Just like Christmas means watching Hallmark films and old classics like Home Alone, Halloween is a holiday that has some special movies. Some people go for horror, wanting to grab some candy bars, turn off the lights, and watch several slasher or ghost stories in a row. Others are more into family-friendly films that remind them of their childhood.
One of the most popular Halloween movies is Halloweentown, the Disney Channel Original Movie from 1998. Marnie (Kimberly Brown) learns that she's a witch and she travels to the adorable but scary town with her grandma (Debbie Reynolds) and siblings. Fans have questions about Halloweentown, but after watching this beloved film for the 100th time, they'll likely want to binge similar fare.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
This Halloween movie is so beloved there are tons of funny memes centered around it. It's also a perfect film for fans of Halloweentown.
Released in 1993, Hocus Pocus follows the Sanderson sisters: Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker), Mary (Kathy Najimy), and Winnie (Bette Midler). Of course, there's something different about these siblings: they're witches. The movie is cheesy fun and a total cult classic.
All Hallows' Eve (2016)
Some Halloweentown creatures are scarier than others but All Hallows' Eve isn't very scary at all, making it a perfect family-friendly movie for the season.
Not to be confused with the 2013 film of the same name, which is definitely a more traditional horror flick, the 2016 one stars Lexi Giovagnoli as Eve. Her birthday is on Halloween and she assumes that things will be normal, but instead, she finds out that she's actually a witch, just like Marnie does in Halloweentown.
Twitches (2005)
Another Disney Channel Original Movie, Twitches stars twins Tia and Tamera Mowry, whom TV audiences know from their hit sitcom, Sister, Sister.
The sisters play Alex and Cam, who learn that they are witches and love the fact that when they team up, they're even more magical. The movie is pure corny fun and a great Halloween night choice.
The Addams Family (1991)
Always a classic, The Addams Family is another great pick for a Halloween-themed movie.
The 1991 film stars Christina Ricci and Angelica Houston and will make those who grew up watching it feel a huge sense of nostalgia. After learning some of the fun BTS facts, fans can go buy their favorite candy and have a movie night with these hilarious and creepy relatives. It's fun to return to this world since many movie and TV fans are familiar with these characters.
Double, Double, Toil And Trouble (1993)
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen fans grew up watching the twins' straight-to-video movie, and this Halloween classic is a family-friendly choice.
Double, Double, Toil and Trouble came out in 1993 and the Olsen twins star as Kelly and Lynn, who learn that their Aunt Agatha has put a spell on their Great Aunt Sophia. They decide to help and the result is a totally charming film.
Goosebumps 2: The Haunted Halloween (2018)
There are so many solid, classic Goosebumps episodes, and fans of the R.L. Stine book series were intrigued about the 2015 movie starring Jack Black as the author.
The sequel, which came out in 2018, specifically focuses on the spooky holiday celebrated on October 31st. Sarah (Madison Iseman) and her brother Sonny (Jeremy Ray Taylor) become reacquainted with the scary doll Slappy when they find out that he's back and ruining their lives.
This sequel is hardly the most critically acclaimed film in the world, but it is still enjoyable — and it features a great performance by Wendi McLendon-Covey of The Goldbergs fame.
Gremlins (1984)
Although Gremlins is a Christmas film, it's totally perfect for fans of Halloweentown as it's a family-friendly story about a beloved holiday. Why not watch it on October 31st — and then again at Christmastime?
Gremlins tells the tale of Billy (Zach Galligan), who is given a gremlin as a gift from his dad. While Gizmo is adorable, Billy soon learns that these creatures can definitely wreck some havoc.
Ernest Scared Stupid (1991)
The 1991 film Ernest Scared Stupid is part of a series of comedy films starring the titular protagonist, also known for another holiday film, Ernest Saves Christmas.
This is a super silly film that will definitely get anyone in the Halloween spirit. Ernest makes the mistake of letting trolls into a tiny town, and they cause a huge disaster.
Teen Witch (1989)
What about the classic film Teen Witch? Just like Marnie in Halloweentown, the main character in this 1989 film, Louise Miller (Robyn Lively), learns that she will become a witch.
The movie may have a reputation for being campy, but it's definitely entertaining. While Louise is a few years older than 13-year-old Marnie, she's still a relatable character as she's figuring out how to use magical powers while being fairly young.
The Witches (1990)
The 1990 movie The Witches is based on the novel of the same name by Roald Dahl, and stars Anjelica Huston as Eva Ernst/The Grand High Witch.
A boy named Luke (Jasen Fisher) is forced to relocate to England when his parents pass away, and he realizes that he has met a witch. Anjelica Huston's character may not be a the most terrifying movie witch ever, but The Witches is still an entertaining story to watch.