If you love halloween and love spooky vibes but still want to be able to sleep at night- this list is for you. I love spooky vibes but I’m a scaredy cat. This is my go-to list to set the mood for halloween minus the extra jumpscares:
PS: this list is not ranked in any particular order.
Disclaimer: This list is from a Canadian user- streaming platforms may differ depending on your country.
1. Hocus Pocus (1993)
This movie is classically Halloween. It’s got Salem, witches, spells, cats, and fall vibes. Sit back with a pumpkin-themed drink and take a trip back to 1993 with the Sanderson sisters. While this is a kids movie, I really did enjoy it as an adult and it had a good balance of spooky and cozy.
Runtime: 96 minutes
Where to watch: Disney+
2. Haunted Mansion (2023)
Another movie born from a Disney ride. Having been to the haunted mansion ride at Disney recently, I really enjoyed this movie. A single mom and her son move into a haunted mansion and try to enlist the help of an exorcist, a ghost capturer, and a psychic to rid the mansion of ghosts. This movie is pretty funny and has good supernatural effects.
Runtime: 123 Minutes
Where to Watch: Disney +
3.Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
Best HP adaptation hands down. The cinematography of this movie screams Halloween. We also get the most book-accurate Harry. Harry and his friends return to Hogwarts for their third year but they have more to worry about apart from some new courses and exams. They are on the lookout for Sirius Black, a dangerous convict who has escaped from the most guarded wizard prison- Azkaban.
Runtime: 139 Minutes
Where to Watch: HBO Max
4. Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince (2009)
Not my favourite HP adaptation but the aesthetic of this movie is very Halloween-like. Harry returns for his 6th year at Hogwarts and as usual, gears up for another unusual year with some dangerous extra-curricular lessons with Dumbledore that will change the fate of the Wizarding World forever.
Runtime: 153 Minutes
Where to Watch: HBO Max
5. Cruella (2021)
This movie goes into the origin story of Cruela De Vil. Set in 1970s Punk Rock London, this movie delivers glitzy fashion, excellent cinematography, and an eerie vibe. The two Emmas are *chef’s kiss* spectacular. This movie has some great unexpected twists and will keep you entertained throughout.
Runtime: 134 minutes
Where to Watch: Disney +
6.Spirited Away (2001)
Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpiece is a must watch. This movie follows the coming-of-age story of Chihiro as she enters the spirit world to save her parents who have been turned into pigs. This movie is so beautiful and such a treat to watch. This movie won in the Best Animated Feature category in the 2003 Oscars and once you watch it, you know there could not have been any competition. The movie offers a view into Japanese supernaturalism and folklore and can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.
Runtime: 125 Minutes
Where to Watch: Netflix (may not be available in all countries)
7. Monster House (2006)
I stumbled upon this movie as a kid and it was truly terrifying while also being very heartfelt and emotional. The title is self-explanatroy- the house is a monster and three teens must find a way to destroy it before it can cause any harm. On this journey, the teens not only conquer their fears, but also learn more about themselves. Definitely spooky, definitely has a few jumpscares.
Runtime: 91 minutes
Where to Watch: Netflix (may not be available in all countries)
8. Zombieland (2009)
This movie is equal parts creepy and funny. What’s not to like about Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, and Woody Harrelson? An odd group of survivors try to make their way through post-apocalyptic, zombie-filled America to get to safety.
Runtime: 88 minutes
Where to Watch: Netflix/Amazon Prime
9. The Addams Family (1993)
This movie is ingrained in the pop culture hall of fame for eternity and is a Halloween tradition for many. Even though we have had several versions of the Addams Family and Wednesday Addams, this movie has a special place in my heart. This movie has probably the best casting ever and delivers the creepiness, comedy, drama and fun in one. Pay a visit to the most eccentric family that you’ll ever meet this Halloween.
Runtime: 99 Minutes
Where to Watch: Netflix/Paramount +
10. Coco (2017)
Pixar guarantees taking you on an emotional and visual journey in every movie. This movie is arguably the most visually stunning Pixar movie. On the Day of the Dead, Miguel, an aspiring musician accidentally gets a cursed placed upon himself and must return to the Land of the Living before sunrise to keep himself alive. Through this journey, he meets his deceased relatives and learns more about his family and their relationship with music. This movie is a true audio-visual treat!
Runtime: 105 Minutes
Where to Watch: Disney+
