10 Best Halloween Movies & Where To Watch Them

It’s spooky season again, and there’s nothing like curling up on the couch on a cozy fall night to get in the Halloween spirit. Whether you’re interested in horror movies, family-friendly flicks, classic Halloween movies, or something in between, this list has it all.

So grab your pumpkin spice latte and Halloween candy and get ready to discover 10 of the best-rated Halloween movies of all time. Plus, keep reading for a sneak peek at some spooky new releases, a few cult-favorite honorable mentions, and family-friendly picks that bring just the right amount of magic (and mischief) to your movie night!

How To Stream the Best Halloween Movies

You don’t have to wait for your favorite scary movie to come on TV anymore. In today’s world, all it takes is a click of a button, and you have access to the best streaming platforms:

• Amazon Prime Video
• Apple TV
• Disney+
• Hulu
• HBO Max
• Netflix
• Paramount+
• Showtime
• Starz
• Vudu
• YouTube TV

The 10 Best Halloween Movies To Watch

The movies below feature a unique selection of horror films, cult classics, and new-age haunted house slashers that are available to everyone across the U.S.

Here’s our top 10 countdown of the best Halloween movies, ranked based on their Rotten Tomatoes rating.

10. Trick ‘R Treat (2007) - 82% Rating

This movie features Halloween traditions brought to life via a collection of interwoven horrors and thrillers. From the mistake of blowing out a Jack-o-Lantern before midnight to a grumpy hermit's misadventure with a sinister trick-or-treater, this film is a must-watch.

Starring: Anna Paquin, Brian Cox, Dylan Baker

Where to Stream: DirecTV Online, Apple TV, YouTube TV, Amazon Video

9. Scream (1996) - 82% Rating

This genre-defining horror film, directed by Wes Craven, revolves around a small town terrorized by a masked killer who taunts and targets a group of high school students. This self-aware slasher cleverly blends humor with genuine scares, revitalizing the horror genre for a new generation.

Starring: Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette

Where to Stream: Paramount Plus, AMC Plus, Apple TV

8. The Shining (1980) - 83% Rating

In yet another Stephen King thriller, Jack Torrance gets hired as a winter caretaker at the isolated Overlook Hotel. But as he battles writer's block, the hotel's dark secrets begin to consume him, turning him into one of the scariest homicidal maniacs we’ve ever seen on the big screen.

Starring: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd

Where to Stream: Amazon Prime Video, Spectrum TV, Roku Channel

7. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) - 83% Rating

This is another Wes Craven classic that’s helped shape the horror movie genre. Freddy Krueger haunts the dreams of unsuspecting Midwestern high school teenagers. As they try to unravel the mystery behind this midnight mangler, they discover a dark secret their town’s been hiding for decades.

Starring: Robert Englund, Heather Langenkamp, Johnny Depp

Where to Stream: HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV

6. Candyman (2021) - 84% Rating

Chicago's Cabrini-Green neighborhood is known for being tough, but not even they could stop a supernatural killer with a hook from terrorizing residents. As visual artist Anthony McCoy delves into the Candyman's history, a wave of violence is unleashed.

Starring: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonah Parris, Colman Domingo

Where to Stream: Spectrum TV, Prime Video, Apple TV, Loud

5. Edward Scissorhands (1990) - 89% Rating

Created by a scientist, Edward (a misunderstood eclectic) is left with scissor blades for hands. When he's discovered by a suburban saleswoman, he tries to fit into society, leading to both heartwarming and tragic events.

Starring: Johnny Depp, Dianne Wiest, Winona Ryder

Where to Stream: DirecTV, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Channel, Google Play

4. It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966) - 95% Rating

Charlie Brown has an American classic for every genre, including Halloween, when the Peanuts gang engages in festive activities. Meanwhile, Linus eagerly awaits the Great Pumpkin, hoping to spot its magical appearance.

Where to Stream: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video

3. Talk To Me (2022) - 95% Rating

When friends discover a way to conjure spirits, they become addicted to the thrill of black magic. But when one goes too far, they face terrifying and spine-chilling consequences.

Starring: Sophie Wilde, Miranda Otto

Where to Stream: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video

2. Halloween (1978) - 96% Rating

Serial killer Michael Myers escapes prison and returns to his hometown of Haddonfield, Illinois, to search for his next victims, beginning with babysitter Laurie Strode. What began as a terrifying story has now spanned across multiple sequels, remakes, and timelines. John Carpenter and the Halloween franchise keep finding new ways to scare us. No matter how many times you think he’s gone, Michael Myers always comes back.

Starring: Donald Pleasence, Jamie Lee Curtis, Nick Castle

Where to Stream: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, iTunes, Google Play

1. Get Out (2017) - 98% Rating

This isn’t your typical haunted mansion story. Chris's visit to his girlfriend's parents takes a dark turn as he uncovers disturbing and dangerous secrets. This Jordan Peele horror/sci-fi masterpiece delves into societal issues while delivering spine-chilling scares.

Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, Jordan Peele, Allison Williams

Where to Stream: Google Play, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, iTunes

Honorable Mentions & Cult Classics

So you’ve seen the big titles like the Halloween movies and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre... now what? Dive into the deep end of horror with these cult classics and underrated gems that deliver serious scares and street cred:

• The Witch (2015) – A slow-burn folk horror masterpiece that’s as unsettling as it is visually haunting.
• House of 1000 Corpses (2003) – Rob Zombie’s grindhouse nightmare isn't for the faint of heart, but it’s a cult favorite.
• The Babadook (2014) – A psychological horror film that explores grief, parenting, and what might be living in the shadows...
• Gremlins (1984) – Cute… until they’re not. Packed with ‘80s charm, practical effects, and a surprising amount of spooky fun, Gremlins has earned its cult status, and it’s perfect for those craving horror with a playful bite.

Family-Friendly Picks for Halloween Movie Night

Not every Halloween movie needs to come with a jump scare. Whether you're entertaining your own little gremlins or just want something lighthearted, these family favorites deliver just the right amount of spooky fun without the nightmares:

• Hocus Pocus (1993) – The Sanderson sisters are Halloween royalty, and this classic is basically required viewing. Stream it on Disney+.
• The Addams Family (1991) – Creepy and kooky, mysterious and spooky. This quirky family that inspired Netflix’s spin-off, Wednesday, is perfect for a Halloween laugh. Available on Paramount+.
• Casper (1995) – A friendly ghost and nostalgic charm make this a go-to for cozy October weekends. Streaming on Peacock and Amazon Prime.
• The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) – Is it a Halloween movie? A Christmas movie? Why choose when it’s this delightfully spooky and fun for all ages? Stream this Tim Burton classic on Disney+.
• Corpse Bride (2005) – Another beautifully dark Burton stop-motion fantasy, filled with gothic style, whimsical music, and just the right spooky energy. Stream it on Amazon Prime.
• Frankenweenie (2012) – Tim Burton’s black-and-white animated tribute to classic monster movies hits an emotional chord while delivering Halloween flair. Stream it on Disney+.
• Ghostbusters (1984) – Who you gonna call? Busting ghosts never looked more fun...or funny. A fantastic pick for older kids and nostalgic adults alike. Stream it on Apple TV+.
• Twitches (2005) – Twin witches (played by Tia and Tamara Mowry!) separated at birth reunite on their 21st birthday to save their magical kingdom — and maybe Halloween, too. Stream it on Disney+.

Sneak Peek: Upcoming Halloween Movie Releases

Halloween season isn’t just for rewatching old favorites. This year, there are plenty of upcoming releases set to deliver brand-new scares. Here's a look at some of the most anticipated horror movies creeping into theaters and streaming platforms in time for spooky season:

• The Strangers: Chapter 2 – The terrifying home invasion saga continues with a new installment that promises to be just as suspenseful and unsettling as the original. (In theaters September 26, 2025)
• Black Phone 2 – Ethan Hawke returns as the chilling Grabber in the sequel to the 2021 sleeper hit. Expect more supernatural tension as the story expands in unexpected ways. (In theaters October 17, 2025)
• Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 – The animatronics are back and creepier than ever. This follow-up to the popular video game adaptation aims to raise both the stakes and the screams. (In theaters December 5, 2025)
• Silent Night, Deadly Night (2025) – This fresh take on the cult classic brings back the holiday-themed horror with a modern twist. Expect plenty of yuletide frights wrapped in classic slasher style. (In theaters December 12, 2025)

Looking for More Halloween Movies?

There are hundreds of family-friendly movies, creepy sci-fi films, and scary slashers to choose from for Halloween. If you didn’t see your favorites above, hits like The Exorcist, Halloweentown, Hocus Pocus, Beetlejuice, Poltergeist, Friday the 13th, and other box office hits can be found in our Halloween Movie Guide.

Looking for other themed movies? SmartMove has you covered with the best movies for every holiday.