It’s officially the most wonderful time of year: Spooky season is FINALLY here! Whether you’re looking to cuddle up with some pumpkin spice and watch a sweet fall-themed flick or you’re a horror fanatic who loves getting scared straight, our staff has curated a list of Halloween movie picks just for you.
For those looking to add a little bit of magic to their month.
Halloweentown: A suburban family is visited by their estranged, eccentric grandmother only to discover that they, along with their grandmother, possess otherworldly powers that they must use to protect the mortal world from the dark forces that control another dimension. Available on Disney+
Hocus Pocus: Double, double toil and triple the trouble is what Max Dennison accidentally unleashes into a small New England town when he resurrects three evil witches. Available on Disney+
Practical Magic: A heartbroken witch casts a spell that prevents her from ever falling or feeling love again. Unfortunately, her spell goes awry and curses her entire mystical, magical family. Watch for free on Hulu.
The Nightmare Before Christmas: Blink 182 said it best, there’s no better love story than that of the zombie bride Sally and the misguided Pumpkin King, Jack Skellington. Curl up on the couch and sing along to Tim Burton’s twisted tale. Available to rent on Amazon Prime.
For fans of the classics.
Halloween: A disturbed child is sent to a psychiatric hospital after committing a brutal crime. He manages to escape the institution 15 years after the tragic incident, returns to his hometown, and begins preying upon unsuspecting teenagers. Available to rent on Amazon Prime.
Poltergeist: An all-American family finds themselves haunted by a malevolent being that tries to entrap their youngest child in an unknown dimension. Now streaming on Netflix.
The Night of the Living Dead: How could we resist the opportunity to highlight Pittsburgh native George Ramero? Ramero’s The Night of the Living Dead was not only shot just outside of the ‘Burgh, but has been dubbed one of the most influential horror films of all time. Start streaming on Shudder or check out Ramero’s permanent collection at the Hillman Library.
The Silence of the Lambs: A young FBI trainee works with Hannibal Lecter, a famed psychiatrist-turned-killer, to track down a mass murder. Now streaming on Netflix.
Psycho: A young secretary is on the run after stealing a large sum of money from her employer to escape a dire situation with her boyfriend. Exhausted from her escape, she stumbles across a roadside motel and begins to experience strange encounters with the motel’s proprietor. Available to watch on Youtube Premium.
Scream: Who knew horror and comedy could clash and turn into one of the greatest cult classic horror film franchises of all time? Watch Sidney Prescott battle high school, family drama, and the famed Ghostface killer. Available to rent on Amazon Prime.
For those who love a good scream!
Get Out: Meeting your significant other’s parents can be a bit intimidating, especially when they are trying to harvest your body for their own benefit. Watch Jordan Peele’s take on race, class, and inequality in America in this frightening, yet thought-provoking film. Available to rent on Amazon Prime.
Hereditary: A family begins to encounter a series of strange circumstances after the death of their matriarch, leading them to wonder whether they’re faced with a string of bad luck or if their experiences boil down to genetics. Watch for free on Amazon Prime.
The Conjuring: The 70s weren’t always groovy. Sometimes they were far more sinister, especially for the Perron family who became haunted by a witch after moving into an old Rhode Island home. Available to rent on Amazon Prime.