Halloween is coming up faster and if you’re not prepared then that’s a major boo-boo. Fear not (or maybe do) because we’ve put together a list of 10 bone-chilling best Halloween movies that you should watch with your popcorn and maybe your blankie. These aren’t just movies where you will get full experiences and these movies are Gen Z-approved for the memes, vibes, and iconic moments.
Let’s know the ultimate Halloween watchlist. Get ready to scream, laugh, and maybe question your life choices (but in the best way). Stay tuned to the end.
1. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019)
Directed by: Andre Ovredal
Runtime: 1h 48m
Box Office: $106 million
Ever wanted to see your childhood fears come to life? Well, this one is for you. A cursed storybook turns the spook dial up to 11 when three teens find themselves haunted by terrifying tales that literally write themselves. With Guillermo del Toro on board as a producer, you know the monster designs are next-level creepy. The Pale Lady? Yeah, she’s living rent-free in my nightmares.
Gen Z vibe check: Think of it as your “OMG this is so cursed” moment but with actual curses.
2. Practical Magic (1998)
Directed by: Griffin Dunne
Runtime: 1h 44m
Box Office: $68 million
Sisters Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman serve witchy realness in this magical drama. The Owens family is cursed—any man who falls in love with them is doomed to die. Talk about a dating red flag, amirite? The cozy vibes are strong, from the spell books to the old-timey house, and the plot is as deliciously chaotic as your group chat at 2 AM.
Gen Z vibe check: This movie = cottagecore meets girlboss energy.
3. Ginger Snaps (2000)
Directed by: John Fawcett
Runtime: 1h 48m
Box Office: $572,000
Puberty is already terrifying, so why not throw a werewolf transformation into the mix? Sisters Ginger and Brigitte go from “emo vibes” to “fangs and fur” after a wild animal attack. This feminist horror gem turns teenage angst into full-blown supernatural chaos.
Gen Z vibe check: It’s like “I’m not like other girls,” but make it howl-worthy.
4. Scream VI (2023)
Directed by: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett
Runtime: 2h 2m
Box Office: $169 million
Ghostface in the Big Apple? Yup, this one takes the classic slasher vibes to the crowded streets of New York City. With Jenna Ortega (the queen of spooky content) leading the way, this movie keeps you guessing who the killer is until the last second.
Gen Z vibe check: A whole vibe shift. It’s giving, “What’s your favorite scary movie?” but make it modern.
5. Ernest Scared Stupid (1991)
Directed by: John R. Cherry III
Runtime: 1h 31m
Box Office: $14 million
Think slapstick comedy with a touch of childhood terror. Ernest accidentally unleashes a troll on Halloween, and chaos ensues. It’s cheesy, it’s goofy, and it’s low-key iconic. Eartha Kitt as a flamethrower-wielding old lady? Yes, please.
Gen Z vibe check: Your “main character energy” moment when you’re the only one who can save the world.
6. Terrifier 2 (2022)
Directed by: Damien Leone
Runtime: 2h 18m
Box Office: $15.4 million
If you’re not into gore, skip this one. If you are, then welcome to the blood-soaked world of Art the Clown. He’s out for a horrifying Halloween rampage, and let’s just say it’s not for the faint of heart. This low-budget flick became a viral sensation for its gruesome kills and nightmare fuel visuals.
Gen Z vibe check: It’s giving “You won’t believe what I just saw on TikTok.”
7. Casper (1995)
Directed by: Brad Silberling
Runtime: 1h 40m
Box Office: $287 million
This one’s for the softies. With a sweet ghost, a haunted mansion, and Christina Ricci being her quirky self—Casper is a cozy Halloween classic. The highlight? Casper transforms into Devon Sawa for a swoon-worthy Halloween dance.
Gen Z vibe check: Wholesome, but make it a little spooky. Like your crush sending you a Snap with no caption.
8. Idle Hands (1999)
Directed by: Rodman Flender
Runtime: 1h 32m
Box Office: $4.2 million
A stoner teen’s hand gets possessed and goes on a killing spree. Sounds ridiculous? It is. But it’s also ridiculously fun. This one’s packed with ’90s vibes, outrageous humor, and Jessica Alba in her early days.
Gen Z vibe check: Peak chaotic energy, like that one group chat where nothing makes sense but everything’s hilarious.
9. Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Directed by: Tim Burton
Runtime: 1h 45m
Box Office: $207 million
Tim Burton doing gothic horror is a no-brainer for Halloween. Johnny Depp plays a detective trying to solve a series of murders in a creepy, fog-filled village. The Headless Horseman is an absolute icon, and the eerie visuals are the chef’s kiss.
Gen Z vibe check: It’s giving “I’m spooky but make it aesthetic.”
10. House of 1000 Corpses (2003)
Directed by: Rob Zombie
Runtime: 1h 29m
Box Office: $16.8 million
If you’re into dark, twisted horror, this one’s for you. Rob Zombie takes you on a chaotic journey through a murderous family’s lair. It’s disturbing, over-the-top, and unapologetically horrifying.
Gen Z vibe check: It’s like that weird YouTube rabbit hole you fall into at 3 AM.
And there you have it—10 Halloween movies to get you in the spooky spirit! Whether you’re into jump scares, gothic vibes, or just want something to meme about later, this list has got you covered.
FAQs: Best Halloween Movies
- Which of these movies are the scariest?
Terrifier 2 and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark top the fear factor list. - Which one is family-friendly?
Casper is your best bet for wholesome spooky vibes. - What’s the funniest movie on the list?
Ernest Scared Stupid brings the LOLs with a side of spooks. - Where can I watch these?
Most are available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime.
Happy haunting!
READ MORE BLOGS RELATED TO MOVIES AND TV SHOWS:
- When Is Cobra Kai Season 6 Coming Out?
- Top Ella Purnell Movies And TV Shows To Watch
- Upcoming Leo Woodall Movies And TV Shows To Look Out For
- Eva Green Movies And TV Shows: 13 Recommendations To Watch
- Top 12 Taylor Kitsch Movies And TV Shows To Watch This Weekend
- Pushpa 2 Movie Release Date, Cast, Expected Plot, And Everything You Need To Know