As we near Halloween, the debate of “best halloween movies” is one much discussed. But I am here to join the conversation and release The Forge’s list of top ten halloween movies to watch during the fall season, in no particular order. With both nostalgic, childhood films and thrilling  horror movies, our list covers all the classics you need to see before the spooky season wraps up. 

• Scream 

Scream is a classic 1996 horror film that follows a group of friends in the small town of Woodsboro as they become the targets of a mysterious masked killer. With twists and humor, Scream will keep you on the edge of your seats from start to finish and is the perfect film to watch on Halloween. 

• Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice is a 1988 dark comedy that follows the afterlife of a deceased couple who find themselves trapped as ghosts in their own home as a new family moves in. The couple enlist the aid of a chaotic spirit named Beetlejuice to evict the family, whose methods bring both hilarity and havoc. 

• Coraline

Coraline (2006) follows the story of a young girl who moves into a strange new home with her family. She soon discovers a hidden door that leads to a parallel world eerily similar to her own. The world at first seems perfect, however, Coraline soon realizes that not everything is as it appears, and she must find her way back home. This uncanny and beautifully crafted claymation is a timeless Halloween film. 

• Corpse Bride

Corpse Bride (2005) follows the story of Victor, who accidentally finds himself married to Emily, a bride from the Land of the Dead. Set in a gloomy Victorian-era village, Victor must navigate between two worlds as he grapples with love, loss, and the supernatural. This darkly whimsical tale sets the perfect mood for any spooky season activities. 

• It

It, a 2017 horror movie, follows a group of kids who are terrorized by a shape-shifting entity that takes the form of their worst fears—most often appearing as a creepy clown named Pennywise. The kids band together to confront their fears and put an end to the terror before it consumes them all. Full of suspense and supernatural horror, It makes for the perfect scary flick. 

• Hocus Pocus

Hocus Pocus is a 1993 comedy that follows the story of three mischievous witches who are accidentally resurrected in Salem, Massachusetts, on Halloween night. Three kids, along with a talking cat, must outsmart the witches before they unleash chaos on the town. This family-friendly adventure blends humor and suspense all within its Halloween themed setting. 

• The Nightmare Before Christmas

Although this may be a controversial film to include, I’m declaring the 1993 movie The Nightmare Before Christmas a definite Halloween film. The movie follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of HalloweenTown, who accidentally stumbles upon Christmas Town. He becomes enchanted by its warmth and decides to bring Christmas to HalloweenTown. It blends Halloween’s eerie elements with the brightness of Christmas, leading to an entertaining and sinister picture. 

• Nightmare on Elm Street

This 1984 horror film has become a classic throughout the decades and a popular costume among teenagers and adults alike. Nightmare on Elm Street follows a group of teenagers who are terrorized by a vengeful spirit, Freddy Krueger, in their dreams. As they struggle to stay awake, they discover that whatever happens to them in their nightmares also happens in real life. The film explores the blurred line between dreams and reality, leaving the viewers questioning what’s real and what’s not. 

• Ghostbusters 

The entire Ghostbusters franchise, consisting of 5 films, makes for the perfect supernatural movie marathon to view during Halloween season. The original 1984 movie follows a team of eccentric scientists who lose their university funding and decide to go into business as paranormal investigators. With humor, ingenuity, and a few scares, the Ghostbusters take on the task of saving the day—if they can survive the ghosts.

•  Hotel Transylvania

In this childhood paragon, Count Dracula operates a lavish resort for monsters. He invites his monster friends to celebrate his daughter Mavis’s 118th birthday. However, the festivities take an unexpected turn when a human named Jonathan stumbles upon the hotel. As Dracula tries to protect his daughter from the newfound human guest, hilarious chaos ensues. 

Whether you’re in the mood for light-hearted scares or terrifying frights, these films are sure to bring the perfect mix of chills and entertainment to your Halloween celebration. So, gather your favorite treats, dim the lights, and dive into these films that capture the essence of Halloween!

Image Credit: Avalon McElroy