As the days start to shorten and the summer heat starts to fade – it’s natural that we gravitate towards wrapping ourselves up warm and watching movies that scare the absolute bejeezus out of us. After all, there are few ways to feel more alive than a good fright – and there’s no better way than with a Halloween movie to get you into the spooky season spirit..
But, with so many Halloween movies to choose from (not to mention the number of films in the Halloween series), it can be hard to know where to start. So grab your popcorn, fill up your cola, and let’s get stuck into the 12 most iconic Halloween movies.
1. Halloween (1978)
When we think of Halloween movies, John Carpenter’s Halloween surely has to be at the top of any list. This slasher film introduced the world to Michael Myers, one of the most terrifying and relentless killers in horror history. The film’s gore is perhaps a bit campy by today’s hyper-real standards, but the story certainly stands the test of time.
Why it’s iconic:
- The Birth of the Slasher Genre: Halloween set the tone for slasher films that followed. Michael Myers’ creepy mask, his slow but inevitable pursuit, and the haunting theme music create a pervasive dread that’s not necessarily been matched.
- Final Girl Trope: Jamie Lee Curtis’ portrayal of Laurie Strode cemented her as the quintessential “Final Girl,” a horror trope where the lone female survives the carnage.
2. The Exorcist (1973)
If you watch the exorcist on a bright, sunny day, there’s not much chance of being scared – but watching it on a cold rainy night with all the lights turned off is a guaranteed fright. The movie follows the story of a young girl possessed by a demon and the two priests who try to save her.
Why it’s iconic:
- Psychological Horror: The film’s exploration of faith, innocence, and evil resonated deeply with audiences, transcending typical horror to leave viewers unnerved for days.
- Cultural Impact: From head-spinning scenes to terrifying makeup, The Exorcist became a pop culture phenomenon that’s influenced practically every horror film since.
3. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Wes Craven’s A Nightmare on Elm Street introduced the world to Freddy Krueger, a savage killer who haunts teenagers in their dreams. The film left people terrified because where else can you hide if not your dreams?
Why it’s iconic:
- Its Unique Premise: The concept of a killer attacking in dreams brought a fresh twist to the slasher genre – blending the line between reality and nightmares.
- Freddy Krueger’s Legacy: While Michael Myers’ frightfulness comes from his unfeeling, unchanging face, Freddy Krueger’s is the opposite; a grotesque, burned face and clawed glove make him very emotive and very scary.
4. Hocus Pocus (1993)
From pure frights to suitable kids Halloween movies, Hocus Pocus has become a cult favourite for balancing comedy with light-hearted scares. The story follows the Sanderson sisters, three witches resurrected in modern-day Salem, as they attempt to regain their powers by stealing the souls of children – something we can all agree is never good news.
Why it’s iconic:
- Family-Friendly Fun: While many Halloween classics focus on being terrifying, Hocus Pocus offers a fun (but still fairly spooky) experience for all ages.
- Memorable Performances: Better Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the Sanderson sisters delivered performances so memorable that the movie continues to grow in popularity each Halloween.
The Shining (1980)
While originally a Steven King novel, The Shining was adapted by Stanley Kubrick into a real masterpiece of psychological horror. It’s aided by the depth of performances from both Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall but the whole film, in typical Kubrick fashion, pulls you into its insidiousness.
Why it’s iconic:
- Atmospheric Horror: So much of what makes us afraid is to do with the atmosphere we find ourselves in. Kubrick’s meticulous direction combined with the particularly eerie Overlook Hotel setting does a great job of gripping us through just how unsettling it all is.
- Cultural Significance: The film is such a great example of psychological and visual horror that it now holds a status almost synonymous with “Horror”. The infamous “Here’s Johnny!”, the ghostly twins, and other iconic scenes are regularly referenced and parodied today.
6. Scream (1996)
Scream reinvented the slasher genre by adding a layer of self-awareness (what us culture buffs call “metafictional” elements). Also directed by Wes Craven, the movie follows a group of teens being stalked by a killer who’s obsessed with horror films – and therefore has a lot of fun playing with the tropes of the genre while still being delightfully frightful.
Why it’s iconic:
- Meta Commentary: While meta-narrative films existed in part before Scream – it was one of the first to really break into mainstream audiences. Some audience members immediately understood the cleverness of playing with genre conventions while other viewers just went for the frights.
- Ghostface: In a similar way to other iconic horror villains, the killer’s ‘Ghostface’ mask is so visually distinctive that it’s become an enduring icon of horror.
7. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a disturbing and raw portrayal of physical terror. The film follows a group of friends who stumble onto a family of cannibals in Texas, including the iconic Leatherface – a chainsaw-wielding menace. The film was originally marketed as being “based on true events” when it was released – so the gore and violence really shocked audiences.
Why it’s iconic:
- Realism and Grit: Unlike many polished horror films, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was an independent movie filmed on a comparatively low budget. And they leaned into this rawness to make it even more terrifying.
- Leatherface: As one of the earliest horror icons, Leatherface’s brutal, relentless pursuit of his victims and his disturbing mask make him a legend in the genre – much like Michael Myers a few years later.
8. Beetlejuice (1988)
Being a Tim Burton film, Beetlejuice isn’t really particularly scary, but it’s quirky, supernatural comedy has come to be a Halloween staple for many movie lovers. The film centres around a recently deceased couple trying to scare away the new inhabitants of their home with the help of a boisterous spirit named Beetlejuice.
Why it’s iconic:
- Unique Aesthetic: Tim Burton’s dark, whimsical style is unmistakable, making Beetlejuice an immediately recognisable film.
- Michael Keaton’s Performance: Keaton’s portrayal of Beetlejuice became instantly iconic, hinging on the unnerving, sometimes gross, but also funny dialogue & behaviour.
9. It (2017)
This is a more recent adaptation of the original film, and is definitely more aimed at young teens (although it’s quite graphic in parts). The 2017 rendition of Stephen King’s It quickly became a modern horror classic as a group of kids confront a shapeshifting entity, Pennywise the Clown, trying to kill as many people as it can.
Why it’s iconic:
- Terrifying Villain: Bill Skarsgård’s portrayal of Pennywise is bone-chilling, with his unsettling smile and unpredictable behaviour. He’s the archetypal creep!
- Exploration of Fear: The film’s deeper exploration of childhood fears, trauma, and friendship helped resonate with audiences in much the same way that season one of Stranger Things did.
10. The Addams Family (1991)
The Addams Family movie brought Charles Addams’ beloved cartoon characters to life in a gothic comedy that celebrates the macabre in a delightful way. The eccentric family, led by Gomez and Morticia Addams, navigates the world with their own spooky charm.
Why It’s Iconic:
- Endearing Characters: The film’s memorable performances, especially Raul Julia and Anjelica Huston as Gomez and Morticia, made the Addams family a beloved part of Halloween.
- Gothic Aesthetic: With its mix of dark humour and quirky charm, The Addams Family embodies the spirit of Halloween without relying on traditional horror.
11. Poltergeist (1982)
Poltergeist taps into a more supernatural brand of horror, following a family whose home is terrorised by malevolent spirits. The film mixes special effects with eerie atmospheres to great effect.
Why It’s Iconic:
- Haunted House Horror: This film helped solidify the haunted house genre, creating a template for supernatural horror films that came after.
- Creepy Moments: The scene with the TV static and the infamous line “They’re here!” remain embedded in horror culture.
12. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
The jury’s still out as to whether this is a Halloween film or a Christmas film – Tim Burton would probably argue that it’s both! His Nightmare Before Christmas is the perfect crossover between the two holidays, offering a dark, whimsical tale about Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who becomes fascinated with Christmas.
Why it’s iconic:
- Timeless Appeal: The film’s distinctive stop-motion animation, memorable characters, and enchanting soundtrack make it a favourite for both Halloween and Christmas seasons.
- Cultural Phenomenon: The Nightmare Before Christmas has become a beloved part of holiday traditions, with its merchandise and characters as iconic symbols of Halloween.
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