It’s spooky season people! Sure, we may not get the cozy *fall* vibes of pumpkin-spiced beverages, cool weather and trick-or-treating in the southern hemisphere, but that doesn’t mean we can’t pretend.
And the best way to get in the Halloween mood? Movies of course!
From family classics to date night scares – WHO have rounded up the best Halloween movies to stream in Australia to embrace the Halloween spirit.
Halloween Movies to Watch in Australia
Hocus Pocus (1993)
After Max (Omri Katz) lights the black flame candle on All Hallows’ Eve, the wicked Sanderson sisters return from their graces with one thing on their minds – immortality. Starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy, this kooky comedy has a place in our hearts.
Stream Hocus Pocus (and it’s 2022 sequel!) on Disney+
Casper (1995)
When Kat (Christina Ricci) and her therapist father Dr James Harvey (Bill Pullman) move to Whipstaff Manor to rid the mansion of a ghostly trio, hilarity ensues. Not only are the gang determined to stick around and run amok, but Casper’s obsession with becoming human again nearly costs Dr. Harvey his life. As for poor Kat, all she wants is to find a date for the big Halloween dance. With added comic relief in the form of the doddering dibs (played by Eric Idle), Casper is one family favourite that never gets old.
Rent Casper on Prime Video.
The Addams Family (1991) & Addams Family Values (1993)
Dysfunctional and delightfully ridiculous, this iconic ’60s television family ushered in a new era when they hit the silver screen in their first film, The Addams Family. The supernatural black comedy was so successful that a sequel followed two years later. Starring Paul Julia, Anjelica Huston and Christina Ricci, these flicks gave generations of new viewers insight into the kooky family whose spirit just couldn’t be killed.
Rent The Addams Family and Addams Family Values on Prime Video.
The Witches (1990)
If there’s one thing Anjelica Huston does well, it’s scare the living daylights out of kids. Based on the successful book by Roald Dahl, this flick follows young Luke as he stumbles upon a convention of witches and overhears the Grand High Witch (Huston) discussing her evil plan to rid the world of children. Luke decides to ruin her evil master plan, but not before he’s snatched and forced a potion that turns him into a mouse. While truly terrifying in parts, the fact this movie was ever marketed at kids is what’s most frightening.
Stream the original The Witches as well as its 2020 remake on Binge.
Practical Magic (1998)
Talk about witchy women! When Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman teamed up for this whimsical romantic comedy about magical sisters Sally and Gillian trapped in a centuries-long curse of love and loss, no one could have anticipated we’d still be covering the movie all these years later. Practical Magic had viewers channelling Stevie Nick’s wardrobe, staying up late for midnight margaritas and believing that no matter what, true love would conquer all.
Rent Practical Magic through Prime Video.
Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Set in the town of Sleepy Hollow just before the turn of the 17th century, this film is based on Washington Irving’s classic tale of the same name. When the famed headless horseman starts killing again, a young Ichabod Crane (Johnny Depp) is recruited to put an end to the senseless beheadings. While trying to solve the mystery, Ichabod falls for local beauty Katrina Van Tassel (Christina Ricci), but not before he’s forced to face a few personal demons of his own. Part horror, part romance, this supernatural thriller is definitely to be watched after the kids go to bed.
Rent Sleepy Hollow on Prime Video.
The Craft (1996)
If you were a teenage girl in the ’90s, chances are this film was your entire world and the grungy era-defining characters were your style icons. When Sarah (Robin Tunney) moves to Los Angeles, she quickly falls in with a group of fellow outsiders who are drawn together by their mutual interest in the occult. After the girls connect and form a coven, it becomes clear Sarah’s natural abilities are a source of contention and before long the trials and tribulations of teenage friendships are thrown into the world of spells, magic and witchcraft.
Stream The Craft on Binge.
Beetlejuice (1988)
Beetlejuice…Beetlejuice…Bee We won’t risk saying the name three times, but if you want to see what happens if you *do* – then you can’t go wrong with the Tim Burton Classic. When the deceased couple Adam (Alec Baldwin) and Barbara (Geena Davis) are unsuccessful in scaring away a family that has moved into their old home, they seek the help of bio-exorcist Betelgeuse (Michael Keaton). This outrageous comedy horror boasts an all-star cast including Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara.
Rent Beetlejuice on Binge.
Halloweentown (1998)
When Grandma Aggie (Debbie Reynolds) comes to visit, the Piper children notice her use of magic. Curious, they follow her back to Halloweentown where Aggie and their mother Gwen are attacked by the dark forces. A Disney classic, Halloweentown and its three sequels are the perfect kid-friendly way to jump into the Halloween mood.
Stream the Halloweentown Series on Disney+
Scream (1996)
Need a bit more of a scare during the scary season? The original Scream is the perfect jump-scare slasher that will get your heart pumping but not actually terrify you. Full of suspense and perfect 90s vibes, this teen slasher is a fun flick that inspired countless spin-offs.
Stream Scream on Binge and Prime Video.
Death Becomes Her (1992)
We could argue that this movie is perfect to watch at any time of the year, but the satirical black comedy starring Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn and Brice Willisis absolutely perfect for Halloween. A writer and an actress have hated each other for years as they have a crush on the same man. They secretly drink a miracle cure that prevents aging and also turns them immortal, but chaos ensues.
Stream Death Becomes Her on Binge.
