15 Must-Watch Films To Add To Your Halloween Movies List

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Classic Halloween Horror Films You Can't Miss

It’s impossible to discuss Halloween movies without starting with John Carpenter’s iconic 1978 film Halloween. The story begins on Halloween night in 1963, when a young Michael Myers brutally murders his sister.

Fast forward to 15 years later—Michael escapes a mental hospital and returns to his hometown of Haddonfield to terrorize Laurie Strode (played by the legendary Jamie Lee Curtis). The eerie score, the suspenseful buildup, and the character of Michael Myers have cemented this film as one of the best Halloween movies of all time.

Stream the original Halloween movie here or grab the complete franchise set.

Why it's perfect for Halloween: The atmospheric tension and the fact that the events take place on Halloween night make it the quintessential Halloween horror film.

Picking up right where the first film left off... Add Halloween II to your collection. Halloween II continues the terrifying story of Michael Myers and Laurie Strode. This sequel dives deeper into Michael’s obsession with Laurie, with more scares and bloody encounters.

The hospital setting gives a claustrophobic and chilling vibe, making it another must-watch during spooky season.

👉🏽 Related Article: 50 Best Halloween Movies For Teens – Spooky And Fun Flicks

This one is a bit of an outlier in the Halloween franchise as it doesn’t feature Michael Myers. Instead, Halloween III is a stand-alone anthology film that centers around a sinister plot by the Silver Shamrock company, which plans to use Halloween masks to trigger mass murder. Although it was initially panned, the movie has since gained a cult following, making it a Halloween cult classic.

Watch Halloween III: Season of the Witch or get some Silver Shamrock-themed Halloween gear.

When it comes to family-friendly Halloween movies, Hocus Pocus is an absolute classic. The Sanderson Sisters—played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy—are a trio of diabolical witches who are accidentally resurrected by a group of kids on Halloween night.

Filled with fun songs, memorable characters, and the perfect blend of spooky and silly, this film is a staple for any Halloween marathon.

Watch Hocus Pocus here or grab some Sanderson Sisters merchandise.

The spooky yet lovable Addams Family is another essential addition to any Halloween movies list. This dark comedy centers around the eccentric Addams family as they face a series of hilarious and spooky challenges. With its gothic charm, quirky characters, and sharp humor, it’s a perfect way to celebrate Halloween with a laugh.

Stream The Addams Family here or grab Wednesday Addams-inspired costumes.

Is it a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? Why not both! The Nightmare Before Christmas, directed by Tim Burton, is an animated feature that follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who becomes bored with the routine of Halloween and decides to take over Christmas. The film’s unique stop-motion animation and hauntingly beautiful soundtrack make it a timeless favorite.

Watch The Nightmare Before Christmas or check out exclusive Jack Skellington items.

Bringing back Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode, Halloween H20 ignores the events of the later sequels and acts as a direct follow-up to Halloween II. This film is set 20 years after the original, with Laurie now living under a new identity. However, Michael Myers tracks her down, leading to a final showdown. It’s packed with suspense, and seeing Laurie face off against Michael again is pure Halloween magic.

Watch Halloween H20 here.

Though not directly related to the Halloween franchise, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a horror classic that fits perfectly into any spooky season marathon. The film follows a group of friends who encounter a family of cannibals, including the terrifying Leatherface. With its gritty atmosphere and relentless terror, it’s considered one of the most frightening movies ever made.

After the experiment of Halloween III, the series returned to its roots with Halloween 4, bringing back Michael Myers as the villain. Set a decade after the original events, Michael escapes from captivity and returns to Haddonfield to hunt down his niece. The film captures the slasher style that fans of the franchise love.

The 2018 film Halloween serves as a direct sequel to the 1978 classic, ignoring all the other films in the franchise. Once again, we see Laurie Strode—now a hardened survivor—preparing for Michael Myers’ inevitable return. The film reintroduces the terror and suspense of the original while adding a modern twist. Jamie Lee Curtis gives a standout performance as she confronts her long-standing nemesis.

For those looking for a more recent horror film, The Black Phone is a chilling addition to your Halloween movies list. The film follows a young boy kidnapped by a serial killer, and his only hope lies in a mysterious phone that allows him to communicate with the killer’s previous victims. With its blend of supernatural elements and psychological horror, this movie is perfect for those who love a good fright.

If you’re in the mood for some Halloween comedy, Adam Sandler’s Hubie Halloween delivers goofy humor and spooky vibes. Sandler plays Hubie, a well-meaning but awkward guy who takes it upon himself to keep his town safe during Halloween. The movie is packed with Halloween décor, classic horror film references, and plenty of laughs, making it a light-hearted choice for the spooky season.

If you haven’t seen Trick ‘r Treat, it’s time to add this cult classic to your Halloween movies list. This anthology horror film weaves together several Halloween night tales, all linked by a creepy, childlike figure named Sam. The film perfectly captures the spirit of Halloween with its mix of dark humor, twisted stories, and eerie atmosphere.

Watch Trick ‘r Treat here or grab some Sam-themed Halloween decorations.

If you’re a fan of old-school creature features, The Monster Squad is a fun throwback. The film follows a group of kids who have to defend their town from classic monsters like Dracula, the Wolfman, and Frankenstein’s monster. It’s a delightful mix of adventure, comedy, and classic horror, making it a nostalgic Halloween treat.

Yes, it’s worth mentioning Halloween III again, as its unique story and eerie tone have earned it a spot among the best cult classics. The film’s plot involving the Silver Shamrock company and their deadly Halloween masks is bizarre yet captivating, making it a one-of-a-kind Halloween horror film.

Now that we have the must-watch halloween stories out the way. It's time to cover some of my favourite Halloween films that I watch practically every Halloween. I'm a movie enthusiast and I love watching Halloween movies al year long but there are a few that I love to rewatch everytime October comes around.

1. Hocus Pocus 1, 2, 3
2. Casper
3. Bewitched
4. Edward Scissorhands
5. Scream 1, 2, 3, 4
6. The Craft
7. Practical Magic
8. Haunted Mansion
9. Scooby-Doo

Use the comment section below to share your own recommendations. I would love to hear what movies you love to watch on Halloween.

Tips for Creating the Perfect Halloween Movie Night Marathon

👉🏽 Related Article: 10 Simple & Fun Halloween Party Ideas for College Students

Final Thoughts on Your Go-To Halloween Movies List for Spooky Season

Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or just looking for some light-hearted Halloween fun, this Halloween movies list has something for everyone. From the original Halloween with Michael Myers to family classics like Hocus Pocus and under-the-radar gems like Trick ‘r Treat, these films will set the perfect mood for Halloween night. Start your Halloween movie marathon with this collection.

Get ready to grab your favorite snacks, dim the lights, and dive into a world of frights and thrills!

Keep the Halloween Spirit Going!

If you enjoyed this list, there’s more where that came from! Check out more articles on my blog for additional Halloween content, including DIY costume ideas, Halloween party tips, and more must-watch movie recommendations. Don’t forget to share your own favorite Halloween movies in the comments below—let’s keep the spooky season alive together!

This post Was all about Halloween movies lists.