Halloween
by lizziemodern | created - 19 Jun 2015 | updated - 21 Jun 2015 | Public(Currently under-construction!) My favorite Halloween TV episodes, specials & films.
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1. It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966 TV Movie)
TV-G | 25 min | Animation, Comedy, Family
The Peanuts gang celebrates Halloween while Linus waits for the Great Pumpkin.
Director: Bill Melendez | Stars: Peter Robbins, Christopher Shea, Sally Dryer, Cathy Steinberg
Votes: 21,983
The classic. There's no other Halloween cartoon that gives me such a warm, nostalgic feeling for autumn than 'It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.' I've watched it every October for as long as I can remember, and will someday pass it along to my kids to start their own tradition with it.
2. Hocus Pocus (1993)
PG | 96 min | Comedy, Family, Fantasy
A teenage boy named Max and his little sister move to Salem, where he struggles to fit in before awakening a trio of diabolical witches that were executed in the 17th century.
Director: Kenny Ortega | Stars: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, Omri Katz
Votes: 155,815 | Gross: $44.34M
The best Halloween film ever made! Bette Midler was at her absolute best in this film, and it'll forever be a cult classic. Fingers crossed that they'll make a sequel.
3. The Halloween Tree (1993 TV Movie)
Not Rated | 69 min | Animation, Comedy, Family
Four children learn the origins of Halloween customs while trying to save the life of their friend.
Director: Mario Piluso | Stars: Ray Bradbury, Leonard Nimoy, Annie Barker, Alex Greenwald
Votes: 2,402
Although it's a bit different from the book, The Halloween Tree is still one of the best Halloween specials ever made. The story is rich enough to make it entertaining for not only children, but adults as well. I also love that Leonard Nimoy voiced one of the characters, that automatically makes it a winner.
4.
Roseanne (1988–2018)
Episode:
Boo!
(1989)
TV-PG | 22 min | Comedy, Drama
The first of the annual Halloween episodes finds Roseanne doing her best to scare Dan who is waiting to hear about an important business deal going through.
Director: John Pasquin | Stars: Roseanne Barr, John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf, Michael Fishman
Votes: 445
Roseanne was truly the sitcom queen of Halloween, and although they did several Halloween episodes, I've always thought the first one was their best. It's strange, silly and fun - which is everything you'd expect from The Conners.
5.
Home Improvement (1991–1999)
Episode:
Haunting of Taylor House
(1992)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy, Family
On Tool Time: Tim is demonstrating how to make a brick wall. Since it's Halloween, he also dresses up as a monster in an attempt to scare Al. Together, they carve jack-o-lanterns. Except ... See full summary »
Director: John Pasquin | Stars: Tim Allen, Patricia Richardson, Earl Hindman, Taran Noah Smith
Votes: 337
Home Improvement had several Halloween episodes, (that were all great) but the first one was by far the best. (In my opinion.)
6.
The Magical World of Disney (1954–1997)
Episode:
A Disney Halloween
(1981)
Unrated | 60 min | Adventure, Drama, Family
The Magic Mirror introduces five scary segments, including two scenes from feature film and three haunted shorts.
Directors: Burny Mattinson, Gary Nelson
Votes: 37
Disney WHY haven't you released this on DVD? There were three classic Disney TV Halloween specials: 'Disney's Greatest Villains' (1977), 'Disney's Halloween Treat' (1982), and 'A Disney Halloween' which first aired on October 1st, 1983. I've seen them all, but 'A Disney Halloween' was the one they would play on TV every year in October when I was a child. I loved it. It simply wasn't Halloween till I saw it. Then sometime in the late 90's, they stopped showing it and I was devastated. My trick-or-treat days were almost over at that point, but I still missed seeing it every year after that. I really hope someday Disney will release all three specials on DVD for all the kids who grew up with it like me. (And for all the new kids to discover it in the future!)
7. Boo to You Too! Winnie the Pooh (1996 TV Short)
TV-G | 21 min | Animation, Short, Comedy
On Halloween night, Pooh and the gang are ready for Halloween, but Piglet is too scared to join in.
Director: Rob LaDuca | Stars: Peter Cullen, Jim Cummings, John Fiedler, Michael Gough
Votes: 1,024
The animation and illustration in this special are absolute perfection. I've never seen a cartoon that had more beautiful scenery than in Winnie the Pooh. It perfectly captures everything beautiful and fun about the season.
8.
Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman (1993–1998)
Episode:
Halloween
(1993)
TV-G | 60 min | Drama, Family, Western
Mike is forced to rethink her relationship with Sully after a visit from his ex wife's ghost.
Director: Chuck Bowman | Stars: Jane Seymour, Joe Lando, Chad Allen, Erika Flores
Votes: 150
Dr. Quinn had a couple Halloween episodes, but the first one from Season 2 has always been my favorite. The writing in this episode is wonderful, and the music and cinematography have a really nice eerie quality to them that match the holiday perfectly.
9.
Little House on the Prairie (1974–1983)
Episode:
The Monster of Walnut Grove
(1976)
TV-PG | 50 min | Drama, Family, Romance
Passing the Oleson's house while out with Mary for a night of window soaping on a spooky Halloween eve, Laura hears a loud argument and peers in the window just in time to witness Mr. ... See full summary »
Director: William F. Claxton | Stars: Michael Landon, Karen Grassle, Melissa Gilbert, Melissa Sue Anderson
Votes: 337
Michael Landon was born on Halloween, and apparently had an affection for it seeing as he did Halloween episodes for not only Little House, but also for his other show, Highway to Heaven. I really love this episode, it's creepy, and a bit of a departure from the normal tone of the series. It's a great choice for parents to watch with their children. (Maybe not too young though, surprisingly it might actually scare them.)
10.
Bewitched (1964–1972)
Episode:
Trick or Treat
(1965)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy, Family, Fantasy
Endora turns Darrin into a werewolf.
Director: E.W. Swackhamer | Stars: Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, Agnes Moorehead, David White
Votes: 386
Bewitched had some great Halloween episodes, but I've always thought this was the best one of the bunch. We get to see a young Maureen McCormick (who played Marcia in The Brady Bunch) play a child version of Endora, which is adorable. Dick York was also particularly great in this episode.
11.
The Addams Family (1964–1966)
Episode:
Halloween - Addams Style
(1965)
TV-G | 25 min | Comedy, Family, Horror
It's Halloween and, despite salamander sandwiches and a fresh porcupine taffy, Wednesday's upset. A neighbor told her there aren't any real witches or goblins. Since Morticia and Gomez ... See full summary »
Director: Sidney Lanfield | Stars: Carolyn Jones, John Astin, Jackie Coogan, Ted Cassidy
Votes: 222
I love how hilariously oblivious they are to the outside world, especially when it comes to what is obviously their token holiday - Halloween. No matter how many times I see this episode, it always makes me laugh.
12. The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)
Approved | 68 min | Animation, Comedy, Family
An animated adaptation of "The Wind in the Willows" followed by an adaptation of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow".
Directors: James Algar, Clyde Geronimi, Jack Kinney | Stars: Bing Crosby, Basil Rathbone, Eric Blore, John McLeish
Votes: 17,864
I've always loved this cartoon, my mom loved it when she was a child, and would play it for me during the Halloween season as I was growing up. I especially love the animation in this film, Disney doesn't do that type of thing anymore, and it's a real shame.
13. The Changeling (1980)
R | 107 min | Horror, Mystery
After the death of his wife and daughter in a car crash, a music professor staying at a long-vacant Seattle mansion is dragged into a decades-old mystery by an inexplicable presence in the mansion's attic.
Director: Peter Medak | Stars: George C. Scott, Trish Van Devere, Melvyn Douglas, Jean Marsh
Votes: 39,941
A perfect ghost story. I love that it doesn't have to rely on blood and gore to frighten you, instead it's the eerie tone and atmosphere of the film that makes you uneasy. The story itself is excellent, and something you'll never forget. (Not a film that children would enjoy, just to add.)
14.
The Cosby Show (1984–1992)
Episode:
Halloween
(1985)
TV-PG | 22 min | Comedy, Family, Romance
Vanessa has a boy/girl Halloween party at home. Cliff takes Rudy and her friends trick or treating.
Director: Jay Sandrich | Stars: Bill Cosby, Phylicia Rashad, Sabrina Le Beauf, Lisa Bonet
Votes: 177
This is a really cute Halloween episode. I love all the costumes and decorations that were used in it.
15. The Worst Witch (1986 TV Movie)
G | 70 min | Comedy, Family, Fantasy
Mildred Hubble (Fairuza Balk) is one of the young girls at a prestigious witch academy. She can't seem to do anything right and is picked on by classmates and teachers. The headmistress of ... See full summary »
Director: Robert Young | Stars: Diana Rigg, Charlotte Rae, Tim Curry, Fairuza Balk
Votes: 3,132
This is such a cute film, that many think inspired the Harry Potter series. (I'll leave that debate alone.) I'm a huge Tim Curry fan, so his part in it is pretty epic as far as I'm concerned. It's still one of my favorite things to watch in October.
16. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
PG | 76 min | Animation, Family, Fantasy
Jack Skellington, king of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town, but his attempts to bring Christmas to his home causes confusion.
Director: Henry Selick | Stars: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, William Hickey
Votes: 374,797 | Gross: $75.08M
I've noticed a lot of people putting this on their Christmas lists, (which is fine, since it really is interchangeable holiday wise) but to me it's always been more of a Halloween film. (Maybe we could split the difference and watch it in November?) Tim Burton was at his peak creatively with this film, and I think it'll always be remembered as one of his best. (If not his best, to some.)
17.
Roseanne (1988–2018)
Episode:
Trick or Treat
(1990)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy, Drama
Gender bending abounds with the annual Conner fright-fest that finds Roseanne in drag and Dan worrying about DJ dressing up as a witch.
Director: John Whitesell | Stars: Roseanne Barr, John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf, Michael Fishman
Votes: 319
My second favorite Roseanne Halloween episode. I love this one because once again, the writing is excellent, and I love how they went all out for their Halloween shows when it came to decor and costumes.
18.
Home Improvement (1991–1999)
Episode:
Crazy for You
(1993)
TV-PG | 24 min | Comedy, Family
It's Halloween time and the pranks begin. A fan named Rose sends Tim cookies and starts calling him at home. Tim worries about an obsessive fan, but Jill dismisses it. Jill has her own plans for tricking Tim.
Director: Andy Cadiff | Stars: Tim Allen, Patricia Richardson, Earl Hindman, Taran Noah Smith
Votes: 332
My second favorite Home Improvement Halloween episode. This is a fun one, because not only are the decorations and costumes fabulous, but the story is really well written and captures the silliness of Halloween perfectly.
19.
Boy Meets World (1993–2000)
Episode:
Who's Afraid of Cory Wolf?
(1994)
TV-PG | 23 min | Comedy, Drama, Family
Cory is terrified he may be turning into a werewolf after he's bitten by a strange animal. He visits a fortune teller and, instead of offering advice, she confirms Cory's suspicion and ... See full summary »
Director: David Trainer | Stars: Ben Savage, William Daniels, Betsy Randle, Will Friedle
Votes: 315
Boy Meets World is pretty nostalgic for anyone who was a kid or teen watching it back in the 90's. It's a fun episode that would still be a good choice for kids to watch today.
20. Halloweentown (1998 TV Movie)
TV-G | 84 min | Adventure, Comedy, Family
When a young girl living with her secret witch mother learns she too is a witch, she must help her witch grandmother save Halloweentown from evil forces.
Director: Duwayne Dunham | Stars: Debbie Reynolds, Kimberly J. Brown, Judith Hoag, Joey Zimmerman
Votes: 21,242
I was more of a Nickelodeon kid than a Disney Channel one growing up, so I don't remember seeing this movie when it first came out in 1998. It wasn't till a few years later that I actually saw it and really liked it. It's a great Halloween film for kids, nothing scary or inappropriate to worry about.
21. Double, Double Toil and Trouble (1993 TV Movie)
TV-Y7 | 96 min | Adventure, Comedy, Family
On Halloween night, two precocious little girls try to save their parents from their nasty old capitalist aunt's greedy clutches. Magic abounds and they meet mysterious new friends along the way.
Director: Stuart Margolin | Stars: Mary-Kate Olsen, Ashley Olsen, Cloris Leachman, Phil Fondacaro
Votes: 3,879
I think I'm a year younger than Mary-Kate & Ashley, so of course I was a fan of theirs growing up. I loved this movie, and had it recorded on a VHS that I would watch every year. It's still a great choice for kids.
22. Ernest Scared Stupid (1991)
PG | 91 min | Comedy, Family, Fantasy
Ernest accidentally unleashes an ugly troll that plots to transform children into wooden dolls in the town of Briarville, Missouri.
Director: John R. Cherry III | Stars: Jim Varney, Eartha Kitt, Austin Nagler, Shay Astar
Votes: 12,795 | Gross: $14.14M
Stupid, silly fun. Who doesn't love Ernest? One of my favorite Halloween movies as a child, and I still adore it now. Definitely a good kids film.
23.
The Adventures of Pete & Pete (1992–1996)
Episode:
Halloweenie
(1994)
TV-Y | Comedy, Drama, Family
Big Pete loses his Halloween spirit. Could be because the Halloween terror gang, the Pumpkin Eaters, is looking for him!
Director: Peter Lauer | Stars: Michael C. Maronna, Danny Tamberelli, Judy Grafe, Hardy Rawls
Votes: 134
Yet another great piece of nostalgia for anyone who was around to watch it in the 90's. Even though Pete & Pete really is dated to it's time in history, it's still fun to watch.
24. Are You Afraid of the Dark? (1990–2000)
TV-14 | 30 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
A group of teenagers meet in the woods, and tell scary stories.
Stars: Ross Hull, Daniel DeSanto, Raine Pare-Coull, Jodie Resther
Votes: 16,161
Another Nickelodeon classic. This is one of their best episodes, perfect for Halloween.
25. Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School (1988 TV Movie)
Not Rated | 92 min | Animation, Comedy, Family
While working as gym teachers at an all-girls finishing school, Scooby-Doo, Shaggy and Scrappy-Doo get tangled up in a monstrous mystery.
Directors: Charles Nichols, Ray Patterson | Stars: Remy Auberjonois, Susan Blu, Hamilton Camp, Jeff Cohen
Votes: 6,009
Scooby-Doo has many great Halloween choices, (which I'll probably be adding as well) but the Ghoul School is my favorite. There are a lot of great iconic Halloween characters in this one.
26. The Halloween That Almost Wasn't (1979 TV Movie)
30 min | Comedy, Family, Fantasy
Upset by rumors that Halloween may end, Dracula calls his mild-mannered monsters together and delivers an ultimatum - either regain their frightening image, or leave his Transylvania castle forever.
Director: Bruce Bilson | Stars: Judd Hirsch, Mariette Hartley, Henry Gibson, Jack Riley
Votes: 607
This is a great Halloween special that seems to be somewhat forgotten now. I remember seeing it on TV as a child, but haven't seen it anywhere since. (Come on Disney channel, bring out the old stuff again!)
27. Witch's Night Out (1978 TV Movie)
Not Rated | 28 min | Animation, Family
A witch, disgruntled by the fact that no one takes Halloween seriously anymore, decides to stir things up and disrupt the social gathering in her old house as well as turn a couple of kids who love monsters into actual monsters.
Director: John Leach | Stars: Gilda Radner, Bob Church, John Leach, Naomi Leach
Votes: 469
Classic Halloween special starring the legendary Gilda Radner, what more do you need?
28. Bugs Bunny's Howl-oween Special (1977 TV Movie)
25 min | Animation, Comedy, Family
Bugs Bunny and his friends face With Hazel and other scary characters on All Hallows Eve.
Directors: David Detiege, Friz Freleng, Chuck Jones, Abe Levitow, Robert McKimson, Maurice Noble | Stars: Mel Blanc, June Foray
Votes: 335
This is a great choice for anyone who's obviously a Looney Tunes fan. (Me.) It has several short cartoons (from previous years, nothing new) all wrapped up into one, and doesn't disappoint.
29. Monster House (2006)
PG | 91 min | Animation, Comedy, Family
Three teens discover that their neighbor's house is really a living, breathing, scary monster.
Director: Gil Kenan | Stars: Mitchel Musso, Sam Lerner, Spencer Locke, Ryan Whitney
Votes: 137,951 | Gross: $73.66M
I hadn't seen this film till recently, and even though it looks like it's intended for children, I was surprised at how dark it was at times. It's still a good kid's film, but maybe more so for older kids. I really liked it, and thought it was a great story overall.
30. Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest (2013 Video)
Not Rated | 58 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Get ready for a spook-tacular good time with Curious George - in his first-ever Halloween movie. This fun-filled adventure is a bewitching treat for the whole family!
Directors: Scott Heming, Andrei Svislotski, Jeff McGrath | Stars: Frank Welker, Jeff Bennett, Rino Romano, Carlos Alazraqui
Votes: 517
31. Witches in Stitches (1997 TV Movie)
Not Rated | 30 min | Animation
Hop aboard a broomstick for this tale of two dim-witted witches who accidentally turn their sister into a jack-o-lantern on Halloween...and that's just the beginning of the story.
Directors: Russ Harris, G. Brian Reynolds | Stars: Miki Mathioudakis, Will Gould, Vonda Fuhrman, Jacque Workman
Votes: 76
32. Halloween Is Grinch Night (1977 TV Movie)
Not Rated | 25 min | Animation, Comedy, Family
A strange wind blows into Whoville, making all the inhabitants stay indoors. They know the wind means the Grinch will be in a foul mood and out to do harm. However, young Eukariah decides to confront the Grinch.
Director: Gerard Baldwin | Stars: Hans Conried, Hal Smith, Gary Shapiro, Irene Tedrow
Votes: 1,477
33. Under Wraps (1997 TV Movie)
G | 95 min | Comedy, Family, Horror
Three curious teenagers and one very confused mummy collaborate through some risky adventures, with a race against time to reunite the mummy with his lover from 4,500 years ago.
Director: Greg Beeman | Stars: Adam Wylie, Mario Yedidia, Clara Bryant, Ken Hudson Campbell
Votes: 3,369
34. The Midnight Hour (1985 TV Movie)
Unrated | 94 min | Comedy, Horror, Romance
Phil, Melissa, Mitch, Mary, and Vinnie are high school friends, who unwittingly raise the dead on Halloween night. Once the dead have returned, Pitchford Cove will never be the same again....or will it?
Director: Jack Bender | Stars: Jonelle Allen, Shari Belafonte, LeVar Burton, Peter DeLuise
Votes: 2,226
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