Top 10 Halloween Movies for Millennial Nostalgia

Halloween isn't just about costumes and candy—it's also the perfect time to curl up with some classic movies that bring back the nostalgia of Halloweens past. For millennials, there's a unique collection of movies that capture the eerie charm, dark humor, and magic we all crave this time of year. Here’s a lineup of top Halloween movies that will take you on a journey back to the good ol’ days of trick-or-treating, haunted houses, and staying up late to be spooked. Dim the lights, grab some popcorn, and enjoy!

1. Hocus Pocus (1993)

Nothing says Halloween like the Sanderson Sisters! This movie has become a cult classic that ages like fine wine. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy play three hilariously wicked witches who return from the dead and wreak havoc on Salem. Millennials might remember this one from Disney Channel marathons, making it a must-watch for the cozy, spooky nostalgia of childhood. Plus, with its quirky humor, catchy musical numbers, and that famous black-flame candle, Hocus Pocus is a wickedly delightful treat.

2. The Exorcist (1973)

For a true Halloween scare, The Exorcist remains the gold standard. Based on a real-life exorcism, this iconic horror film is both deeply unsettling and historically groundbreaking. The terrifying story of a young girl possessed by a demonic force and her mother’s desperate attempt to save her remains spine-tingling even today. This is the movie that had generations sleeping with the lights on, and it’s essential for any millennial looking to reconnect with a Halloween classic that’s stood the test of time.

3. Casper (1995)

If you were a kid in the '90s, chances are Casper was one of your first Halloween movies. With a mix of comedy, romance, and just enough spookiness, this ghostly tale follows Casper, the friendliest ghost you’ll ever meet, and his adventures with Kat (Christina Ricci). Between Casper’s innocent charm and his three chaotic uncles, it’s a heartwarming, nostalgic reminder of childhood innocence and friendship with a supernatural twist. And who could forget Casper's dreamy "Can I keep you?" line that made our young hearts flutter?

4. The Addams Family (1991)

The Addams Family is the ultimate in kooky, spooky, and altogether ooky fun. The eccentric Addams clan’s blend of dark humor and family values struck a chord with millennials, making it an essential Halloween staple. Raul Julia and Anjelica Huston as Gomez and Morticia Addams are the epitome of #couplegoals, and Christina Ricci’s Wednesday Addams defined sarcasm for a generation. Rewatching The Addams Family is like stepping into a world where being different is celebrated, and Halloween is a lifestyle, not just a holiday.

5. Beetlejuice (1988)

Say his name three times, and you’re in for a wild ride! Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice is an offbeat masterpiece, filled with dark humor and surreal visuals that capture the essence of Burton’s unique style. Michael Keaton’s performance as the mischievous, crude "bio-exorcist" Beetlejuice is unforgettable. The film brings out the fun side of the afterlife, balancing frights with laughs in a way only a Tim Burton movie can. Watching Beetlejuice transports you to an eccentric world of ghouls, laughs, and the spooky fun that Halloween is all about.

6. The Craft (1996)

Embracing the occult never looked so cool! The Craft is the story of four high school misfits who harness magical powers and, in true '90s fashion, face the consequences. This movie practically defined witchy vibes for a generation, with its iconic fashion, haunting score, and themes of friendship and betrayal. The Craft is perfect for that nostalgic autumnal feeling when you just want to throw on some flannel, light a candle, and whisper “we are the weirdos, mister.”

7. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

While it may not be horror, E.T. offers a heartwarming yet eerie story that’s perfect for Halloween. Steven Spielberg’s classic film about a young boy’s friendship with a stranded alien taps into that nostalgic Halloween spirit, complete with a memorable Halloween scene where E.T. dons a ghost costume. Millennials who grew up watching E.T. can revisit this classic and be transported to a time when they believed in the magic of bikes flying across the moon and the power of friendship with extraterrestrials.

8. Psycho (1960)

Nothing beats the eerie elegance of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho on Halloween. Known for its infamous shower scene and haunting score, this movie pioneered psychological horror. Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates set the standard for unsettling, and the film’s twists keep audiences guessing, even after multiple viewings. Millennials raised on a steady diet of '90s and 2000s thrillers owe a lot to Psycho, which proves that classic horror is just as spine-tingling today as it was back in the day.

9. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Is it a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? Why not both? The Nightmare Before Christmas has been a holiday staple for years, embodying the crossover magic between Halloween and Christmas with its unforgettable songs and stop-motion animation. Tim Burton’s whimsical and eerie film captures that sense of nostalgia, making it an essential part of any millennial’s Halloween lineup. Jack Skellington’s quest to discover Christmas—and his eventual realization that he’s happiest being himself in Halloween Town—is a lesson that’s more resonant as adults than ever before.

10. Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998)

Here’s a treat for our final pick! Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island may seem like a kids' movie, but don’t be fooled—this movie is packed with genuine scares, a spooky setting, and mysteries galore. Unlike the classic Scooby-Doo formula, this film took a darker turn with real supernatural threats, haunting music, and a swampy bayou vibe perfect for Halloween. Watching this as kids, many millennials felt they had stumbled upon something seriously spooky, and revisiting it as an adult is a fun, eerie reminder of simpler times when the Mystery Machine was all we needed to chase away our fears.

Whether you're craving the warmth of Casper's friendly ghost, the thrills of Psycho, or the outright mayhem of Beetlejuice, these movies are a nostalgic homage to the Halloween magic of years gone by. So, grab your pumpkin spice, gather your friends (or your stuffed E.T. plush), and prepare for a Halloween night filled with memories, spooks, and laughs. Happy Halloween!