Once the porch light Is out and the costumes are off, settle in for the best halloween movies for your night.

Once the candy bucket has been emptied and costumes have been peeled off like sweaty banana peels after surviving a neighborhood walk through our absurdly warm October evenings, it’s finally time for the real fun to begin. Now, with the porch light off and the house cloaked in dark, air-conditioned bliss, it’s the perfect moment to stream a Halloween movie. Whether you’re in the mood for laughs, chills or scratching your head at a mystery, there’s a flick just waiting to fit your Halloween vibe. 

The classic horror buff

Halloween (1978)

Personality: You appreciate the genre’s roots and don’t shy away from a little old-school slasher gore. You find joy in the eerie silence before Michael Myers strikes and get a thrill from the perfect build-up of tension.

Why you’ll love it: This movie is a true horror classic and encapsulates everything that makes Halloween chilling. Plus, the mask? Iconic. Perfect for the brave viewer who loves a slice of terror.

Stream it: Prime Video 

Scare Meter

Spookiness:  🪦🪦🪦🪦🪦

Entertainment: 👻👻👻👻

Halloween vibes: 🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃

The “I can handle anything” type

Hereditary (2018)

Personality: Nothing gets under your skin … or does it? You consider yourself an aficionado of all things disturbing and want a movie that challenges your psychological limits. The more haunting, the better.

Why you’ll love it: Hereditary is not for the faint of heart. Its combination of psychological horror and shockingly intense moments makes it a great pick for those who truly want to be disturbed this Halloween.

Stream it: Prime Video

Scare Meter

Spookiness:  🪦🪦🪦🪦🪦

Entertainment:  👻👻👻👻

Halloween vibes:  🎃🎃🎃

The laughing scaredy-cat

Hocus Pocus (1993)

Personality: You want a little witchcraft but prefer it served with a side of laughs rather than jump scares. You enjoy charming characters, a magical storyline and maybe a sing-along or two.

Why you’ll love it: The Sanderson Sisters bring all the right ingredients for Halloween fun without the fear factor. This one’s for those who prefer family-friendly, cozy Halloween vibes but still want to join in on the spooky season.

Stream it: Disney+

Scare Meter

Spookiness: 🪦

Entertainment: 👻👻👻👻👻

Halloween vibes: 🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃

The comedy fan

Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Personality: You’re more about the laughs than the frights. Give you some zombies, but make it funny. You’re always in for a good laugh even when the undead start roaming the streets.

Why you’ll love it: This horror-comedy mix is a delight for anyone who doesn’t take Halloween too seriously. With a good balance of laughs and light scares, this one will keep you entertained without giving you nightmares.

Stream it: Hulu

Scare Meter

Spookiness: 🪦🪦

Entertainment: 👻👻👻👻👻

Halloween vibes: 🎃🎃🎃

The whimsical spirit

Coraline (2009)

Personality: You prefer your Halloween with a touch of magic, a bit of darkness and a visually stunning world. You like your films to feel like a storybook come to life, even if there are some scary parts along the way.

Why you’ll love it: Coraline is the perfect mix of whimsy and creepiness. Its visually striking stop-motion animation and otherworldly story make it a beautiful (and slightly eerie) Halloween treat for the dreamers out there.

Stream it: HBO Max

Scare Meter

Spookiness: 🪦🪦

Entertainment: 👻👻👻👻👻

Halloween vibes: 🎃🎃🎃🎃

The ‘I’m here for the thrills’ person

The Conjuring (2013)

Personality: You love high-stakes horror that makes your heart pound. Jump scares, demonic possessions and nerve-wracking tension are all right up your alley. You watch these films with all the lights off — if you dare.

Why you’ll love it: Packed with scares and a spine-chilling storyline, The Conjuring is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. This is for the brave souls who seek out scares that will stay with them long after the credits roll.

Stream it: Prime Video, HBO Max

Scare Meter

Spookiness: 🪦🪦🪦🪦🪦

Entertainment: 👻👻👻👻

Halloween vibes: 🎃🎃🎃