When it comes to Halloween movies, I have two modes, Slasher Horror and Spooky. You know those movies with Halloween vibes, but not scary at all? Although, I’m not the best judge of exactly how scary a movie is. I watched The Ring and Grudge when I was ten and have basically been numb to horror since then.
I’ve made lists for Autumn movies and Classic-pre 70s- horror, but if you want to get into the Halloween spirit without the scares, this is the list for you.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Hocus Pocus is the best of all Halloween movies. I’ve already watched it three times this Halloween. It’s mandatory holiday viewing. What more is there to say that hasn’t been said? Hocus Pocus is available on Disney Plus and is showing on Freeform as a part of the “31 Nights of Halloween.”
Penelope (2006)
This may be cheating a little bit, but the ending of this movie does take place at a Halloween party so, it totally counts. Penelope is perfect for anyone looking for a romcom this holiday season. Christina Ricci stars as the girl born with a pig nose who must find love with “one of her own kind”. Penelope is available to stream on Amazon with a subscription and for free on Pluto and Tubi.
Halloweentown Series
This series is a classic for a reason. I know that most people discount the fourth movie, but it’s as enjoyable as the rest of the series. A world where the creatures that you’ve read stories about exist in the magical world of Halloweentown. Plus these movies have Debbie Reynolds, so they are worth it for that alone. All four Halloweentown movies are available on Disney Plus.
Practical Magic (1998)
Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as sisters who join together to defeat the ghost of a psycho ex-boyfriend. How much more does a movie need? What about romance, sisterhood, midnight margaritas, and the women of the town forgiving prejudices against the witches. Practical Magic can be rented on Amazon and YouTube.
Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)
This classic film may not feel exactly like a Halloween movie, but Arsenic and Old Lace does take place on Halloween day. However, the subject matter is a little dark. When Cary Grant finds out that his aunts are killing men and burying them in the cellar, he must juggle a lot of balls to be able to handle his family without anyone going to jail. This movie is fast paced and laugh out loud funny. Arsenic and Old Lace isn’t currently available to stream anywhere for free, but you can rent it on YouTube and Amazon.
The Addams Family (1991) and Addams Family Values (1993)
Addams Family Values is the better of these movies and if you are only going to watch one, then it should be that movie. Introducing The Addams Family to a new generation, these movies are as creepy and kooky as the song suggests. Both movies are available on Amazon Prime and are a part of the 31 Days of Halloween on Freeform.
Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Sleepy Hollow is fun. This retelling of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” stars Johnny Deep as Ichabod Crane, an investigator sent to solve the murders being committed by a headless horseman. Sleepy Hollow can be streamed on Netflix. It’s also a part of the 31 Days of Halloween on Freeform.
Casper (1995)
The fourth and final Christina Ricci movie on this list. Is she just the queen of Halloween? When an afterlife therapist and his daughter move into a supposedly haunted house to try and rid it of ghosts, the cutest story of love and friendship ensues. You can catch Casper as part of the 31 Nights of Halloween on Freeform.
Twitches (2005)
Teen’s separated at birth meet again and discover that they are witches. On top of that, they must save the world in which they were born. Tia and Tamera Mowry star in this Disney Channel original movie. Twitches is available to stream on Disney Plus.
Young Frankenstein (1974)
Young Frankenstein is funny, clever, and essential Halloween viewing. Gene Wilder is trying to prove that he’s not that Frankenstein when he gets an invitation to his family’s estate in Transylvania. There he finds the process to reanimate a dead body. Stream Young Frankenstein anywhere you have a Starz subscription.
Clue (1985)
Madeline Khan makes this list twice because she’s a queen. (Seriously) Clue just feels like a movie where everyone is playing dress up, and I mean that in the nicest way possible. This whodunnit keeps you guessing till the very end. Based on the board game, Clue brings together virtual strangers to confront the man who is blackmailing them. Soon murder abounds, but who is the culprit? Clue is available on Pluto TV for free on Amazon Prime with a subscription.
Harry Potter Series
Honestly with all the J.K. Rowling stuff lately, my love of Harry Potter has decreased, but the series will always hold a special place in my life. Watching the movies has been an October ritual for as long as I can remember. As soon as the air gets cooler, my family rewatches the entire series. For me, Halloween isn’t complete without watching the entire series. All 8 Harry Potter movies are available to stream for free on Peacock.
Beetlejuice (1988)
Beetlejuice marks Catherine O’Hara’s second appearance on this list. It’s always a good time to watch this spooky classic. When a couple dies and their spirits stay in their house, it seems like they will just be there until they can move on. That is until a family from the city moves in and starts changing the house that they worked so hard on. Beetlejuice isn’t currently available to stream, but it is a part of Freeform’s “31 Nights of Halloween”, you can check the schedule for the next showing.
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