The perfect time to settle in for a night of spooky fun is during Halloween! The creepy yet thrilling atmosphere and eerie adventurousness is what makes the holiday a favorite for many. Here are the top ten movies to watch during Halloween and why:

1) Corpse Bride
Personally, this movie is one of my favorite works from Tim Burton. This Tim Burton masterpiece is a go-to for fans of stop-motion animation and dark, whimsical stories. The film tells the tale of Victor, who accidentally finds himself engaged to a bride from the afterlife. With its gothic charm and Burton’s unique animation style, Corpse Bride offers a visually stunning and heartwarming story perfect for Halloween. This movie is a childhood favorite of mine, even though my friends found it spooky. It has a mix of love and eerie and the setting is unbeatable.

2) Beetlejuice (1988)
Every October there’s a day where my family and I all get together to watch this movie. It’s a movie that brings us all together and that’s what makes this movie so memorable. Being able to bond with my family is important to me. Beetlejuice is a cult classic that combines comedy, supernatural elements, and Burton’s signature macabre style. The chaotic Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) helps a couple haunt their home’s new tenants, but his assistance turns out to be more trouble than they bargained for. With Beetlejuice 2 coming out this year, it’s made me re-watch the 1988 original and has made me ready to get together with my family soon to re-watch the movie once more.3) The Nightmare Before Christmas
In my opinion, this fil

m is the face of Halloween to me. As someone who visits Disneyland often during Halloween, The Nightmare before Christmas is always everywhere, anywhere, and on every corner. This is
one of the ultimate Halloween (and Christmas) crossovers. Following Jack Skellington’s discovery of Christmastown, the Pumpkin King’s misadventures lead to a hauntingly heartwarming film. The movie’s darkly
vibrant aesthetic and catchy songs make it a must-watch during Halloween. The Nightmare Before Christmas also gets me in the mood for Christmas as well so this movie is perfect for anytime between October- December. A perfect classic that never gets old.

4) Coraline
An eerie and visually striking film, Coraline takes audiences into a twisted fantasy world where an 11-year-old girl finds a doorway to an alternate reality. But behind the idyllic world lurks a terrifying secret. This movie is a fantastic blend of psychological thrills and supernatural elements, ideal for those who enjoy a good chill without the full jump-scare horror. Coraline is one of my top ten movies from my childhood, the spooky and eerie twists matches the Halloween time.

5) Poltergeist
One of the most iconic horror movies ever, Poltergeist delivers classic scares and supernatural chaos as a family’s home becomes the center of ghostly activity. Known for its creepy moments and terrifying atmosphere, this movie is essential for anyone looking for a good scare. The phrase “They’re here…” still haunts viewers decades later!

6) The Haunted Mansion
The Haunted Mansion is one of my fathers favorite Disney movies so I was forced to watch this during Halloween. So if you’re looking for something a little less scary but still spooky enough for Halloween, The
Haunted Mansion is the perfect film for you. It is a fun, family-friendly adventure. With its blend of ghostly hijinks and humor, the movie tells the story of a haunted house and a family trying to uncover its secrets. Inspired by the Disney theme park ride, it’s a perfect lighter Halloween movie.

7) Hocus Pocus (1993)
An absolute Halloween classic, Hocus Pocus has become a holiday staple. It’s a funny, magical adventure about three witches brought back to life on Halloween night, with a group of kids trying to stop them. The
Sanderson sisters, played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, steal the show with their wicked charm. Watching Hocus Pocus always gets me in the Halloween spirit.

8) The Shining
For those seeking psychological horror, The Shining is a brilliant choice. Directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Jack Nicholson, this film follows a family isolated at an eerie hotel where paranormal forces push Jack Torrance into madness. The film’s suspenseful atmosphere and chilling visuals are enough to leave anyone unnerved, making it one of the best films for a truly scary Halloween night. This is one of the best Shelley Duvall films to exist and I will stand by that.

9) The Exorcist (1973)
Widely regarded as one of the scariest movies of all time, The Exorcist revolves around a young girl possessed by a demon and the lengths her mother goes to in seeking help. The film is unsettling and intense, delivering scenes that have terrified audiences for decades. It’s a horror movie that continues to deliver chills, making it a top pick for Halloween. I’ve watched many horror movies and haven’t been scared by many but The Exorcist gets me everytime.

10) Sleepy Hollow
Set in 1799, Sleepy Hollow is a visually stunning adaptation of Washington Irving’s classic tale. Directed by Tim Burton, the film features his signature gothic style and stars Johnny Depp as Ichabod Crane, who
investigates the legend of the Headless Horseman. The eerie atmosphere, dark cinematography, and supernatural mystery make it a perfect fit for Halloween.

Honorable Mentions:

While these films didn’t make the top ten, they still deserve a spot on your Halloween watchlist:
– Twilight – More romance than horror, but perfect for a different take on vampires and Halloween.
– Harry Potter Series – Filled with magical creatures and spells, the series offers plenty of spooky moments, especially in the later films.
– Scream (1996) – A slasher classic, Scream revived the genre with its clever mix of horror and self-aware humor.
– Fear Street Series – For fans of more modern horror, Fear Street blends 90s nostalgia with gore and chills in a thrilling series of films.

I might not be a film master but this list has something for every Halloween fan. The films offer everything from comedy to romance to family-friendly adventures to movies perfect for watching alone in the dark or gathering with friends.