Halloween Movie Guide: Creepy as Hell to Kid-Friendly

This Halloween movie guide takes the guesswork out of movie night. Instead of wasting time scrolling, you’ll find the best horror, thrillers, family-friendly films, and kid-safe classics all in one place, plus where to stream them. If you’re planning a cozy fall night, don’t miss our easy crock pot ham recipe or get your house ready with these ideas for Halloween decor from Amazon.

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Horror: For the “I Like to Sleep With the Lights On” Crowd

These are the classics and the nightmares that’ll have you side-eyeing your closet door at 3am.

• Halloween (1978) – Streaming on AMC Plus, Shudder, or free on Xumo.
• The Exorcist (1973) – Rent only.
• The Shining (1980) – Rent only.
• A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) – Rent only.
• Friday the 13th (1980) – Paramount Plus, Kanopy, or rent.
• Hereditary – Rent only.
• The Conjuring – Streaming on Max.
• Scream (1996) – Rent now, Paramount Plus in October.
• The Babadook – Hulu, AMC Plus, or free on Pluto.
• The Witch (2015) – Rent only.

Thriller: For People Who Pretend They’re “Too Mature” for Horror

Suspense, tension, and just enough creep factor without buckets of fake blood.

• Silence of the Lambs – Streaming on Max.
• Get Out – On Max.
• The Sixth Sense – Peacock Premium.
• The Others (2001) – AMC Plus/Shudder.
• Se7en – Max/Peacock.
• Misery – Streaming on Max.
• The Ring (2002) – Free on Roku Channel.
• Signs – AMC Plus.

Family-Friendly: Because Not Everyone Wants Therapy After Movie Night

Cozy, witchy, and ghosty fun that still feels festive.

• Hocus Pocus (1993 & 2022) – Both on Disney Plus.
• Beetlejuice (1988) – Rent only.
• Ghostbusters (1984) – On Starz.
• The Addams Family (1991) & Addams Family Values (1993) – Paramount Plus.
• Practical Magic – Disney Plus/Hulu.
• Casper (1995) – Rent only.
• Haunted Mansion (2023) – Disney Plus.

Kids: Keep the Nightmares Away (Mostly)

These are safe, fun, and Halloween-y without scarred childhood memories.

• It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown – Apple TV Plus.
• The Nightmare Before Christmas – Rent only (sometimes Disney Plus).
• Coraline – Free on Roku Channel in October.
• Monster House – Rent only.
• Hotel Transylvania – Free on Roku Channel.
• ParaNorman – Rent only.
• Frankenweenie – Disney Plus.
• Halloweentown – Disney Plus.
• Muppets Haunted Mansion – Disney Plus.

How to Watch Without Getting Ripped Off

• Subscriptions: If you already have Disney Plus, Max, or AMC Plus, lean in.
• Free with ads: Roku, Pluto, and Xumo have solid picks if you can handle commercials.
• Rent/Buy: Amazon, Apple, Vudu are your “always there” options.

Bottom line

No matter if you’re in the mood for blood, suspense, or kid-safe pumpkins, there’s something streaming tonight. Grab the candy early. Turn off the porch light if you don’t want visitors. And remember: if you watch The Ring, don’t answer the phone.

Download the Halloween movie guide for your next movie night.