A comprehensive review of the best Halloween films to watch at home this year

Just because you can’t go out doesn’t mean you can’t get spooky!

4 years ago

Guides

Considering just how scary real life is at the moment, celebrating Halloween is probably the last thing on anyone’s mind. But, with spooky season fast approaching, finding a safe alternative to the traditional trick or treating and house party celebrations is a must to keep the festivities alive. So, we’ve compiled a list of the greatest spooky movies for you watch this Halloweekend, whether you’re a total horror fan or still scared of your own shadow.

Hocus Pocus

Kicking things off with an absolute Halloween must-see is arguably the greatest Halloween film of all time. While it may be for kids, Hocus Pocus has it all: witches, zombies, virgins and talking cats. It also features a fantastic musical number, as well as a flying hoover AND an all star cast, so is the perfect way to get yourself in the mood for all things scary. It’s a Disney movie, so don’t expect cinematic greatness, but if you’re up for a bit of fun and ready to feel festive, then look no further than what may be the pumpkin spice latte of movies.

Spooky rating: 3/10

Scream

If you’re a horror fan, then Scream is an absolute must see for any time of year. A defining film for the genre, this movie is the OG slasher flick, complete with baby sitter murdering, a masked killer and epic jump scares. It’s very bloody, so not for the faint of heart, but it’s achieved cult classic status for a reason. The film centres on a town being plagued by a mystery murder. Half the film’s fun is getting to guess who’s behind it all. Scream will have you screaming (haha get it?) for its entire two hour run time, but if you’re into your trashy horror, you’ll love it.

Spooky rating: 8/10 (loooots of blood)

Nightmare Before Christmas

Nightmare Before Christmas’ status as a Halloween film has long been debated, with some believing this is a Christmas film instead. However, I am here to confirm that it IS in fact a Halloween movie, and essential viewing for this time of year. Even though musical cartoons aren’t up everyone’s alley, Nightmare Before Christmas can make even the least enthusiastic of viewers feel festive, with its quirky characters and funky aesthetic. It might be for kids, but you shouldn’t be embarrassed to love this movie, even as an adult.

Spooky rating: 2/10 (if you are scared of claymation, steer clear)

Get Out

For any horror fan, Jordan Peele’s work is at the forefront of the genre at the moment, blending complex social issues with an incredibly engaging film. Get Out is very scary – not just for its jump scares but also for its real world connotations and what it says about society. If you’re looking for a film that goes that little bit deeper in terms of its fear factor and will leave you thinking for a while after viewing, then Get Out is perfect for you. It tackles the issue of racism in Western Society in a highly nuanced way yet is a scarily entertaining watch. If you haven’t seen it already, you are missing out.

Spooky rating: 8/10 (you will never see old rich white people in the same way)

Ghostbusters

Another absolute classic that gained multiple sequels with a new remake coming out next year, Ghostbusters is another must watch for the spooky season. It features an all star cast (before Bill Murray had grey hair) battling with the ghost that inhabits New York City. It’s fun, action packed, and features an alarmingly catchy theme song you’ll be singing (probably against your own will) for days to come. Fun for the whole family.

Spooky rating: 3/10 (that one scene with the librarian is actually a little scary, ngl…)

Hereditary

While the other films on this list may be scary in the moment, if you’re looking for a film that will keep you up at night, Hereditary is your best bet. With a complex plot featuring dead grandmas, religious cults and naked old people hiding in the ceiling, this movie will make even the most bravest horror veterans question their sanity. Hereditary manages to blend every type of horror, whether that be psychological, gorey, jump scare and even a little bit of doll based terror, into one big package that will leave you saying “what the hell was that?” for days to come. Don’t watch it if you aren’t prepared to scream.

Spooky rating: 10/10 (seriously, this thing is terrifying)

The Addams Family

The Addams Family movies are to Halloween what the Kardashians are to day-time television. These may not be explicitly halloween movies, but if you don’t finish them wanting to braid your hair and change your name to Wednesday, then maybe this isn’t your holiday. Complete with ghosts, witches, murderous gold diggers and small hairy men (Ah!), The Addams family has something for everyone. It’s lighthearted and fun and will make you wonder why your family isn’t as happy as this one that’s already half dead. Also, if you are in need of a last minute group costume, this one will sort you out.

Spooky rating: 2/10 (The Disney Cabin scene says it all)

The Conjuring Franchise

If you’re looking to commit to a full Halloween movie binge, The Conjuring series is the perfect way to go. Consisting of seven films with a more than ten hour total run time (we looked it up) these movies will have you screaming for dear life and wondering why these people can’t make better choices for themselves (just move out of the house! The ghosts were there first!). They feature dead nuns, dead witches, dead children and dead brides and will have you checking in your wardrobes for ghost hands before you go to bed. If you aren’t a fan of jump scares then steer clear, but if you are in the market for something a little bit sinister, then these are for you.

Spooky rating: 8/10 (two words: clap clap)

The Witches

Considering it only premiered this week, there’s not better time to watch the newest adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic novel than this weekend. With another all star cast and new and improved special effects, this movie will take you straight back to childhood and have you terrified at the prospect of real witches once more. It definitely is a movie made for children, but there’s nothing to be ashamed of it you still love it as an adult. Perfect cosy viewing to feel like a kid again

Spooky rating: 2/10 (There is a whole plot line about toes in this. Nasty)

The Craft

Considering the rise of girls practising witchcraft, there is no way to get back to your roots than by watching the Craft. The 90s outfits and girl power energy will have you wanting to start your own coven as well as buy a pack of tarot cards and learn how to levitate. It does take a turn for the scary towards the end, but it’s a fantastic flick to watch with your besties this Halloween. It’s also great costume inspo for next year. Nothing says sisterhood like trying to murder your friends with magic.

Spooky rating: 6/10 (If you are scared of going bald, maybe steer clear)