Whether viewers are looking for lighthearted scares, sinisterly charming visuals, grim horrors, or nostalgic throwbacks, here are ten amazing films to watch this Halloween and where they’re available to stream, so viewers don’t have to cross their fingers that the film they want to watch has been uploaded to Youtube.
10 Nightbooks
Nightbooks is currently streaming on Netflix.
Based on the children’s horror novel of the same name, Nightbooks concocts a whimsical yet still spooky tale that those of all ages can enjoy. A modern and colorful spin on the story of Hansel and Gretel, the film follows Alex, a young boy, and former scary story writer, as he tries to escape the enchanted apartment of a children-snatching witch.
Stuffed with stylish costumes, bewitching set designs, and Alex’s “nightbooks,” this movie captures the quirkiness and occasional (but fondly looked upon) campiness of Halloween.
9 Kiki’s Delivery Service
Kiki’s Delivery Service is currently streaming on HBO Max.
For viewers who want a taste of Halloween but are still not quite ready to accept that summer is over, throwback with this Studio Ghibli classic. Intertwining one of cinema’s most iconic witches along with her quintessential flying broom and a black cat and an idyllic seaside town, the film makes for a cinematic perfect transition between the summer and the fall.
The movie is actually an adaptation of an eponymous children’s novel and has a live-action adaptation.
8 Don’t Look Under The Bed
Don’t Look Under The Bed is currently streaming on Disney Plus.
This Disney Channel Original actually had its reruns terminated after parental complainants poured in, complaining that the film was far too scary. While Don’t Look Under The Bed may not phase the average horror movie watcher, it does walk the line between being a children’s film and being more suited to teenagers, which interestingly lines up with the movie’s themes about growing up.
Featuring the infamous Bogeyman as its villain, the film inspires viewers to face their childhood fears lest they fester and haunt them into adulthood.
7 Ghostbusters
Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters 2 are currently streaming on Hulu.
Ghostbusters is easily one of the most iconic films of the 80s, supernatural or otherwise. If viewers haven’t already watched this acclaimed comedy, they have at least heard its famous theme song, which is a Halloween playlist staple. The Ghostbusters franchise spans not only its sequels and remake attempts but video games, comic books, books, toys, and a pinball machine.
Whether viewers are long-time fans from the 80s or first-time watchers, all will enjoy thistimeless piece of cinema.
6 Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 is currently streaming on Netflix.
Released as a standalone sequel to the adored Bhool Bhulaiyaa fifteen years after its debut, this horror comedy only shares a (remixed) song and the story concept of a vengeful female ghost haunting a lavish mansion with its predecessor. Although Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 didn’t manage to bewitch audiences to the extent Bhool Bhulaiyaa did, the successor was still entertaining, with its humor, acting, and cinematography being major highlights.
And of course, it must be mentioned that the film’s version of “Ami Je Tomar” is absolutely heart-wrenching.
5 The Blair Witch Project
The Blair Witch Project is currently streaming on Hulu.
If viewers are in search of a more horror-filled experience this Halloween, there’s nothing like this indie film classic. The story of a documentary gone horribly wrong is notorious for its subtle scares, slow build-up, revitalizing the found-footage genre, and an ad campaign convincing people that the film’s trio actually went missing.
Although no witch makes an onscreen appearance in the film, “Blair Witch” is a name that nearly every horror movie lover knows, and for good reason. This movie will make viewers happy to be at home, watching from the safety of their couches.
4 Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark
Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark is currently streaming on Netflix.
Based on the eponymous beloved collection of scary stories that were mainly drawn from folklore and urban legends, this PG-13 horror movie brings the unnerving tales to life in its endearing late 60s setting while preserving its young audience orientation.
Rather than manifesting as an anthology film, Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark centers on a group of teens who, on top of their daily struggles, must contend with a wronged woman’s bitter curse. A sequel is currently in development.
3 The Corpse Bride
The Corpse Bride is currently streaming on HBO Max.
Co-directed by a man who defines the spooky film genre, this stunning stop-motion musical is a must-see for not only Halloween fans but anyone who can appreciate an incredible film. The songs are catchy, the story is moving, the characters are charming, and the visuals showcase the otherworldly beauty of stop-motion animation.
The only question that should be asked regarding The Corpse Bride during the spooky season is where can it legally be viewed.
2 Scooby-Doo (2002)
Scooby-Doo and its sequel are currently streaming on HBO Max.
Although its tropical island setting lends itself towards the film being a fun summer scare, Scooby-Doo, in all its campy 2000s glory (and 2000s CGI), remains the perfect Halloween popcorn (or perhaps something a tad stronger) film, especially for those looking to feel nostalgic.
It may not have won the hearts of critics, but the film, along with its sequel, has maintained a cult following that appreciates the films for their self-aware silliness and over-the-top aesthetics.
1 The Nightmare Before Christmas
The Nightmare Before Christmas is currently streaming on Disney Plus.
Simultaneously, one of the most iconic Halloween and Christmas movies in film history, it’s difficult to enter the spooky season without remembering The Nightmare Before Christmas. This film is worth putting on just to hear “This is Halloween” blast through your home.
Though they aren’t on this list, if viewers particularly enjoy the film’s whimsically eerie nature, be sure to check out other Tim Burton projects with similar aesthetics, such as Edward Scissorhands and Sleepy Hollow.
MORE:Best Scary Movies You Can Stream On Netflix
