Halloween season is here! One thing I personally love to do during the month of October is curl up and watch a few spooky movies. Whether you’re a psychological thriller fan or you’re searching for something a little more family-friendly, there is something for everyone. Here are 13 Halloween movies you’ll want to add to your watchlist this year.
1. Hocus Pocus (1993)

Hocus Pocus is a must for me every year. It is a family-friendly movie and, over time, it’s garnered its own cult following. Hocus Pocus follows three witches who were brought back to life in modern-day Salem. There are a lot of funny moments throughout the film and Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy deliver memorable performances. There is also a sequel that came out in 2022 that is worth a watch.
2. The Exorcist (1973)

The Exorcist is an oldie but a goodie. Although it was released in 1973, it still remains one of the scariest movies ever made. The story is about a young girl who is possessed by a demonic entity. Over the years, The Exorcist has become known for its shocking imagery and terrifying performances. The overall unsettling nature of the movie has made it a staple in horror film history and it’s great to add to your watchlist if you like a classic scare.
3. Get Out (2017)

Jordan Peele has led some seriously great horror films in recent years. Get Out has a perfect blend of horror and psychological thriller, along with social commentary. The movie follows Chris, a black man who is visiting with his white girlfriend’s family. What unfolds is absolutely horrifying. I promise it won’t fail to keep you on the edge of your seat. For modern horror fans, it’s a must-watch.
4. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

I always ask myself if this is a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie, and the answer is both! The Nightmare Before Christmas offers a perfect blend of spooky and festive. Tim Buton directed the film, which follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, who learns about Christmas. This one is great for kids and adults alike.
5. Hereditary (2018)

My husband and I watched this film in theaters and it was truly horrifying. Hereditary is considered a modern horror masterpiece and there are scenes from this film that I continue to think about to this day. The movie follows a family as they struggle to deal with their grief and dark secrets after the death of their grandmother. This film is great for anyone looking for an intense psychological horror.
6. Scream (1996)

Scream has become another cult classic. It is a typical 90s slasher film, almost in a cheesy way at times. Wes Craven directed this 1996 film and did a fantastic job of mixing satire with genuine scares. The film’s baddie, Ghostface, has become an iconic piece of horror history. This is a great choice for a fun and spooky movie night with friends.
7. The Conjuring (2013)

What makes The Conjuring so creepy is that it is based on true events. Ed and Lorraine Warren are paranormal investigators who are trying to help a family being tormented by some kind of dark presence in their new home. There are plenty of jump scares and downright creepy moments throughout this film. For me, it’s the perfect mix of supernatural horror and psychological tension. Honestly, it’s a great pick for anyone who likes a good ghost story.
8. Halloween (1978)

No Halloween movie list would be complete without mentioning John Carpenter’s classic slasher. Halloween follows Michael Myers who is a masked killer that escaped from a mental institution. The theme music, Michael’s mask, and everything about this movie has become iconic. Whether it’s your first time watching or your fiftieth, Halloween is always a must-watch during the spooky season.
9. Coraline (2009)

Coraline is another good family-friendly option. Based on the novel by Neil Gaiman, Coraline follows a young girl who discovers a parallel world. Everything seems perfect until things take a dark turn. Although it’s geared toward younger audiences, Coraline is just spooky enough to give adults a bit of a chill too.
10. The Babadook (2014)

The Babadook is one that still gives me the heebie jeebies. It is an emotionally intense film and it has some absolutely haunting visuals that are sure to stick with you long after you see it. Best of all, this movie doesn’t rely on cheap jump scares to chill you. Instead, the horror comes from the emotional struggles of the characters.
11. It (2017)

Stephen King is a horror legend. It tells the story of a group of kids in a small town who are terrorized by a shape-shifting entity that takes the form of Pennywise the Clown. In the 2017 revival of the horror classic, Bill Skarsgard is Pennywise and it is one of the most terrifying renditions of the story available.
12. A Quiet Place (2018)

This is another more modern horror film. A Quiet Place tells the story of a post-apocalyptic world where sound-sensitive creatures hunt people. To be able to survive, people have to live in silence. The utter silence throughout the film keeps viewers on edge and it’s a great pick for anyone who likes psychological thrillers.
13. The Shining (1980)

The Shining is my all-time favorite movie, hands down, and I’ll always recommend it when it comes to a Halloween movie marathon. Based on Stephen King’s novel, the movie follows Jack Torrance (played by Jack Nicholson) who descends into madness while he is isolated with his family in a remote hotel. There are some haunting scenes that will stick with you for a long time and iconic horror scenes that changed cinema history. It’s a perfect choice for a spooky movie night.
Get Ready for a Spooky Movie Marathon

Whether you like a more family-friendly tale or you want to be chilled to the bone, these 13 movies will be a great addition to your Halloween watchlist. From classics like The Exorcist to modern-day psychological thrillers like Get Out, there is something for every horror movie fan. So, grab some snacks, dim the lights, and host a Halloween movie marathon. You’ve got the perfect lineup.