Halloween might be spooky season, but not everyone loves jump scares and horror marathons—and that’s okay! From cult classics to hidden gems, comedies, childhood favorites, romances, and even musicals, this list is for everyone! Whether you’re crafting, baking cookies, hosting a movie night with friends, or just curling up in your favorite sweater, these Halloween movies set the perfect mood for every vibe this season.
1. The Addams Family
No family does spooky season quite like The Addams Family. One of Christina Ricci’s first roles as Wednesday created a cultural moment that we’re still not over… she is one of the queen’s of Halloween after all. And who didn’t want a relationship like Morticia and Gomez growing up? This classic never misses and belongs on every October watchlist.
2. Beetlejuice (Beetlejuice)
Beetlejuice was pure chaotic perfection that launched Winona Ryder into goth goddess territory as Lydia Deetz. This movie is unhinged in all the right ways and Michael Keaton is the striped suit demon we never knew we needed. Tim Burton really said “let’s make death fun” and did just that! The recent sequel proved this universe is timeless, and we had so much with the nostalgia of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice too!
3. Casper
Christina Ricci is a little bit older in Casper, but proves to continue her reign of dark perfection. Casper is comfort Halloween at its finest with the perfect balance of spooky and sweet moments. Honorable mention to Casper Meets Wendy which is objectively not great, BUT, it is Hilary Duff’s very first movie role making it essential viewing.
4. Coco
Technically, Coco is a Day of the Dead film, but the skeletal aesthetics and spirit world vibes make it perfect October viewing. Pixar made death beautiful and delivered a masterpiece that’ll have you ugly crying while humming along to “Remember Me.”
5. Coraline
You’re either completely obsessed with Coraline or it gives you nightmares — there’s literally no middle ground. Somehow the creepiest animated film ever made is also weirdly comforting to rewatch. Maybe it’s the haunting soundtrack, maybe it’s those rich, dark colors, but this stop-motion is a masterpiece nonetheless.
6. Corpse Bride
Tim Burton loves to make death look infinitely more appealing than the living world. The stop-motion artistry is breathtaking and the musical is incredible. Johnny Depp brings his signature dark charm to another Burton collaboration that proves love transcends mortality. The Corpse Bride is beautiful, melancholic, and utterly mesmerizing.
Don’t worry, this is just the beginning of Johnny on this list…
7. Dark Shadows
Told you! Depp plays a hilariously out-of-touch 18th-century vampire who wakes up in the 1970s, and the culture shock comedy is perfection. A killer soundtrack and it’s genuinely funny and fun, making Dark Shadows an ideal Halloween watch.
8. Death Becomes Her
Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Bruce Willis devour their roles in this darkly comedic cult classic. A brilliant satire that skewers society’s obsession with youth and beauty, wrapped in supernatural chaos and killer one-liners. Death Becomes Her is pure camp perfection and essential viewing for anyone who appreciates Hollywood at its most wickedly funny.
9. Edward Scissorhands
Winona and Johnny serving the ultimate tragic romance that still gets you decades later. The real horror isn’t Edward’s scissor hands, but instead it’s watching how cruelly society treats someone who’s different. Visually stunning, emotionally devastating, and backed by one of the most beautiful film scores. Their chemistry is so obviously magnetic and the aesthetic of Edward Scissorhands is pure Burton perfection.
10. Halloweentown
If you grew up a Disney Channel kid, Halloweentown was the movie you rewatched every season! Debbie Reynolds as Grandma Aggie was basically everyone’s magical grandmother, and let’s be real — we all desperately wanted to visit that perfectly spooky town.
11. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Yes, people debate whether this counts as a Halloween movie, but wizards, monsters, and magic in a castle covered in autumn leaves? Obviously it belongs here. There’s something magical about watching these iconic characters for the very first time, discovering Hogwarts alongside Harry. This film wraps you up like a cozy blanket with butterbeer and pumpkin-scented candles — pure autumnal comfort that never gets old.
12. Haunted Mansion
A fresh take on the beloved Disney attraction that actually gets it right. Set in New Orleans, this version perfectly captures the different versions of the ride from around the world. This Haunted Mansion has creepy-fun energy with familiar ghostly faces and compelling new characters. The star-studded cast brings genuine heart to the story while nailing that perfect balance of laughs and scares.
13. Heathers
Not technically a Halloween movie, but this dark comedy deserves a spot on this list. Winona Ryder strikes again as Veronica alongside Christian Slater’s unhinged JD in Heathers. The film’s razor-sharp satire cuts deep into teenage cruelty and social dynamics, wrapped in quotable dialogue that’s both hilarious and unapologetically twisted.
14. Hocus Pocus (1 & 2)
When someone says “Halloween movie,” Hocus Pocus is exactly what comes to mind. These witches literally put a spell on us and we fell in love with them and this movie! It’s become the annual October tradition that defines the season — you simply cannot do Halloween without it. If you have the chance to watch the sequel, do it! We know the original will always reign supreme, but we love it for the nostalgia and seeing the witches back in the 21st century.
15. Little Shop of Horrors
Little Shop of Horrors is a twisted 80s musical that serves up catchy tunes, quotable moments, and pure theatrical chaos. Sure, the man-eating plant is creepy, but Steve Martin as the sadistic dentist? Nightmare. Musical theater meets horror comedy at its finest.
16. Lisa Frankenstein
If you haven’t seen Lisa Frankenstein yet, watch it immediately. We absolutely fell in love with this chaotic masterpiece the moment it hit screens. Set in the perfectly nostalgic 80s with an incredible soundtrack and killer fashion, it’s basically the unhinged love story we never knew we needed. Who wouldn’t want a Victorian boyfriend so devoted he’ll literally reconstruct himself to be perfect for you? Pure romantic chaos that’s equal parts sweet and absolutely deranged.
17. The Nightmare Before Christmas
No Halloween list is complete without this absolute masterpiece. Tim Burton and Danny Elfman created something truly timeless with The Nightmare Before Christmas — the characters are unforgettable, the music is incredible, and the story layers themes of belonging, identity, and love in ways that hit deeper with every watch. Jack Skellington’s existential crisis wrapped in stop-motion magic never gets old. It’s both Halloween and Christmas movie royalty!
18. Penelope
Christina Ricci trades her usual dark aesthetic for something softer in Penelope, but we love her in it just the same. This charming fairy tale explores identity and self-acceptance with genuine heart, while the chemistry between Ricci and James McAvoy is absolutely magnetic. Their love story unfolds beautifully every single rewatch. It won’t give you nightmares, but it perfectly captures that cozy autumn feeling that makes it ideal seasonal viewing.
19. Practical Magic
Practical Magic is the ultimate Classic Comfort Halloween Movie that perfectly captures the season’s essence. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman have electric chemistry that makes their sisterly bond feel absolutely authentic. It’s like the perfect blend of Gilmore Girls coziness with Hocus Pocus magic — romantic, reflective, and just spooky enough. Grab your besties, bake something delicious, maybe put a hex on your ex, and definitely whip up those midnight margaritas!
20. Rocky Horror Picture Show
Rocky Horror Picture Show is pure campy 70s chaos that embodies everything fun about Halloween. This cult classic is absolutely unhinged in the best possible way. Does the plot make complete sense? Absolutely not. Does it matter? Not even a little bit. Just get up and do the Time Warp again! Essential viewing for anyone who loves their movies with a side of glittery madness.
21. Scary Movie
A Y2K comedy gem that’s absolutely hilarious if you can handle its completely inappropriate humor. This parody is packed with quotable moments and jokes that lives rent free in those who have seen it. With the epic reunion happening next year, now’s the perfect time to revisit the original and remember why Scary Movie is a Y2K classic.
22. Sweeney Todd
A brooding Johnny Depp wielding razors and belting out dark ballads? Absolutely perfect. Sweeney Todd is a gothic musical that combines vengeful murder with hauntingly beautiful songs, creating something both disturbing and mesmerizing. Tim Burton’s signature style paired with Sondheim’s brilliant score makes for an unforgettably twisted experience.
23. Twitches
Disney Channel fans, here’s one more for you! Twin witches born on Halloween meeting for the first time on their 21st birthday? The premise alone is peak early 2000s magic. Tia and Tamera Mowry bring that perfect sister chemistry to their supernatural roles in Twitches. The fashion is absolutely cringe looking back, but that’s what makes it so nostalgically perfect.
24. Wednesday
Okay, we know it’s not a movie but Wednesday is just as fun to watch this season! Jenna Ortega has claimed her throne as our modern Halloween queen with her flawless portrayal of Wednesday Addams. Having Christina Ricci right there alongside her? Obsessed. Nevermore Academy is basically Hogwarts for the weird and unusual, and we love every dark, twisted minute of it.
For The Aesthetic 