? A blend of comedy and supernatural adventure that's both spooky and hilarious.
20. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)
Flighty teenage girl Buffy Summers learns that she is her generation's destined battler of vampires.
Why’s this perfect for Halloween? Vampires, vampire hunting, 90s final girl vibes? Yes.
21. The Conjuring (2013)
Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren confront a malevolent spirit in a farmhouse.
Why's this perfect for Halloween? A modern horror classic that delivers chilling scares and tension.
22. Hotel Transylvania (2012)
Count Dracula runs a lavish resort for monsters, but his plans are disrupted by a human guest.
Why's this perfect for Halloween? A light-hearted animated comedy that showcases classic monsters.
23. The Craft (1996)
A group of high school girls discovers and harnesses dark witchcraft.
Why's this perfect for Halloween? This cult classic explores themes of power, friendship, and the supernatural.
24. Scream (1996)
A masked killer targets high school students, while a group of friends try to survive.
Why's this perfect for Halloween? A meta-horror film that deconstructs and pays homage to the slasher genre.
25. It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
The Peanuts gang celebrates Halloween, while Linus eagerly awaits the arrival of the Great Pumpkin.
Why's this perfect for Halloween? This beloved animated special captures the spirit of the holiday.
26. Hubie Halloween (2020)
A kind-hearted but eccentric man must save his town from supernatural chaos on Halloween night.
Why's this perfect for Halloween? A lighthearted comedy with spooky vibes and an all-star cast.
27. It (2017)
A group of kids confront an ancient evil entity that takes the shape of a clown and preys on their fears.
Why's this perfect for Halloween? This adaptation of Stephen King's novel offers a mix of scares and camaraderie.
28. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
A vengeful spirit haunts teenagers' dreams, killing them in reality.
Why's this perfect for Halloween? Freddy Krueger's iconic presence in this slasher classic is ideal for the holiday.
29. Get Out (2017)
A young African American man uncovers disturbing secrets when he visits his girlfriend's family estate.
Why's this perfect for Halloween? Jordan Peele's thought-provoking horror film explores societal fears and racism.
30. The Shining (1980)
A family's stay at a remote hotel becomes a descent into madness.
Why's this perfect for Halloween? Stanley Kubrick's psychological horror masterpiece is a chilling classic.
31. The Witches of Eastwick (1987)
Three friends inadvertently summon a charismatic but sinister man who stirs chaos in their lives.
Why's this perfect for Halloween? A mix of dark comedy and supernatural intrigue with a stellar cast.
As the last pumpkin-themed end credits roll and the final "boo!" echoes fade away, I hope you feel that comforting, spooky embrace that only October and its cinematic treats can offer.
Living in LA might not give me the full-on Halloween aesthetic nature-wise, but with these 31 films, I've managed to conjure up the ambiance in the coziest way possible. Remember, Halloween isn’t just about where you are; it's about the magic you create. So, let’s keep the magic alive throughout October, and beyond!
Want more of my Halloween vibes? Follow me on TikTok @borderlinemillennials for all the Halloween content your heart desires this spooky season. Until then, grab your popcorn, light those candles, and immerse yourself in this bewitching journey! 🎃✨