It’s October which means Halloween is right around the corner! While many might think of the creative costumes and sweet treats that come with the holiday, no Halloween is complete without a spooky movie or two. So, let’s rank five of the best movies to watch while celebrating Halloween.
5). Scooby-Doo! and the Witch’s Ghost
This animated film, released in 1999, features the famous Mystery Inc. gang attempting to solve another mystery, this time with a Halloween twist. Scooby and friends must solve the mystery of who or what is haunting Autumn Fest. Initially, it seems like a straightforward case for Mystery Inc., but strange and mysterious powers emerge that complicate things. Featuring the classic Mystery Inc. hijinks along with more of a darker tone than the traditional Scooby-Doo adventures, Scooby-Doo! and the Witch’s Ghost is the perfect Halloween movie for families and kids.
Streaming On: Amazon Prime Video
4). Hocus Pocus
The 1993 cult classic Hocus Pocus is a Halloween staple. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy star as three evil witches who are set free by three unsuspecting kids. Using wits, clever spells, a talking cat, and a dash of courage, the three kids must keep the evil witches from turning immortal. Funny, spooky, and occasionally quite scary, Hocus Pocus will provide family-friendly Halloween entertainment for all ages.
3). Halloween
Halloween is a horror classic that revolutionized both Halloween-themed movies and the horror genre. The film features perhaps the most recognizable Halloween villain Michael Myers, who escapes prison and goes on a murderous rampage in his hometown of Haddonfield, Illinois. Halloween was so successful that it spawned 12 sequels, making it the most successful horror franchise of all time.
Streaming On: Amazon Prime Video
2). The Nightmare Before Christmas
Tim Burton’s stop-motion classic may seem like a Christmas movie based on the title, but rest assured, it is anything but. The film focuses on Jack Skellington, the king of Halloween Town, who discovers Christmas Town and schemes to take it over for himself. Featuring wonderfully creative animation, a catchy musical element, and a surprisingly touching story, The Nightmare Before Christmas is original and engaging for adults while remaining friendly for kids.
Streaming On: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV.
1). Halloweentown
The 1998 Disney Channel Original Movie may be campy, but it overcomes those flaws with a heavy dose of heartfelt magic that all ages will enjoy. Halloweentown follows Marnie, who discovers that she is not only a witch but comes from a family of witches. Suddenly presented with her newfound powers, Marnie and her family must prevent evil from taking over the world. Infectiously fun and full of Halloween spirit, Halloweentown has gained a well-earned cult following, which resulted in three sequels. However, the original Halloweentown is not only the best of the series but also one of the best Halloween movies of all time.
Streaming On: Disney+
Figuring out how to watch movies can be difficult in the age of streaming. With the sheer number of streaming apps, it can be hard to know if you have the ones you need to watch your favorite content. But with TDS TV+, you don’t have to worry.
TDS TV+ gives you access to over 5,000 apps through the Google Play Store. Easily stream your favorite Halloween movies through Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more with just the click of a button. And with TDS TV Everywhere, you’ll be able to stream on your preferred Internet-connected device even when you’re out of the house or traveling for the holidays.
Written by Will Chamblee, TDS Communications Intern