As the crisp autumn air settles in and the nights grow longer, there’s no mistaking the signs that Halloween is soon approaching. And that means it’s the perfect time to indulge in classic Halloween and spooky-themed films!
Below is a guide to nine of the most iconic Halloween movies and where you can stream them. From spine-chilling horror flicks to lighthearted family favorites, these classics capture the essence of the season. Together with NHTC’s fast and reliable fiber internet, you can curl up with our nine beloved—and frightfully feared—films for All Hallows’ Eve!
- Hocus Pocus (1993) We begin with Hocus Pocus, a family-friendly film following the Sanderson sisters, a trio of witches resurrected in modern-day Salem. Portrayed by the incomparable Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, laughter abounds in this perennially adored movie. Hocus Pocus is available for streaming on Disney+. It’s an annual watch for many—and even something of a Halloween season ritual—combining humor with just the right amount of spooky fun.
- It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966) In this classic Peanuts special, Linus waits in the pumpkin patch for the Great Pumpkin to appear while Charlie Brown and his friends celebrate Halloween. For many viewers over the generations, a yearly watch of this Halloween flick is just as essential as the Peanuts Christmas special, A Charlie Brown Christmas! It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is available on Apple TV+. A seasonal favorite, it captures the spirit of Halloween with a twist of its signature Peanuts comic strip touch.
- Halloween (1978) Directed by John Carpenter, this slasher classic centers on Michael Myers, a deranged killer who escapes from a mental institution and returns to his hometown to wreak havoc on Halloween night. Starring Jaime Lee Curtis and Donald Pleasance and featuring an unforgettable musical score, Halloween might keep you awake all night long! You can stream Halloween on Peacock. A quintessential horror film that has influenced countless others in the genre, this one is definitely not for the kiddos!
- The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) The Nightmare Before Christmas is a stop-motion musical and the brainchild of filmmaking innovator Tim Burton. The film tells the story of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who becomes enamored with Christmas and tries to bring it to his ghoulish world. Aesthetically brilliant and genuinely groundbreaking, The Nightmare Before Christmas is available on Disney+. It’s a brilliant blend of Halloween and Christmas themes, bridging the two holidays seamlessly and making it perfect for a cross-seasonal watch.
- Beetlejuice (1988) In another Tim Burton classic, Beetlejuice, a recently deceased couple hires a mischievous ghost named Beetlejuice to scare away the new inhabitants of their former home. Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, and Winona Ryder star in this quirky comedy. Beetlejuice can be streamed on Max (formerly HBO Max). The film’s unique blend of dark humor and whimsical fantasy makes it a Halloween staple.
- Casper (1995) This family film follows Casper, “the Friendly Ghost,” who tries to make friends with the new inhabitants of his haunted mansion, including a young girl. Funny and touching at the same time, it’s long been loved by countless devoted fans. You can find Casper on Paramount+. It’s a heartwarming ghost story with plenty of lighthearted laughs and charm.
- Halloweentown (1998) Halloweentown is a Disney Channel original movie that will remind many of their childhood days spent watching that channel. The film features a young girl who discovers she is a witch and must help save a magical world from dark forces. Halloweentown is available on Disney+. It’s a beloved film for kids and a nostalgic pick for adults who grew up watching it.
- The Addams Family (1991) Based on Charles Addams’ cartoon characters, The Addams Family follows the eccentric Addams clan as they deal with a scheming con artist who tries to defraud them. The Addams Family can be streamed on Paramount+. Its quirky humor and gothic charm make it a perfect fit for Halloween. And if you can’t get enough of the campy creepiness, check out its sequel, Addams Family Values.
- The Exorcist (1973) We conclude our list with one of the greatest thrillers in cinematic history: The Exorcist. Directed by William Friedkin, this seminal horror film tells the story of a young girl possessed by a demonic entity and the desperate attempts of her mother and two priests to save her. The Exorcist is available on Max. It’s one of the most acclaimed horror films of all time and continues to be a chilling and unforgettable experience even decades after its release.
With these Halloween classics, you have a range of options to suit every taste, from funny, family-friendly fare to spine-tingling horror. Whether you’re looking for a reflective trip down memory lane or a fresh scare, these films are sure to enhance your Halloween celebrations. So, grab some popcorn (or, if it suits you, candy corn), dim the lights, and enjoy the spooky season with these streaming favorites!