The year 2025 is a special one for Halloween — not only does Oct. 31 fall on a Friday, but Alameda Unified students do not have school. That gives everyone a three-day Halloween weekend. With the spooky season in full swing, you could spend your weekend cozying up with friends and family, watching movies that might chill you to your core. Below is a list of five films to enjoy — ranging from toe-curling scares to feel-good Halloween classics.
1. A Slasher: Scream (1996)
Although classic ’90s slashers like Wes Craven’s Scream have gotten a bad rap in recent years because of the endless sequels that followed, it’s important to remember why these films became such hits in the first place. Scream is a fun and clever slasher that was revolutionary for its time.
The film follows Sidney Prescott, a teen coping with the anniversary of her mother’s death while her town is being terrorized by a masked killer. Sidney must race to survive and unmask the murderer before she becomes the next victim.
“What’s your favorite scary movie?” — among other iconic lines — came from this movie. This certified classic is one you should definitely watch if you haven’t already. However, be mindful if you’re squeamish — there’s a fair amount of graphic violence and gore. The fast-paced plot ties together neatly in the end, making for a satisfying story.
You can watch “Scream” on Peacock, Paramount+, Hulu or Disney+.
2. Feel-Good: Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands is a heartfelt Halloween-season movie, perfect for balancing out the blood-curdling horror flicks you might watch this Halloweekend. The film follows Edward, a humanoid creation made by an inventor who died before finishing his work. As a result, Edward has scissors instead of hands. The story follows Edward as he tries to fit into the colorful suburban neighborhood near his gloomy mansion.
As strange as the concept may sound, the film tells a touching story about individuality, compassion and love. While not a traditional horror movie, Edward Scissorhands is a gothic classic — weird, spooky and thoughtful. Edward’s innocence and curiosity make him an unforgettable character, and the story’s emotional depth makes it a great choice for the Halloween weekend.
You can watch “Edward Scissorhands” on Max, Peacock, Disney+ or Hulu.
3. Slightly Spooky: Corpse Bride (2005)
Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride follows Victor Van Dort, a shy young man facing an arranged marriage to Victoria Everglot. After an embarrassing wedding rehearsal, Victor flees to the woods. While practicing his vows, he accidentally awakens a long-dead bride from the spirit world who now believes Victor is her husband.
This hauntingly beautiful stop-motion animation is perfect for viewers who want something spooky without too many scares. The film’s gothic Victorian aesthetic contrasts beautifully with the colorful underworld. Its thoughtful plot about love, death and greed offers new details with every watch, and its eerie charm makes it a Halloween staple.
You can watch “Corpse Bride” on Max or Peacock.
4. New Horror/Monsters: Nosferatu (2024)
Released on Christmas Day, Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu is a modern take on Bram Stoker’s Dracula and a remake of the 1922 silent film Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror.
Set in 1800s Germany, the film follows Ellen, a woman who, as a child, prayed for a friend and unwittingly linked herself to Nosferatu, a powerful vampire-like being. Years later, Nosferatu seeks her out, and Ellen must find a way to stop him before he destroys her home and everyone she loves.
Nosferatu is eerie, atmospheric and deeply unsettling. While not overly gory, it includes some disturbing moments and brief sexual content. The ghostly visuals and period-accurate details are elevated by a stellar cast featuring Lily-Rose Depp, Bill Skarsgård and Willem Dafoe.
You can watch “Nosferatu” on Amazon Prime Video.
5. Supernatural: The Exorcist (1973)
William Friedkin’s The Exorcist premiered Dec. 26, 1973, with modest expectations — but it quickly became a box-office phenomenon, earning $1.9 million in its first week (roughly $13.9 million in 2025 dollars).
The film follows Chris MacNeil and her daughter Regan. After a party, Regan begins exhibiting strange and violent behavior. Fearing something evil has taken over her daughter, Chris turns to priests to perform an exorcism.
This classic remains one of the most terrifying films ever made and set the standard for supernatural horror.
You can watch “The Exorcist” on Max.
