Horror movies to watch on Halloween! From genuinely terrifying to laugh-out-loud comedies
Scary but funny, chilling yet giggle-worthy… Scary from start to finish! Here are some horror movies with that mysterious charm.
We’ve gathered films that blend horror and comedy in a perfect balance—just what you want to enjoy during the Halloween season.
Even if you’re easily scared, there are movies with unique worlds that let you soften the fear with laughter.
Watch with friends and the fun multiplies! Spend a special Halloween with horror films that make you laugh and shiver!
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Horror Movies to Watch on Halloween! From Truly Terrifying to Laugh-Out-Loud Comedies (21–30)
The Rocky Horror ShowJim Sherman
A dream fusion of horror and musical! The Rocky Horror Show, a towering cult classic beloved by film fans around the world.
Many of you have probably seen the striking movie poster with the biting red lips.
The film begins when a lost couple, Janet and Brad, stop by an old castle seeking help.
Before they know it, they’re swept up into a party in full swing.
Entangled with the castle’s unique cast of characters—like a transvestite doctor and Rocky, a handsome artificial man—Janet and Brad begin to change.
Set to a ’70s rock-inspired soundtrack, the story unfolds with irresistible momentum.
It’s a thrilling, adults-only fairy tale!
HalloweenJohn Carpenter
The first film was released in 1978 and is a landmark of the slasher genre.
It’s often mentioned alongside Friday the 13th and A Nightmare on Elm Street, but in fact the Halloween series is the original, and Jason’s iconic hockey mask was inspired by the Halloween mask that appears in this film.
Even just the title might send a chill down your spine this Halloween—why not give yourself a good scare?
Horror Movies to Watch on Halloween! From Truly Terrifying to Laugh-Out-Loud Comedies (31–40)
CasperBrad Silberling
Executive producer is the one and only Steven Spielberg, and a first-rate team of staff assembled to lavishly deploy the latest CG technology of 1995 in this fantasy-comedy film.
Christina Ricci, already highly popular at the time for her role as Wednesday in the Addams Family series, stars in the lead.
Many viewers were surely charmed by her heartwarming relationship with Casper, a ghost who’s more cute than scary.
The CG-rendered ghosts had such overwhelming presence that you couldn’t help thinking how fun it would be to have a friend like that.
Even now, beyond 2020, Casper remains a beloved character, so much so that new merchandise continues to be released.
It’s a film kids can enjoy, too, making it a perfect recommendation for a family Halloween party—truly a classic!
Ghostbusters (2016)Paul Feig
When you think of Ghostbusters, you think of the 1984 film that became a massive hit not only in the United States but around the world, including Japan.
The “No Ghost” logo with its goofy-looking ghost is so famous, and Ray Parker Jr.’s theme song is probably familiar even to people who’ve never seen the movie.
Its humor-filled take on ghostbusting makes it a perfect fit for Halloween, but here we’ll introduce the 2016 reboot.
The main cast is made up of women, and the theme song is a cover titled “Ghostbusters (I’m Not Afraid)” by the popular punk band Fall Out Boy featuring Missy Elliott.
Even if you don’t know the original, you can still fully enjoy this one!
Attack of the Killer TomatoesJohn de Bello
In the 1990s, when video rentals were at their peak, there were tons of strange movies lined up in the corners of rental shops, exuding an odd presence.
Many cult films resurfaced online and drew attention again in the 2000s and beyond, but among them, the 1978 American film “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes” stands out.
Its style—often labeled Z-grade—has been cherished by a certain breed of aficionados, and it boasts a fervent fan base.
It’s surprising that you can now easily watch it on Blu-ray, and its content is so incredibly cheap that it’s practically the stuff of legend.
Including its bizarrely catchy theme song that you’ll never get out of your head once you hear it, I recommend watching it with friends while snacking and enjoying tomato dishes, making a lively time of it!
Hocus PocusKenny Ortega
Presented by Walt Disney Pictures, this fantasy film was produced in 1993 and centers on a trio of witch sisters.
It tells the story of three witches resurrected on Halloween night and their battle with a group of children—making it a perfect pick for Halloween.
By the way, the slightly unusual title is a word used as a magic spell in the English-speaking world.
The film stars the legendary Bette Midler, who is also highly acclaimed as a singer; her breezy, witty performance is irresistibly funny.
For its time in the 1990s, the inventive visuals that make full use of cutting-edge SFX are also a highlight.
There’s even a scene where Midler bursts onto a stage and breaks into song, so it’s especially recommended for fans of her work as a singer!
Long LegsOsgood Perkins
Longlegs, a film released in 2024 starring Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage.
It’s a horror movie with elements of intense suspense.
The story follows a rookie FBI agent as she closes in on a mysterious serial killer known as “Longlegs,” who has evaded capture for over 30 years.
The coded letters left at the crime scenes gradually reveal the truth behind the case.
Its chilling scares and clever unraveling of the mystery are a major draw, and while it’s intended for adults, thrill-seeking high schoolers might be able to watch it with an adult.
Beginners to horror might find it a bit nerve-racking! If you’re interested, experience this tension-filled tale for yourself.
