Currently Screaming’s Top 5 Halloween Movie Must-Watches

If you’re anything like us, October isn’t just a month. It’s a lifestyle. The air gets crisp, your caffeine intake triples, and suddenly you’re convincing yourself that watching “just one more” spooky movie at 2 a.m. is self-care.

This week, we’re ranking our Top 5 Halloween Movie Must-Watches, from ghostly comedies to animated masterpieces that still give us chills (and comfort) in equal measure.

So grab your blanket, pour yourself something pumpkin flavored, and let’s dive in.

1. Beetlejuice

It’s showtime. Beetlejuice is chaotic, clever, and unapologetically weird — exactly how Halloween should feel. With Tim Burton’s signature dark humor and Winona Ryder’s moody brilliance, this cult classic makes the afterlife look like a party you actually want to attend.

It’s funny, creepy, and the kind of movie you quote year-round without even realizing it.

2. Coraline

Buttons, shadows, and unsettling perfection. Coraline is eerie in the most beautiful way — a haunting reminder that curiosity can be both powerful and dangerous. Every detail is stunning, and the story still manages to creep under your skin no matter how many times you’ve seen it.

It’s the perfect mix of wonder and discomfort.

3. The Nightmare Before Christmas

Is it a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? We’re claiming it for both. The Nightmare Before Christmas is pure Tim Burton magic, filled with hauntingly catchy music, stunning visuals, and the most lovable skeleton of all time.

Jack Skellington’s identity crisis is all too relatable, and the film’s cozy-goth aesthetic is unmatched.

4. The Addams Family

They’re spooky, they’re kooky, and they make every dysfunctional family look downright wholesome. The Addams Family is the definition of campy comfort — funny, macabre, and endlessly rewatchable.

Morticia and Gomez are relationship goals, Wednesday is an icon, and honestly, this film just feels like Halloween.

5. Casper

The ultimate cozy ghost story. Casper is sweet, nostalgic, and just the right amount of sad — the perfect balance of heart and haunting. Christina Ricci delivers a timeless performance, and that “Can I keep you?” moment? Still gets us every time.

It’s a gentle reminder that Halloween doesn’t always have to be scary to be special.

Final Thoughts

Halloween isn’t just about the jump scares — it’s about the vibes. These five films capture everything we love about the season: nostalgia, magic, humor, and a touch of melancholy.

So dim the lights, grab your snacks, and start your rewatch marathon. We’ll be right there with you, screaming (and maybe crying) through every frame.

Join Ashlyn behind the mic every week on Currently Screaming. Subscribe to the podcast and keep screaming along with the fandom.