Classic Horror Halloween Movies to Watch

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Everyone has a Halloween tradition. For most, that tradition is getting into a dark room, getting some snacks, and watching the best horror and Halloween-themed movies out there. Whether you prefer going old school with movies like The Exorcist or you want something recently released, there is a huge selection available to you. These movies and films will leave you screaming, crying, laughing, and clutching on to your flashlight all night. The movies below are a great start to your Halloween, but remember that there are so many more out there. You never have to worry about a boring Halloween or missing out on some amazing films.

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1. The Exorcist

Anyone who wishes to not sleep for the night wants to watch The Exorcist. It is based on a true story of a girl who began to show signs of possession, and the exorcism that followed it.

2. Hocus Pocus

The go-to for kids and anyone who grew up in the 90s, Hocus Pocus tells the story of three witches who have to take the lives of children to remain immortal. They have returned after hanging by trial during the Salem Witch Trials, and the kids responsible are doing what they can to put them back. While it has its scares, this also offers up plenty of laughs.

3. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre brings together fear, adrenaline, grotesque imagery, and some seriously creepy characters. The scenes are not just brutal; they are horrifying. You will want to watch this film from behind your hands if you cannot stand gore.

4. Cabin in the Woods

Kids in the woods, some creepy locals, and a bunch of weird events. All completely normal for a horror film, right? Well, it should be. Cabin in the Woods is a satirical film that plays on all of the cliché plot points in horror films, adding a mix of horror and comedy.

5. The Evil Dead

The start of a hugely popular franchise, The Evil Dead sets the story with a group of kids in the woods. A normal beginning for any horror movie, but things get darker quick. After finding the Book of the Dead, the Necronomicon, hellish evil unleashes upon the group. Ash fights off this evil himself, serving as the start of his epic, and weird, journey.

6. Rosemary’s Baby

Insanity is no stranger to you if you have watched Rosemary’s Baby. A wife begins to suspect that her husband has promised their child to the devil, who lives in their apartment building. The fears of her unborn child going to the devil are just the tip of this crazy iceberg, though.

7. Carrie

Both the original Carrie film and its remake give you a scare that is unlike most other films here. Based on the Stephen King novel, it follows a young girl who faces abuse and torment regularly. Tired of it all, she seeks out revenge through her telepathic powers.

8. The Nightmare Before Christmas

A popular film for all ages, The Nightmare Before Christmas takes you on a journey of wonderment with Jack. Jack has just learned all about Christmas, and he wants to celebrate it his own way. The problem is that this is not such an easy thing for Halloweentown or its residents, leading to some trouble.

9. Beetlejuice

Beetle Juice, Beetle Juice, Beetle Juice! While you do not have to say his name three times to watch the movie, you do have to prepare yourself for an incredible ride. After dying, the Maitlands have to stay in their home for 150 years, which is made worse by the fact that people they do not like have bought the place after their passing. Beetle Juice is hired to get them out, though things do not turn out as expected.

10. Halloween

Going back into what is scary, you have Halloween. You have an insane murderer is on the loose, and he has found his next victim. He stalks her and puts her through a nightmare that will have you sleeping with the lights on.

11. Ghostbusters

While not full of frights and scares, Ghostbusters is a great movie for the whole family. It does have some ghosts and a great theme for Halloween, but with plenty of laughter across the entire film. You will follow three scientists as they help rid New York City of the hidden spirits, and even save the day.

12. 12. The Addams Family

They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky, they’re all together ooky, The Addams Family. This famous family has been on the screen for decades, coming back in a few different forms. If you loved them growing up, or want to see why it has remained such a giant success, see the strange and strangely heartwarming lives of this monstrously funny family.

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Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

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