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50 Classic Halloween Movies to Set the Perfect Spooky Tone

These classics get better with every watch!

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classic halloween movies
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When there's a chill in the air outside, it's time to get ready for even more chills in your living room! Yes, we're talking about getting into the spooky spirit with a marathon of the best classic Halloween movies. Fans of Ree Drummond know just how much she loves horror movies. (She even watches them year-round!) In fact, she's seen at least half of the films on this scary Halloween movie list. "I'm not sure what that says about me," she jokes. "But the original Halloween will forever be at the top of my list."

Whether you’re a fan of lighthearted scary movies for kids like Coraline and Hocus Pocus or, like Ree, you crave the spine-tingling thrill of horror flicks like Psycho or The Shining, these 50 classic Halloween movies are perfect for setting the mood. From timeless cult favorites to eerie thrillers, this list has something for every kind of Halloween lover. So, grab your popcorn, turn down the lights, and get ready to dive into the season’s creepiest, kookiest, and most iconic films.

Check out fun ways to celebrate Halloween this year:

1

Frankenstein

Frankenstein
Credit: AMC Plus Horror

Frankenstein’s monster is one of the most iconic creatures in horror history. (Although, fun fact: The monster isn't actually named Frankenstein!) Discover how this tale of a scientific experiment gone horribly wrong became a timeless classic.

2

Kiki's Delivery Service

Kiki's Delivery Service
Credit: Studio Ghibli

Yes, good witches do exist—and Kiki is proof! Using her broom-flying skills for good, she runs a delivery service in town. But when she suddenly loses her ability to fly, she must find a way to regain her magic before time runs out.

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3

Zodiac

Zodiac
Credit: Paramount Pictures

With a stellar cast, Zodiac brings to life the chilling true events that rocked San Francisco in the '60s and '70s. This gripping thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat while diving deep into the real-life terror of the infamous Zodiac killer.

4

The Invisible Man

The Invisible Man

What’s more terrifying than a villain in your home? How about an invisible one? In this thriller, a woman must confront her sinister ex, who’s using cutting-edge technology to torment her. To survive, she must outwit him and turn the tables before it’s too late.

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5

The Lost Boys

The Lost Boys
Credit: Warner Bros.

Two brothers (Jason Patric and Corey Haim) fall in with the *very* wrong crowd in this fun vampire flick that expertly blends adventure, horror, and '80s nostalgia.

6

The Cabin in the Woods

The Cabin in the Woods
Credit: Lions Gate Films Inc.

This clever twist on the horror genre follows a group of friends who head to a remote cabin for a weekend getaway, only to find themselves pawns in a sinister game. Get ready for a wild ride that keeps you guessing until the very end!

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7

Alien

Alien
Credit: 20TH CENTURY FOX

It's the sci-fi horror masterpiece that redefined the genre. When the crew of the Nostromo responds to a distress signal, they unknowingly unleash a terrifying extraterrestrial creature on board. As tensions rise and trust dwindles, you'll be on the edge of your seat rooting for Ripley to save the day.

8

Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles

Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles
Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Get ready to sink your teeth into Interview with the Vampire! This captivating flick follows Louis and Lestat, two vampires with totally different takes on immortality. It’s all about love, loss, and what it really means to live forever.

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9

M3GAN

M3GAN
Credit: Universal Pictures

This sci-fi horror flick features a lifelike AI doll that’s designed to be a child’s best friend. But things take a dark turn when M3GAN’s protective instincts go into overdrive.

10

Frankenweenie

Frankenweenie
Credit: BUENA VISTA PAY TELEVISION

In this charming yet spooky animated tale, a young boy named Victor brings his beloved dog Sparky back to life after an unfortunate accident. But when his experiment goes awry, Victor must face the consequences of playing with nature.

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11

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
Credit: Apple TV+

Join Charlie Brown and the gang in this beloved Halloween special as they eagerly await the arrival of the Great Pumpkin. Full of heartwarming moments and wholesome Halloween fun, this animated classic captures the true spirit of friendship.

12

Creature From the Black Lagoon

Creature From the Black Lagoon
Credit: AMAZON

In this classic monster movie, a group of scientists heads to the Amazon, where they stumble upon a mysterious creature hiding in the depths of the jungle. What starts as a fascinating discovery quickly turns into a fight for survival.

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13

The Craft

The Craft
Credit: AMAZON

The Craft is a ‘90s classic that brings a little magic and a lot of drama. Four high school girls form a coven and start using witchcraft to get what they want—but things quickly spiral out of control.

14

The Amityville Horror

The Amityville Horror
Credit: AMAZON

When a family moves into their new home, they quickly realize something sinister is lurking within its walls. With eerie noises and terrifying visions, this classic haunted house story will make you think twice about moving into that dream home!

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15

The Purge

The Purge
Credit: AMAZON

The Purge brings a truly terrifying twist to the idea of law and order. For one night each year, all crime is legal—including murder—and one family must figure out how to survive the chaos.

16

Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School

Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School
Credit: AMAZON

Kids will love this family-friendly flick, which sees Shaggy and Scooby embark on mission of solving the mysterious and ghostly happenings at a local school. You'll find yourself trying to pick up clues, too!

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17

The Blair Witch Project

The Blair Witch Project
Credit: AMAZON

The Blair Witch Project essentially popularized found footage-styled movies with its storyline based on three film students who take on the task of documenting their stay in one the most haunted woods around them. You can imagine that this wasn't a peaceful trip.

18

The Ring

The Ring
Credit: AMAZON

All anyone has to do to not be tormented by a demon from a popular urban legend is to not look a certain video tape. But, of course, it proves to be an impossible task for our lead (played by Naomi Watts), who now must figure out how to fight off one of the most evil spirits who lives in her TV screen.

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19

Orphan

Orphan
Credit: AMAZON

Adopting a child is supposed to be a rewarding, sentimental process for a family. When this family adopts a young orphan with a sad backstory, they don't realize that the heartwarming story they thought they were in for will soon turn into something much more sinister.

20

The House on Haunted Hill

The House on Haunted Hill
Credit: AMAZON

You might initially be enticed to accept an invitation to a fancy house party that offers you $10,000 just for attending. Though, your feelings on that might change once you learn of the likely-fatal games you are required to play once you arrive.

Headshot of Kelly O'Sullivan
Kelly O'Sullivan
Senior Editor
Kelly O’Sullivan is the senior editor for The Pioneer Woman and manages the website’s social channels, in addition to overseeing content strategy and news.
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