Cover Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman star in the 1998 classic “Practical Magic”, which has garnered a cult status as an iconic Halloween movie over the ages
Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman star in the 1998 classic “Practical Magic”, which has garnered a cult status as an iconic Halloween movie over the ages
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These family-friendly Halloween movies deliver nostalgia, witches and feel-good scares without the nightmares
Forget blood-curdling screams and sleepless nights—our Halloween movie lineup proves we’re all secretly craving comfort over chaos. Our editors have curated a collection of movies with spell-casting sisters, lonely ghosts, talking cats and jazz-scored pumpkin patches—that are nostalgic, charming and surprisingly heartfelt. From midnight margaritas to Victorian manors, these picks deliver cosy autumn vibes without the nightmares. So grab your blanket, brew something warm, and settle in for a Halloween movie that’s delightfully, unapologetically wholesome.
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‘Hocus Pocus’
Above A still from ‘Hocus Pocus’ (1993)
A still from ‘Hocus Pocus’ (1993)
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If Halloween were a movie genre, Hocus Pocus (1993) would be its Oscar-winning masterpiece. From Bette Midler’s gloriously over-the-top rendition of I Put a Spell on You to Sarah Jessica Parker’s delightfully ditzy witch— this film is pure magic. It’s campy, it’s quotable, and it’s dripping in ’90s nostalgia.
The Sanderson sisters’ chemistry is also second to none. Midler plays a bossy diva, Kathy Najimy’s Mary is the underrated MVP sniffing out kids like a bloodhound, and SJP’s character has the flirty, chaotic energy we all aspire to on Halloween night. Add in the snarky talking cat and a zombie ex-boyfriend—and you’ve got a movie that’s as timeless as… well, witches. Watch it this Halloween, or risk a 300-year curse. Your call.
‘Practical Magic’
Above A still from ‘Practical Magic’ (1998)
A still from ‘Practical Magic’ (1998)
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For a Halloween movie that’s witchy and wonderful in equal measure, Practical Magic (1998) is your answer. The way the Owens sisters tackle heartbreak, family curses and accidental manslaughter with midnight margaritas? Iconic.
Sandra Bullock brings grounded warmth to the role of Sally Owens, while Nicole Kidman’s Gillian Owens rustles up total chaos in every scene. Their bond feels genuine, like they’ve been bickering over spell ingredients since childhood. Meanwhile, their aunts serve eccentric wisdom and fabulously vintage knitwear at every turn. With a cosy Victorian house and a death-defying love story in the mix, this film wraps you up like a spooktacular cashmere blanket.
- Suchetana Mukhopadhyay, digital content manager, Hong Kong
‘Out of the Dark’
Above A still from the 1995 Hong Kong film ‘Out of the Dark’
A still from the 1995 Hong Kong film ‘Out of the Dark’
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For a spine-tingling laugh this Halloween, check out Out of the Dark (1995), directed by Jeffrey Lau and starring the Hong Kong comedy legend Stephen Chow. Set in a haunted apartment complex, the film follows residents and security guards who enlist a mysterious exorcist—dressed like Léon from Léon: The Professional (1994)—to rid the complex of troublesome ghosts. With its clever mix of dark humour and spooky vibes, it’s a must-watch for your Halloween line-up.
‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!’
Above A still from ‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!’ (1966)
A still from ‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!’ (1966)
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I’m not big on Halloween, but the tradition I actually keep is watching It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! — the 1966 animated classic featuring the Peanuts gang. Seeing, year after year, Linus’s unshakable belief in the Great Pumpkin (who never arrives), Charlie Brown’s rock “treats” that perfectly sum up life’s little letdowns, and even Lucy’s rare flicker of heart — all set to Vince Guaraldi’s iconic jazz score — is endearing, lovely and the ultimate Halloween treat.
- Karen Vera, regional content director and executive editor, Hong Kong
‘Frankenweenie’
Above A still from ‘Frankenweenie’ (2012)
A still from ‘Frankenweenie’ (2012)
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I’m a huge Tim Burton fan and a dog person. Naturally, Frankenweenie (2012) is my favourite Halloween movie. Though the plot—an homage to Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel Frankenstein—is purely fictional (and admittedly a bit questionable—Shelley, what were you thinking?), it warms my heart to see how the brilliant young protagonist goes to extraordinary lengths to bring back his beloved pet Bull Terrier, Sparky.
It’s also exciting to see stop-motion animation making a comeback. Just this month, Guillermo del Toro announced that he’s launching a new stop-motion studio in collaboration with Netflix.
Frankenweenie, despite its simple story and raw, handcrafted visuals, is a perfect reminder that cinematic magic doesn’t always rely on cutting-edge technology or complex storytelling. Sometimes, sincerity and creativity are all it takes to spark something truly timeless.
‘Casper’
Above A still from ‘Casper’ (1995)
A still from ‘Casper’ (1995)
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Casper (1995) hits differently when you’re craving something a bit softer for Halloween. Sure, there are ghosts—but they’re the kind that make you laugh rather than hide behind a cushion. Casper himself is just genuinely sweet, wanting friendship more than frights.
Christina Ricci absolutely nails the whole “cool girl befriending a lonely ghost” vibe, and Bill Pullman as her dad brings proper heart to the story. The villain uncles are brilliantly chaotic without being terrifying, and that manor house? Gorgeously spooky. With a healthy dose of romance, spooks and nostalgia—it’s the perfect pick as a Halloween movie when you want a bit of magic without actual nightmares.
