It's that time of year again -- it's time for crisp autumn air, unescapable pumpkin spice aromas, warm sweaters... and the Sanderson sisters screeching on your TV as much as possible. While we're allowed to view any type of film we want at any given point in the year, it's right about now where we feel like we absolutely need to watch ones that pertain to this spooky season. But where and when are all the absolute essentials available? There are a plethora of Halloween movies on Netflix, Hulu, TV, and beyond, and you don't want to forget anything, now do you? That would be sad. Don't be sad on Halloween.
Whether you're into something that's going to give you nightmares all through the new year, you're looking for a big cozy cup of fall nostalgia, or you just need to fulfill that semi-scare quota to get you in the Halloween mood, there are so many options. Just like everybody has their fave Halloween candy, everybody has their fave Halloween movie.
So, turn down those lights. Get out the candy apples. (Candy apples sound like a lot of work so any candy situation will do.) And prep your calendar for a Halloween movie binge of epic proportions.
1. "The Shining" (1980)
Where to watch it: Netflix
This is the ultimate horror movie. Jack Nicholson. Stanley Kubrick. Iconic catchphrases. We have nothing else to say but: watch it. Oh, and "here's Johnny...," since we feel obligated to get that in here any way possible.
2. "The Addams Family" (1991)
Where to watch it: Netflix
Gomez and Morticia are basically gothic #couplesgoals. This whole movie will definitely get you in the creepy spirit and probably give you some crazy costume inspo while you're at it.
3. "The Craft" (1996)
Where to watch it: Netflix
If witches, spells, and high school drama intrigue you, this is your movie. It's like AHS: Coven, '90s edition.
4. "Practical Magic" (1998)
Where to watch it: Netflix
Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock as a pair of witch sisters? Now that's a left-of-center rom-com idea we can get behind.
5. "The Nightmare Before Christmas" (1993)
Where to watch it: Netflix
Is it a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? Does it even really matter? It's awesome. And it's on Netflix, so...
6. "Sleepy Hollow" (1999)
Where to watch it: Netflix
Please allow Tim Burton to thoroughly creep you out with this imaginative retelling of the classic Ichabod Crane story.
7. "Carrie" (1976)
Where to watch it: Hulu
High school can totally suck. This movie reminds of that... and then some. Build up some courage before that whole pig's blood scene, because, yikes.
8. "Disturbing Behavior" (1998)
Where to watch it: Hulu
Why yes, Katie Holmes and James Marsden were in one of the most '90s teen movies ever about high school misfits who suspect something's up with their perfect, robotic classmates. K. Holmes does her best angsty nose ring-wearing bad girl thing and it's not to be missed.
9. "Edward Scissorhands" (1990)
Where to watch it: Freeform
I consider this Tim Burton classic more of a tear-jerking, twisted love story than some sort of eerie Halloween flick, but it's a fantastic movie nonetheless. Plus, Freeform lumped it in their always-pleasing 13 Nights of Halloween lineup, so we defer to the masters on this one.
10. "Addams Family Values" (1993)
Where to watch it: Freeform
This is one of those sequels that is arguably better than the first. Joan Cusack's Debbie is a cinematic national treasure when it comes to villains, and every scene that takes place at sleep-away camp is perfection.
11. "Teen Witch" (1989)
Where to watch it: Freeform
Two words: "Top that." (If you don't know, get familiar.) And P.S., that's Blake Lively's sister.
12. "Hocus Pocus" (1993)
Where to watch it: Freeform
I'm not sure this even description requires words because you should know by now that this film is Halloween. It's basically as necessary to the holiday as pumpkins. So much, in fact, that Freeform plans to run a marathon on Oct. 31. Honestly, at this point, you don't have to leave the house. Let Halloween come to you.
13. Ghostbusters (1984)
Where to watch it: For rent and purchase on Vudu, iTunes, Amazon.
Is there something strange... in your neighborhood? Yup, and it happens to just be one of the best movies ever.
14. "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" (1975)
Where to watch it: For rent and purchase on Vudu, iTunes, Amazon. Probably playing at your local theater at some point.
Let's do the time warp again. And again. And again. Is there anything Tim Curry can't accomplish?
15. "The Witches" (1990)
Where to watch it: For rent and purchase on Vudu, iTunes, Amazon.
This Roald Dahl gem is supposed to be a children's movie, but man did it scare me as a kid. We're grown up now, so go ahead -- mess us up, Roald.
Happy Halloween, friends. It's never too early to celebrate by sitting in front of the TV.
