Mariah Carey eagerly awaits a specific date to kick off her personal countdown to Christmas, while Halloween-themed films and shows continue to thrive. Current horror hits like *Terrifier 3* and *Smile 2* captivate audiences, but cozy at-home frights hold appeal for the less adventurous. This lineup includes family-friendly series like *Ghosts* and *Peppa Pig: Pumpkin Party*, magical stories like *Agatha All Along* and *The Witches of Eastwick*, along with true crime documentaries and classic films such as *Beetlejuice* and *The Shining*.
Mariah Carey eagerly anticipates this date to begin her personal countdown to Christmas. While holiday-themed television movies are already back on air, Halloween shows are still making their mark. In cinemas, horror films like Terrifier 3 and Smile 2 continue their bloody journey to success. However, the option of enjoying ‘spookiness at home’ remains a reliable choice for those less adventurous. There’s no need to dress up or knock on neighbors’ doors in search of treats to enjoy the renowned holiday on Thursday, October 31. Here are films, series, and documentaries to keep you entertained from the comfort of your sofa.
Family-Friendly Frights
Ghosts: Haunting at Home: A rarely seen fun take on a haunted house. Sam and Ryan inherit an old home without realizing it’s filled with mischievous spirits who haven’t crossed over yet. Based on a British creation, this delightful comedic series hails from the U.S. and stars Rose McIver, the leading lady from the other perfect Halloween series, iZombie.
Peppa Pig: Pumpkin Party on Paramount+: The most famous fictional pig (sorry, Babe…) joins in the Halloween fun with a special episode. When Peppa’s dad invites all their friends to a costume party, it’s a treat for young viewers everywhere.
Hocus Pocus on Disney+: Released 30 years ago, this story of witch sisters is the quintessential family Halloween movie. While the original remains superior to its sequel, Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy reprised their roles two years ago.
Learn to Cast a Spell
Agatha All Along on Disney+: ‘Down, down, down the road, down the witches road…’ Once you hear this chant, it will stick in your head. Kathryn Hahn stars in this spectacular Marvel Studios series that follows the already magical Wandavision.
The Witches of Eastwick on Max: Cher, Susan Sarandon, and Michelle Pfeiffer face off against Jack Nicholson in this George Miller film, where powers can often hide deeper secrets.
Ruthless Affection on Prime Video: Before screaming in Scream, Neve Campbell played a budding witch in this iconic 90s movie where high school girls dabble in dark magic. The original is available for rent or purchase, while the 2020 reboot can be watched for free but lacks the same charm.
For True Crime Enthusiasts
Monsters: The Story of Lyle and Erick Menendez on Netflix: Following the infamous serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, Ryan Murphy delves into the tragic tale of the sons convicted for murdering their parents in 1996. This dramatized account of a highly publicized crime case in the U.S. has sparked discussions about the possibility of a new trial.
The Real Murders on Elm Street on Max: Elm Street is one of the most famous street names in the U.S., known for both John F. Kennedy’s assassination and Freddy Krueger’s reign of terror in A Nightmare on Elm Street. This documentary series examines six murders that occurred on this prominent street across the country, chilling indeed.
A Woman at Stake on Netflix: In search of true love, Sheryl participates in a game show similar to ‘The Dating Game’ in 70s Los Angeles. However, her suitor turns out to be a serial killer who has been active for years. An incredible yet true story starring Anna Kendrick from Pitch Perfect.
Classic Horror to Revisit
Beetlejuice on Max: Do we even need to introduce Tim Burton’s quirky hero? The striped-suited bio-exorcist helped solidify the eccentric director’s name. A heartfelt sequel filled with nods to the original delighted audiences in theaters recently.
The Scream Saga on Paramount+: Ghostface haunts Sydney Prescott and her friends in the films crafted by Wes Craven. Viewers can watch the original trilogy along with the sixth installment directed by Matt Bettinelli-Ol