spooky season is here!

It’s my favorite time of year to cozy up with fall movies. The leaves are falling, the weather’s changing, and it’s time to pull out the throw blankets. There’s something magical about this time — when a good film and a cup of something warm just feel right.

This list is full of perfect films that capture the essence of fall. I’ll include where you can stream each one, and there’s a little something for everyone — from spooky comedies to heartfelt dramas.

Beetlejuice (1988)

When cable TV ruled our homes, I remember tuning in to ABC Family’s 31 Days of Halloween every October. Beetlejuice was always on that lineup — and it became one of my seasonal favorites.

After Barbara and Adam Maitland die in a car accident, they find themselves stuck haunting their country home. When the unbearable Deetz family moves in, their failed attempts to scare them away draw the attention of Beetlejuice — a mischievous and chaotic spirit whose “help” quickly spirals out of control.

Tim Burton’s film may be dated, but it’s timeless in its own way — full of dark humor, quirky

Scary Godmother (2003-2005)

Scary Godmother is one of those films I watch every single year. This animated series is based on the graphic novel by Jill Thompson — and it perfectly captures that playful, whimsical Halloween energy. It’s cute, creative, and full of heart — the kind of movie that instantly takes me back to childhood.

There are two films in the series:

Scary Godmother: Halloween Spooktakular (2003)

Hannah-Marie’s Halloween starts off with costumes, candy, and scary stories from her cousin Jimmy. But when Jimmy and his friends take the jokes too far and frighten her to tears, her Scary Godmother swoops in to save the night — turning fear into fun and showing that Halloween magic is for everyone.

Scary Godmother: The Revenge of Jimmy (2005)

A year after Hannah’s magical Halloween, Jimmy is still traumatized by the events of last year. Determined to stop Halloween forever, he tries everything — smashing pumpkins, stealing candy, and scaring kids — but his actions accidentally start to destroy the balance between the human world and the Fright Side.

Scream (1996)

This is hands down my favorite horror movie — and that’s saying something, because I’m not usually a horror fan. What I love about Scream is that it’s self-aware, darkly funny, and just the right amount of scary. It has this eerie charm that keeps you entertained the whole time.

The story follows a teen girl, still reeling from her mother’s murder, who becomes the next target of a masked killer obsessed with horror movies. Scream reinvented the slasher genre, blending scares with sharp humor, and it still holds up today.

Practical Magic (1998)

Practical Magic is pure fall comfort — witches, sisterhood, and small-town coziness wrapped in one magical story. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman play two witch sisters who must navigate love, loss, and a family curse. It’s emotional, romantic, and just a little spooky — the perfect movie for a chilly October night.

It’s the Great Pumpkin,Charlie Brown (1966)

No fall movie list is complete without this classic. It’s nostalgic, heartwarming, and perfectly captures that childhood excitement of Halloween night. Watching Linus wait for the Great Pumpkin never gets old — it’s a tradition that never fades.

Halloweentown (1998)

If you grew up with Disney Channel, Halloweentown is the definition of Halloween magic. Marnie Piper discovers she’s from a family of witches and visits a secret town filled with ghosts, goblins, and spells. It’s charming, nostalgic, and a must-watch every October.

Scary Movie (2002)

Before memes, there was Scary Movie. This parody of classic horror films is ridiculous, over-the-top, and still hilarious today. It’s perfect for when you want Halloween vibes without the actual scares.

When Harry Met Sally (2000)

Okay, I know this isn’t technically a “fall movie,” but it feels like one. The autumn leaves, New York scenery, and cozy sweaters make it a perfect romantic watch for the season. It’s funny, heartfelt, and timeless — a must for any fall movie marathon.

Casper (1993)

A sweet, family-friendly ghost story that’s equal parts spooky and wholesome. Casper brings nostalgia and a touch of 90s magic — it’s one of those movies that makes Halloween feel comforting instead of creepy.

Hocus Pocus (1993)

You can’t talk about Halloween movies without mentioning Hocus Pocus. This film is pure 90s magic — a perfect mix of comedy, spookiness, and charm. The story follows three witch sisters, the Sandersons, who are accidentally resurrected in modern-day Salem on Halloween night.

With unforgettable performances from Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, Hocus Pocus has become a cult classic that people return to year after year. It’s fun, festive, and full of that mischievous Halloween spirit that never gets old.

paraNorman (2012)

This stop-motion gem deserves more love. ParaNorman tells the story of a boy who can talk to ghosts and must save his town from a centuries-old curse. It’s beautifully animated, heartfelt, and a reminder that being different can be powerful.

Thanks for hanging out with me and diving into my favorite fall movies! Whether you’re lighting a candle, sipping something warm,or curled up under a blanket, I hope this list inspires your next cozy movie night. What’s your go-to fall film? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for new seasonal favorites!

What’s the first thing you do after the credits roll, for me its heading straight to my letterboxd. To jot down all my thoughts, hot takes, and reactions!

Hi! My name is Kyla, I’m an aspiring Film Journalist 🙂

I have a deep rooted love of film, TV, animation and so much more. Welcome to the Project Pop Culture Blog!

I want to start writing on the blog because I got the inspiration from letterboxd. Everytime I watch a new movie, the first thing I do afterwards is write my review on letterboxd. So I thought I could gather all my thoughts in one place. From dissecting the latest blockbuster to celebrating a hidden indie gem, we’ll cover it all.

Come along with me on this journey, where we deep dive and bond over the most amazing films!