Now that the weather change is on the way, we are reminded of autumn and all its merits. Leaves are ablaze with reds, oranges and yellows, cozy oversized sweaters, anything with pumpkin spice, and of course Halloween. Also known as All Hallows Eve, meaning “holy evening”, Halloween as we know it today is rooted in the ancient pagan festival known as Samhain, where the world of the gods was believed to be revealed to mortals. In addition, the veil between the living world and the land of the dead is thought to be thinner on this particular day, allowing the living to make contact with the dead. Samhain was also known for bonfires, feasts and offerings to the gods. The celebration was to begin on the eve of October 31 and last until November 1.
To celebrate the spooky season, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite Halloween movies featuring vampires, werewolves, and witches. This is by no means an exhaustive list as there would be far too many to include, but it will give you a good selection of spooky Halloween fun. These selections mainly focus on vampires, werewolves and witches, but if you prefer a mash-up you can also check it out Van Helsing or one of the underworld franchisee. Here are some of our favorite Halloween movies featuring vampires, werewolves, and witches.
12/12 the craft
Just to be clear, we’re talking about the original 1996 version of the craftnot the 2020 reboot The craft: legacy. No offense to David Duchovny, but the reboot just didn’t live up to the original. This teen-friendly ’90s horror drama revolves around Sarah, a new student at a Catholic prep school, who soon befriends a trio of outcasts who invite her to join their coven. Once they discover their powers, they use them for everything from love spells to all-encompassing power. If witchcraft is your poison this Halloween, the craft supplies.
11/12 Hocus Pocus
Hocus Pocus is a Halloween classic for all ages. Legend has it in the film that if a virgin lights a black flame candle on Halloween night, she will raise the infamous Sanderson Sisters from the dead for one night. Enter: Max, a newcomer to Salem eager to impress his crush, Allison. Once summoned, the witches are on a mission to steal the souls of every child in Salem to restore their youth and ensure their survival after All Hallows Eve. You can see the recently released sequel Hocus pocus 2 on Disney+.
10/12 The Witches of Eastwick
The Witches of Eastwick follows three single women who are courted by the same charming stranger. A mysterious and powerful man, Darryl Van Horne (Jack Nicholson), helps each of the women harness their power as witches. However, Van Horne has an ulterior motive. The Witches of Eastwick makes for a devilishly good time.
9/12 The witch
The witch is a folk horror film starring Anya Taylor-Joy in her feature film debut. It is the story of a Puritan family terrorized by a witch in the New England wilderness in the 1630s. The film is modest in its portrayal of horror, yet terrifying. Famous Horror Author Stephen King tweeted about the movie: “The witch scared me to death. And it’s a real movie, tense and thought-provoking as well as visceral”
8/12 Buffy the Vampire Slayer
If you’re in the mood for a fun, campy vampire movie that will provide your bloodthirsty monsters with a dash of quick wit and comedy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer will surely satisfy your craving. Kristy Swanson stars as the original teen killer, opposite Donald Sutherland as Merrick, her faithful Watcher. The film features an all-star cast, including David Arquette, Rutger Hauer, the late Luke Perry, Paul Reubens and Hillary Swank.
7/12 day breakers
day breakers take place in a plague-ridden world, where 95% of the population are vampires. Faced with a dwindling food supply, vampire hematologist Dr. Edward Dalton (Ethan Hawke) searches for synthetic blood that can sustain a vampire’s life when he crosses paths with rogue humans and vampires trying to save humanity from extinction. If you crave a vampire movie that offers more than the traditional fare, day breakers will definitely like it.
6/12 The hunger
The hunger is a sensual and stylish erotic thriller that revolves around a vampire love triangle. It is an adaptation of Whitley Strieber’s novel of the same name and marks Tony Scott’s directorial debut. It follows Lady Miriam, a vampire queen who survives from the blood of her lovers. In return, her lovers don’t age, that is, until Miriam throws them away, forcing them to spend the rest of eternity in rapidly deteriorating bodies.
5/12 From sunset to sunrise
From sunset to sunrise is a fun, unusual and meaty vampire movie, starring George Clooney and Quentin Tarantino as the infamous Gecko Brothers. In an attempt to cross the Mexican border, they take a family hostage and take refuge at a nondescript truck stop. While waiting for their partner Carlos at the nearest dive bar “Titty Twister”, things take a deadly turn when it is revealed that it is inhabited by a coven of vampires.
4/12 Wolf
Wolf is a 1994 horror drama starring Jack Nicholson and Michelle Pfeiffer. When publisher Will Randall is bitten by a wolf, his life is turned upside down as he slowly begins to transform into the beast that bit him. It’s not all bad, though: He’s rejuvenated with energy, hyper-conscious, and earns back his boss’s favor, all the while winning the heart of a beautiful woman.
3/12 Ginger Snaps
Ginger Snaps is arguably one of the best werewolf movies ever made due to its unique twist on your typical werewolf movie. The film follows two teenage girls whose world is turned upside down when one of them is bitten by a werewolf. If you like lycanthropy, and you haven’t seen it yet, Ginger Snaps is a must-see this Halloween. If you’re already a fan, you’ll be happy to hear that the cult horror film is being adapted for the small screen with a Ginger Snaps TV series.
2/12 silver bullet
silver bullet is a 1985 horror film based on the novella by Stephen King Cycle of the Werewolf. The movie stars Corey Haim and Gary Busey. Haim plays Marty, a young disabled boy who becomes fixated on a series of mysterious murders in his hometown. While the majority of the population believes there is a maniacal killer on the loose, Marty has another theory: werewolves. Felix Vasquez Jr. or Movie Threat: says, “When I think of great horror movies, when I think of great werewolf movies, and when I think of a great King movie, I think of this.”
1/12 An American Werewolf in London
If you prefer your werewolves with a side of comedy, then An American Werewolf in London will certainly suffice. During a tour of Britain, two young Americans are attacked by a werewolf. Soon after, the lone survivor begins to have strange visions and dreams, in which recent victims of similar attacks appear to him and beg him to commit suicide and release them from their curse. Widely regarded as one of the greatest werewolf films of all time, the film has built up a strong cult following since its release in 1981.