Why You Can Trust CNET The Best Halloween Movies to Stream on Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus and More
It's spooky season, so curl up with one of these classics. Whether you like suspense, gore, horror, comedy or family-friendly fare, there is plenty here to love.
- Named a Tech Media Trailblazer by the Consumer Technology Association in 2019, a winner of SPJ NorCal's Excellence in Journalism Awards in 2022 and has twice been a finalist in the LA Press Club's National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards.
Spooky season is the perfect time to gather 'round the TV and enjoy your favorite classic Halloween movies. Whether you like the scary stuff or the humorous, hair-raising fluff, there's no better time to fire up your favorite than when the temperature takes that gruesome dive. Especially after the COVID-19 pandemic shifted how we handle classic Halloween activities like trick-or-treating, indulging in some fictional horror might be exactly what you need. Whether you're in it for the jump scare, a sing-along or some other spookiness, few things bring around the fun of fall like the Halloween classics.
Here are our top picks for the scariest, creepiest and sometimes silliest films to stream or watch on demand on platforms including Hulu , Netflix , Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock and HBO Max.
Read more: 29 of the Best Movies to See on Amazon Prime Video
Hulu started life as a joint venture between ABC, NBC and Fox. Since Disney (ABC's parent) absorbed most of the Fox Entertainment properties, however, it's been buying out its remaining partners and converting Hulu to more of a Disney Plus for adults. As such, you can watch the movies below with their full, R-rated gore intact. The baseline subscription includes commercials, and you can also bundle this with Disney's other online properties, Disney Plus and ESPN Plus.
Let the Right One In (2008)
It's a Swedish film about a little girl vampire. Are we selling it? It's fantastic, trust us.
Pet Sematary (2019)
Quite frankly, this adaptation isn't the greatest, but then again neither was the first one. Still it definitely has some chilling moments.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
Is it really Halloween if you haven't watched a creepy Tim Burton film?
Get Out
Double, Double, Toil and Trouble (1993)
Our 8-year-old selves still believe deep down this is the greatest Halloween movie ever made. Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, please, please return to making films.
Crawl (2019)
Creature features often don't get enough love in the horror genre. But this one was our jam!
Oculus (2013)
As far as haunted house movies go, this one is better than The Amityville Horror, but not quite as good as The Conjuring.
Netflix hardly needs an introduction, but the biggest streaming service out there remains a mixture of TV shows and movies, including content licensed from other studios and a growing stable of originals.
Little Evil (2017)
We probably didn't need a family-friendly version of The Omen, but we enjoyed it nevertheless.
Veronica (2017)
If you've come to this list looking for the scariest horror films, watch this one. Maybe with the lights on.
Hush (2016)
This is probably the most under-the-radar film on this list, but it's absolutely worth your time.
The Ritual (2018)
Certain horror fans find themselves disappointed when the "big bad" turns out to be metaphorical. Don't worry, this one has a satisfying "actual monster" payoff.
Creep (2014)
This movie is carried by Mark Duplass and his amazingly sinister face. A delightfully creepy watch.
Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (2009)
(Also available on Spectrum.) Ghost movies are great for Halloween, right?
Paranormal Activity (2009)
The first Paranormal Activity was pretty unnerving. It might be worth a revisit this Halloween.
It Follows (2015)
(Also available on Peacock.) Once again we learn abstinence is the only way to prevent slow-moving nightmare monsters from trying to kill you. What a helpful PSA!
Jaws (1975)
Shark movie!!! Sorry, didn't mean to get that excited. But we did see The Meg on opening weekend. Are you a "shark movie" person? No better time to find out!
Raw (2016)
Watch only if you have a strong stomach!
The Conjuring (2013)
(Also available on HBO Max.) This film was so scary that I still can't bring myself to watch any of the sequels or prequels! But if you are interested in watching The Conjuring 2, it's available on HBO Max.
Already subscribe to HBO? You can probably get HBO Max at no extra charge. Think of it as (wait for it) "HBO Plus" -- everything on HBO, plus a bunch of additional back catalog and exclusives from Warner's catalog, as well as some nice licensed exclusives like Doctor Who and the Studio Ghibli library.
Doctor Sleep (2019)
While The Shining is probably the favorite horror film of many and may not have needed a sequel, it's one of the better Stephen King adaptations in recent years.
The Witches (1990)
Anjelica Huston is majestic in this Roald Dahl adaptation.
Poltergeist (1982)
One of our favorites, and Zelda Rubinstein's performance is really just the cherry on top.
The Purge (2013)
We love a good dystopian film.
Cloverfield (2008)
If you don't barf while watching the shaky camera work, it's a pretty good creature feature.
Final Destination (2000)
You'll never want to fly again.
The Witch (2016)
We're going to throw this out there: More films should be set in the 1600s. Provided they're as good as The Witch.
The Omen (1976)
This is the quite possibly the most perfect Halloween movie on this list. Demon spawn!
Young Frankenstein (1974)
Not big on horror? No worries, you can check out one of the greatest comedies ever made instead.
The Fly (1986)
Jeff Goldblum in a creature feature is all we're really looking for in a Halloween film.
The Shining (1980)
One of the few films on this list that is also a cinematic masterpiece.
American Psycho (2000)
Down with the yuppies! Honestly this is one of my all-time favorite films.
You know... for kids! It's probably not the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of "horror," as nothing here eclipses PG-13 scares. But it also has the full libraries for everything from Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar and The Simpsons, to name just a few of the big content silos you'll find here. As with Hulu, you can subscribe to this solo, or as a Disney/Hulu/ESPN bundle.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
A cult classic you can finally stream.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
(Also available on Hulu Plus Live TV.) It's really a Christmas movie, but also you should be watching it year-round.
Coco (2017)
This vibrant, touching film brings the Day of the Dead to life in the most beautiful way.
Twitches (2005)
Maybe it's the nostalgia talking, but this is simply a Disney classic.
Halloweentown (1998)
Feel-good and Halloween don't always go hand in hand, but this nostalgic Halloween classic always warms our witchy little hearts.
Mom's Got a Date With a Vampire (2000)
As if trusting her new beau wasn't hard enough already.
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Is it just us, or does anyone else find Edward Scissorhands incredibly soothing to watch?
Peacock is NBCUniversal's streaming app that includes several free movies and TV shows. Paying customers can unlock the platform's full library of content, and can also pay a little more to go ad-free.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
You should really watch/rewatch them all, but the third film does have the most Halloween-y vibe.
Frankenstein (1931)
You can't get more classic than Frankenstein!
The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
I went as the Bride for Halloween one year. This isn't relevant to my recommendation, but I'm trying to sell you on a film from 1935.
Dracula (1931)
Another for the classics fans.
Dawn of the Dead (2004)
On the one hand, it's a pretty good remake. On the other hand, Zack Snyder directed it. Your call.
Casper (1995)
It's possible Rebecca has seen this film more than any other film on this list. Don't judge!
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
John Landis doesn't get enough credit for being able to blend horror and comedy.
Tyler Perry's Boo! A Madea Halloween (2016)
(Available on Peacock, Vudu and iTunes.) Rebecca's mom really loves the Madea movies. And who are we to deny you options?
This ad-supported network offers a range of free TV shows and movies. It's available on devices including Roku and Amazon Fire TV, as well as on Android and iOS. You won't need an account to watch content, but creating one enables you to save favorites and resume playback when switching between devices.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
A cannibal villain is as horrifying as it gets.
Train to Busan (2016)
Not exactly sure if a flick about a viral outbreak is something you want to watch given our COVID experiences, but if it is, you're in luck.
Children of the Corn (1984)
Something about murderous children in a cornfield just feels autumnal.
House on Haunted Hill (1959)
Definitely worth it for Vincent Price.
The Hand that Rocks the Cradle (1992)
This movie will freak me out always and forever!
Let Me In (2010)
(Also available on Peacock and Hulu.) This is the American remake of Let the Right One In. And it's pretty well done for US market cash grab.
The Hills Have Eyes (1977)
It's Wes Craven so I'm not even going to bother trying to convince you. Just watch it.
It (2017)
(Also available on HBO Max and Netflix.) This film is alway a thrill. The sequel is also available on HBO Max.
Existing Showtime cable subscribers can access all of its content on the Showtime Anytime app on most major app platforms. But you can also get it as a straight streaming app for a monthly fee. (Disclosure: Showtime and CNET are owned by the same parent company, ViacomCBS.)
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
(Also available on Netflix.) This is one of our favorite films to watch on Halloween. Hannibal Lecter is a magnificent villain.
The Host (2007)
This Korean creature feature is easily one of the best films on this list.
Like Showtime, this premium cable movie service is also available "over the top" as a direct streaming option on most app store platforms.
Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
Even if you're not into super dark films, the storyline in this Guillermo del Toro masterpiece will be enough to win you over.
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
We're almost positive people have written dissertations on the influence of this film on the horror genre. So maybe check out?
Hostel (2005)
(Also available on HBO Max, Hulu and Prime Video.) For all the gore lovers.
Epix is another pay cable channel that's expanded its horizons to the digital realm. Get it with your cable or satellite subscription, or as a digital streaming option instead.
Jacob's Ladder (1990)
Don't you want to finally understand what a "Jacob's Ladder scenario" actually is?
Prime Video is thrown in "for free" for anyone subscribing to Amazon's membership program, which otherwise guarantees delivery of a wide array of products in two days or less at no additional charge. It's got a ton of movies and TV shows from third-party studios, and a growing list of Amazon exclusives, too. Note, however, that only the first few selections are available via Prime; the rest are available as 48-hour rentals at a pay-per-view cost.
Teen Wolf (1985)
This Michael J. Fox classic about a teen werewolf will have you howling for more! I promise that's the last pun in this article.
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
(Also available on HBO Max, Peacock and Hulu.) We know, the found footage gimmick is tired, but do you actually remember how scary this movie was? An entire generation couldn't go camping for like a decade after it came out.
Carrie (1976)
Carrie is so good! Sissy Spacek just has a special place in my heart. It isn't at all related to Halloween, but you should also check out Coal Miner's Daughter.
Alien (1979)
We all know the saying, "In space, no one can hear you scream," but your neighbors will definitely be able to hear you scream while watching this on your couch.
Aliens (1986)
It's pretty rare with a horror masterpiece to stumble upon a masterpiece of a sequel, especially with a different director. Thanks, James Cameron!
Hellraiser (1987)
(Also available on Tubi.) We don't particularly get this franchise, but Hellraiser viewing parties are a pretty common Halloween activity. You do you.
Rosemary's Baby (1968)
This would pair well with The Omen for a Halloween double feature.
Child's Play (1988)
(Also available on Peacock.) As a child I was only afraid of two things: Chucky and spiders. I am still terrified of both. But hey, now I'm also afraid of heights!
Pumpkinhead (1988)
(Available to rent.) It's a Halloween movie list, so we're obligated to include Pumpkinhead.
Pitch Black (2000)
(Available to rent.) Frankly, we could use more sci-fi horror films. And more Vin Diesel.
The Last House on the Left (2009)
(Available to rent.) I'll say this about the remake: it's probably more suspenseful than the original. But the original left me feeling emotionally violated, and that's a special kind of horror that's hard to replicate. Still, the remake is worth a watch.
Play Misty For Me (1971)
(Available to rent.) OK, here's our pitch: Jessica Walter and Clint Eastwood. Are you sold?
Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)
(Available to rent.) Not to be confused with the Brooke Shields film The Blue Lagoon. This one is about a lagoon monster.
Dracula 2000 (2000)
(Available to rent.) This is possibly one of the worst films ever made, but it stars Gerard Butler as Dracula. So you should probably watch it anyway.
Halloween (1978)
(Available to rent.) Nearly half the movies in our roundup were in some way inspired by this classic slasher film. An absolute Halloween classic.
Zombieland (2009)
(Available to rent.) We always appreciate a well-done horror comedy! You can catch the sequel, Zombieland Double Tap, on Starz.
Ghostbusters (1984)
(Available to rent.) This is the part where you stop reading the article and immediately go put on Ghostbusters. Don't worry, this article isn't going anywhere. We'll wait.
Overlord (2018)
(Available to rent.) Ever since Dead Snow came out, we are always 100% down for any movie with Nazi zombies.
The Others (2001)
(Available to rent.) Possibly the last time we found the ending to a horror film surprising.
Saw (2004)
(Available to rent.) If you plan on watching Saw, we also recommend checking out our interview with screenwriter Leigh Whannell. He tells us about his 5-year-old's bedtime story demands and let's just say, twisted storytelling definitely runs in the family.
Get Out (2017)
(Available to rent.) We refuse to fact-check this, but Get Out is possibly the only Oscar winner on this list. That's inaccurate. Ruth Gordon won an Oscar for Rosemary's Baby. And The Silence of the Lambs won like 5 Academy Awards too. Are you happy? Get Out is fantastic, though.
Read more
- The 50 Best TV Shows to Stream on Netflix
- 44 of the Best Movies to Stream on Netflix
- Hulu: The 42 Best TV Shows to Watch Now
- Prime Video: The 34 Absolute Best TV Shows to Watch
- Free Movies: 10 Netflix Alternatives That Will Keep You Entertained
- 10 Ways to Save Money on Streaming
- HBO Max: Movies Streaming Now and Everything Else to Know
- Still Haven't Tried Teleparty With Your Friends? Here's How to Watch Movies Together for Free