The season of pumpkin spice everything, candy corn, and scary movies has arrived. And you know what that means — it's time to rewatch your favourite Halloween movies [1]. When the temperature is dropping and nostalgia is running high, there's comfort to be found in the familiar scares of Poltergeist, or the childhood memories of Hocus Pocus [2]. Each year, Hollywood releases new scary movies in the hopes that they'll attain the same iconic status, and some of them actually succeed. Still, it's the tried and true greats that fans of all things spooky return to year after year. While there are a few new classics on this list, the majority of these films are certified Halloween favourites [3]. Because come on, can Halloween [4] even come if you don't watch The Nightmare Before Christmas [5]?
Hocus Pocus
If you grew up in the '90s, then you know who the Sanderson sisters are, and you probably love them. The three witches at the centre of Hocus Pocus [6]'s spectacular Halloween [7] plot are technically the villains, but it's impossible not to be obsessed with Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker [8], and Kathy Najimy's witch trio.
Halloween
Jamie Lee Curtis is returning to the Halloween franchise [9] for one last battle with Michael Myers in 2018. However, it's hard to imagine anything topping their first encounter in the film that earned Curtis the title of Scream Queen.
Poltergeist
"They're heeere!" Carol Anne's eerie proclamation is just the start of the paranormal activity that made horror movie fans realise even the suburbs could be haunted. From a tree that tries to swallow a boy whole to the dangers of TV sets, Poltergeist brought fear into the most mundane places.
Ghostbusters
The theme song is a classic, but it's nothing compared the sheer amount of fun packed into this Bill Murray [10] and Dan Akroyd classic. Ghostbusters is everything a Halloween [11] movie should be — a little bit scary, hilarious, and infinitely rewatchable.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Save the debate about whether or not it's a Christmas or Halloween [12] movie for another day, because the truth is, The Nightmare Before Christmas is both. Jack Skellington is the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, and even though he flirts with the magic of Christmas, he'll always be the master of scares.
The Addams Family
Every day of the year is Halloween [13] at the Addams Family's house, and they love it that way (and so do you). There's nothing like a cosy Autumn night spent on the couch watching Wednesday Addams sass Girl Scouts while her parents revel in their supremely weird and wonderful Gothic relationship.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
People gather for interactive showings of this classic all year round, because it's just that good. Hanging out with Dr. Frank N. Furter is dangerous, but his rocking castle is hard to resist thanks to the music — and his cooler than cool style.
Coraline
Every kid has wished for a different set of parents on one occasion or another. Coraline's wish just happens to come true. Unfortunately for her, her other mother has button eyes and an appetite for children.
Beetlejuice
Say his name three times, and Beetlejuice will show up at your door to cause some Halloween-appropriate mayhem. It's a shame this brilliant film still hasn't gotten a sequel, but thankfully, you can visit the Underworld with Michael Keaton whenever you like.
Shaun of the Dead
The zombies are slow, but the jokes come fast in Edgar Wright's modern horror masterpiece. Watching Shaun of the Dead's slacker characters battle their way across a zombie-infested London is a joy. And after watching the film, there's no way you'll ever be able to listen to Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now" with a straight face again.
It
Bill Skarsgård's Pennywise just arrived on the scene in 2017, but he instantly became an iconic movie monster. It may be the newest scary movie on this list, but thanks to a spectacular young cast and a demonic clown, it's also one of the best.
Casper
Ah Casper, the movie that made you want a ghost best friend. This sweet little movie is all about the nostalgia and the lighter side of Halloween [14]. That makes it a perfect film to share with the youngsters in your life.
Psycho
Psycho is so much more than a famous shower scene. This psychological thriller is designed to get under your skin, and make you think twice before checking in to a deserted roadside motel.
Scream
Scream deconstructs the horror genre with a heroine who knows the slasher movie rules, but isn't afraid to break them. Add in Ghostface, one of the '90s best additions to the pantheon of creepy horror villains, and you have a self-aware genre film that has aged beautifully.
The Conjuring
Ed and Lorraine Warren's real-life paranormal investigations inspired The Conjuring, a smart haunted house film that makes jumpscares scary again. Even better, it inspired a shared universe of horror that includes Annabelle and The Nun [15].
E.T.: The Extraterrestrial
There's nothing scary about E.T., but Eliot's journey to return his alien friend to his home is the very essence of Halloween [16] nostalgia. The movie taps into the wonder of the holiday, and that feeling that you might just brush against the unknown while you're out collecting mini bags of Reese's Pieces.
Nightmare on Elm Street
Freddy Krueger wins the award for scariest horror movie villain because he can literally get inside of your nightmares. He also has gloves with razor sharp claws. It's no wonder the teens in Nightmare on Elm Street don't want to fall asleep.
Paranormal Activity
With nothing but a shoestring budget, the filmmakers behind Paranormal Activity created a modern masterpiece. This movie is all about building suspense, and it does it well. Even when you're just watching the couple sleep, the anticipation of creepiness to come keeps you on the edge of the couch.
The Craft
The Craft has inspired countless games of "light as a feather, stiff as a board," but it's real legacy is in making the weird kids cool. And yes, more than a little bit scary.
Night of the Living Dead
Night of the Living Dead made zombies one of the most frightening horror movie monsters of all time. "They're coming to get you, Barbara!" remains one of the most unsettling lines in horror movie history.
The Ring
Could The Ring be responsible for the fall of the VHS tape? OK, probably not, but the whole creepy girl crawling out of the TV screen thing couldn't have helped the format.
The Exorcist
The Exorcist is next level horror, and that's exactly why it's a Halloween [17] must for scary movie devotees. While the pea soup vomiting, head-twisting action isn't for everyone, those who love this movie really, really love it.
Corpse Bride
A visit to the underworld? Check. Goosebump-inducing claymation? Double check. This doomed wedding is a twisted feast for the imagination.
Halloweentown
This Disney original movie spawned a franchise, but the first film is a Halloween [18] lover's dream come true. An entire city devoted to the best holiday of the year? Yes, thank you, more please.
The Sixth Sense
Even if you know the twist, The Sixth Sense will still take your breath away with its intense scares, and "I see dead people" weirdness.
The Witches
It's hard to believe that The Witches is made for children. Anjelica Huston pulling her face off and luring children to their demise with chocolate is hardly family friendly fun. However, it does make for a spooktacular Halloween [19] treat.
The Shining
The madness found within the walls of the Overlook Hotel is thrilling and chilling. Stephen King may not be a fan of this adaptation, but that doesn't make The Shining any less of a fright fest.
Practical Magic
Sandra Bullock [20] and Nicole Kidman [21]'s witchy, cursed sisters have a bond that's unbreakable and so, so watchable. Practical Magic has it all — the power of sisterhood, a black cat, and even some reanimated evil boyfriend action.