Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?
The 63 Best Halloween Movies of All Time
Because it's never too early.
TODAY, WE'RE TALKING about Halloween in cinema—your cinema, your local cinema, that cold drive through, whatever.
But first and foremost, how do you know what to pick? What makes a movie a "Halloween movie" in the first place? Is that even a genre? Is it different from a horror movie? Are all horror movies Halloween movies? Does a Halloween movie have to be a horror movie? Why do we even associate the holiday with things that jump in the night and on the screen? While the latter question is historical and somewhat straightforward (ancient autumn celebrations marked moments when the threshold between living and spirit realms broke down—and so when ghosts jumped out), the question of movie genre can get a bit tricky.
We're calling “Halloween movies” those films set around the October holiday or featuring themes of the celebration across culture, including burial, harvest, and communion with the dead—or even overall themes that make characters in the movie (or viewers at home) kind of wish they were dead. So even if it's summertime (or Christmastime), there can still be Halloween.
Here are our picks for the best Halloween movies. (And a few horror flicks that are just essential viewing on fright night.)
Halloween (1978)
The classic 1978 slasher film introduces one of the most iconic figures of cinema and the holiday: Michael Myers. The killer breaks out of a mental hospital and stalks a teenage babysitter and her friends in this iconic horror entry.
Coco (2017)
Coco was inspired by the Mexican holiday "Day of the Dead," which begins November 1. About memory, death, tradition, and family, Coco is just about as Halloween as a movie can possibly be.
The Halloween Tree (1993)
Based on Ray Bradbury's novel, the made-for-TV film follows four children across culture and time as they quest to save the soul of their dying friend. It might be said Bradbury did for Halloween what Charles Dickens did for Christmas. We agree.
The Vvitch (2016)
The Vvitch chronicles all the harvest-time horror of colonial New England. The cinematography looks like a series of oil paintings and the film's supernatural storyline will make you thank the gods for electricity. And science.
Over the Garden Wall (2014)
So it’s technically a miniseries, but Cartoon Network’s animated Dante-esque adventure runs at about 2 hours, which is basically a movie. Set on Halloween night, the series follows two boys inexplicably lost in the woods. It’s one of the most original Halloween stories we’ve seen, and not too too scary for the kids.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
It's also the best Christmas movie that's not named Die Hard, but that's a discussion for another list. For now, and if you haven't already done so for whatever reason: Watch this masterpiece.
A Ghost Story (2017)
While A Ghost Story doesn't take place on Halloween, it's basic concept (a man wearing the lamest Halloween costume of all time) explores all the themes of death and loss and time that make Halloween Halloween. The film follows a man who dies and becomes a ghost and remains in the house he shared with his wife.
Sleepy Hollow (1999)
The Exorcist (1973)
The story is based on a series of apparent demonic possessions in 1949. While not explicitly a Halloween story, The Exorcist more than qualifies as the Super Scary Classic Movie That Must Be Watched In October.
The Shining (1980)
Best horror movie of all time? Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece follows a family's long winter at a secluded mansion—and the family patriarch's descent into madness. Stephen King famously doesn't like this adaptation of one of his most famous novels, but, well, pretty much everyone else loves it.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
In the same spirit is The Silence of the Lambs, which is just a Halloween must watch. Based on Thomas Harris's popular crime-thriller series, the film stars Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins. When the FBI is desperate to catch a serial killer, they call upon another–the infamous Hannibal Lecter–to help catch him.
Longlegs (2024)
Think Silence of the Lambs, but starring Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage. Longlegs is moody, creepy, and even has a tinge of the supernatural. If you're looking for a newer, stylish flick—with Nic Cage doing some wild stuff—it's hard to go wrong with Oz Perkins's film.
Lake Mungo (2008)
For the serious horror lovers, we recommend Lake Mungo. This Australian cult favorite follows the aftermath of a 16-year-old girl who drowns, and the supernatural occurrences that her family can't ignore. Shot in mockumentary/found-footage style, this movie will freak out even the toughest viewers—because it just feels so real.
Scream (1996)
Inspired by the Gainesville Ripper, a serial killer who killed five Florida students in August 1990, Scream is essential fright night viewing. And the iconic mask worn by the killer is maybe the most famous American Halloween image there is.
Alien (1979)
While much of the Alien franchise can create a spirited debate as to whether it fits better into the horror or sci-fi genre, Ridley Scott's original Alien is as filled with dread as anything you'll ever see. And that's why we love to watch it in October.
Rosemary's Baby (1968)
A horror classic, and for damn good reason. How well do you know your neighbors?
Donnie Darko (2001)
Halloween means doomsday in the classic cult film, which we never get tired of watching. Featuring a star-studded cast (Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal, Drew Barrymore, Patrick Swayze, etc), the film follows a sleepwalking teen who begins to have visions of a rabbit who tells him the world will end soon.
Friday the 13th (1980)
Jason Voorhees might just be the most classic Halloween costume (er, character) of all time. This first film of the series has the most tension, and is probably the best movie in the series. And you need this one to set every successive film in the decades-long series up.But don't expect that iconic villain to show up just yet. You've got to wait for the sequels for that.
Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)
Francis Ford Coppola, known best for directing a couple little movies called The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, takes an absolutely epic bite into the horror world with Bram Stoker's Dracula, his take on the timeless vampire tale. The cast is filled with stars—including Keanu Reeves, Anthony Hopkins, and Winona Ryder—but it's Gary Oldman's titular character who truly seals the deal. A true Halloween horror epic.
Nosferatu (2024)
Speaking of Dracula, director Robert Eggers (The VVitch, The Lighthouse) got to put his own spin on the tale via the Nosferatu story in 2024—and his results were similarly epic. Bill Skarsgård's take on Count Orlok was instantly iconic, and the rest of the cast—including Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson—all come ready to play.
Readers Also Read
The Only Right Order to Watch the MCU Movies In
The 41 Best Vampire Movies of All Time
The 49 Best and Most Anticipated New Shows of 2026
Why Marshals Starts With That Major Death
