Despite what department stores might have you thinking, it isn’t time for Christmas just yet. Halloween has arrived, and there are a few movies I think you should watch if you want easy Halloween plans. Not all of these are Halloween movies but they do all remind me of fall or have a scary movie vibe. I don’t always love a scary movie, but I will always love weird and fun movies, so if you’re in the same boat, I think you will enjoy at least one of my top 20 Halloween movies. 

1. “The Silence of the Lambs,” 1991, R

This 1991 cult classic is one of my favorite movies of all time. The protagonist, Clarice Starling (who is from West Virginia), is exactly what was needed to counter the craziness of Buffalo Bill and Hannibal Lector in this psychological horror. “Hannibal the Cannibal” is a great character in every adaptation he is in, but he is more sociopathic than normal in this. It’s a great movie that is a Halloween staple in my house, and a definite must-watch for West Virginians since it’s one of the few movies that show our state, even if it’s only for part of the movie.

 2.  “The Substance,” 2024, R

This movie is more on the horror side of things, but not in the normal slasher or just scary way. This is body horror and sci-fi thriller all the way, so if you aren’t ok with the sight of needles or blood this is not the movie for you. Even with its creepy and sometimes grotesque visuals, it is a great social commentary too. It really highlights how extreme some modern beauty standards have become. It’s one of the few modern movies on this list but I think it will pass the test of time. 

3. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” 1975, R

“It’s just a jump to the left and a step to the right” is an iconic line from the “Time Warp” musical number. The musical horror is the cult classic of cult classics. It has a rabid fan base and die-hard fans that go to every showing they can. It’s campy and weird and vulgar and definitely rated R for a reason. It isn’t scary but it is out-there. I love all things musicals and Broadway and if you do too, it’s probably right up your alley. 

4. “Sleepaway Camp,” 1983, R

Once again, kind of a weird movie. This is low budget and badly edited. It’s trying to be a summer camp slasher but goes so far into a weird twist instead. I mean, when you start with a family drowning in the first five minutes, you know it’s going to be a little weird. It’s so bad it’s good, but if you want to laugh and get a few jump scares, this is the movie for you.

5. “Carrie,” 1976, R

This is a classic horror movie. Any Stephen King movie is good, but I think “Carrie” is one of the best. I personally liked the book better than the movie, but the 1976 version is the best version of the movie. It’s just the right amount of scary while still nailing the bully and psycho-religious mom archetypes. The build up of Carrie White coming out of her shell and feeling included for the first time ever is a great counterbalance to her breaking point at the climax of the film.

6. “The Little Shop of Horrors,” 1986, PG-13

Be careful who you buy your plants from, because before you know it you could have a giant blood-sucking alien. There is nothing that I found actually scary in this movie. Sometimes things are a little creepy but most of the movie is fun. This is another musical horror and I think it’s a great watch for most ages, but maybe don’t watch before going to the dentist.

7. “The Craft,” 1996, R

Imagine you move to a new Catholic school and the first people you befriend are a coven of want-to-be witches. That’s what happened for the main character, Sarah, in this movie. But Sarah faces peer pressure from the girls and ends up wanting to leave the coven. This movie is like “Mean Girls” if you add witchcraft and darker themes. I think this movie is a great movie to watch while you’re still in high school. It comes off as “fight the power” and “put bullies in their place” even if it ends poorly. 

8. “Hellraiser,” 1987, R

The Cenobites, or Cinnabons if you’re like me and never remember their actual name, are supposed to be scary but I always found them kind of funny looking. In theory this fantasy horror is scary, but it’s one where they went too far and it just ended up making me laugh at the ridiculousness of it all. It is a great movie though, and I think it’s just on the border of actually scary and funny to watch.

9. “The Lost Boys,” 1987, R

Teenagers, vampires and California–what more could you want? Once again, this movie isn’t scary scary but it’s kind of scary. The maggot rice always makes me gag a little and something about Kiefer Sutherland’s portrayal of David gives me the creeps. I think it’s a good vampire movie that makes the atmosphere and the actions of the gang when we don’t know they’re vampires more scary than them being vampires.

10. “Lisa Frankenstein,” 2024, PG-13

Another campy and funny movie, this is not horror at all but it is about zombies and it’s kind of a romance. The main character ends up being much too relatable if you have ever been “weird” or “different.” It is also packed full of hilarious moments, and even though Lisa is in the wrong for most of the movie you still end up rooting for her. I was skeptical of it at first, but as I watched longer, I absolutely loved it.

11. “Poltergeist,” 1982, PG

This Spielberg movie is chalked full of Halloween-y themes and is a frightening-but-not-scary movie. Personally, I think little kids are scary enough without being posed by a poltergeist but that might just be me. And the use of real human bones should make anybody shiver. I’m not always a fan of PG movies, but there is just enough scare factor to make it good.

12. “Hocus Pocus,” 1993, PG

This is one of those movies that I think will be a classic if it’s not considered one already. It is Disney Halloween and it’s everything you’d want or need in a feel-good Halloween movie. Everything about this movie is great, from the beautiful setting to the great soundtrack. The three sisters and their goal to take back their town might be on the villainous side of this movie but you can’t not root for them a tiny bit.

13. “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” 1997, R

Another classic slasher film that continues to offer a thrilling experience even after 29 years, this is one of those movies that keeps you guessing and remembering the film long after you’re done with it. It’s a great example of classic 90’s horror and perfect if you need something that has a nostalgic feeling while still keeping you on your toes. It’s a must-watch if you enjoy that original and iconic slasher feel.

14. “Scream,” 1996, R

A classic slasher film that is an absolute must-watch for anyone. The use of Drew Barrymore as the poster girl when she dies in the first five minutes was a new and exciting concept that had, at the time, barely been used before. It was a new and rejuvenating movie to add to the horror genre and I think everyone should at least watch the original movie once even if they don’t watch the sequels. 

15. “Ghostbusters,” 1984, PG

“Who you gonna call?” “Ghostbusters” was a funny and new take on the classic supernatural scary movie. It has (mostly) stood the test of time, with its witty jokes and iconic costumes pulling it into the icon level of films. Even if you haven’t seen the movie, which you should totally watch by the way, you have probably heard its theme song. With its fright-inducing opening cords and catchy melody, the song is enough of a reason to watch this movie.

16. “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, 1966, G

This short Charlie Brown Halloween special is great no matter how old you get. I watch this every year with my family and it just is such a great short watch to get you in the Halloween mood. The Great Pumpkin is, in theory, a wonderful mascot for the holiday, especially as a counterpart to characters like Santa and the Easter Bunny. This movie is cute and will always hold a special place in my heart and I think everyone should watch it at least once. 

17. “Beetlejuice,” 1988, PG

“Beetlejuice. Beetlejuice. Beetlejuice.” The classic movie has been alluded to and referenced in so many modern movies and shows, that it has cemented itself as a Halloween classic. Beetlejuice himself is such a gross and disturbing character and in comparison to the Maitland’s sweetness, it is such a good dynamic. This movie is a must-watch for anyone that wants to be in the Halloween spirit.

18. “The Blair Witch Project,” 1999, R

This horror film is a found footage movie, where three college students travel to a small town to collect documentary footage about the Blair Witch, but after getting lost in the woods, the videos take a horrifying turn. The way the students go crazy and it’s all shown through these found clips is such a cool concept and it made its mark as a staple in the horror genre. 

19. “Monsterhouse,” 2006, PG

This is once again a kids movie but I think it can hold its own in the horror/comedy genre. The way the three main characters aren’t believed by the adults around them really shows why they take matters into their own hands. When the house is shown to actually be alive, and after the kids face their fears, they eventually do try and help the house. It shows how we should help people even if it is scary. It has a good message and is a fun movie to watch no matter your age.

20. “Practical Magic,” 1998, PG-13

“Always throw spilled salt over your left shoulder, keep rosemary by your garden gate, plant lavender for luck, and fall in love whenever you can.” This movie is a late 90’s classic that has everything a cozy movie night needs. It’s got romance, it’s got drama, it’s got magic. It’s a classic witch movie, but it’s not scary. It’s a movie about sisterhood and family and the bonds that tie us together. It’s one of my favorites to watch around Halloween, and it’s definitely a must-watch for anyone who loves witchy movies.