Chronicle Staff Picks: Halloween Movies

Stuck trying to decide on a Halloween movie to watch this October? 

No matter our age, Halloween movies will always hold a special place in our hearts as we watch with friends and family to get up in the mood for spooky season. 

Whether it’s gory, haunting, thrilling, or cutesy, these movies are sure to get you in the Halloween spirit. 

So, grab some buttery popcorn and fluffy blanket and curl up to view some of the favorite movies of the Chronicle staff.

Hocus Pocus (1993)- Available on Disney+

A teenage boy and his little sister move to the town of Salem, Massachusetts, where he struggles to fit in. But their situation turns much freakier when three 17th-century witches awaken and haunt the town with their sinister spells.

I love the Sanderson sisters so much, because they are so comical. There are also so many iconic lines. The movie makes me believe it’s Halloween time!

-Carlee Nigro

My cousins and I bake Halloween cupcakes, light the black flame candle, and watch Hocus Pocus every October. It’s the perfect combination of humor and witchcraft with stars Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker. Max and Allison are so cute together, and who couldn't love Dani and Binx? Plus, it’s set in Salem, Mass. on Halloween. What’s not to love?

-Alexis d’Ambly

Sinners (2025)- Available on HBO Max

Set in the 1930s, two brothers return to their hometown and arrange a massive party for their community. But everything goes awry when a herd of ravenous vampires appear and start causing mayhem, leading to a dangerous race against time for survival. 

My favorite Halloween movie is Sinners because of the twins returning to town to fight evil to save people from turning into [vampires] and a lot of nonstop shooting action. 

-Nick Storms

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)- Available on Disney+

The Pumpkin King, Jack Skellington, yearns for something new after years of the same old Halloween schtick. Amid his curiosity, he travels to Christmas Land and attempts to take the holiday festivities into his own hands. 

This spooky and festive fusion is also a campus-wide favorite.

My favorite Halloween movie is The Nightmare Before Christmas. Despite the holiday festivities, there’s a lot of creative, spooky visuals and creative animation. Plus, it tells a great story which combines Halloween and Christmas elements into a heartfelt and humorous screenplay. The soundtrack and music are also very catchy, with classics from both holidays. 

-Tanner Sullivan

Midsommar (2019)- Available on HBO Max, Apple TV,  and Cinemax

Following the deaths of her parents and sister, a woman joins her friends on a retreat to Sweden. But once they arrive, they are greeted by a mysterious cult with sinister practices and intentions.

I like the way it messes with your mind and all the little details that perfect the movie. The cast also really makes the movie. It’s definitely not for everyone, but I love how the director doesn’t hold back and sees his idea through– there’s something about it that just makes Midsommar even better.

-Elizabeth May

The Conjuring (2013)- Available on HBO Max

After moving into a new house, the Perron family finds themselves haunted by malevolent supernatural forces. They call upon paranormal investigators Ed & Lorraine Warren for help in exorcising the home.

It was the first horror film to actually get me with a jumpscare/cringe during some scenes. It’s still the only horror movie that has genuinely got me to jump.

-Tyler Altmann

Scary Movie (2000)- Available on Peacock, Kanopy, Hoopla, and MGM+

In this parody of Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer, a group of teens find themselves tormented by a killer after an unexpected accident. As they fight to survive, numerous comedic hijinks ensue.

I’m someone who gets scared easily, so I’ve avoided watching most horror movies. Scary Movie is a fun, hilarious take on classic horror films that lets me enjoy the premise while dying of laughter instead of worrying about a potential hospital trip for my heart.

-Carmella Vitel

Monster House (2006)- Available on Peacock

Three neighborhood kids discover something dark about their disturbed neighbor’s house: it’s actually alive. As it eats the town’s residents, the kids must find a way to stop its wrath.

I love Monster House because I used to watch it a lot as a kid. It’s a fun, easy-to-watch film. The comedy in the movie is also top tier.

-Victor Rivera

Alien (1979)- Available on Hulu, Fubo, and FXNow

In space, no one can hear you scream. Set in the distant future, the crew of the Nostromo spaceship discovers violent extraterrestrial organisms which begin killing them one by one.

I’m a sucker for sci-fi and good practical effects. Along with the overwhelming fear of the Xenomorph popping out of nowhere. 

-Dave Annisafee

Scream (1996)- Available on Hulu and Paramount+

In this slasher flick which greatly impacted the horror genre, a masked killer – Ghostface – begins executing students of Woodsboro, California. With time running out, a group of friends must use their knowledge of the horror genre to uncover the killer’s identity and survive.

Scream has [six] movies. I love the mysterious vibe and eventually, you find the killer. The superstitions are also pretty cool in the movie. It has great suspense as well. 

-Callista McKeon

The Gathering (2002)- Available on Fandango at Home, Plex, Prime Video, and Fawesome

After an amnesiac woman experiences a deadly vision, she begins her own investigation to uncover the truth. In the process, she discovers the dark and supernatural secrets of her town.

Christina Ricci is my favorite actress, and it’s crazy and actually scares me. I’ve seen it around five times, and every time, I learn something new. 

-Victoria Autocunas

Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023)- Available on STARZ

Based on the popular video game series, a man stumped for work accepts an opportunity to be a security guard for an abandoned pizzeria. Upon his arrival, he realizes that the animatronic characters in the building are alive and violent.

It’s not that scary, but the animatronic designs are really cool. It’s cool to see a small game developer blow up in popularity and now have a movie. I am excited to see what the studio does with the franchise for the second movie coming out in December. 

-J

Blade (1998)- Available on Hulu 

In one of the earliest films based on a Marvel Comics character, this film focuses on a half-vampire, half-mortal man named Blade. Serving as a protector of humanity, he fights vampires who are ruthless and out for blood.

I don’t watch Halloween movies specifically, and I don’t know if this is truly a horror movie, but I think vampires are cool. Wesley Snipes is awesome, and the soundtrack is excellent. 

-Joseph Romano

Sleepy Hollow (1999)- available on Fubo, Paramount+, Kanopy, Hoopla, and Freeform

After the brutal deaths of three people, investigator Ichabod Crane is sent to the town of Sleepy Hollow to examine them. But the mystery proves to be much deadlier than expected, as it ties back to the demonic apparition known as the Headless Horseman.

Sleepy Hollow is my favorite, because it has a unique and eerie atmosphere with the blend of different film genres of thrilling mystery, horror, and action. Also, because of the film’s unforgettable moments of terror of Christopher Walken’s take on the Headless Horseman. 

-Stefani Kuhn

Harry Potter Franchise (2001 - 2011)- Available on HBO Max, Peacock, and Hulu

This series of eight movies focuses on Harry Potter, a boy who survived a tragic conflict which killed his parents. In his youth, he is sent to Hogwarts – a school of magic and wizardry – where he fights against demonic forces and betters his fantastical skills with the help of his friends and professors.

These movies say Halloween to me. My brother and I were Hermione and Harry for Halloween once. I also like the visuals of Hogwarts. 

-Jodi Lanka

Terrifier 3 (2024)- Available on Peacock, Kanopy, and Hoopla

Five years after her traumatic encounter with Art the Clown – a demonic serial killer – sole survivor Sienna Shaw moves in with her aunt and uncle just in time for Christmas. However, after Art reawakens and begins another brutal killing spree, Shaw is forced to fight back to save the ones she loves.

I don’t watch movies much, and when I do, it’s typically not a horror film. However, the other day, I watched this movie with my friends, and I really thought it was pretty good. 

-Dominick Chiego

Annihilation (2018)- Available on Paramount+ and Kanopy

A biologist signs up to be a part of a secret, dangerous expedition in a void known as the Shimmer. But there’s a catch: in the Shimmer, the laws of nature don’t apply, and horrifying forces await the journey’s entire team.

Always a big fan of cosmic horror. It’s also not scary in the jumpscare depiction of cosmic horror, but rather it’s a lingering kind of horror. And the practical effects combined with CGI is stunning and horrifying. 

-Leo Watson

Hubie Halloween (2020)- Available on Netflix

Hubie Dubois – a bullied resident of Salem – is devoted to his hometown and their Halloween celebration. But when a mysterious threat begins tormenting the town, Hubie must suit up to save the residents and Halloween itself.

This is my favorite Halloween movie because I am not a fan of scary movies, which is a big part of Halloween movies. I am also a big fan of Adam Sandler movies. 

-Jeremy Moore

Hotel Transylvania (2012)- Available on Hulu 

Everyone needs a vacation, including the beasts of the night, so Count Dracula opens a hotel where all monsters are welcome. But when a human treks into the building and starts bonding with the Count’s daughter, Mavis, Dracula must conceal his identity while upholding the hotel’s integrity.

I like this movie, because it’s lighthearted and funny. It puts me in a good mood, especially during the Halloween season. 

-Carly Wolf

Saw (2004)- Available on Hulu

Two men awaken in an abandoned bathroom with limited resources and almost no means of escape. As they listen to threatening tapes, they learn about the elusive Jigsaw Killer, the dangerous acts he forces on his victims, and their own connection to his overall scheme.

While I do enjoy the Saw franchise (yes, I've seen all [10] of them), the first Saw holds a special place in my heart. From the camerawork and gothic green filter to the soundtrack, this movie is engaging and encompasses a more indie feel. My favorite aspects of the movie are the traps and storytelling. 

-Dj Hannon

The Shining (1980)- Available on HBO Max and Hulu

The Torrance family goes to the nearly abandoned Overlook Hotel for a winter vacation. But the getaway turns deadly as son Danny begins experiencing horrifying visions about the Overlook, while father Jack is driven to insanity and violence.

I have a personal philosophy of not watching horror movies of any type because I still believe there are monsters under the bed. However, during a recent stay at the secluded Mohonk Mountain House in the Catskills, entertainment one evening featured the classic psychological horror film, The Shining, adapted from the novel by Stephen King. Curious about the connection between this film (set in Colorado) and this mountain resort located in the Catskills of NYS, I learned that King–the “King of Horror” and widely respected author–stayed at The Mohonk Mountain House and drew his inspiration for the grand and very isolated hotel in his movie–The Overlook Hotel– from the Mohonk Mountain House. Needless to say, I will never stay at a mountain resort in the winter. Ever.

- Janet Zatta

Adviser, The Cyclone Chronicle

Have a great time this Halloween, whether you’re staying in to watch a scary movie or going out on campus for free candy at many campus offices– including the Cyclone Chronicle Club Room– from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31. Trick or Treat!