If you‘re looking for the best Halloween movies to stream this spooky season, you‘ve come to the right place! As an experienced streaming expert and horror film fanatic, I‘ve put together the ultimate guide to the top Halloween movies available on today‘s most popular streaming platforms.
In this comprehensive 31-movie list, you‘ll find killer Halloween classics, hidden gems, family-friendly options and downright terrifying flicks on Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime and more. I‘ll give you a sneak peek into exactly what‘s available and provide extra context like release years, ratings, awards pedigree and other fun facts to help you choose.
By the end, you‘ll have all the information needed to plan the perfect Halloween movie marathon!
Here‘s a quick peek at the movies we‘ll be covering:
Netflix
- Hubie Halloween
- Gerald‘s Game
- The Babysitter
- Apostle
- The Ritual
- And more!
Disney+
- Hocus Pocus
- The Nightmare Before Christmas
- Frankenweenie
- Halloweentown
- Twitches
- And more!
Other Streaming Services
- Hellfest (AMC+)
- Trick ‘r Treat (Shudder)
- The Guest (Showtime)
- Get Out (FXNow)
- Child‘s Play (Starz)
- And more!
Let‘s get to the good stuff!
Netflix Has Some Surprising Halloween Gems
With popular originals and cult horror classics, Netflix has one of the best and most extensive Halloween movie collections of any major streaming service.
Out of the thousands of options, here are my top 7 Netflix movie recommendations for maximum Halloween viewing pleasure:
1. Hubie Halloween (2020)
Of all the recent Netflix originals, I think Hubie Halloween is one of the most fun and festive Halloween films available.
The premise is classic Adam Sandler – his character Hubie is essentially the village idiot of Salem, Massachusetts who takes Halloween extremely seriously. When a real escaped criminal arrives in town, only the overly earnest Hubie can convince the police and residents that something dangerous is brewing.
With its ensemble cast of Sandler regulars including Julie Bowen, Maya Rudolph, Ray Liotta, Kevin James, Rob Schneider and Steve Buscemi, you can expect lots of purposefully stupid laughs. While critics gave it mixed reviews, I found it to be a thoroughly entertaining Halloween romp.
Release: 2020
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 1h 42m
2. The Ritual (2017)
If you‘re looking for a genuinely creepy, atmospheric horror flick, The Ritual needs to be on your radar.
It follows a group of male college friends who take a hiking trip through Sweden to honor their dead peer. But the woods hold something far more sinister than they expected. The slow build dread is very effective and it has one of the coolest monster designs I‘ve seen in years.
The stellar cast includes Rafe Spall, Robert James-Collier and Sam Troughton. Director David Bruckner does amazing work ratcheting up the tension throughout. It‘s like The Blair Witch Project meets Norse mythology. Easily one of Netflix‘s best original horror movies.
Release: 2017
Rating: TV-MA
Runtime: 1h 34m
3. The Babysitter (2017)
For a wildly fun, blood-soaked take on the innocent babysitter trope, be sure to watch The Babysitter this Halloween.
From the producer of The Hangover, it‘s about a 12-year-old boy who discovers his hot babysitter (Samara Weaving) is actually the leader of a satanic cult. What follows is an absurd, gory night of mayhem as he tries to survive her twisted followers, portrayed by hotties like Robbie Amell and Bella Thorne.
It‘s a clever twist on expectations with funny writing and slasher-style kills. The 2017 sequel isn‘t quite as novel but still entertains.
Release: 2017
Rating: TV-MA
Runtime: 1h 25m
4. Apostle (2018)
One of Netflix‘s most underrated original horrors, this folk nightmare comes courtesy of ultra-violent action director Gareth Evans (The Raid: Redemption).
Set in 1905, Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey) stars as Thomas, a man who infiltrates a remote island cult to rescue his sister. He discovers the mysterious religion hides frightening secrets as they worship a pagan goddess.
Michael Sheen is haunting as the cult leader Malcolm and the dreary, Welsh isle setting oozes gothic dread. This is a harrowing, unique spin on the classic Wicker Man premise. Not for the faint of heart!
Release: 2018
Rating: TV-MA
Runtime: 2h 10m
5. Gerald‘s Game (2017)
Prolific horror director Mike Flanagan (Haunting of Hill House) delivers one of Stephen King‘s novels most cinematic adaptations with the psychological thriller Gerald‘s Game.
When her husband (Bruce Greenwood) dies unexpectedly during a remote cabin retreat, Carla Gugino must fight to survive while still handcuffed to the bed. Most of the runtime is a one-woman show relying on inner monologues and hallucinations.
Gugino is mesmerizing, portraying her character‘s frantic resourcefulness and repressed trauma. Flanagan also sneaks in some chilling imagery that will stick with you long after the credits roll.
Release: 2017
Rating: TV-MA
Runtime: 1h 43m
6. Cult of Chucky (2017)
To cap off my Netflix picks, I‘d be remiss not to mention the 7th installment in the massively successful Child‘s Play franchise – Cult of Chucky.
The wise-cracking killer doll Chucky returns to wreak havoc in an asylum, gleefully terrorizing a young woman who‘s confused about her sanity and family history.
While the series has had major tonal shifts and retcons, Don Mancini‘s directing and consistent dark humor keep it engaging for long-time fans. This is definitely one of the gorier, moreMETA editions.
Jennifer Tilly steals scenes as Tiffany and the mental institution setting provides great isolation and paranoia. If you want to get your killer toy fix this Halloween, Chucky always delivers the blood-soaked goods.
Release: 2017
Rating: R
Runtime: 1h 31m
Disney+: Halloween Classics for Families
Disney has an impressive collection of family-friendly Halloween films, both nostalgic favorites and newer computer-animated hits.
Here are my top picks from Disney‘s Halloween vault:
1. Hocus Pocus (1993)
For millenials, Hocus Pocus is the quintessential Halloween movie, never failing to entertain after endless rewatches.
Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker play the delightfully campy Sanderson Sisters, 17th century witches newly resurrected in modern Salem. Omri Katz stars as skeptical teen Max Dennison who accidentally brings them back on Halloween night. He teams up with his sister Dani (Thora Birch) and classmate Allison (Vinessa Shaw) to stop the child-hungry sisters‘ carnage.
With a perfectly nostalgic early ‘90s ambiance (that "I Put a Spell on You" cover!), there‘s no better choice for a family-friendly Halloween classic.
Release: 1993
Rating: PG
Runtime: 1h 36m
2. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
For many ‘90s kids, The Nightmare Before Christmas was their first taste of Tim Burton‘s darkly whimsical style, bringing together Halloween and Christmas in an imaginative clash of holidays.
The stop-motion musical sees pumpkin king Jack Skellington grow tired of Halloween and attempt to take over Christmas duties. The results are a ghoulishly fun hybrid of festivities with standout Danny Elfman songs.
Though short on plot, the stunning visuals and creativity make it incredibly rewatchable. It also serves as quality family bonding time picking out hidden details in the attire and set design.
Release: 1993
Rating: PG
Runtime: 1h 16m
3. Twitches (2005)
For a Disney Channel Original Halloween flick, you can‘t top Twitches, starring twin sister duo Tia and Tamera Mowry of Sister Sister fame.
On their 21st birthday, the separated-at-birth twins discover their magical powers and that they‘re princesses in a fantasy realm. With the help of their guardian (Kristen Wilson), they must use their new Wiccan abilities to defeat an evil darkness.
It‘s enjoyably corny, tapping into the Mowrys‘ trademark chemistry. And the special effects aren‘t bad considering the mid-2000s Disney budget. Wholesome Halloween fun!
Release: 2005
Rating: TV-PG
Runtime: 1h 26m
4. Mom‘s Got a Date With a Vampire (2000)
Malcolm in the Middle‘s Jane Kaczmarek stars as the unsuspecting mom who winds up dating a cloaked vampire in this made-for-TV Disney flick.
Her kids Adam (Robert Carradine) and Chelsea (Laura Vandervoort) learn his secret and race to stop him making their mom his eternal bride.
With a catchy title and premise, it‘s perfect nostalgic Disney Channel fare. Plus Matt O‘Leary is adorable as their little brother.
Release: 2000
Rating: TV-PG
Runtime: 1h 25m
5. Frankenweenie (2012)
Acclaimed director Tim Burton returned to his roots with this touching, stop-motion adaptation of his 1984 live-action short film Frankenweenie.
It follows young Victor (Charlie Tahan) who reanimates his dead pet dog Sparky, evoking parallels to Frankenstein. When his classmates learn his secret and conduct their own science experiments, monster mayhem ensues.
With Burton‘s signature weird, gothic design, it‘s a visually captivating homage to old horror films and the bond between a boy and his dog. The black-and-white aesthetic adds to the classic monster movie vibe.
Release: 2012
Rating: PG
Runtime: 1h 27m
Don‘t Sleep on These Halloween Hits Hiding on Other Streamers
Beyond the major platforms, niche services like Shudder and AMC+ have fantastic collections of Halloween movies, both nostalgic and recent.
Here are some frighteningly good picks:
1. Hell Fest (2018) – AMC+
As a huge slasher fan, I highly recommend Hell Fest for a terrifying twist on Halloween haunts.
A costumed serial killer stalks unsuspecting visitors at a horror-themed amusement park. Rising scream queen Amy Forsyth plays the Final Girl trying to convince her skeptical friends (Reign Edwards, Bex Taylor-Klaus) that a real murderer is loose.
It‘s self-aware about genre cliches but still delivers nerve-racking set pieces and brutal kills as the dark rides become deadly.
Release: 2018
Rating: R
Runtime: 1h 29m
2. Trick ‘r Treat (2007) – Shudder
Despite being an instant Halloween cult classic, Michael Dougherty’s anthology Trick ‘r Treat flew under the radar upon initial release before gaining traction over the years.
Intertwining stories explore the bloody consequences of breaking Halloween traditions, linking tales of demons, werewolves, and undead. The icon Sam – a creepy sack-headed child – makes recurring appearances.
Clever writing, gory shocks, and respect for the holiday make it required viewing for hardcore Halloween fans.
Release: 2007
Rating: R
Runtime: 1h 22m
3. The Guest (2014) – Showtime
Before he was our current Batman, Dan Stevens starred in this hidden gem thriller with a retro-synth soundtrack that feels ripped from a lost ‘80s movie.
After the Peterson family loses their soldier son, the charming David (Stevens) arrives claiming to be his army buddy. But he may have sinister connections to their son‘s death.
Maika Monroe (It Follows) plays the suspicious daughter who tries convincing her trusting family of the truth. Stevens is super charismatic as a possible psychopath.
Release: 2014
Rating: R
Runtime: 1h 40m
Scary Streaming Secrets
To ensure you have the best movie marathon experience, here are some streaming tips from a home entertainment pro:
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Use a VPN like Surfshark or ExpressVPN to access more content and protect your privacy.
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Plug your streaming device directly into ethernet instead of using WiFi for faster speeds.
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Adjust TV settings like backlight and brightness for optimal dark room viewing.
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Use headphones or surround sound to fully immerse yourself.
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Hide pesky notifications that can ruin jump scares!
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Check JustWatch to find where any title is streaming.
I hope you enjoyed this monstrous list of the top Halloween movies worth streaming this season! Let me know your must-see recommendations on Facebook or Twitter!
Happy haunting!
