9 Best Halloween Movies Ever, Ranked

Rob Zombie’s debut shocks with backwoods horror and a cast that includes Sid Haig and Rainn Wilson. A low-budget classic with inventive camerawork and sound design.

House of 1000 Corpses

Jake Gyllenhaal stars in this mind-bending thriller about time travel and eerie visions. The rabbit-costumed figure and Gary Jules’ “Mad World” add to its cult status.

Donnie Darko

Spielberg’s heartwarming alien adventure defines Halloween simplicity. Elliott’s iconic bike ride with E.T. remains a cinematic masterpiece.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Stan Winston’s monster masterpiece features Lance Henriksen seeking revenge with a terrifying pumpkin beast. A must-watch for creature feature fans.

Pumpkinhead

John Carpenter’s anthology entry mixes masks, androids, and Stonehenge. A cult classic despite its departure from the Michael Myers formula.

Halloween III

Tim Burton’s stop-motion musical blurs Halloween and Christmas with Jack Skellington’s whimsical adventure. Memorable songs by Danny Elfman enchant viewers.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Michael Dougherty’s anthology weaves dark tales with a Halloween twist. Featuring Oscar-winner Anna Paquin and a sinister demon named Sam.

Trick 'r Treat

Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker shine as witchy sisters in this Disney classic. A family-friendly Halloween favorite set in Salem.

Hocus Pocus

John Carpenter’s original slasher film remains the quintessential Halloween fright fest. Jamie Lee Curtis and Michael Myers define horror for generations.

Halloween

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