The Best Films Set on Halloween
Are you on the hunt for movies that capture the spooky spirit of the Halloween season? Here’s a look at some of the scariest, funniest, and most charming Halloween films.
“Trick ‘r Treat” (2007) | Where to watch
This Halloween anthology classic was famously shelved for two years, and then unceremoniously sent to die on DVD.
However, it didn’t die. The film gained popularity through word-of-mouth, and eventually reached cult status. Today, the film is beloved for its remarkable style and the ways it weaves the individual stories together. You’d be hard-pressed to find a movie that captures the spirit of Halloween better than this.
“Monster House” (2006) | Where to watch
“Monster House” is a kid-friendly (though still a bit scary) Halloween gem that has, unfortunately, been mostly forgotten. Directed by Gil Keenan (“Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire”) and written by Dan Harmon (“Community”), “Monster House” packs plenty of laughs, charm, and spooky thrills.
“The Guest” (2014) | Where to watch
While not exactly a horror movie, “The Guest” is most definitely a Halloween movie. This thriller, directed by Adam Wingard (“You’re Next”), is loaded with Halloween iconography and is sure to please spooky season die-hards. If you’re a scaredy cat (um, how did you even get here?) and you’re looking for something not-so-scary, you can’t go wrong with “The Guest”.
“Halloween” (1978) | Where to watch
I’m gonna assume this one needs no introduction. John Carpenter’s original chiller popularized the slasher subgenre and changed the medium forever.
“Halloween III: Season of the Witch” (1982) | Where to watch
The black sheep of the Halloween series. This Michael Myers-free installment was an attempt to evolve the franchise into an anthology series with a focus on standalone stories that didn’t include Myers. Although it was widely disliked upon release, it has since gained a cult following.
Though sillier and cheesier than the rest of the series (which might not be a bad thing to some), “Halloween III” is a fascinating glimpse into What Could Have Been.
“Ginger Snaps” (2000) | Where to watch
A hard-hitting film that is as darkly humorous as it is frightening. “Ginger Snaps” follows two morose sisters whose lives are upended after a near-death encounter with a werewolf. Its Halloween Night climax is one you’ll never forget.
“Late Night with the Devil” (2023) | Where to watch
Set on a Halloween night in the 1970s, “Late Night with the Devil” is a clever take on the found footage subgenre.
The film follows a struggling late night talk show host that will do whatever it takes to pump the ratings. A retro chiller with big scares and intriguing characters.
