50 Good Halloween Movies to Watch for the Perfect Spooky Night

When October rolls around, there’s one big question movie lovers ask every year: what are some good Halloween movies to watch? Whether you’re into lighthearted family films, nostalgic ‘90s classics, psychological thrillers, or full-blown horror, Halloween is the perfect excuse to dive into spooky cinema.

The best part? Halloween movies don’t have to be terrifying to be great. Some are cozy, some are creepy, and others are just plain fun. This list of 50 good Halloween movies covers every vibe—so no matter who you’re watching with, you’ll find something that fits.

Grab the candy, dim the lights, and let’s get into it.

🎃 Classic Good Halloween Movies Everyone Should See

These are the must-watch staples that define the Halloween season.

1. Halloween (1978)

John Carpenter’s Halloween is the gold standard for slasher films. Michael Myers, a quiet suburban setting, and an unforgettable score make this a perfect Halloween night watch.

2. Hocus Pocus (1993)

A fan-favorite and arguably one of the best good Halloween movies ever made. It’s funny, magical, and endlessly rewatchable.

3. The Exorcist (1973)

Still one of the scariest films ever made, The Exorcist is intense, unsettling, and ideal for horror purists.

4. Beetlejuice (1988)

Tim Burton’s spooky comedy blends the macabre with humor. It’s weird in the best way and perfect for all ages.

5. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Freddy Krueger turned dreams into nightmares. This is essential viewing for any Halloween movie marathon.

👻 Family-Friendly & Lighthearted Halloween Movies

Looking for good Halloween movies that won’t terrify the kids? These are spooky without being scary.

6. Casper (1995)

A sweet ghost story with heart, humor, and just enough spooky atmosphere.

7. Hotel Transylvania (2012)

A modern animated classic packed with monster fun and clever jokes for adults too.

8. The Addams Family (1991)

Dark humor, iconic characters, and Halloween vibes from start to finish.

9. Coraline (2009)

Creepy, beautiful, and surprisingly deep. This animated film is spooky in the most artistic way.

10. Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998)

One of the best Scooby-Doo movies ever—and legitimately spooky.

🧛‍♂️ Good Halloween Movies With Monsters & Supernatural Vibes

If witches, vampires, and ghosts are your thing, you’ll love these.

11. The Lost Boys (1987)

A stylish vampire movie with ‘80s edge and a killer soundtrack.

12. Dracula (1992)

Gothic, romantic, and visually stunning—perfect for a dark Halloween evening.

13. Interview with the Vampire (1994)

Elegant and haunting, this film explores immortality with depth and drama.

14. The Craft (1996)

Witchy, rebellious, and iconic. A cult favorite that screams Halloween energy.

15. Practical Magic (1998)

More cozy than creepy, this is a feel-good Halloween movie with magical charm.

🔪 Slasher & Horror Picks for Brave Viewers

Ready to turn up the fear factor? These good Halloween movies aren’t for the faint of heart.

16. Scream (1996)

Smart, self-aware, and scary. Scream revived the slasher genre and remains a Halloween favorite.

17. Friday the 13th (1980)

Campy, bloody, and classic. Jason’s origin story is perfect for late-night scares.

18. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

Raw and disturbing, this film delivers relentless tension.

19. Hereditary (2018)

A slow-burn horror masterpiece that leaves a lasting impact.

20. The Conjuring (2013)

Modern paranormal horror done right—creepy, atmospheric, and effective.

🧠 Psychological & Atmospheric Halloween Movies

These films mess with your mind more than jump scares.

21. The Sixth Sense (1999)

One of the most famous twists in movie history. Emotional, eerie, and unforgettable.

22. The Others (2001)

Dark, quiet, and full of tension—perfect for watching on a stormy Halloween night.

23. Black Swan (2010)

A descent into madness that’s unsettling and beautifully shot.

24. Get Out (2017)

Social commentary meets psychological horror in one of the best modern Halloween films.

25. The Witch (2015)

Slow, haunting, and deeply atmospheric—this is horror at its most refined.

🎬 ‘90s & 2000s Nostalgia Halloween Movies

These movies defined Halloween nights for a generation.

26. I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)

A classic teen slasher with plenty of suspense.

27. The Blair Witch Project (1999)

Found-footage horror that changed the genre forever.

28. Final Destination (2000)

Death as an unstoppable force makes for a terrifyingly fun watch.

29. Sleepy Hollow (1999)

Tim Burton’s dark retelling is moody, stylish, and perfect for Halloween.

30. Scary Movie (2000)

A parody that still works great as a Halloween comedy break.

🕯️ Cozy, Gothic, and Stylish Halloween Movies

Spooky vibes without overwhelming fear.

31. Edward Scissorhands (1990)

Not a horror film, but full of gothic atmosphere and emotional depth.

32. Crimson Peak (2015)

A visually rich ghost story dripping with gothic romance.

33. The Haunted Mansion (2003)

A fun, spooky Disney ride brought to life.

34. Monster House (2006)

Underrated animated horror with strong Halloween energy.

35. ParaNorman (2012)

A heartfelt stop-motion film that balances humor, horror, and heart.

😈 Modern Horror & Recent Halloween Favorites

Newer good Halloween movies worth adding to your annual watchlist.

36. It (2017)

Pennywise returns with terrifying visuals and strong performances.

37. Smile (2022)

Unsettling and disturbing in a subtle, psychological way.

38. Barbarian (2022)

Best watched with no spoilers—unexpected and terrifying.

39. Talk to Me (2023)

A fresh take on possession horror that hits hard.

40. Halloween Ends (2022)

A controversial but fitting conclusion to the legendary franchise.

🎃 Cult Classics & Underrated Halloween Movies

Hidden gems for hardcore Halloween movie fans.

41. Trick ’r Treat (2007)

An anthology that perfectly captures the spirit of Halloween night.

42. House of 1000 Corpses (2003)

Gritty, chaotic, and very intense—definitely not for everyone.

43. The Fog (1980)

Atmospheric horror from John Carpenter with classic vibes.

44. Candyman (1992)

Urban legend horror with powerful themes and chilling moments.

45. The Babadook (2014)

A deeply psychological horror film with emotional weight.

🧙‍♀️ Perfect End-of-Night Halloween Watches

Wind down with these memorable picks.

46. Ghostbusters (1984)

Comedy, ghosts, and iconic one-liners—it never gets old.

47. Shaun of the Dead (2004)

A hilarious zombie comedy that still delivers real heart.

48. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

A midnight movie classic with cult status and spooky flair.

49. The Ring (2002)

Moody, chilling, and unforgettable.

50. Halloweentown (1998)

A nostalgic Disney Channel classic that feels like pure Halloween comfort food.

🎬 Final Thoughts on Good Halloween Movies

There’s no single definition of good Halloween movies—and that’s what makes the season so fun. Whether you want something scary, silly, nostalgic, or downright disturbing, Halloween movie night is all about the vibe.

This list of 50 films gives you endless options for solo scares, family movie nights, or marathon watch parties. Mix and match genres, revisit old favorites, and maybe discover a new tradition along the way.

Happy Halloween—and happy watching 🎃🍿