My Halloween Movie Checklist

A few years ago my boyfriend and I came up with the idea to only watch scary or Halloween related movies through the month of October - we call it our “Spook-tober Fest”. And even though we started this tradition a few years ago, there are still so many movies we need to cross off our list!

Since starting “Spook-tober” a few years ago, I have been introduced to so many classic Halloween movies that I have LOVED. There is really something for everyone here. Whether you love a good vintage film, nostalgic kids movie, or something scary…. Here is a list of all my faves!

KID FREINDLY

  • Hocos Pocus (1993) - Obviously….. you knew this one was gonna be on this list. It is an absolute classic, and as a 90’s kid it is super nostalgic for me. I remember watching this movie every year before Halloween!

  • Halloweentown (1998) - Okay I literally just watched this one last night, had it on just in the background. And even though its a kids movie I still love it! Again, it just gives me super nostalgic vibes. But I think kids today would still love it!

  • The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) - LOVE. I mean if you are a fan of Christmas and Halloween, I don’t really understand how you could NOT like this movie?! Tim Burton is also just a genius in my opinion and really knows how to be creative & unique with his movies!

  • The Witches (1990) - I discovered this movie one night where I was over at my cousin’s house and she had this on for her kids. We both just randomly sat down and was like hey this is actually a good movie! I also think they just came out with a remake of this one, so watch the original 1990 version first!

  • Ghostbusters (1984) - Classic version only!!!!!!!! This was a childhood favorite of mine, and I still love it! I have to admit, I’m just a sucker for a good 80’s movie and this one is still so relevant today!

CLASSICS

  • Beetlejuice (1988) - Obsessed. I love when I watch a movie with low expectations and end up loving it! I love it so much that I actually just got Broadway tickets to see it in April! AHHHH!! I am so excited!

  • Edward Scissorhands (1990) - Another Tim Burton CLASSIC. This whole entire movie was so visually pleasing to watch. Also, how can you not love Edward?!

  • Scream (1996) - This movie was one I had heard about for so long, so I was so glad to finally cross it off my list! And if you’re a Friends fan, get ready to see a young Courtney Cox!

  • Halloween (1978) - All I can say is I’m glad I finally understand who Micheal Myers is….

  • A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) - Loved the concept of this one… A killer but in your dreams?! This movie has all the fun little give aways of a 1980’s classic film.

  • Silence of Lambs (1991) - An all time favorite of mine, whether its Halloween or not! Dr. Lector is iconic and so is this movie!

  • The Sixth Sense (1999) - If you are into spiritual stuff, definitely watch this one. A little kid that communicates with ghosts can’t get any creepier!

HORROR

  • Hereditary (2018) - If you want to watch a SCARY movie then this is the one for you. It is SO good, but a lot of the imagery in this movie is pretty disturbing - watch with caution for sure!

  • Midsommar (2019) - You love a movie thats a little bit scary and also a little bit about psychedelics, then look no further. Since watching this movie, I reference it all the time! Also there are some great Halloween costume ideas in here! I have the May Queen and Bear on my list of potential costumes!

  • The Shining (1980) - Very creepy, but after you watch this movie you will see how so many things after have recreated imagery from this film. And the carpet is ICONIC.

  • The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) - This one is definitely one you should watch in the daylight. It gets pretty gruesome at times. Despite, that I actually have very fond memories attached to this film. It’s a movie my dad and I watched together many times in my teenage years!

  • Get Out (2017) - I’d label this one a “psychological thriller”, but it a very twisted concept by Jordan Peele and personally I LOVE it!

Anything I’m missing?! Let us know if there’s another iconic Halloween movie I need to add to my Spook-tober list before spooky season is over! Happy Halloween!