Get Quartz in your inbox

Free daily briefing on global business news.

4 Halloween movies that deserve a spot on your spooky-season watchlist

From classic slashers to supernatural thrillers and witchy comedies, discover four memorable films to add to your Halloween movie marathon

Jeshoots.com / Unsplash

Halloween is the perfect excuse to turn off the lights, grab a bowl of candy and settle in for a movie that might make you regret checking the basement alone. Whether you love supernatural villains, creepy cults or witches who bring chaos wherever they go, October offers the ideal excuse to revisit the films that make spooky season feel complete.

Of course, not every Halloween movie delivers the same kind of fright. Some rely on suspense and the fear of what might be lurking around the corner. Others serve up supernatural mischief, memorable characters and enough humor to keep things from getting too grim. And then there are the truly unsettling films that stick with you long after the credits roll.

The fun is finding the right match for your mood. A classic slasher can set the tone for a horror marathon, while a supernatural comedy makes a great choice when you want something festive without being terrified all night. If you’re watching with friends, picking a movie everyone can agree on can be half the entertainment.

The best Halloween movies also have a way of becoming traditions. Their most memorable scenes, iconic villains and familiar stories make them worth revisiting year after year. Some still deliver genuine scares decades after their release, while others have become beloved seasonal favorites that audiences return to every October.

Ready to plan your next movie night? These four picks from Reader’s Digest’s roundup of the best Halloween movies offer a mix of classic slasher horror, dreamlike terror, witchy comedy and deeply unsettling suspense. Just make sure you have the candy—and maybe leave a light on.

1. Halloween........

© Quartz