As soon as October comes around, it feels like the entire world shifts into Halloween mode. The air gets cooler, the days get shorter, and suddenly everything smells like pumpkin spice. But no matter how many new movies hit streaming platforms each year, there is nothing that compares to curling up with a classic Halloween film—the kind that never fails to bring back childhood memories of candy buckets, flickering pumpkins, and those cozy fall nights.
When it comes to timeless favorites, Hocus Pocus easily takes the top spot. This movie was released in 1993, this Disney classic follows the Sanderson Sisters—three delightfully wicked witches that were resurrected in modern-day Salem. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy create a perfect mix of spooky and hilarious, making the film an essential part of every October bucket list. Between the old New England setting, the Halloween night chaos, and the unforgettable “I Put a Spell on You” number, Hocus Pocus manages to capture everything one could love this holiday season. It’s not really October until someone starts quoting Winifred Sanderson.
Another movie that defines the Halloween mood is The Nightmare Before Christmas. The constant debate over whether it’s a Halloween or Christmas movie is only one thing that adds to its charm. Directed by Henry Selick and produced by Tim Burton, this 1993 stop-motion masterpiece tells the story of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who discovers Christmas Town and then decides to mix the two holidays. With hauntingly spectacular animation and the iconic songs from Danny Elfman, it’s the perfect movie to bridge the gap between the spooky season and the holidays that follow.
For those who prefer something a little more spooky, Beetlejuice offers a strange escape that you will find mesmerizing. This 1988 classic directed by Tim Burton turns the afterlife into a comedy, with Michael Keaton’s chaotic performance as Beetlejuice stealing every scene. It’s creepy, funny, and completely unpredictable—the kind of weirdness that somehow feels right for October. The movie’s mix of haunting visuals and absurd humor makes it perfect for a night when you want spooky vibes without actual nightmares.
Not every Halloween movie has to be scary, though. Ghostbusters, the 1984 rendition, proves that a good laugh can be just as important as a good scare. This supernatural comedy follows a group of eccentric scientists who start a ghost-catching business in New York City. With its mix of goofy ghosts, iconic lines, and that unforgettable theme song, Ghostbusters is the ultimate pick for anyone who wants Halloween fun without the horror. It’s proof that sometimes slime and sarcasm make the best combo.
And of course, no October would be complete without It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. First released in 1966, this short animated special captures the heart of fall in the most innocent, nostalgic way possible. Watching Linus wait for the Great Pumpkin under a moonlit sky while the rest of the Peanuts gang trick-or-treats always provides a sense of comfort. It’s simple, sweet, and the perfect reminder that Halloween doesn’t have to be all jump scares and horror—it can be about hope, imagination, and good friends too.
So this fall, instead of scrolling endlessly trying to find something new, revisit the movies that made you fall in love with Halloween in the first place. Grab a blanket, some candy corn (or other Halloween treats!), and your favorite people, and let the classics work their magic. After all, some things—like witches, ghosts, and good old-fashioned nostalgia—never go out of style!
