Shukri Bashir lists the essential movies you need every Halloween season.

A crucial part of the spooky season – is a Halloween movie marathon. whether you love bone-chilling horror, witty comedies or creepy and cute animated adventures, this lineup of Halloween classics has something for everyone. So, grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready to dive into the eerie, enchanting world of Halloween cinema. 

Halloween (1978) 

You cannot start a Halloween movie list without the film that defined the holiday itself. John Carpenter’s Halloween introduced the world to Micheal Myers, the masked killer that stalks babysitters in the quite suburbs of Haddonfield. The haunting soundtrack and slow building suspense, the slasher classic set the standard for every horror movie to follow. Five decades later, Halloween still makes viewers double check their locks before bed. 

Scream (1996) 

Wes Craven’s Scream revitalised the horror genre in the 90’s, the clever mix of self-awareness and genuine scares. the film follows a group of teens terrorised by a masked killer known as Ghostface. However, with every adaptation and sequel, Sydney Prescott cannot help but be haunted by the legend of Ghostface. its sharp, funny, and scary in all the good ways. 

IT (2017) 

If you are scared of clowns, brace yourself. IT, based on Stephen King’s novel, tells the story of a group of kids in Derry, Maine, who face their deepest fears when the evil Pennywise returns every 27. The film balances heart and horror, reminding us that true friendship can overcome even the most terrifying monsters. 

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) 

Tim Burton’s stop motion masterpiece blurs the line between Halloween and Christmas, making it a must watch for both holidays. Jack Skellington , the pumpkin king of Halloween town, grows bored of scares and stumbles across Christmas. Its gothic aesthetic, unforgettable songs and star-studded voice actor lineup, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a spooky season essential for all ages. 

Beetlejuice (1988) 

Strange and hilarious, Beetlejuice is Burton at his weirdest and best. After a young couple dies in a car crash, they enlist the help of a mischievous man- Beetlejuice- to scare away the new living residents of their home. Winona Ryder stuns in this movie and gives one of her best performances alongside Micheal Keaton. 

The Addams Family (1991) 

The creepy, kooky family strikes again- and they are still as iconic. The Addams Family brings the beloved cartoon to life with gothic charm and dark humour. With a stellar cast, including Anjelica Huston as Morticia Addams and Christina Richie as Wednesday, this film is heartwarming as it is morbid. 

Hotel Transylvania (2012) 

For something lighter, Hotel Transylvania is a delightful family comedy where monsters go to unwind. Dracula runs a luxury resort for creatures of the night – until a human stumbles in and falls for his daughter. Full of jokes, warmth, and monster-sized hearts, it’s the ideal movie for when you want Halloween fun without the nightmares. The star-studded cast including, Selena Gomez, Andy Samberg, and Adam Sandler. 

Ghostbusters (1984) 

Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters! This supernatural comedy classic follows a group of eccentric scientists who start a ghost-catching business in New York City. Between its witty humour, catchy theme song, and unforgettable ghostly encounters – Ghostbusters has earned is place in the Halloween movies hall of fame. 

The Shining (1980) 

Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel is a pure psychological horror. Jack Nicholson delivers a chilling performance as Jack Torrance, a writer who slowly descends into madness while caretaking the isolated Overlook Hotel. With iconic imagery – from haunted hallways to “Here Johnny!” – The Shining is one of the most disturbing, yet brilliant films ever made. A true horror masterpiece.