The Most Overrated Halloween Movies

Every year, the same Halloween movie lists pop up, often labeled as “must-sees.” This collection brings together the most popular films of the season, allowing you to quickly see what each one is about and choose what’s best for your Halloween night. It helps you easily scan the options and decide what you really want to watch.

Below each movie suggestion, you’ll find simple explanations of the story, actors, overall mood, and helpful details for watching – like whether it’s appropriate for certain ages, potential upsetting content, and if it’s part of a larger series. Think of this as a handy tool for creating a watch list that works for everyone.

‘Hocus Pocus’ (1993)

This hilarious and family-friendly movie is about three witches who come back to life and create trouble in present-day Salem when a teenager accidentally lights a special candle. It features Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, and mixes gentle spooky moments with silly physical comedy, songs, and a cat that can talk.

You can look forward to some gentle challenges, stories involving witchcraft, and plenty of classic Halloween scenes – think costumes and trick-or-treating! It’s a great option for groups with people of all ages, moving quickly and having a satisfying conclusion without needing to watch anything else beforehand.

‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ (1993)

The film follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, as he stumbles upon Christmas and attempts to create his own version of the holiday, filled with spooky twists. It’s brought to life using stop motion animation, a captivating soundtrack by Danny Elfman, and memorable characters such as Sally, Oogie Boogie, and Zero.

Families can expect a more playful and charming experience than a truly frightening one, featuring creatively designed skeletons, doll-like characters, and lighthearted scares. It’s frequently aired during both October and December, and the story is complete on its own-you don’t need to have seen any other movies to enjoy it.

‘Halloween’ (1978)

This horror film centers around babysitter Laurie Strode, who is terrorized by masked killer Michael Myers while he stalks the streets of a quiet neighborhood on Halloween. It features Jamie Lee Curtis and essentially created the formula for many subsequent slasher movies, using techniques like first-person perspectives, simple musical scores, and slow, suspenseful pacing. It’s known for its quiet build-ups and minimalist music.

Expect some thrilling suspense, moments of knife violence, and fleeting instances of strong language and nudity. If you’re interested in exploring this movie series, this is where it all began – it introduces Dr. Loomis and important settings like Haddonfield, which you’ll see again in numerous sequels and remakes.

‘Halloween Kills’ (2021)

This sequel picks up the same night as the previous film, showing the townspeople banding together to fight Michael Myers. Jamie Lee Curtis returns alongside Judy Greer and Andi Matichak, and the story brings back familiar faces while also featuring larger scenes with the people of Haddonfield.

Be prepared for intense violence, scenes of large, disorderly crowds, and many references to previous films in the series. The storyline disregards several earlier sequels, meaning watching the immediately preceding film first will make it easier to follow for those new to the series.

‘The Blair Witch Project’ (1999)

The movie is presented as if it were recovered footage and follows three film students who get lost in the woods of Maryland while researching a local story. The way it’s filmed uses a lot of shaky camera work, feels like the actors are making up their lines as they go, and relies on sounds you can’t quite place happening at night.

Instead of a monster appearing, the suspense builds through disagreements, getting lost on the map, and strange things happening at the campsite. If you’re sensitive to shaky cameras, be aware of the frequent movement, and because it’s short, it’s a good choice to watch with a longer, more typical movie afterward.

‘Paranormal Activity’ (2007)

A husband and wife install home security cameras hoping to record any strange occurrences, which become increasingly intense each night. The footage is shown using extended, unmoving views of the bedroom and living areas, complete with time stamps and very few special effects.

You’ll notice changes in doors, footprints appearing, and sudden sounds that all lead up to a dramatic climax. This series has many follow-up stories with timelines that jump around, so beginning with this one will give you a good understanding of the basic style if you decide to explore the others later.

‘It’ (2017)

In Derry, a group of children unite to confront a terrifying creature that can change its form, most famously appearing as Pennywise the clown. The film stars Bill Skarsgård, alongside a talented young cast who portray the challenges of school life alongside thrilling adventures exploring sewers and haunted locations.

Be prepared for sudden scares, instances of bullying, and disturbing scenes featuring clowns and lost children. This is the first part of a two-part story, so if you like to watch complete storylines in one sitting, you might want to have the second part ready to watch tonight.

‘The Nun’ (2018)

This movie takes place within the world of The Conjuring franchise. The story centers around a priest and his apprentice as they explore a Romanian abbey. The film creates a creepy atmosphere with dark, old hallways, dimly lit underground tombs, and a frightening nun who appears from the darkness. It heavily features gothic architecture, candlelight, and a demonic presence.

The content features mystical images, unsettling rhythms suggesting demonic influence, and startling sound effects. It links to other films in The Conjuring Universe through shared objects and supporting characters, but it works as a standalone horror experience if you simply enjoy spooky stories set in a monastery.

‘Annabelle’ (2014)

This story serves as a beginning to a larger narrative, centering on a haunted doll that brings fear to a new family-a young couple and their infant child. The action primarily takes place in the confines of their apartment building, specifically in hallways and storage areas, and includes a suspenseful elevator scene in the basement that relies on gradually revealed glimpses of what lies within.

Keep an eye out for elements of possession, references to cults, and a blend of traditional practical effects with digital enhancements. The movie connects to a larger story arc through the Warrens’ collection of haunted objects, which fans of this type of story might appreciate for understanding the connections to other films.

‘The Conjuring’ (2013)

Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren help a family who are increasingly troubled by strange events in their home. The film combines authentic details of the time period with carefully planned camera work, and emphasizes unsettling sounds like creaks and claps, as well as concealed areas such as basements and wardrobes.

Expect a well-organized and spooky story with an exorcism element, and some quick, intense visuals. It serves as a central entry point for several related shows, making it a popular choice for those wanting to explore many different storylines within the franchise.

‘Scream’ (1996)

In Woodsboro, high school students are being hunted by a killer wearing a mask who references the clichés of horror films. Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, and David Arquette lead the ensemble cast in a story that combines suspenseful phone calls with thrilling chases through homes and around the school.

As a fan, I’m really getting into this! It’s got everything – scary knife violence, but the characters are surprisingly self-aware, which is cool. Plus, it’s a proper whodunit, so you’re constantly trying to guess who did it! The whole vibe is a great mix of suspense and nods to other classic slasher films, and if you’re like me and want to watch them all back-to-back, the series brings back familiar faces. It’s perfect for a mini marathon!

‘Friday the 13th’ (1980)

At Crystal Lake, camp counselors are hunted around the cabins, docks, and woods. The movie boasts special effects makeup by Tom Savini and utilizes a distinctive first-person camera angle to hint at the hidden attacker.

The film contains depictions of blood, fleeting nudity, and nighttime scenes involving water. It’s important to note that the iconic hockey mask associated with the series doesn’t appear until subsequent installments. Therefore, new viewers should be aware that this first film has a different look and feel compared to what they might expect from the rest of the franchise.

‘Saw’ (2004)

Okay, so I just finished watching this movie, and the setup is seriously intense. It starts with two guys waking up chained up in this disgusting bathroom, and you immediately know things are bad. But it’s not just about them escaping; there’s this killer who’s setting up all these crazy traps, and the movie forces you to think about what you’d do to survive. What’s really clever is how it jumps back and forth. We get the claustrophobic mystery of the bathroom, but then it cuts to flashbacks showing how the police got involved – it slowly reveals the whole story. It’s a really interesting structure, blending the immediate danger with the backstory. Definitely a thriller that keeps you guessing!

Prepare for challenging moral puzzles, unexpected plot twists, and a surprising conclusion. As the series progresses, it gets more complex, making this first installment the easiest way to get acquainted with the story and decide if you want to explore the broader narrative.

‘The Addams Family’ (1991)

I absolutely love this movie! It’s about this wonderfully creepy, but totally endearing family, and they get mixed up in a scheme involving a relative they haven’t seen in ages. All this happens while they’re putting on these hilariously morbid shows in their huge mansion. Raul Julia, Anjelica Huston, and Christina Ricci are just amazing – they really go for it with over-the-top acting, and the movie is packed with visual gags and clever, pun-filled lines. It’s such a classic! You can find more information about the cast here.

As a fan, I can tell you this is perfect for the whole family! It’s got just the right amount of spooky fun, exciting sword fights, and silly, cartoon-style action. The costumes and how everything looks really make it a go-to movie every year, no matter how old you are. Plus, it’s great to watch with its sequel – you can make a whole themed movie night out of it! It pairs easily with the next one for a double feature.

‘Hubie Halloween’ (2020)

This comedy takes place in Salem and centers around a kind-hearted resident who keeps watch during Halloween. While on patrol, he unexpectedly uncovers a genuine mystery. Adam Sandler stars alongside many of his frequent co-stars, and the story features surprise appearances from various celebrities.

You can look forward to silly physical comedy, playful pranks, and scenes of small-town parades. It’s made to be a light and easy watch for gatherings, and the simple story means you won’t feel lost if you tune in and out.

‘Casper’ (1995)

A kind ghost haunts a dilapidated mansion and forms a friendship with a young girl. Meanwhile, treasure hunters and a manipulative heiress are searching for a hidden fortune. The film stars Christina Ricci and Bill Pullman, and features computer-generated ghosts that seamlessly interact with the real sets.

Parents can anticipate some gentle frights, funny physical comedy, and storylines centered around dealing with loss and the importance of friendship. The movie’s length and overall feel are appropriate for younger audiences, and the spooky setting includes familiar Halloween elements such as haunted houses and hidden passages.

‘The Witches’ (1990)

A young boy stumbles upon a secret gathering of witches at a hotel by the sea and has to foil their scheme to transform children into mice. The impressive scene where the witches meet features remarkable practical effects and makeup, creating over-the-top looks and believable transformations.

The story contains frightening imagery, moments where a mouse is in danger, and villains who are strict and controlling. It’s a fast-paced adventure with a well-defined objective, and it frequently shows up on lists of books schools review due to its blend of fantasy and mild scares.

‘The Craft’ (1996)

A group of new students at a Catholic high school create a coven and begin practicing magic, but their spells have unintended consequences and the group’s power leads to corruption. The show features a noticeable influence of current pop culture in both its music and style, blending typical high school experiences with increasingly intense supernatural events.

Expect to see mysterious rituals, dramatic and intense scenes, and friendships tested to their limits. It’s perfect for teen viewing parties and has a subtle connection to a sequel, but the original story works perfectly well on its own.

‘Beetlejuice’ (1988)

A couple who recently passed away enlists a bio exorcist to frighten off anyone who tries to move into their home, resulting in bizarre events and musical numbers. The film stars Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Geena Davis, and Alec Baldwin in a story that cleverly mixes the rules of the afterlife with classic haunted house thrills.

The film features stop motion creatures, exciting sandworm sequences, and a memorable dinner scene with a possession dance that people frequently reference. It’s more playful than scary, making it a popular pick for groups with varying preferences who want a touch of spookiness without anything too intense.

‘Corpse Bride’ (2005)

A groom, overwhelmed with nerves, mistakenly proposes to a deceased bride, leading to a journey into an underworld that feels strikingly different from the dullness of the living world. The story, centered around themes of promises and the decisions we make, uses stop motion animation to create captivating musical sequences and features ensembles of skeletons.

Families can expect fun skeleton bands, some lighthearted danger, and a few silly romantic mix-ups. Its quick pace and easy-to-follow visuals make it a great choice for a themed evening that’s more cute than frightening.

‘Hocus Pocus 2’ (2022)

This follow-up film revisits the story of the Sanderson sisters, bringing them back to Salem in the present day after a new Black Flame Candle is ignited by two teenage friends. The movie stars returning favorites Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, and introduces fresh characters connected to current local legends, high school experiences, and yearly celebrations.

The show features exciting magical displays, musical performances, and scenes of kids going trick-or-treating. The storyline has some connections to the original story through recognizable places and objects, and it’s designed to be enjoyed by the whole family, with easy-to-follow conflicts and a satisfying ending.

‘Frankenweenie’ (2012)

A young inventor attempts to revive his beloved dog, but his efforts have unforeseen effects on the peaceful town he lives in. The movie is created using striking black and white stop motion animation, and pays homage to classic monster films with its creature designs and the look of its science labs.

During a school fair, families can look forward to science-based classroom activities, touching moments about losing a pet, and some lighthearted, silly situations with creatures. It’s a short and sweet experience that would be a great addition to a Halloween collection of animated films, and you don’t need to know anything about previous stories to enjoy it.

‘Coraline’ (2009)

A young girl finds a secret, alternate home through a tiny door. There, her “Other” parents give her the attention she craves, but this kindness hides a troubling scheme. The film’s stop motion animation highlights details like buttons and stitched designs, and the house itself transforms into a confusing maze as the story progresses.

Parents should be aware that the movie contains a lot of suspense, images of spiders, and characters that change shape. It tells a complete story with a definite start and finish, and its spooky atmosphere and unique look make it a popular choice for October viewing.

‘Monster House’ (2006)

Three children discover that the unsettling house across the street is actually alive and consumes everything that falls onto its property. The film uses a unique animation style to depict typical suburban streets, Halloween decorations, and neighborhood watch groups, all while unraveling a mystery connected to the house’s history. It’s a spooky tale!

The story features exciting chase scenes, complex indoor settings, and intense action during the final showdown. It’s designed like a classic mystery starring a young detective, with adults playing a supporting role, making it a great choice for family movie night.

‘Ghostbusters’ (1984)

A group of business-minded investigators of the supernatural hunt ghosts throughout New York City, equipped with specialized proton packs and containment traps. The film combines the humor of a typical workplace comedy with spooky events happening in everyday locations like apartments and libraries, ultimately leading to a final showdown on a rooftop.

You can look forward to silly, over-the-top danger, impressive monster effects, and a catchy theme song that you’ll often hear during Halloween and other holidays. The movie works well on its own, but it also led to several sequels and remakes, making it a great way to kick off a fun and not-too-scary horror comedy movie night.

‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ (2021)

A family comes into possession of a farmhouse connected to the founding team and discovers old equipment, audio recordings, and a hidden danger. The story centers around children mastering this technology and researching strange tremors happening nearby, all within the confines of a quiet, small town instead of a big city.

Viewers can expect to see references to past events through items like gadgets, pictures, and recognizable characters. The show also features classroom-style segments that help new viewers understand the main ideas. It’s designed to be a good starting point for younger audiences and includes extra content after the credits that hints at future episodes.

‘Haunted Mansion’ (2023)

A mother and her son relocate to a large house in New Orleans and hire experts to help with troublesome ghosts. The narrative incorporates classic haunted house features – such as hallways with stretching portraits, the Hatbox Ghost, and a room for séances – but weaves them into a story focused on the characters and their investigation.

Families can look forward to spooky but playful ghosts, brain-teasing puzzles in secret rooms, and plenty of funny moments from the cast. The show combines real sets with digital effects, and it has a few quick nods to stories that fans of the theme park might enjoy.

‘The Haunted Mansion’ (2003)

A family of real estate agents finds themselves stuck in a mansion haunted by an age-old curse centered around switched identities and hidden routes. The story unfolds through shifting portraits, paths winding through a graveyard, and elaborate ballroom scenes, with the manor’s butler revealing the history behind it all.

This is a self-contained adventure, offering spooky but gentle scares that are perfect for families. It features a treasure hunt storyline and is designed for relaxed group watching. You don’t need to know anything about the story or the mansion beforehand to enjoy the mystery.

‘Goosebumps’ (2015)

A teenager finds out that the monsters from the books of a well-known author are coming to life and wreaking havoc all over town. The film brings together various creatures – including gnomes and a sentient dummy – in a story that culminates in a school dance showdown.

Parents should be aware that this show features quick chases, comical fights, and mild scares suitable for kids nearing their teenage years. It’s structured like a collection of stories combined together, meaning it includes several famous villains from books without needing viewers to have read specific chapters or books beforehand.

‘Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark’ (2019)

A group of friends discovers a book that begins writing stories specifically about them, one after another. Each new tale is based on imagery from famous classic stories. The story unfolds in a small town during the autumn season, following the characters as they journey through places like hospitals, cornfields, and an old, rundown mansion that holds the key to the book’s beginnings.

The film features creature transformations, missing person cases, and scenes focused on body horror. It presents these events in a series of connected episodes within a larger storyline, so it’s easy to follow even if you haven’t seen the original artwork it’s based on.

‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’ (1984)

In this thriller, teenagers find themselves terrorized in their sleep by a murderer, turning the normally safe act of sleeping into a frightening fight for survival. The film uses impressive practical effects to create bizarre and unsettling scenes, such as a sequence where the ceiling seems to shift and a bathtub with claw-like markings. The story connects these nightmarish attacks to a shared past within their community.

Expect to see blood, surreal chase sequences, and a central theme of needing to stay awake to live. This film started a popular series, but it stands alone well-you don’t need to have seen any of the other movies to understand it.

‘The Exorcist’ (1973)

A young child begins experiencing strange, unexplainable events that grow increasingly serious, eventually leading to involvement from priests and doctors. The story alternates between everyday family life and realistic hospital scenes, before culminating in a dramatic religious ceremony featuring Latin prayers. The narrative skillfully combines these elements, moving from the personal to the medical and finally to the spiritual, with a climactic ritual as the central point.

Prepare for gripping scenes featuring unsettling movements, twisted imagery, and intense clashes revolving around belief and uncertainty. This film stands alone as a complete story, and it’s frequently referenced in later movies, making it a popular choice for October viewing as a foundational haunted house story.

‘The Exorcist: Believer’ (2023)

The story follows two families experiencing similar instances of demonic possession, and their attempts to find solutions through doctors, religious figures, and local support systems. The narrative is set in contemporary locations like hospitals and schools, while also bringing back familiar characters from previous stories.

Viewers can expect to see the careful planning that goes into each event, the teams working together to make it happen, and moments where characters have to make quick choices when things get difficult. The film is made to be easy to follow even if you’ve never seen it before, but it also has details that fans of the original story will appreciate.

‘Poltergeist’ (1982)

A family living in the suburbs finds their home plagued by strange events, starting with minor annoyances and escalating to what seems like people being taken. The story uses images of television static repeatedly, features closets that act as portals, and includes a group of researchers who arrive with high-tech tools.

The story features ghostly figures, dramatic storms, and a daring rescue that takes place inside a remarkably altered living room. It’s a complete, standalone narrative and is often shown during seasonal viewing events due to its combination of familiar home environments and impressive visual effects.

‘Practical Magic’ (1998)

In a charming coastal town, two sisters-descendants of a family of witches-manage a shop and grapple with an old, persistent curse. The story weaves together the use of herbal remedies and circle rituals with a law enforcement investigation that unexpectedly leads back to their family home.

The story explores bonds of sisterhood, the unease within a small town, and a concluding event that actively involves the community. The narrative follows a complete storyline with glimpses into the past through flashbacks, making it perfect for relaxed, spooky-season viewing while still including supernatural elements.

‘Sleepy Hollow’ (1999)

A detective travels to a small village to investigate a string of beheadings believed to be the work of a famous, mythical horseman. The film highlights atmospheric, misty forests, historically accurate clothing, and intricate mechanical devices employed during investigations and post-mortem examinations.

Prepare for dramatic violence, exciting horse rides, and visually stunning scenes set among trees, all of which tie the central mystery to the area’s politics and past. It works like a classic gothic detective story with a satisfying conclusion, making it perfect to watch in one sitting without needing to commit to more installments.

‘Gremlins’ (1984)

A quiet town descends into chaos when the guidelines for looking after a strange creature are ignored, leading to the birth of playful, yet troublesome, offspring. The narrative follows the creatures as they move through various locations – houses, a cinema, and a department store – and their antics evolve from harmless pranks into dangerous situations.

Families should know this movie includes silly, chaotic creatures, comedic mishaps that cause damage, and some slightly scary scenes involving everyday household dangers. While it’s themed around winter holidays, people often revisit it throughout the year because of its fun monster elements and realistic special effects.

‘A Quiet Place’ (2018)

A family stays alive by remaining completely silent as dangerous, sound-sensitive creatures roam the countryside. The story focuses on their daily farm work, navigating by sandy paths, communicating with hand signals, and having plans in place for emergencies, such as childbirth and injuries. It’s a story of survival through careful preparation and quiet living.

The show features intricately designed sets created using sound, clever traps, and protective structures. It’s a self-contained story with a clear conclusion, and while there’s a follow-up planned, the first installment completely explains everything needed for viewers watching only this one film.

‘Smile’ (2022)

As a real cinema lover, I was completely drawn in by this film’s premise! It centers around a psychiatrist who starts having visions after one of his patients goes through something deeply traumatic. It doesn’t stop there, though – these visions seem to connect to a series of similar cases. What I found particularly clever was how the director used a mix of settings – clinical spaces where he sees patients, the intimate settings of people’s homes, and even recorded statements – to really lay out how these events are linked across time and the experiences of different people. It’s a really compelling way to tell the story and build suspense. Definitely one to watch if you enjoy psychological thrillers!

Be prepared for startling moments featuring unsettling smiles, detailed investigations using both sound and video, and a story that builds tension toward a specific time limit. It works perfectly well as a standalone experience for new viewers, and the way the story is structured as an investigation makes it simple to understand even if you haven’t seen any previous installments in the series.

‘Hereditary’ (2018)

A family navigates the pain of loss after someone dies, and in the process, they discover links to a secret group and unusual practices that affect their everyday lives. The film’s visuals frequently present the house as if it were a dollhouse, moving between workspaces, private rooms, and an attic where evidence begins to pile up. This creates a sense of being watched and controlled.

Viewers can expect strong disagreements, scenes that take place at night, and objects with hidden significance that become clearer as the story progresses. The film tells a complete, standalone story – you don’t need to watch any other movies to understand it – and it’s often shown in October due to its home-based setting and growing sense of dread.

Let us know your favorite Halloween watches in the comments below! Tell us which ones you think are worthy of being included in your collection.

2025-10-03 20:23