With Halloween upon us, many are looking for a fun festive watch or a scary movie to get into the spirit of the holiday. As a longtime fan of both Halloween and film, here are my top 10 movie picks to get into the spirit of the season.
- Girl Vs. Monster
“Girl Vs. Monster” might seem like a questionable choice to start this list, but it’s a quintessential movie if you’re looking for something nostalgic and familiar. Corny 2000s Disney originals are must-watches at least once every Halloween season, and “Girl Vs. Monster” is exactly that. For those unfamiliar with the movie, I recommend watching it with friends and enjoying just how ridiculous it seems at times. This is the perfect movie to pull out at a casual party if you’re looking for a movie to play in the background while you eat, or something you can laugh at with friends.
- Coraline
If you’re looking for a more serious Halloween movie, “Coraline” is the perfect movie to find spooky Halloween vibes that the biggest scaredy-cat could still enjoy. An incredibly gorgeous claymation film, the animation of the movie is enough a reason alone to give it a watch. “Coraline” is the epitome of the fall and Halloween spirit. While it is a movie for all ages that anyone can enjoy, the film still has visuals frightening enough to stick with you for years. “Coraline” is a longtime personal favorite, and one that everyone should watch at least once in their lives, especially during the fall season.
- The Lost Boys
Another perfect Halloween movie to watch with friends or family, “The Lost Boys” is an 80s vampire movie that anyone could enjoy. While it leans much more into comedy than any kind of horror, it’s still a fantastic choice if you’re looking for that Halloween-y feeling. Despite being the oldest film on this list, released in 1987, it still holds up extremely well and is another personal favorite. This movie is ideal for anyone looking for something everyone will enjoy, even (or especially) your parents.
- Death Becomes Her
Another comedy, “Death Becomes Her,” is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a new favorite fall film. Between the extremely funny writing and talented starring cast (Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Bruce Willis), it’s almost impossible to not have fun while watching. A certified cult classic, “Death Becomes Her” is perfect for anyone looking for a fun, campy Halloween watch without any horror elements that is still directed towards older audiences.
- Ready Or Not
Moving into horror movies, my first recommendation is “Ready Or Not.” “Ready or Not” is a slasher, but what sets it apart is the tone of the movie. The film does an incredible job of balancing itself, the mood spanning from serious and anxiety-inducing to comedic without losing itself trying to switch from one to the other. It also does a fantastic job of getting you to root for the main character, making it hard to not be invested in the movie. If you’re looking for blood and guts but still want something you can laugh at, “Ready or Not” is perfect for you.
- Scream
With no need for introduction, “Scream” is the perfect Halloween movie for almost any scenario. The film is incredibly famous for a reason, with a fantastic balance of comedy and horror. A love letter to horror movies itself, “Scream” is a must-watch for any horror fan. Sitting alongside other iconic films like “Halloween,” “Friday the 13th” and “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” any of the “Scream” movies are a staple of the Halloween season.
- Dawn of the Dead (2004)
Another classic, “Dawn of the Dead” is an absolute must-watch for any fan of zombie movies. Despite being a remake of the 1978 version, it holds up on its own, and you can tell the director had a deep respect for the original when making it. The film has incredibly iconic scenes, and really has the feeling of a movie that was obviously unique when it was made. “Dawn of the Dead” is a great pick for anyone looking for a good film movie and a more serious Halloween watch.
- Nope
Another personal favorite, “Nope” is a fantastic modern horror for any time of year. Directed by Jordan Peele, who has created other fantastic movies like “Get Out” and “Us,” “Nope” is the perfect movie if you’re looking for something different than other horror movies out there. With beautiful directing and scene, setting and costume design, this movie is a treat for the eyes. An incredibly talented cast also pushes this movie to greatness, with actors like Keke Palmer and Daniel Kaluuya. “Nope” is extremely fun to watch, balancing its comedic moments with frightening scenes that will stick in your mind for months to come.
- The Blair Witch Project
Another iconic horror movie, “The Blair Witch Project” is an absolute must-watch for Halloween. One of the first films of its kind, “The Blair Witch Project” paved the way for found footage films— a sub-genre where all scenes are filmed by characters in the movie— in the horror genre, making room for movies like “Paranormal Activity” and “As Above, So Below.” Carried by extremely convincing acting, the film does an amazing job at making the audience invested in its characters and what happens to them. A certified cult classic, “The Blair Witch Project” is a movie everyone should see at least once.
- Incantation
If there was one movie on this list I think everyone should watch, it would be the Taiwanese horror: “Incantation.” Another found footage film, this incredibly creative film is genuinely frightening in its best moments, and anxiety-inducing at its worst. The acting from the entire cast throughout the film makes it difficult to remember you’re watching a movie and not someone’s real footage. “Incantation” is one of the only horror movies I’ve watched that made me feel real dread throughout the entire run time, and I couldn’t recommend it more.
Whether it’s the movies on this list or more classic Halloween watches like “Hocus Pocus,” everyone can find a movie that fits their taste for Halloween.
