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Ask the dreaded question, and you’re bound to get a debate stirring in your living room: What makes for a truly classic Halloween movie? Only the most nightmare-inducing cult favorites? Or the timeless cartoons you can watch well before midnight with your little monsters (a.k.a. kids) gathered round? Film connoisseurs will never settle on what turns thrillers to classics, but one thing’s for sure: Movies are best when you don’t have to leave your lair (er, couch) to watch ’em.
Luckily, Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime have the very best Halloween movies to make your October the scariest one yet. Once you settle on your movie snack of choice (Halloween candy, for obvious reasons), it’s time to decide if you’d rather stream a childhood favorite (Hocus Pocus or Halloweentown), a modern-day remake (the latest Halloween), or a tried-and-true thriller (IT … along just about every other classic on this list).
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1
Hocus Pocus (1993)
2
IT (2017)
Since Pennywise the Clown is the most popular Halloween costume yet again, it’s only fitting that the 2017 remake of Stephen King’s bone-chilling story makes the cut. And if you can’t get enough, check out the IT Chapter Two in theaters now.
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3
Scream (1996)
4
The Addams Family (1991)
You might know the frightening faces of this wacky family — and probably the rhythm to their catchy theme song — but do you know their story? Watch and see.
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5
Carrie (1976)
In this high school-turned-horror story, a young misfit (aptly named Carrie) shows her school bullies the terrible power that she possess. And let’s the just say, the bullying doesn’t continue much longer.
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6
The Sixth Sense (1999)
7
Coraline (2009)
Follow young explorer Coraline through a door into an alternate dimension, where she meets characters who seem much like those in her real life … but maybe a little off. Even though it’s made for children, the character’s creepy (yet cute) button eyes will make adults nervous, too.
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RELATED: The 35 Best Halloween Movies For Kids
8
Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
Mia Farrow is chilling as the pregnant young Rosemary, who must face the truth about her baby, her husband, and her life.
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9
The Conjuring (2013)
When paranormal investigators are called to search an isolated farmhouse, they think they can handle the less-than-horrifying hauntings there. But, if we know anything from horror movies, it’s that spirits always find a way to give humans a spook.
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10
Ghostbusters (1984)
11
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
It’s up for debate whether this classic falls into the Halloween or Christmas category. Either way, Tim Burton’s imaginary world is worth exploring.
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12
Halloween (2018)
The title says it all: This remake of the 1978 triller gives the tried-and-true series a refresh with its original star, Jamie Lee Curtis. Given that the movie is named after the year’s spookiest holiday, it’s just about as classic as they come.
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RELATED: The Best Halloween Movies on Hulu
13
The Amityville Horror (1979)
A couple moves into their dream home, only to discover the previous tenants met a deadly end. Really, this drama teaches an important life tip: If the house you’re buying seems too good to be true, call the ghostbusters before you settle in.
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14
Child’s Play (1988)
Imagine Toy Story, but without, well, all the things that give it Disney’s stamp of approval. Instead of Woody and Buzz, this movie follows a young boy who receives a doll that takes on a demonic life of its own.
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15
Halloweentown (1998)
If your kids wish that Halloween could be every night of the year, you’re in luck: In the magical Halloweentown, that’s basically how it goes.
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16
Nightmare on Elm Street (2010)
In Freddy Kruger’s world, nightmares can actually kill you. So, maybe sip on a glass of wine while you watch this modern remake of the 1984 thriller.
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17
The Haunted Mansion (2003)
Disneyland built the house, but Eddie Murphy made the movie. By the end of this heart-warming Disney classic, you may just change your mind about the grim, grinning ghosts.
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18
Corpse Bride (2005)
Just because Halloween is the spookiest holiday of the year doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in a star-crossed romance. This animated Tim Burton love story is your best bet and best of all, totally kid-friendly.
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19
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
A masterpiece of “found footage,” this cult favorite follows a group of film students who get lost in the woods while investigating the local “Blair Witch.” It might prevent you from ever taking a walk in the woods again.
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20
Paranormal Activity 2 (2010)
This supernatural thriller, stitched together with “video surveillance footage,” takes a fly-on-the-wall point of view as a family falls apart over their home’s haunted guest. Even the covers can’t protect you when something wicked this way comes…
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21
Shutter Island (2010)
A trip to a remote island with Leonard DiCaprio might sound enticing, until you reach the terrifying insane asylum at the heart of this mind-boggling Martin Scorsese drama.
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22
Children of the Corn (1984)
Stephen King has a penchant for making the mundane mortifying, so it’s no surprise this adaptation of his 1978 short story made corn fields become one of the creepiest places to spend Halloween.
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23
The Thing (1982)
Remote location? Check. Shape-shifting villain? Check. Kurt Russell to the rescue? Check. This satisfying 1982 horror movie manages to cover all the bases of a classic Halloween movie.
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24
Clue (1985)
It might not scream “Halloween,” but this murder mystery has inspired enough costumes that it deserves a spot with the classics. You’ll even put your detective skills to the test while you watch.
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25
The Evil Dead (1981)
A group of college friends camp out in a remote cabin, where they discover a haunted book and accidentally release a few demons.Talk about taking college parties to the next (read: terrifying) level.
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