October 27, 2025 by Katie Plue (‘27)
Halloween plays a huge role in the fall season, and the best way to get into the fall vibes this year is to watch some Halloween movies. So, grab a blanket, light a candle and let’s talk about the best Halloween movies to watch this season.
10. Weapons
There has been talk of this movie being the best horror movie of the year. Part of this explosion in publicity for this movie is the film’s marketing team. They posted videos on TikTok of the characters running, and it looked like ring doorbell footage. I was immediately drawn in and told my friends that we needed to go see it. And that says a lot, because I am not a horror movie person. Definitely worth a watch this Halloween, but not necessarily a Halloween movie.
9. Black Phone 2/ Black Phone
If I’m being honest, this one made the cut mostly because it’s new. It is a horror movie though, and it’s set during Halloween. You will have to go back and watch the first one though, which is not. It would be fun to take a trip back to the theater for a late showing with some friends, especially after mourning the loss of these last few Marvel movies and Superman. I will say, I haven’t seen either movie, but since seeing the trailers for the second film, I am very interested. I’ve also seen a lot about it on social media, but that might just be because Mason Thames is in it.
8. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
I didn’t know about this movie until my friend told me about it. It’s not really what would be deemed a “classic” and doesn’t really feel as Halloween-y as some may expect, which is weird since it is set in this time of year. There isn’t any gore, as it is based on a children’s book, so you might be ok showing this to kids who might be a bit older. I thought it was scary at the ripe age of 16, but I’m also a baby when it comes to scary movies…
7. Scream
“What’s the matter Sydney? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” Ghostface, Freddy Kruger and Micheal Myers are like the big three of horror movies. Scream may be older, but it’s still so culturally relevant that if you haven’t seen it, you’re missing out. At least that’s how I feel, because I have yet to watch this movie. Don’t worry though, I’ve done my research and no, it’s not too low on the list. While it is very popular and there are so many movies (possibly too many).This 1996 thriller is not set during Halloween, but is definitely a good one to watch on a night like the 31st. I don’t know if I’m going to upset super fans with this one, but I stand by my decision. It’s still classic though, and still scary, gory, and good to watch while handing out candy.
6. A Nightmare on Elm Street
This one is similar to Scream, another classic slasher, but it’s not set during Halloween. Freddy Kruger is another big favorite of halloween characters. On top of that he haunts teens while they’re sleeping, the only time a lot of us find some peace and quiet. Although it doesn’t really talk about Halloween, it has all the other components of a good movie for a Halloween marathon, and a lot of people can enjoy it. Maybe not kids though, unless you don’t want them to sleep peacefully for a couple months.
5. Terrifier
Do not show this to kids. Send your younger siblings out of the room because if I saw this at 6 years old, I would never sleep again. Maybe that’s just me, but this movie is all gore. On a different note, Art the clown quickly became a popular horror movie character because of this film. I did want to mention that the first movie came out in 2016, which was perfect timing for the killer clown epidemic that we all used to watch youtube videos about on our iPads. Seriously though, watch at your own risk. I’ve heard stories of people who have thrown up watching this movie.
4. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
This movie is pure nostalgia. Back in elementary school when we were all dressed up in our best costumes, I bet large sums of money that your 2nd grade teacher put this movie on while your class was coloring. If I had kids, I would immediately sit them down and show them every Charlie Brown movie because this was peak childhood.
3. The Nightmare Before Christmas
Another family-friendly one. Look, I know this movie is controversial, but it literally takes place in a town called Halloween town, and it was created by Tim Burton. The movie’s most iconic song, “This is Halloween,” is a classic Halloween anthem and the main character is a skeleton. There is no doubt in my mind that this is a Halloween movie. I’m sorry. Either way, it’s great for kids and it’s still a fun watch for teens too. And it’s not a Christmas Movie.
2. Halloween
I’m convinced Micheal Myers is the mascot of this holiday. This movie is violent, but doesn’t have a lot of gore- most of it is off-screen. Don’t underestimate it though, the movie is still scary from its suspenseful music and build-up. Halloween is perfect if gore makes you cringe, but you still want a good horror movie to get you scared on Halloween night. I mean, it’s right in the name.
1. Hocus Pocus
You all should’ve seen this coming. Hocus Pocus is a classic Halloween movie everyone can enjoy. It’s not scary or bloody, but even the horror movie lovers will like it. It’s a Halloween rule, you have to watch this at least once a year. If you haven’t seen this movie yet, you need to stop reading this and put it on right now. Good thing we are at the end of the list.