The ULTIMATE Spooky Season Watch List
Spooky season is upon us!
There is so much to do, but what about a cozy night in with a warm beverage and a show to watch? But what to watch?! I’ve got you covered with a list of both family friendly to adult movies and television shows to fill your spook-o-meter high!
These days, we may have amazing auto-generated lists that most streaming services create for us, but they often miss the classics, don’t have everything and aren’t always kid friendly either.
So instead I’ve created the ULTIMATE spooky season watch list for you to work your way through! With over 100 spooky movies and series to choose from you are sure to find something to suit everyones spooky season tastes.
FYI: I haven’t even watched everything on this list (yet) and so I can’t comment on every single one (I’m sure you’re not just here for my comments on them either) so just be prepared for a few additions of my own commentary on some of them, but not all.
SPOOKY MOVIES
Family Friendly Movies
Coraline (2009)
Look this spooky family movie comes with a caveat. It’s exceptionaally creepy (thanks to the amazing Henry Selick & Neil Gaiman) and whilst my 6yr old loves it, it’s more of an older kid movie IMHO.
If you’re a fan, definitely check out @Belledevelle on TikTok for all the easter eggs and BTS facts for this phenomenally creepy movie!The Corpse Bride (2005)
Tim Burton can do no wrong when it comes to spooky season movies!Haunted Mansion (2023) [Disney+]
The Haunted Mansion (2003)
The Addams Family (1991 Live Action) & The Addams Family (2019 Animated) [Stan]
They're creepy and they're kooky
Mysterious and spooky
They're all together ooky
The Addams family
I love to point out to my kids that the Addams Family were created to be an opposite to all things “Typically American” and to make note of how much the parents love each other. It’s a social commentary of loveless marriage being the norm, and can be really intriguing to discuss. YES even with young kids!Hocus Pocus 1 (1993) & Hocus Pocus 2 (2022) [Disney+]
The Sanderson Sisters are ICONIC when it comes to Halloween so make sure these 2 spooky movies are high on your spooky season watchlist!Hubie Halloween (2020)
The Worst Witch (1986)
The Nightmare before Christmas (1993) [Disney+]
Tim Burton; we should really call him King of the Spookies because he’s just so good at what he does. The legendary curly hill with Jack Skellington walking down as it unravels will live rent free in my mind forever and I’m not even mad. Somethings about stop motion with clay is just so mesmerising to watch too! If you’re super keen, there’s a “making of” episode on the Nightmare Before Christmas on Disney+ that could fit in with your Spooky Season Watchlist.Hotel Transylvania 1 (2012) & Hotel Transylvania 2 (2015)
Hotel Transylvania 3 (2018) & Hotel Transylvania 4 (2022)
Halloweentown (1998)
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (2016)
Another spooky film thats good for older kids, probably early teens+Maleficent (2014) & Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019)
Coco (2017) [Disney+]
Since Coco is technically about dia di la muerte which happens in early November, you can squeeze this spooky movie in even after Halloween has passed.Frakenweenie (2012)
It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown (1966)
Casper (1995)
The Witches (1990) & The Witches (2020)
As a kid, this was the ONLY movie with a witch in it that I was allowed to watch in my Christian household, and I know why. Because it is freaking terrifying. Obviously didn’t work on me though because LOOK AT ME NOW.ParaNorman (2012)
Gnome Alone (2017)
Scooby Doo (Live Action 2002) & Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (2004)
Matilda (1996)
Telekinesis and flying cereal, plus the ever present threat of the “chokey” - what’s not to love!
E.T. (1982)
Muppets Haunted Mansion (2021)
The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010)
Into The Woods (2014)
Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971) [Disney+]
Miss Eglantine is a very lovable Witch in training and her cat’s name is iconic; Cosmic Creepers. Who ever chose that name is a genius and it is forever on my future pet name list for sure! Super family friendly, but it may not hold the attention of younger kids as it’s not as ‘flashy’ as current spooky movies.The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)
Harry Potter Series (2001-2011)
Preferably you would illegally download these, or if you already have them on DVD then watch it that way. I’m incredibly hesitant to recommend anything that puts money in the pocket of ‘she who shall not be named’ but I also don’t want to shame young kids who love the series, and don’t know anything about it’s problematic creator. It’s listed here, but see if it fits with your values before adding to your spooky season watch list.Labryinth (1986)
When I list this one as family friendly, it’s because the kids will love the story, and the adults will always love the groin, doesnt matter your sexual orientation, it is the rules… IYKYKPercy Jackson and the Lightening Thief (2012) & Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters (2013) [Disney+]
Weirdly, these are rated M (for mature audiences) on Disney but I found them quite tame. Excellent for sparking an element of curiosity in Greek mythology with your kids!Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989) [Netflix]
An AMAZING movie, Studio Ghibli can do no wrong IMHO. Kiki is a young witch in training, who delivers parcels on her broomstick and gets into all sorts of scrapes. In our house we call this a ‘quiet time movie’ because the scenes are slower, the music is classical and the overall vibe tends to slow us all down. We love it!The Little Mermaid (1989)
SEAWITCH - enough saidThe Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)
Chronicles of Narnia : The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005) [Disney+]
Whilst I’m partial to the original BBC version myself, the way they presented the Witch in this modern take was enough to land this movie on the Spooky Season WatchlistThe Secret of Moonacres (2008)
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016-2022)
Another one that’s technically for older kiddos. You know your kids best, so I’ll leave this one up to you
Adult Movies
The Craft (1996)
Would you believe me if I told you I still haven’t seen this movie
Cue the SHOCK, HORROR, OUTGRAGE comments. THAT is why this movie is 100% on my spooky season Halloween watchlist for this year!Practical Magic (1998)
But there are some things I know for certain: always throw spilt salt over your left shoulder, keep rosemary by your garden gate, plant lavender for luck, and fall in love whenever you can.
Whilst you’re at it, this legendary spooky movie about the Owens Sister Witches is also an amazing book series! Highly recommend.Ghostbusters (1984)
Ghostbusters II (1989)
Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)
Ghostbusters (2016)
Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
Beetlejuice (1988)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)
Young Frankenstein (1974)
Little Monsters (1989)
Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Tim Curry can do no wrong. Such an EPIC movie that only gets better with age.Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Arachnophobia (1990)
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
I will forever love this style of stupid humour. Especially when it’s poking fun of zombies and apocalypse vibes. Grab a beer and settle in for some spooky season laughs with this movie.Zombieland (2009)
Twilight Saga (2008-2011)
Interview with a Vampire (1994)
Kirsten Dunst stole the show as baby vamp Claudia. This version holds true to the book in a lot of ways, except that Lestat (played by Tom Cruise) is supposed to be gorgeous and Tom just cannot pull it off. Still an amazing adaptation and a must watch for vampire fans during Spooky Season!Queen of the Damned (2002)
Listed as a sequel to the Interview with the Vampire, the Queen of the Damned is actually the third book in the Vampire Chronicles series by Anne Rice. The Queen Akasha herself was played by none other than famed R&B singer Aaliyah, and it was her last film role before the fatal plane crash that killed her at the age of 22.Edward Scissorhands (1990)
A babysitter’s guide to Monster hunting (2020)
Warm Bodies (2013)
The Mummy (1999) & The Mummy Returns (2001)
Mmmmmm to steal from a very popular meme that’s been going around.
My sexual orientation is the cast of the Mummy.
This film will never age out of amazingness. Whilst it’s great for spooky season, it should really be on your year round movie re-watch list too.The Sixth Sense (1999)
Van Helsing (2004)
Blade (1998-2004)
Underworld (2003)
From Dusk Til Dawn (1996)
The Lost Boys (1987)
Bram Stroker’s Dracula (1992)
Teen Wolf (1985)
Signs (2002)
This movie TERRIFIED me as a child. In the best way possible, as in, I couldn’t stop watching it. I was 11 when it came out, and it was critical in my spooky movie watching ‘career’.
Yes, I’m claiming spooky watching as a career, sue me.Death Becomes Her (1992)
The Haunting (1999)
I watched this in secret during a sick day home from school and boy was I in for a scary treat! This movie changed me, and everything I thought scary movies were supposed to be as up until now (I was aged 9 at the time) I hadn’t been allowed to watch much more than a select few Disney movies (christian kid problems). Perfect 90’s style horror with ghosts, and dead children to boot. Based on ‘The Haunting of Hill house’ which is meant to be one of the most terrifying books ever written, it’s a must this spooky season!
SPOOKY TV SERIES
Family Friendly TV Series
Sulphur springs (2021- ) [Disney+]
A ghostly murder mystery and haunted hotel set in Louisana that turns into a time traveling exploration! Very, very cool.Simpson’s Halloween Episodes (1990 - ) [Disney+]
Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996-2003)
Cheesy 90s teen shows are the best but when they feature a sarcastic talking cat and a world of witches, you know this ones a spooky season winner!Lemony Snickets A Series of Unfortunate events (2017-2019) [Netflix]
Scooby Doo, Where are you? (1969)
The Munsters (1964-1966)
Bewitched (1964-1972)
The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell (2018)
OH craft witches and kitchen witches alike will delight in this glorious show! It is the epitome of spooky and kooky and oh so fun. Christine McConnell is the queen supreme when it comes to gothic art and craft. Think dita von teese in a kitchen. Be prepared to be inspired if you add this to your spooky season watchlist!Just Add Magic (2015-2019)
Wizards of Waverly Place (2007-2012)
Goosebumps (2023) [Disney+]
Adult TV Series
American Horror Story Coven (2011 - ) [Binge]
You may argue that I should list all the AHS series, and notably season 1 and 2 were also good, but season 3 titled Coven is by far the best so if you have to choose, this is the one you should choose to watch for Spooky Season. A supreme witch, New Orleans and Marie Laveau… chefs kiss
After Season 3 w, I lost interest and noticed more and more tries for jump scares, and shock factor. The Hotel series opens with a rape which is not scary in the way spooky stuff should be scary so it got a huge NOPE from me.Wednesday (2022 - ) [Netflix]
Need I say more? Wednesday Addams is the spooky show that got the world to fall in love with black again. Not only that, but Wednesday is an immensely popular autistically coded character, who isn’t forced to mask in order to fit in! I dont know about you but this ones going straight back onto my spooky season watch list!Charmed (1996-2006) [Stan]
I recently watched the entirety of the Charmed series for the first time ever (again, not allowed as a kid or teen). It took me 2 years to watch them all, so whilst it’s a great one to begin, or watch a few episodes here or there I doubt anyone will finish it before Halloween, it’s simply not possible. In saying that, the cringeworthy fashions of the late 90’s and early thousands are totally back in making this a great study in fashion cycles too!The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018-2020) [Netflix]
LOVED this series. Baphomet statues, cord cuttings and real witches on set to guide the rituals. According to Insider.com “Many of the spells on set are real and rooted in history. The spells were so authentic that some of the cast members were worried that something "otherworldly" would follow them off-screen after performing the spells on the show.”Buffy the Vampire (1997-2003)
Angel (1999-2004)
The Witcher (2019 - ) [Netflix]
The Vampire Diaries (209-2017) [Netflix]
Are you team Damon or Team Stefan?
Personally, I LOVE a bad boy, so guess who’s team I’m on.
This is another show that’s based on a book but do yourself a favour and stick with the TV series in this case.Stranger Things (2016-2025) [Netflix]
Supernatural (2005-2020)
Santa Clarita Diet (2017-2019)
What we Do in the Shadows (2019 - )
Penny Dreadful (2014-2016)
True Blood (2008-2014) [Binge]
Blood, Sex and Vampires all set in the rural fictional town of Bon Temps in Lousiana. When I tell you I was ‘obsessed’ it is a literal understatement. Obsessed doesn’t do justice to how this TV series and book series became my entire personality for a period of time. There are Witches, Fairies, Werewolves and more and whilst it gets weird after season 4, it’s still well worth the watch for Jessica and Eric alone.The X Files (1993-2003) [Stan]
Scully and Mulder. King and Queen of spook city. The truth is out there, and during a recent re-watch of this series let me tell you the episodes are incredibly well thought out, rooted in true mythology/fiction and supernatural lore and the theme song alone should be everyones ring tone in October.Lockwood & Co. (2023 - )
Interview with the Vampire (2022 -) [AMC+]
A retelling of the famous gothic horror book of the same name, set in New Orleans and adapted for modern audiences. This series doesn’t shy away from the insinuated queerness in Anne Rices original book and also addresses racial issues of the times. As a hardcore Anne Rice fan this series was SO well done… 10/10. And as for Lestat? WOW, literal perfection in casting.Mayfair Witches (2023 - ) [AMC+]
Spooky season wouldn’t be complete without yet another New Orleans, Louisiana series that is actually set within the Vampire Chronicles Universe (called the Immortal Universe) but not yet overlapping. If you love Interview with the Vampire you will LOVE this one. The books themselves are Gothic Horror and can be a bit much for some to read through but the show does a wonderful job of bringing across that old world, southern gothic charm that is just so perfectly spooky.The Umbrella Academy (2019-2024) [Netflix]
Locke & Key (2020-2022)
Loki (2021 - )
Once Upon a Time (2011-2018)
The Magicians (2015-2020)
Lucifer (2016-2021) [Netflix]
Good Omens (2019-2023)
Sense 8 (2015-2018)
The OA (2016-2019) [Netflix]
I am still gutted over the fact that this show was cancelled. The concept was immensely cool, creepy and fascinating. Well worth the watch, even if it was never finished.
Comment below and let me know which are your favorites!
Or if there is a movie or television show you want me to add to the list for next year.
Happy Spooky Season!
Meet Hana
Hana O’Neill, the Suburban Witch is a professional Tarot & Astrology reader, Intuitive Coach and the host of the Witch Talks podcast.
