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For the past who-knows-how-many years, I’ve carried on the same tradition every Halloween. I gather a bunch of pillows and blankets, find my favourite snacks and sit down for a movie to celebrate what’s supposed to be the scariest night of the year.
I’ve watched movies across genres, plots and themes — all with the ability to capture that Halloween feeling I look forward to.
I’ve probably watched countless spooky movies over the years, and so I thought: why not share some with a brief synopsis?
So here it is — a list of some of my favourites!
Death Becomes Her (1992)
This is probably the most iconic film that will also go down in Broadway history. It centers on a woman taking revenge on her ex-fiancé and her scheming friend. I’m absolutely in love with how campy, dramatized and absolutely ridiculous it is! It’s one of my favourite movies of all time, if I’m being honest. I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a movie that’s a little more humour-oriented and unserious.
Twitches (2005)
Honestly, this is one of Disney’s best Halloween movies. The plot centres on magical twin witches and their subsequent reunion. It’s such a nostalgic callback and reminds me of being a kid again. And on top of that, it stars Tia and Tamera? Immediate yes.
Talk to Me (2022)
This movie has a lot of symbolism and subliminal messaging. A teenager grapples with her mother's death and starts engaging with spirits. I thought the plot was interesting, with a horrifying blend of reality between the spirit world and the living world. If you prefer a twisted thriller, this film might be right up your alley.
It’s What’s Inside (2024)
This was such a trippy film, and a fascinating experience. The plot focuses on a couple joining some old friends for a bachelor party, and tensions start to rise once they start playing around with a mysterious machine. The perspective changes — the play on “identity” was such a ride to watch and honestly a surreal experience. The plot twist was a surprise, too!
Lisa Frankenstein (2024)
If you’re into campy, wacky and almost satirical movies, this one’s a must! A teenage girl revives a dead man and, in turn, transforms him into her dream man. This movie is over-the-top in every way. From the outfits to the lines and the entire plot, it was definitely an entertaining watch and a clever satire on a lot of common 80s movies.
The Craft (1996)
This is a cult classic that’s memorable for several reasons. I think it’s a standard Halloween movie for anyone who loves anything magical and witchy. It follows a group of friends who become increasingly enamoured of and involved in their witchy coven. And honestly, I think the fashion in this film is quite inspiring.
Tin & Tina (2023)
I went into this film completely blind and unsuspecting, and it definitely shocked me. A young couple adopts a set of twins, and they're surprising in more ways than one. I think the cinematography was exceptionally beautiful, and I would highly recommend it if you enjoy international films.
The Twilight Saga
Sorry, I just had to add this one. It gets a good laugh out of me every time, and I couldn’t resist adding it to the list. If you haven’t watched it, you probably need to. It’s primarily about the love story between a vampire and a human girl. If you know, you know!
Pearl (2022)
This film will probably go down in history. It stars a young woman coping with isolation and loneliness alongside her quest for stardom and fame. I think everything about it is brilliant, from the colour grading to the storytelling and cinematography. I think it’s the best in the entire X trilogy.
Happy watching!
So go forth and watch ALL of them in one night (joking ... unless?).
Halloween only happens once a year, and there’s nothing quite like a movie binge on the day!