Buzz
In 1978, John Carpenter and Debra Hill created a timeless holiday classic, a film that has become a staple for the spooky season, perfect for annual viewing—it’s titled Halloween, and it’s set on Halloween, leaving no room for ambiguity. Even if it weren’t such a masterpiece, its clear thematic focus would make it a must-watch. For those seeking more, there are twelve additional films, all centered on the holiday or its lead-up.
It’s far from the only one: Countless horror films are set on or around Halloween, as the date naturally lends itself to eerie tales. However, there are also less obvious choices, some only loosely tied to the spooky vibe, while others offer unexpected connections. These films all share a link to the season, whether through their setting or key scenes involving Halloween festivities.
E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Halloween provides the perfect opportunity for Elliott and his friends to take E.T. on a town tour, disguised as a rather unconvincing ghost. Though the holiday sequence is short, it culminates in one of the film’s most iconic and frequently recreated moments.
Where to stream: Peacock
The Batman (2022)
Drawing inspiration, in part, from the graphic novel/miniseries The Long Halloween, The Batman begins fittingly on Halloween night, with the Riddler committing the murder of Gotham’s mayor. For this and other reasons, the allure of Halloween in Gotham completely escapes me.
Where to stream: HBO Max
Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)
Director Frank Capra infused this film with a cozy charm reminiscent of It’s a Wonderful Life, making it a fitting choice for Halloween viewing, much like the latter is for Christmas. Cary Grant stars as Mortimer Brewster, a playwright notorious for his aversion to marriage, who finds himself embarrassed after falling for and marrying a minister’s daughter—on Halloween. While stopping by his aunts’ home on his way to his honeymoon, he discovers a dead body hidden in a box under the window. From there, the situation only grows stranger.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Ed Wood (1994)
Is there a better way to celebrate Halloween than tuning into classic horror films (featuring Vampira) on TV and delighting trick-or-treaters with Bela Lugosi? Ed Wood certainly couldn’t think of one.
Where to stream: Digital rental
The Karate Kid (1984)
Arguably the most pivotal moment in the entire franchise, the Halloween dance scene in The Karate Kid features Daniel attempting to steer clear of Johnny and his karate-crazed pals by donning a shower curtain costume. Things go smoothly until he decides to douse Johnny with a hose while the latter is indisposed. Ali, his love interest, is momentarily impressed by his boldness, but that changes when Johnny and his crew, dressed in matching skeleton outfits, catch up to him. Thankfully, Mr. Miyagi is nearby to save the day.
Where to stream: Showtime
Cowboy Bebop: The Movie (2001)
Not only is this an exhilarating and captivating Cowboy Bebop adventure (encapsulating the essence of the series in a standalone format), but it also serves as an unconventional yet fitting Halloween film. Set throughout the spooky season, it’s filled with pumpkin motifs and culminates in a thrilling Halloween parade.
Where to stream: Crackle
Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
Though often associated with Christmas due to Judy Garland’s poignant rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” Meet Me in St. Louis spans an entire year. The Halloween segment stands out for its focus on Tootie (Margaret O’Brien), the youngest sister with a fascination for death. She already tends to a doll graveyard, making Halloween her time to shine.
Where to stream: Digital rental
American Splendor (2003)
American Splendor kicks off on Halloween, and while the scene is brief, it perfectly encapsulates Harvey Pekar’s character. While other children dress as superheroes, Harvey has no interest in costumes, seeing no purpose in them—he knows he doesn’t belong, and he’s fine with that.
Where to stream: HBO Max
To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
On Halloween night, we discover the truth about Boo Radley, one of the most feared and misunderstood (white) figures in the community, revealing his kind and misunderstood nature.
Where to stream: Digital rental
The Skeleton Twins (2014)
The titular twins, long separated, reunite after two near-death experiences. The local Halloween parade provides a perfect backdrop for their reunion, even if things don’t go as smoothly as hoped.
Where to stream: Starz, Kanopy
A Cinderella Story (2004)
Often labeled a “cult classic,” A Cinderella Story was a commercial success in the early 2000s (and has even inspired couples’ costumes this year). The film follows two online pen pals (Hilary Duff and Chad Michael Murray) who decide to meet at their school’s Halloween dance, leading to a climactic moment.
Where to stream: Netflix
Donnie Darko (2001)
In addition to inspiring the classic “creepy rabbit” Halloween costume, the film is set in October 1988, with all the strange visions and premonitions Donnie experiences throughout the movie culminating in a clearer (though still ambiguous) revelation on Halloween night.
Where to stream: HBO Max
Mean Girls (2004)
As Mean Girls teaches us, Halloween is the one time of year when dressing provocatively isn’t just acceptable—it’s practically mandatory. Newcomer Cady (Lindsay Lohan) arrives at the Halloween party as a corpse bride with exaggerated teeth, further alienating her from the popular crowd, despite her costume being undeniably impressive.
Where to stream: Paramount+
Batman Forever (1995)
Despite being far too old for Halloween tricks, The Riddler and Two-Face cleverly gain access to Wayne Manor and even the Batcave by simply asking for candy. Gotham’s security seems surprisingly lenient.
Where to stream: HBO Max
The Predator (2018)
Rory stumbles upon a Predator mask, believing it will shield him from Halloween bullies...and it does. Not because the mask looks cool, but because it’s a genuine helmet from an actual Predator.
Where to stream: Fubo, FXNow
The Crow (1994)
It’s no shock that the film credited with bringing goth culture to the mainstream is set around Halloween. The entire story revolves around the holiday, with Eric Draven set to marry on Halloween but instead murdered on Devil’s Night (the eve of Halloween). A year later, he rises from the dead to seek vengeance and reunite with his beloved.
Where to stream: Showtime, Fubo
Wonder (2017)
A pivotal and emotionally charged moment in the film features Auggie, a boy with Treacher Collins syndrome, who cherishes Halloween because it allows him to wear a mask and blend in. However, blending in also means he overhears other children cruelly mocking his appearance.
Where to stream: Digital rental
St. Elmo’s Fire (1985)
The Halloween party scene in St. Elmo’s Fire is packed with memorable moments: generic costumes, a tame fistfight, and Rob Lowe delivering a sweaty saxophone solo (a theme director Joel Schumacher would later perfect in The Lost Boys).
Where to stream: HBO Max
Practical Magic (1998)
The charming witch-themed romance follows the Owens sisters, who hold contrasting perspectives on their family’s magical legacy. By the story’s climax, they reconcile and unite to partake in a peculiar Halloween ritual: leaping off the roof (a practice best left to fiction).
Where to stream: HBO Max, Fubo
The Guest (2014)
In the stylish thriller The Guest, a couple mourning their son’s death in the Afghanistan war is visited by David, his best friend. The situation turns eerie, then violent, culminating in a chaotic and bloody Halloween dance scene.
Where to stream: Digital rental
