As the leaves start to fall and the air turns crisp, there’s no better way to embrace the change of seasons than with a good movie marathon. Whether you’re in the mood for something spooky or just want to cozy up with a classic, these five films offer the perfect mix of chills, thrills, and autumn vibes. From animated adventures to slasher flicks, these picks will get you ready for Halloween and everything in between.
1. Coraline (2009)
Coraline, a curious 11-year-old, moves to a new home with her parents. Feeling ignored and misunderstood, she becomes disenchanted with her neighbors at the Pink Palace Apartments. While exploring, she stumbles upon a hidden door that leads to another dimension. But what starts as a fantastical escape soon turns into a chilling nightmare, as Coraline learns that all that glitters is definitely not gold.
Though the movie is now 15 years old, it’s still one of my all-time favorites. It strikes the perfect balance between horror and whimsy, with a solid plot and exceptional storytelling. Coraline is free to watch on Pluto TV and ITV, and available to rent on most streaming platforms.
2. Beetlejuice (1988)
Whether you’re catching up for the sequel or just in the mood for a strange Halloween pick, Beetlejuice is always a solid choice. This 36-year-old classic follows a recently deceased couple learning to adjust to their afterlife—trapped in their own home. When a new family moves in, they try to “evict” the living, with help from a chaotic spirit they may not be ready for.
With a star-studded cast, including Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Geena Davis, and Alec Baldwin, there’s something for everyone. And, the fun doesn’t stop there—keep an eye out for the upcoming sequel, Beetlejuice 2, which adds Jenna Ortega to the mix for what’s sure to be a wild ride.
3. Scream (1996)
This ’90s slasher, directed by horror legend Wes Craven (A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Hills Have Eyes), is the perfect blend of gore and suspense. Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) is shocked by a murder in her small town of Woodsboro, Calif. After a classmate’s brutal death, Sidney encounters the masked killer and barely escapes, all while grappling with her mother’s murder from years earlier. The movie wraps up with a shocking, bloody finale, where no one is safe until the killer is down for good.
As the first in a six-film series, Scream is a must-watch to kick off a horror movie marathon. Cast members include Neve Campbell, Skeet Ulrich, Matthew Lillard, David Arquette, Courteney Cox, and Drew Barrymore.
4. Hocus Pocus (1993)
This campy, cult-classic follows Max, a teenager who moves from Los Angeles to Salem, Mass., and accidentally resurrects three witches from the 17th century. Chaos—and lots of laughs—ensue, thanks to a fantastic cast led by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy.
Like Beetlejuice, this movie returned to the spotlight after a sequel (that, let’s be honest, didn’t quite measure up). While the sequel may not hit the same high notes, Hocus Pocus remains a lighthearted, family-friendly option for those who prefer fun over frights.
5. Halloween (1978)
John Carpenter’s horror classic has earned its place among the greats. Halloween introduces Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis), who becomes the target of Michael Myers, a masked killer who escapes custody after murdering his sister as a child. Of course, Myers returns to his hometown on Halloween night, 15 years after his first killing spree.
This film kicked off a franchise that would spawn 12 sequels, setting the bar for all horror films to come. Nearly 50 years after its release, Halloween still ranks high on lists of top Halloween-themed movies from leading publications.
Got any seasonal movie favorites we missed? Let us know in the comments—and tell us if you’d like to see a TV series version of this list on The Voyager.
