The BEST Must Watch Halloween Movies in October

As Halloween approaches, many of us are starting to plan our spooky movie marathons. While there are countless horror films to choose from, there are a few classics that are a must-watch for any Halloween enthusiast. Here is a list of 24 halloween movies to watch in October that are guaranteed to give you chills and thrills this spooky season.

Classic Halloween Movies

1. Halloween (1978) – This iconic slasher film follows a young woman as she is stalked by the relentless serial killer, Michael Myers, on Halloween night.
2. The Exorcist (1973) – Regarded as a cult classic in the horror genre, this film tells the chilling tale of a young girl possessed by a demonic entity.
3. Beetlejuice (1988) – Directed by Tim Burton, this quirky and dark comedy follows a group of friends who hire a mischievous ghost, Beetlejuice, to help them haunt a haunted mansion.
4. The Others (2001) – Starring Nicole Kidman, this psychological horror film follows a woman living in a haunted mansion with her two photosensitive children.
5. Hocus Pocus (1993) – A Halloween favorite for many, this film follows a group of kids who accidentally resurrect three witches on Halloween night. starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the Sanderson Sisters. This family-friendly witchy tale is a must-watch for anyone looking to get into the Halloween spirit.
6. Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) – This slasher film follows a group of teenagers who are terrorized in their dreams by the infamous Freddy Krueger.
7. The Shining (1980) – Directed by Stanley Kubrick, this psychological horror film follows a family as they stay in a haunted hotel during the winter.
8. The Addams Family (1991) – This dark comedy follows the eccentric Addams family as they navigate their strange and spooky lives.
9. Scream (1996) – This meta-horror film follows a group of teenagers who are hunted by a masked serial killer while being aware of horror movie tropes. This was one of my first scary movies I watched as a pre-teen. 
10. Corpse Bride (2005) – Another Tim Burton classic, this animated film follows a young man who accidentally marries a friendly ghost while practicing his wedding vows in a haunted forest.
11. The Conjuring (2013) – Based on a true story, this supernatural horror film follows paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren as they help a family haunted by a malevolent spirit.
12. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) – Directed by Tim Burton, this stop-motion animated film follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, as he discovers Christmas. IMO, this is one of the best Halloween movies of all time!
13. Trick ‘r Treat (2007) – This horror anthology film follows four interwoven stories set on Halloween night that all share a common theme of breaking Halloween traditions.
14. Poltergeist (1982) – This supernatural horror film follows a family whose home is haunted by malevolent spirits.
15. The Haunting of Hill House (2018) – While technically a TV series, this hauntingly beautiful and chilling show follows a family as they confront their traumatic past in a haunted mansion.
16. “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” a Halloween classic that follows Charlie Brown and the gang as they celebrate the spooky holiday. This charming animated film is perfect for kids and adults alike.
17. For those looking for a more modern thriller, “Bird Box” starring Sandra Bullock is a chilling tale of survival in a post-apocalyptic world. This edge-of-your-seat film is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
18. And for fans of zombie movies, “Zombieland” is a hilarious and action-packed film that follows a group of survivors as they navigate a zombie-infested world. With a star-studded cast including Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, and Jesse Eisenberg, this movie is a must-watch for any horror fan.
19. A more romantic Halloween movie, “The Wedding Night” is a charming film that follows a newlywed couple as they navigate their wedding night amidst some supernatural occurrences. With a touch of romance and plenty of spookiness, this movie is the perfect blend of Halloween fun.
20. Night of the Living Dead (1968)Night of the Living Dead is a classic zombie film that has stood the test of time. Directed by George A. Romero, this groundbreaking film follows a group of strangers who are trapped in a farmhouse as the dead begin to rise from their graves. The film is known for its gritty realism and social commentary, making it a must-watch for any horror fan.
21. Blair Witch Project (1999)The Blair Witch Project is a found footage horror film that follows three filmmakers as they venture into the woods to investigate a local legend. As they become lost and slowly descend into madness, the film builds tension and fear through its realistic and unsettling camerawork. The Blair Witch Project is a masterclass in suspense and is sure to leave you feeling unsettled long after the credits roll.
22. Paranormal Activity (2007)Paranormal Activity is a found footage horror film that follows a couple as they deal with a demonic presence in their home. The film is known for its slow-building tension and terrifying jump scares, making it a standout in the found footage genre. Paranormal Activity is a must-watch for anyone looking for a good scare this Halloween.
23. Zombie Apocalypse (2011)Zombie Apocalypse is a made-for-TV movie that follows a group of survivors as they try to navigate a world overrun by the undead. While the film may not be the most high-budget or critically acclaimed, it is a fun and entertaining watch for any zombie fan. If you’re looking for a gory and action-packed Halloween movie, Zombie Apocalypse is a great choice.
24. Silence of the Lambs (1991)While not a traditional Halloween movie, Silence of the Lambs is a classic thriller that is sure to send chills down your spine. The film follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she seeks the help of infamous serial killer Hannibal Lecter to catch another killer on the loose. Silence of the Lambs is a psychological thriller that is both thrilling and disturbing, making it a standout in the horror genre.

So grab your popcorn & pumpkin spice lattes, snuggle up on the couch, throw a spooky halloween party, and get ready for a spooktacular movie marathon this October. From witches to zombies to ghosts, this list has something for everyone to enjoy this Halloween season. Happy haunting!

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