Harry Potter and the best family movies to watch for Halloween

Spooky season is officially upon us and if your family is itching to begin your Halloween movie watch-list, look no further than Wizards and Whatnot! Of course, the Harry Potter movies are staples for both Halloween and Christmas, but there are plenty of other mystical titles to enjoy this October. Need inspiration for your Halloween costume, or are simply looking to bring a Halloween vibe to your home? Start with these awesome picks.

The Harry Potter movies

For any occasion, you can't go wrong with the Harry Potter movies. Beginning with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) and ending with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 (2011), this series is the quintessential viewing experience for families looking for a little magic in their lives. The eight-movie series follows the titular character, a young boy who discovers he's a wizard. Introduced to the Wizarding World through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry's eyes are opened up to an incredible world of endless possibilities. But with this magical world comes many dangers.

The Harry Potter movies are one of a kind and always worth another marathon.

Where to stream: Max

The Halloweentown movies

Looking for more witches and mythical creatures? If your family loves Harry Potter, you should watch the Halloweentown series. The Disney Channel Original Movies consist of four installments starting in 1998 and ending in 2006. The story follows a teenager named Marnie Piper who discovers she comes from a family of witches. Though her mom tries to shield the children away from the magical world, her grandmother Aggie Cromwell wants nothing more than to see them embrace their powers. For Marnie, this is a dream come true. But similar to Harry Potter, she doesn't anticipate the threats of Halloweentown.

The Halloweentown movies are typically lighter in tone than the Harry Potter movies, making for a warm and fuzzy watch.

Where to stream: Disney+

Corpse Bride

2005 stop-motion movie Corpse Bride is a wonderfully unique watch for the Halloween season. It might go under the radar for families each year, but I would definitely recommend it for consideration moving forward. The story follows a young man named Victor Van Dort living in the Victorian era who has an arranged marriage to a woman of a wealthier family. Victor is immediately smitten with his bride-to-be, though their wedding plans are ruined when he accidentally marries a corpse lying in the woods. Victor tries to get out of this dilemma, but vows are vows.

Corpse Bride is quirky, offbeat, and all around a blast.

Where to stream: Max

The Addams Family and Addams Family Values

There have been many iterations of the iconic Addams Family onscreen, but my favorites are the 1990s movies The Addams Family and Addams Family Values. These ones star Anjelica Huston as Morticia and Raul Julia as Gomez, roles they were basically born to play. Growing up as a '90s kid, these movies were always on in my house every October, and they still hold up to this day. The unconventional family is a treat to watch, and these two movies feature incredibly fun plot points and memorable moments.

The first movie sees what happens when the family tries to summon Uncle Fester, and the second follows a new baby in the family and a dangerous woman who tries to take advantage of them.

They're creepy and they're kooky — and a must-watch for Halloween.

Where to stream: Paramount+ and Pluto TV

Hocus Pocus

No list of family Halloween movies is complete without Hocus Pocus. The iconic 1993 film is another staple for me each October, and no matter how many times I watch it, it never gets old. The film takes place in Salem, Massachusetts, when a teenager named Max summons a trio of witches on Halloween night. Max is skeptical about the Sanderson sisters after learning about them in school, but once they take over the town, he must turn to his classmate and crush Allison to figure out how to stop them. When I think about classic Halloween vibes, Hocus Pocus is at the top of the list. It never fails to evoke such heartwarming nostalgia.

Hocus Pocus 2 was released in 2022, but unfortunately, its quality comes nowhere near the original.

Where to stream: Disney+

Time to pop the popcorn and tune in for these fun family movies! What will you be watching this Halloween season?