9 Halloween Movie Nights for the Perfect Spooky Season
Halloween isn’t just about costumes and candy—it’s also the perfect time to curl up with your favorite snacks, dim the lights, and enjoy a frightfully fun movie night. Whether you’re planning a cozy evening with friends, a family-friendly screening, or a bone-chilling marathon for die-hard horror fans, there’s something magical about dedicating a night to Halloween classics.
To help you plan, we’ve rounded up 9 Halloween movie nights that blend spooky, nostalgic, and downright terrifying films. Each theme offers a mix of classics, modern favorites, and hidden gems that guarantee screams, laughs, and unforgettable memories.
1. The Classic Halloween Night
Start your Halloween countdown with a lineup of films that have stood the test of time. These iconic movies aren’t just scary—they’ve shaped the way we think about Halloween on screen.
- Halloween (1978) – No movie night list would be complete without Michael Myers.
- The Exorcist (1973) – Still one of the most terrifying horror films ever made.
- Psycho (1960) – Hitchcock’s masterpiece that redefined the genre.
These timeless classics are perfect if you want an authentic scare rooted in the golden era of horror. If you’re new to older horror films, start with Halloween—it’s the ultimate October mood-setter.
2. Family-Friendly Frights
Not every Halloween movie night needs to leave you hiding under the blanket. For families—or anyone who enjoys a lighter scare—these movies strike the perfect balance of fun and spooky.
- Hocus Pocus (1993) – The Sanderson sisters never go out of style.
- Casper (1995) – A sweet ghost story with a lot of heart.
- Monster House (2006) – Animated chills that kids and adults can enjoy together.
For even more seasonal inspiration, check out our guide to family Halloween activities that pair perfectly with a movie marathon.
3. 90s Nostalgia Night
The 90s gave us a wave of memorable horror and supernatural flicks that still hold up today. Perfect for millennials who grew up renting VHS tapes from Blockbuster, this theme will give you all the nostalgia feels.
- The Craft (1996) – A cult classic about teenage witches and dark magic.
- I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) – Slasher chills with a star-studded cast.
- Practical Magic (1998) – A cozy, witchy romance that fits right into fall.
Pair your screening with pizza rolls, popcorn, and maybe even a few glow sticks for that retro vibe.
4. Haunted House Horrors
Few settings are scarier than a haunted house. These films combine eerie settings with supernatural suspense, making them perfect for anyone who loves jump scares and creepy atmospheres.
- The Conjuring (2013) – A modern haunted house masterpiece.
- Poltergeist (1982) – “They’re here…” is still one of the scariest lines in horror.
- The Haunting of Hill House (2018) – While technically a series, its storytelling is too good not to include.
For atmosphere, dim your lights, light a few candles, and play some haunted house sound effects before hitting play.
5. Witchy Wonders
Halloween wouldn’t be complete without a night dedicated to witches. From whimsical to wicked, witches have cast a spell on audiences for decades.
- The Witches (1990 or 2020) – Both versions bring Roald Dahl’s story to life in different ways.
- Hereditary (2018) – Dark, disturbing, and deeply unforgettable.
- The Witch (2015) – Slow-burn horror at its finest.
For more witch-themed fun, consider pairing your movie night with tarot readings or Halloween party games to keep the energy flowing between films.
6. Comedy Horror Night
Sometimes, the best scares are the ones that make you laugh. If you’re planning a Halloween party with friends, a comedy-horror lineup will keep the atmosphere fun and lively.
- Shaun of the Dead (2004) – A hilarious zombie apocalypse parody.
- Scary Movie (2000) – Over-the-top parody that roasts classic horror tropes.
- Beetlejuice (1988) – Spooky, funny, and endlessly entertaining.
This lineup pairs well with themed cocktails or mocktails—like “Zombie Punch” or “Witch’s Brew.”
7. Slasher Marathon
If you’re up for blood, screams, and the classic stalk-and-chase formula, nothing beats a slasher-themed night. These movies are ideal for die-hard horror fans who love adrenaline-pumping scares.
- Friday the 13th (1980) – Jason Voorhees’ iconic debut.
- A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) – Freddy Krueger turns dreams into nightmares.
- Scream (1996) – Meta, clever, and one of the best slashers ever made.
Want to turn this into a challenge? Keep score of who survives each movie and compare horror tropes across the films.
8. Cult Classics
Some Halloween movies weren’t massive box-office hits, but they’ve earned loyal fan followings over time. These quirky films make for a unique and unforgettable movie night.
- Donnie Darko (2001) – Mind-bending and surreal, with a creepy Halloween setting.
- Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) – A cult musical that’s perfect for singing along.
- Evil Dead II (1987) – Over-the-top gore and humor rolled into one.
To make the night more interactive, encourage your guests to dress as their favorite cult characters or join in with Rocky Horror callbacks.
9. Psychological Thrillers
Sometimes, the scariest monsters are the ones in our minds. Psychological thrillers bring tension, mystery, and spine-tingling suspense without relying heavily on gore.
- Get Out (2017) – A chilling commentary on modern society.
- Black Swan (2010) – Beautiful, haunting, and unsettling.
- The Others (2001) – A gothic ghost story with one of the best twists ever.
These films pair perfectly with smaller, quieter gatherings where you can really sink into the atmosphere and discuss the endings afterward.
Tips for Hosting a Halloween Movie Night
Now that you have nine different Halloween movie night themes, here are a few tips to make your event even more memorable:
- Create a spooky ambiance: Use fairy lights, candles, or pumpkin lanterns to set the mood.
- Have themed snacks: Think candy apples, popcorn in cauldrons, or pumpkin-shaped cookies.
- Add intermissions: Between movies, play games, do trivia, or discuss the creepiest moments.
- Mix up the lineup: If you’re planning a marathon, balance heavy scares with lighter options.
For more party planning ideas, don’t miss our Halloween party food and drink guide, which can help you craft the perfect snacks for each theme.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re into slashers, witches, haunted houses, or family-friendly fun, these 9 Halloween movie nights give you a framework for planning the perfect spooky season. Movies have a way of bringing people together, and during Halloween, they offer a chance to celebrate everything eerie, mysterious, and fun.
So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready for a cinematic October filled with chills, thrills, and plenty of treats.
