Pumpkin jack-o’-lanterns lining the streets, spider webs artfully draped over front porches and spookily-dressed children roaming the streets asking for either a trick or treat… We’re talking about Halloween, of course.
While Halloween isn’t as heavily celebrated here in Australia as it is in the US or UK, the holiday is slowly gaining momentum and favour with Aussies.
So, if you’re one of the many Australians now embracing the ‘spooky season’, may we suggest getting into the spirit with a Halloween movie? There’s surprisingly many films perfect for the holiday; whether you’re looking for something kid-friendly or something that’ll truly terrify you.
Don’t believe us? These are the best Halloween movies and where to watch them in Australia…
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Director: Henry Selick
Starring: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara
Genre: Animation, Family, Fantasy
Release: 1993
Written by Tim Burton, fans have long argued whether The Nightmare Before Christmas is a Halloween film or a Christmas film. We think it’s both!
Set in Halloween Town, Jack Skellington is fed up with Halloween. So when he discovers Christmas Town, he attempts to take the reins from Santa Claus… to disastrous results. Enjoy this delightful and wonderfully weird film with the whole family this October 31.
Where to watch: The Nightmare Before Christmas is available to stream on Disney+.
Stream now on Disney+ with a mth-to-mth no lock-in contract. Subscribe here.
Halloween
Director: John Carpenter
Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Donald Pleasence, Tony Moran
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Release: 1978
It’s the film that put Oscar-winner Jamie Lee Curtis on the map: Halloween, which – if the name doesn’t tip you off – is a perfect film for Halloween.
On October 31, 1963, a young Michael Myers stabbed his sister to death. Flash forward fifteen years, and on the eve of Halloween, Michael breaks free from the mental health facility he was detained in and heads to his hometown, ready to continue his murderous rampage.
Where to watch: Halloween is available to stream on Stan.
Get Out
Director: Jordan Peele
Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Release Date: 2017
Get Out isn’t a typical, predictable horror film. It’s incredibly well-written, thought-provoking and features a compelling social commentary element. Also Daniel Kaluuya’s performance is flawless.
We don’t want to give away too many details of the plot; anyone who’s already seen Get Out knows it’s best to go in blind. Just trust us when we say, you must watch it this Halloween.
Where to watch: Get Out is available to stream on BINGE.
Stream now on BINGE with a 7-day free trial. Subscribe here.
Hubie Halloween
Director: Steven Brill
Starring: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Julie Bowen
Genre: Comedy, Horror, Mystery
Release Date: 2020
Hubie Dubois, played by Adam Sandler, is a nice but odd guy who’s regularly mocked by adults and children alike in Salem. But the night before Halloween, Hubie finds himself at the centre of a real murder investigation…
Despite being a relatively new movie, Hubie Halloween is classic Sandler; funny, goofy and, most of all, entertaining.
Where to watch: Hubie Halloween is available to stream on Netflix Australia.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Director: Jim Sharman
Starring: Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, Richard O’Brien
Genre: Comedy, Horror, Musical
Release Date: 1975
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a cult classic for a reason; and there’s no better time to watch this eccentric but enjoyable film than on Halloween.
When newly-engaged couple Brad and Janet find themselves stranded thanks to their broken down car, they seek help at a nearby house owned by the mysterious Dr. Frank-n-Furter.
Where to watch: The Rocky Horror Picture Show is available to stream on Disney+.
Stream now on Disney+ with a mth-to-mth no lock-in contract. Subscribe here.
Practical Magic
Director: Griffin Dunne
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Stockard Channing
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Release Date: 1998
Practical Magic is such a cosy Halloween film. The soundtrack, the fashion and the cast – led by Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman – all work together to make this such a bewitching (pun intended) movie.
It follows sisters Sally and Gillian Owens, who come from a long line of cursed witches. Essentially, any man an Owens witch falls in love with is doomed to die…
Where to watch: Practical Magic is available to stream on Stan.
Psycho
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Starring: Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Release Date: 1960
This wouldn’t be a list of the best Halloween movies without a Hitchcock film… And Psycho is a must-watch for horror lovers.
First of all, Anthony Perkins’ performance as Norman Bates is iconic. And, secondly, while Psycho doesn’t have all the bells and whistles modern films have, the plot will definitely send a shiver down your spine.
Where to watch: Psycho is available to stream on Paramount+.
Stream Psycho on Paramount Plus from $9.99/mth, with a 7-day free trial. Subscribe here.
Scream
Director: Wes Craven
Starring: Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette
Genre: Horror, Mystery
Release Date: 1996
Scream completely reinvented the ‘slasher’ genre, and almost 30 years later it’s still one of the best slasher films of all time; AKA perfect for Halloween.
One year after the death of her mother, teenage girl Sidney and her friends are targeted by a masked killer.
Where to watch: Scream is available to stream on BINGE.
Stream now on BINGE with a 7-day free trial. Subscribe here.
Ghost
Director: Jerry Zucker
Starring: Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, Whoopi Goldberg
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Release Date: 1990
If scary films just aren’t your thing and you don’t want to watch a ‘kids’ Halloween film, Ghost is perfect for you. It’s romantic and tear-jerking, but also features the spooky element of ghosts.
And be honest… Who doesn’t love Patrick Swayze?
Where to watch: Ghost is available to stream on Foxtel Now.
Stream Ghost on Foxtel Now from $35/mth, with a 10-day free trial. Subscribe here.
Hocus Pocus
Director: Kenny Ortega
Starring: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy
Genre: Comedy, Family, Fantasy
Release Date: 1993
Another Halloween film perfect for the whole family, Hocus Pocus follows Max and his little sister Dani who accidentally resurrect three witches – the Sanderson sisters – who were killed during the Salem Witch trials.
Bette Midler is utterly bewitching (pun intended) in Hocus Pocus; we’d argue it’s one of her best roles to date.
Where to watch: Hocus Pocus is available to stream on Disney+.
Stream now on Disney+ with a mth-to-mth no lock-in contract. Subscribe here.
