As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, the magical essence of Halloween starts to take over. It’s also the time of the year when the days get shorter, and the rain brings us indoors more, wanting the warmth of fluffy slippers and hot chocolate.
I’m always looking for things to do during these colder, darker months of the year. I’ve created some lists for you, whether you’re looking for genuinely scary games or something for your pack of monsters to watch over the weekend.
Adults – Scary Movies to Watch in October
- Halloween (1978) – A classic slasher film that introduced the iconic Michael Myers, perfect for Halloween night scares.
- The Exorcist (1973) – Rated as one of the most terrifying films of all time, this tale of demonic possession is a must-watch for anyone seeking a deep fright.
- Sinister (2012) – This terrifying horror film follows a true-crime writer who discovers disturbing home movies connected to a series of grisly murders. Sinister’s eerie atmosphere and jump scares make it a top choice for horror fans. This movie scared the crap out of me and stayed with me long after it was over.
- The Babadook (2014) – A psychological horror film that delves into grief and motherhood, with a sinister creature lurking in the shadows. Its unique blend of emotional depth and terror makes it a modern classic.
- Fear Street Trilogy (2021) – This series of films takes viewers on a horror-filled journey through decades of small-town curses and brutal killings. Each film in the trilogy has its era, style, and twists, making it a must-watch for a Halloween marathon. There is even a new one being filmed right now.
- Hereditary (2018) – A modern horror masterpiece exploring family trauma, grief, and dark secrets, Hereditary delivers unnerving tension and shocking moments that you don’t see coming.
- It (2017): Pennywise the Dancing Clown returns in this Stephen King adaptation, blending supernatural horror and a coming-of-age story. Pennywise’s haunting presence creates some of the most memorable scares. If you’ve seen IT too many times, check out the new adaptation of Salems Lot.
- The Conjuring (2013) – Based on ‘real-life’ paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, The Conjuring is a chilling haunted house film filled with ghostly encounters and intense moments of terror.
Adults – Halloween, Spooky, & Scary Board Games for 2024
Our household is competitive, but it’s also a fun competitive. So, we like to play board games as a family and with friends. Here are the games we’ve played and been playing with our friends.
- The Night Cage – In this tense and eerie cooperative game, players are trapped in a pitch-dark labyrinth and must work together to escape, all while navigating unseen dangers lurking in the darkness. The game’s minimalist art and clever mechanics make it a standout in spooky gaming. This is a new favorite game this year at our place.
- Betrayal at House on the Hill – A haunted house exploration game where players work together until one turns a traitor. Every playthrough offers a different spooky scenario!
- Psycho Killer – A fast-paced card game inspired by classic slasher films, where players try to avoid becoming the killer’s next victim. It’s a fun, chaotic mix of strategy and sabotage. We’ve really enjoyed playing this game.
- Mansions of Madness: Second Edition – A narrative-driven, app-assisted horror game filled with mysteries, puzzles, and horrific creatures. Perfect for an immersive spooky experience, be warned, it’s bloody hard to beat.
- Zombicide – Work together to survive a zombie apocalypse in this cooperative game filled with action, hordes of undead, and desperate moments of survival.
- Dead of Winter – In this zombie survival game, players must keep their colony alive through harsh winter conditions while also facing betrayal from within.
- Mysterium – In this beautifully designed game, one player acts as a ghost giving cryptic clues, while the others are psychics trying to solve the mystery of their death. There are some expansions, and they get you to think outside the box. We’ve played this a lot over the years and still love it.
These games will bring plenty of chills and thrills to your Halloween game nights. Along with some drinks of your choice, a good charcuterie board, and good company, this is the perfect recipe for a night in.
Families – Halloween Movies to Watch in October
- Hocus Pocus (1993) – A Halloween classic featuring three hilarious witches, perfect for all ages with its blend of spooky fun and light-hearted adventure. It’s one of my all-time favorite Halloween movies, and I watch it yearly.
- The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)—This beloved film blurs the line between Halloween and Christmas with its magical animation and iconic characters, like Jack Skellington. It is another family favorite, and my son and I have been watching it together since he was very young.
- Coco (2017) – While not directly about Halloween, this Pixar film celebrates Día de los Muertos, offering a touching story about family, remembrance, and the afterlife. Bring the tissues, it’s a tear-jerker and so visually stunning.
- Hotel Transylvania (2012)– Count Dracula runs a hotel for monsters, and when a human stumbles into the mix, the spooky fun begins. It’s a perfect Halloween comedy for kids and adults alike, and there are plenty of sequels to keep you and your little monsters busy.
- Coraline (2009) – This stop-motion fantasy based on Neil Gaiman’s novel offers a slightly spooky, adventurous tale of a young girl discovering a parallel, eerie world.
- Goosebumps (2015) – Based on the popular book series, this family-friendly movie is filled with thrills, humor, and spooky monsters, as the creatures from R.L. Stine’s books come to life. Who didn’t read these iconic books when they were younger?
- Casper (1995) – A heartwarming ghost story about a friendly ghost named Casper and his friendship with a young girl, offering supernatural fun and emotional depth.
- The Addams Family (2019) – This animated take on the classic Addams family offers a dose of spooky comedy, featuring all your favorite characters from the delightfully creepy family. I prefer the live-action Addam’s Family movies, so check those out too!
- ParaNorman (2012) – In this animated adventure, a boy who can see ghosts must save his town from a curse, offering just the right balance of spookiness and humor for the whole family. This is so underrated!
- Monster House (2006) – A group of kids discovers that their neighbor’s house is actually alive in this spooky animated film filled with mystery and Halloween fun.
Family – Halloween, Spooky, Board Games to Play in 2024
- Disney’s Haunted Mansion: Call of the Spirits– Based on the iconic Disney ride, players explore the spooky Haunted Mansion while collecting ghostly cards in this lighthearted game perfect for all ages.
- Hocus Pocus: The Game – Inspired by the beloved movie, this cooperative card game lets players work together to stop the Sanderson sisters’ wicked plot before sunrise!
- Ghost Fightin’ Treasure Hunters – In this cooperative family game, players work together to collect treasure while escaping from ghosts in a haunted house. It’s simple, fun, and perfect for younger players.
- Zombie Kidz Evolution – This cooperative legacy game is designed for kids and families. Players defend their school from zombies, with the game evolving as you play with new missions and powers unlocked over time.
- Mysterium Kids Edition—This is a family-friendly version of a spooky séance. One player acts as a ghost, giving clues to help the other players solve a murder mystery. The beautiful artwork and cooperative gameplay make it a hit with all ages. The musicality of the game is so well done.
- One Night Ultimate Werewolf – A fast-paced, family-friendly deduction game where players take on secret roles as werewolves or villagers. Can the villagers find the werewolves before it’s too late?
Game Sourcing Tip: For second-hand games, remember your local marketplaces, FB Marketplace (be safe on there), and garage sales. Don’t forget your local brick and mortar game shops too!
Here’s to a season filled with chills, thrills, and magical moments that adults and kids can enjoy. If there are any recommendations I need to make, let me know!