Where you can stream 15 classic Halloween movies this year

Halloween is almost here, which means it’s time to start watching classic Halloween movies. If you’re short on time for the holidays and need a cheat sheet on where to stream the best of the best, we’ve got you. Below, we’ve put together a list of where you can stream 15 classic Halloween movies right now. This includes true icons like the original ‘Halloween’ and ‘Scream’, family-friendly fare like ‘Halloweentown’ and ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ and unforgettable ’80s slashers to hide under your blanket.

Check out our list below, if you dare.

“Halloween” (1978)

Streaming on AMC+ and Fubo

The O.G. The classic. The icon. John Carpenter’s ‘Halloween’ was a small-budget indie that spawned a franchise as slow-moving serial killer Michael Myers tormented the sleepy town of Haddonfield, Illinois on Halloween night. Jamie Lee Curtis achieved scream queen status with her turn as a babysitter who takes on Myers in this and five other sequels. You’ll find more “Halloween” movies on AMC+ and Fubo, and the 2018 film, a direct sequel to the original, is streaming on Netflix.

“Scream” (1996)

Stream on Max

Wes Craven reinvented the horror genre with 1996’s ‘Scream’, a slasher in which the villain has seen every iconic horror film and taunts his victims with his cinephile knowledge. Countless rip-offs would follow, but ‘Scream’ remains one of the best, scariest and funniest horror films ever made.

“Trick ‘r Treat” (2007)

Stream on Max

This anthology film, set on Halloween night, became a cult classic on home video for good reason. The film tells a series of short stories that all take place in the same town on the same night: Halloween. We’re still waiting for that sequel.

“The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)

Stream on Disney+

The perfect bridge between Halloween and Christmas (sorry Thanksgiving), the Tim Burton-produced, Henry Selick-directed stop-motion musical remains one of Disney’s most valuable brands more than three decades later.

“Halloween Town” (1998)

Stream on Disney+

This Disney Channel original movie was a favorite of Millennials growing up and stands as a family-friendly alternative to the nightmare-inducing classics on this list.

“Hocus Pocus” (1993)

Stream on Disney+

A flop upon release, “Hocus Pocus” gained “icon” status in the years that followed, thanks in part to numerous airings on Disney Channel every Halloween. The sequel, released in 2022, is also on Disney+, but nothing reminiscent of the original.

“A Nightmare on Elm Street” (1984)

Stream on Max

If you’re looking for iconic slasher villains, Freddy Kruger – a villain who kills teenagers in their dreams – in Wes Craven’s “Nightmare on Elm Street” is a must.

“Friday the 13th” (1980)

Streaming on Paramount+, AMC+ and Shudder

And when you look at Freddy, it’s best to also look at Jason with a machete.

“The Exorcist” (1973)

Stream on Max

For sheer terror, William Friedkin’s possession film “The Exorcist” remains one of the most terrifying films ever made.

“The Shining” (1980)

Stream on Max and AMC+

Ditto Stanley Kubrick’s ‘The Shining’, which is terrifying for several reasons. Author Stephen King was notably not a fan of Kubrick’s interpretation of his book, which pushes aside the overt supernatural aspects for a more grounded look at a father going crazy.

“Beetlejuice” (1988)

Stream on Max

Few do ‘Halloween vibes’ better than Tim Burton and his classic 1988 horror comedy ‘Beetlejuice’ is a great way to set the mood. Especially in the wake of the release of the sequel, which isn’t currently streaming but can be purchased or rented on Digital. It’s solid!

“The Addams Family” (1991) and “Addams Family Values” (1993)

Streaming on Paramount+ and Fubo

They’re creepy and they’re goofy. While “The Addams Family” is a creepy delight, the sequel “Addams Family Values” is arguably even better with a pitch-perfect performance from Joan Cusack as a serial killer who marries Christopher Lloyd’s uncle Fester in an attempt to take his fortune – but he goes just not dead!

“Shaun of the Dead” (2004)

Streaming on Peacock

There definitely needs to be a zombie movie on this list, and Edgar Wright’s zom-rom-com ‘Shaun of the Dead’ is a great way to spend Halloween week. Funny, creepy, romantic and totally coolit is a classic for a reason.

“Practical Magic” (1998)

Stream on Max

For witchy vibes, you can’t go wrong with ‘Practical Magic’. The ’90s film stars Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as sisters/witches who enter an abusive relationship using their witch powers, all against a perfect fall backdrop.