Welcome back, film and television lovers! As the October crispness officially rolls in, there is absolutely nothing better than breaking out the oversized sweaters, brewing a hot drink, and curling up on the couch for a cozy matinee. With spooky season officially upon us, I wanted to welcome everyone back to the blog by diving into my absolute favorite Halloween movies and cinematic traditions.
From psychological suspense and nostalgic witchy magic to high-octane monster hunters and Y2K thrillers, here are the four mandatory Halloween movies I find myself returning to year after year—complete with some very real, chaotic personal memories attached to them!
❄️ The Dead Zone (1983)
Why It’s a Favorite: I have loved this film for decades, having originally seen it in the movie theatre when it first came out in 1983. As a massive fan of Stephen King—who is my absolute favorite author—this adaptation holds a truly special place in my heart.
What makes the film work so beautifully is the deep vulnerability Christopher Walken brings to the character of Johnny Smith. He isn’t a traditional, untouchable hero. He is a tragic figure carrying a heavy psychic burden. His quiet, emotional performance stands in perfect, chilling contrast to his ultimate foe: Greg Stillson, a terrifyingly charismatic, madman politician played flawlessly by Martin Sheen. Sound familiar?
Watching Johnny navigate his tragic fate while trying to stop a lunatic from destroying the world makes this a masterclass in psychological suspense. It is an absolute must-watch for a chilly autumn evening. The Dead Zone is the Halloween Movie I always watch on October 31, in between handing out candy to little ghosts and goblins of course.
Where to Watch: Currently streaming on Paramount+ (and available to rent/buy on Apple TV or Amazon Prime Video).
🏹 Van Helsing (2004)
Why It’s a Favorite: Long before I was lucky enough to meet the incredibly charming Hugh Jackman in person at TIFF, he completely stole my attention in this movie. Plus, I have always loved the original Van Helsing character in Bram Stoker’s Dracula. So seeing a modern, action-packed take on the monster hunter was a total treat.
Let’s be honest: Hugh Jackman rocking a flowing leather trench coat, long hair, and fighting classic Universal monsters is peak cinematic eye candy. It’s the ultimate fun, gothic popcorn flick to kick off a cozy weekend. Between the incredible costume design, the dramatic Transylvanian atmosphere, and Hugh’s performance, it remains a mandatory watch on my October lineup every single year.
Where to Watch: Currently streaming on Starz in the US (and available to rent/buy on Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video).
🔮 Practical Magic (1998)
Why It’s a Favorite: This movie holds a deeply personal spot on my Halloween list. Long before I was writing about films, I actually practiced Wicca—I still own my original crystal ball, used to cast spells, and loved doing Tarot cards readings for my friends and family. I also have a pentacle hanging on a wall and a kitchen witch hanging in my kitchen for luck! Because of that, the beautiful, earthy depiction of the Owens sisters’ craft always hits home.
On top of that, I am incredibly close with my own younger sister, so the tight bond between Sally (Sandra Bullock) and Gillian (Nicole Kidman—one of my absolute favorite actresses) makes me a bit sentimental. As someone who spends her days running The Soap Scoop and analyzing television drama, I can confidently say the chemistry between Bullock and Kidman in Practical Magic rivals any iconic daytime sister duo.
Let’s not forget the eye candy: I have always thought Aidan Quinn was incredibly hot, especially since his days in The Handmaid’s Tale. Between the legendary “Midnight Margaritas” scene, the gorgeous Victorian house, and the perfect soundtrack, it is the ultimate cozy, magical autumn watch.
Where to Watch: Available to stream on Disney Plus and Crave, as well as the Starz Amazon Channel. (Perfect timing, since Practical Magic 2 just hit theaters last month.)
✈️ Final Destination (2000)
Why It’s a Favorite: This movie triggers a very real, personal fear for me. Ever since a terrifying flight from Newark to Toronto on my birthday back in 2000—where we were delayed for hours, flew straight through a massive thunderstorm, and watched lightning strike outside the window while my coworker cried—I have had a morbid fascination with plane crashes.
So, when I first saw this movie, I was definitely skeptical. I was dating a younger, hot guy from Wisconsin at the time, and he was the one who dragged me to see it. I didn’t really want to watch it, but that infamous, chaotic plane crash sequence at the very beginning had me absolutely hooked from the start.
The way the movie plays with the inevitability of fate and turns everyday objects into lethal traps is brilliant. It’s a total millennial nostalgia trip that will make you double-check every single thing around you—and maybe think twice before booking your next flight.
Where to Watch: Available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Crave, or free with ads on Tubi (Streaming on Max in the US). Also available worldwide for digital rental or purchase on Apple TV and Google Play.
Over to you! That wraps up my mandatory four for the season, but I want to hear from you. What is your absolute must-watch movie when October rolls around? Are you into cozy witchy vibes like Practical Magic, or do you prefer the psychological suspense of The Dead Zone? Let me know your top picks in the comments below, and happy watching!
