Our top films to watch this Halloween (in an ascending scream-meter rating)

'Tis the season of scary, and just like any celebration has its music, Halloween comes with a whole package of great films. Movie geeks, stay alert! Preparation for the festivities and the big night itself is a great way to unwind, feel a bit like a kid for a while, carve out some pumpkins, dress up and eat delicious meals and candy apples. If you are having trouble getting into the Halloween spirit, we have created a compilation of ten great movies for people of all ages, ranging from family-friendly to downright petrifying because everyone loves a little bit of hair-raising frightful flicks! So, get your favourite snacks, light some candles, turn off lights, lock all doors, and get your spooky on!

E.T - The Extra-Terrestrial (1982) (Amazon Prime)

We are sure you have seen the Amblin Entertainment logo of a bike flying in front of the moon with an alien in its front basket. Well, this is the original story: Steven Spielberg’s extraordinary, cult-classic film focuses on the heart-warming friendship between a boy and his pet alien, who is accidentally brought to our planet. If you like Star Wars, Gremlins and, perhaps, The Never Ending Story – this one is for you. Starring Henry Thomas as the main character and young Drew Barrymore as his little sister, it holds 80’s movie suspense, government secrets and a wholesome, intergalactic friendship. 

Hocus Pocus (1993) (Amazon Prime)

“I put a spell on you and now you’re mine” - Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy picked up their brooms, dusted off their devil’s book and were conjured all the way from 17th century to year 1993 by a Salem high schooler trying to prove himself to the girl he likes. For an hour and a half, you will be immersed in unforgettable, quote-worthy scenes, followed up with a mischievous little sister, teenage bravery, unforgettable singing and talking cats. Just promise us you won’t light the black candle... 

Monster House (2006) (Rakuten TV)  

“Brush your teeth, go to bed and don’t be peeking into neighbours' bedroom windows with a telescope” - was this not the same line everyone’s parents said before tucking you into bed? The main characters of this movie seem to get away with lots of things while their parents are on a weekend getaway. For instance, solving the mystery of a monster house across the street that seems to eat kids' toys and sometimes, kids and even adults... 

The Craft (1996) (Amazon Prime) 

Have you ever wished for your school bullies to suffer while having the power to force your peers to adore you? Then this movie is for you. It includes everything any teenage girl may need: the 90s fashion and music, voluminous hair, school popularity, black magic...  

The main character befriends an alternative group of girls who guide her through witchcraft. What can possibly go wrong? Try not to get on their bad side, or you will need a bit more than sage. 

Goodnight Mommy (2022) (Amazon Prime) 

Mommy issues, suspense and (traumatised children, probably, for life) the chilling fear of ripping off a bandage to see what’s underneath. Naomi Watts, stars as the mother of the two boys who come back home after their mother’s so-called plastic surgery. Her face is covered in medical bandages and the mother acts very different compared to before. The children have a difficult task ahead of them – uncover who is their “new” mom and what has happened to their real mother, otherwise, they will be forced to start loving their new mummy-mommy... 

The Act (2019) (true crime) (Rakuten TV) 

For those suffering from health anxiety, may want to leave right now as the amount of crippling health issues the main character is said to have is terrifying on its own... or does she? Based on a real story about a mother who has been fabricating her daughter’s health records to claim benefits and sympathy from the people around them. Wait and see to what lengths the daughter will go to uncover the truth. 

IT (2017) (Amazon Prime Video) 

Did clowns ever scare you as a child? Are you still scared of them? Perhaps that is something to uncover over a cup of tea with your therapist. However, what if that fear was justified and there was something truly sinister behind that red smile painted on a pale face? All we can say – don't trust a happy voice from underneath the sewage. 

The Postcard Killings (2020) (true crime/novel-based) (Amazon Prime Video) 

They say all the best stories turned into films, were novels first. This is another one to add to the collection. The story revolves around grieving parents whose daughter was murdered while on her honeymoon in London. This film will suit fans of “The Da Vinci Code” (2006) and will keep you on the edge of your seat via suspense, building your own theory to who is the killer and, finally, the grand reveal. 

The Skeleton Key (2005) (Rakuten TV) 

Considering the release year, this movie was definitely ahead of its time. Starring Kate Hudson as a live-in nurse hired to care for a woman’s husband in a gothic mansion in atmospheric New Orleans, Louisiana. We never thought the act of smoking a cigarette could be so soul-crushing and sinister, but rumours have it, the frill lady isn’t who she pretends to be. Otherwise, why would there be no mirrors in the house? 

Us (2019) (Rakuten TV) 

Starring Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o, from the director of “Get Out”, Jordan Peele, “Us” is a truly chilling and terrifying psychological horror that will satisfy your nightmare palette you have been deprived of for years, as this is a film that will haunt you for days. The story follows a family of four staying at their beach house, when one night they get invaded by their sadistic doppelgängers, a species of human called “The Tethered” ... This movie is filled with sinister, eerie suspense and a major plot twist, so try not to choke on your popcorn at yet another heart-racing scene! The cinematography is incredible, and the camera work will leave you pondering at the artistic craftsmanship on display. 

Looking for even more scary picks? We've got you covered, right here. 

Watch our Halloween pics on Community Fibre TV

Join us for a spooky movie marathon, as all the above titles are available on Community Fibre TV. You can watch 230+ live channels and 100+ apps, including Amazon Prime Video, Rakuten TV, Freeview, YouTube, LaLiga TV and many more. You can download the Community Fibre TV app and stream your favourite films and TV programmes on your phone and tablet without paying extra. On top of that, the package includes an award-winning 4K TV box, which allows you to pause/forward/rewind and record live TV. Add TV to your broadband and jump into the world of entertainment from just £10/month*.  

See you on the flip side.

FAQs about Halloween

---

Where does Halloween originate from?

Halloween originated in the eighth century. Pope Gregory III designated 1 November as a time to honour all saints. All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of the Celtic celebration, Samhain. Samhain fell right in between the fall equinox and the winter solstice, so it incorporated a bit of both celebrations. The evening before Samhain was known as All Hallows Eve and, later, Halloween. 

---

Why do people dress in costumes for Halloween?

The tradition of dressing up and lighting a carved-out pumpkin originated from when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off spirits. It is said that from 31 October to 1 November, the veil between our world and the world of spirits thins, and we can merge. 

---

Why do people light pumpkins on Halloween?

The reason for lighting pumpkins as lanterns, or jack-o'-lanterns, comes from a folk story that said Jack made a deal with the Devil never to be taken into Hell after he passes. When the time came, he went straight up to Heaven to God but was refused at the door for having made a deal with the Devil. Forced to spend eternity wandering between the two gates, to ward off spirits, Jack carved out a pumpkin and placed a candle inside. As the legend says, you may see Jack wandering into our world due to the thinned barrier between the living and the dead.

---

How do some old Halloween traditions compare to modern pop culture tropes?

Today, apart from trick or treating and dressing up, Halloween is celebrated by organising your house, donating unwanted items to those in need, cleansing the house, writing affirmations and reviewing the year before preparing for the cold winter. It is encouraged that you spend time in nature, listening to its sounds and absorbing the positive energy, embracing the fallen leaves as a new beginning. Spending time with friends and family is also advised. Bake a pumpkin or apple pie, socialise, play games and watch films together... speaking of films, we promised you a list of our favourite comedy spooks, thrillers and horror flicks, didn’t we?  

---

Good to know

*Prices correct as of 31 May 2024. From 1st April every year we will increase the price of our services by up to the Government published Consumer Price Index (CPI) from January of the same year plus 2.9%. Click here for more details and a worked example.

---