The Ultimate Best Halloween Movies of all time

The seventh art offers a wide variety of Halloween movies for everyone’s taste. Whether you’re a fan of horror cinema or are into thrillers, musicals, cult cinema, or animation, there are plenty of Halloween movies for you. Let’s get straight to it.

Beware the list below is not ranked in any particular order.

The musts of Halloween movies

Halloween (1978)

This is a staple of the horror genre and is considered a classic among the Halloween movies. Directed by John Carpenter, this famous piece popularized the slasher film subgenre and has the perfect mixture of suspense and tension.

Unlike many contemporary horror and Halloween movies that rely on graphic violence, this piece is more focused on creating an unsettling atmosphere that fills you with suspense and psychological terror without excessive gore.

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The Shining (1980)

Jack Nicholson’s unmistakable face through the wooden door continues to haunt many to this day. Directed by the legendary Stanley Kubrick this is a must when it comes to Halloween movies. 

This masterpiece was orchestrated with meticulous attention to detail and innovative cinematography that made it an absolute icon. This is one of those Halloween movies that slowly but surely makes you lose yourself to madness 

The Thing (1982)

Although not for everyone this piece manages to take you through a paranoia and suspense atmosphere with groundbreaking and grotesque practical effects. This is a classic among fantasy and Halloween movies prior to CGI.

Its special effects take you right back to the 80s.

House (1977)

Directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi, this is a cult classic in the world of horror cinema. One could say it’s surreal, fun, campy, funny, and memorable for sure. A piece that blends horror, fantasy, comedy, and psychological thriller to create a unique visual experience. Absolutely hallucinating.

Alien (1979)

This iconic masterpiece, directed by Ridley Scott is a science fiction and horror film that changed the cinema industry forever. This was a definite hit when first released. It completely changed the special effects world and managed to create an uneasy and claustrophobic atmosphere.

Scanners (1981)

One of those Halloween movies that have unfortunately been a little forgotten. Thought-provoking, stimulating, and visually striking film that explores a unique premise within the horror and science fiction genres. An iconic cult classic.

Poltergeist (1982) 

Directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by Steven Spielberg, this film belongs to the horror genre and explores the supernatural world.

Hocus Pocus (1993)

The nostalgia of watching a film that perfectly captures the essence of Halloween could not be left behind. This is a piece full of magic, iconic moments and costumes, and a good glimpse of terror through kids’ eyes.

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Animated Halloween movies

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) 

One of Tim Burton’s remarkable works. This stop-motion film is a must for animated films as it is accompanied by a wonderful soundtrack and follows a great story.

Monster House (2006) 

Directed by Gil Kenan this is a terrifying experience through children’s eyes. This is one of those Halloween movies that offer more than a spooky experience. Funny, adventurous, and nostalgic, a nice film to watch during the spooky season. 

Coraline (2009) 

Based on Neil Gaiman’s novel and directed by Henry Selick, this film is intriguing and certainly spooky. Great for children and adults, a piece with such a dark, mysterious, and uneasy atmosphere. It is a unique story told through fantastic cinematography.

Corpse Bride (2005) 

Another Tim Burton film, made with stunning stop-motion animation. A love story in spooky times.

Honorable mention

James and the Giant Peach (1996)

Also directed by Henry Selick and not precisely a member of the Halloween movies, this animated film is a disturbing experience. Uneasy, off, spooky.

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If horror is not your thing, here are a few different options for Halloween movies.

Although these are not precisely Halloween movies, they’re a great option if you’re still looking forward to getting that uneasy feeling, while some even tell a love story.

Oldboy (2003) 

Directed by Park Chan-wook, this South Korean masterpiece is an iconic psychological thriller. A disturbing and intense exploration of revenge and captivity. Probably one of the best films in history.

The Handmaiden (2016) 

Directed by Park Chan-wook, this South Korean psychological thriller is a visually opulent story of deception and passion set in Japanese-occupied Korea.

Dogs don’t wear pants (2019)

A Danish masterpiece. Directed by Jukka-Pekka Valkeapää, this film keeps you watching with an unconventional unique love story, beautiful cinematography, and a great script. A visually striking piece that enhances great storytelling through a thought-provoking premise.

Bones & all (2022)

If you’re looking for a different direction in Halloween movies, you may just go ahead and watch Luca Guadagnino’s work. Uneasy, romantic, and gross, all at once. A celebration of love, a search for identity, and a lot more.

The Lobster (2015)

Love through the eyes of director Yorgos Lanthimos. A wonderful piece filled with symbolism that perfectly blends dark humor and satire to explore the absurdity of love norms in a dystopian future. A beautiful exploration of solitude and conformity.

2046 (2004)

One of Wong Kar-Wai’s masterpieces. This visually captivating film takes you through a profound journey through love and memory.

Enjoy your spooky season with these Halloween movies!

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