Monica Santana Huchin | Photo Editor
October 17, 2025
Now that fall is here and Halloween is right around the corner, movie nights are a must. It’s the perfect time to gather with friends and family, grab snacks, and settle in for a spooky marathon. Whether you’re in the mood for classic chills, creepy fun, or just a bit of spooky nostalgia, here are five movies to help you get into the spirit of the season.
1. Hocus Pocus
For a Halloween movie that’s more fun than frightening, the Hocus Pocus movies are timeless favorites. These Disney films follow the Sanderson sisters—three chaotic, comedic witches who are accidentally resurrected in Salem on Halloween night. With a perfect mix of humor, magic, and enchantment, the films have become seasonal staples for families and Halloween lovers. The over-the-top performances played by the outstanding actresses bring the witches to life in a way that makes the movies hilarious and pleasantly wicked. Hocus Pocus captures the whimsical side of Halloween while still delivering eerie moments to give the audiences chills. Every October, its fan base seems to grow bigger, making it a must-watch for anyone looking to embrace the spooky, festive spirit of the season.
2. A Nightmare on Elm Street
No Halloween movie list would be complete without A Nightmare on Elm Street. Directed by Wes Craven, this 1984 classic introduced horror fans to Freddy Krueger—a burned, claw-gloved killer who haunts teens in their dreams. With its surreal, creepy visuals, and suspenseful pacing, a haunting atmosphere is created which lingers even after the movie is finished. A Nightmare on Elm Street goes into depth between reality and dreams, keeping viewers on edge. “I love A Nightmare on Elm Street because it gets my adrenaline going and has great plot twists” claimed SCHS junior Sofia Olocco. Over the years, the film has had numerous sequels, but the original remains undefeated as it also helped redefine the slasher genre, blending supernatural horror with real-world fears like trauma and guilt. Whether you’re watching it for the first time or rewatching it, Freddy’s distorted world never fails to scare the audience.
3. The Nightmare Before Christmas
Blending the magic of two holidays, The Nightmare Before Christmas is an unforgettable movie that’s perfect for both Halloween and the winter season. Directed by Henry Selick and produced by Tim Burton, this stop-motion classic follows the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, Jack Skellington, who stumbles upon Christmas Town and becomes preoccupied with bringing the holiday to his home. With its beautifully haunting animation, melodic musical numbers, and unforgettable characters like Sally, Zero, and Oogie Boogie, the film has a balance between combining eerie and enchanting. Its dark aesthetic and sincere story have made it a beloved tradition for audiences all around the world. Whether you watch it in October, December, or both, The Nightmare Before Christmas conveys a delightful yet creepy experience that blends the best of both worlds.
4. Coraline
If you’re looking for something spooky yet beautifully crafted, Coraline is a Halloween must watch. Directed by Henry Selick, Coraline showcases chilling stop-motion animation, making every frame feel alive and unsettling which makes it an excellent choice due to its spooky and whimsical atmosphere that matches with the mood of the season. Its blend of captivating visuals and strong storytelling is highlighted by sinister button-eyed characters and surreal landscapes that add an extra layer of unease. Its narrative explores relatable themes like loneliness, and the danger of things that seem too good to be true. Over time, Coraline has earned its place as a fan favorite classic-especially among viewers who grew up watching it and now revisit it each Halloween as a tradition.
5. Scream
If you’re in the mood for something scary that will send chills down your spine, the Scream franchise is the way to go. These classic slasher films are known for their heart-pounding suspense and the unforgettable face of the infamous Ghostface. Directed by horror legend Wes Craven, the original 1996 film follows high school student Sidney Prescott and her friends as they are terrorized by a masked killer known as Ghostface. The movie keeps viewers on edge with its fast paced plot, jaw dropping twists, and jump scares that build tension and anxiety. SCHS senior Annabel Ayala described Scream as “[her] favorite Halloween film because it paved the way for a new era of horror slasher movies, and it’s not too scary but perfect for the Halloween vibes.” With each movie, the franchise continues to deliver a mix of nostalgia and mystery, making it a perfect pick for a thrilling Halloween movie night.
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