It may be Halloween, but there are only so many horror movies one can take, especially at the end of October. Perhaps you’re looking for something cozier, more family-friendly, or just a nostalgic favorite to ring in the holiday, whether post-trick-or-treating, pre-partying or just enjoying a cozy night in. So here are a few Halloween favorites that might delight the whole family, or just your inner child.

My number one choice for this kind of night is the Adam Sandler vehicle “Hubie Halloween,” on Netflix. Set in Salem, Massachusetts, on Halloween night, Sandler plays the titular Hubie in one of his classic comedic performances, but the vibe is less horror and more “lightly spooky seasonal comedy.” New England brings the cozy vibes, Sandler and team bring the laughs. Stream it on Netflix.

There are also a wealth of double features with movies that have sequels or legasequels (though comparison might not serve all of them well). Pop on “The Addams Family” (1991), and then “Addams Family Values” (1993), family comedies featuring the spooky family that started as New Yorker cartoons. Both films, directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, are streaming on Paramount+. The 2019 animated “The Addams Family” and “The Addams Family 2” are streaming on Peacock.

“Hocus Pocus” (1993) is always a winner, featuring Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker as three witch sisters who are resurrected on Halloween night in Salem. The 2022 sequel wasn’t as fun, but it brings the trio back together. Stream both films on Disney+.

For more witchy sister content, turn on the cult classic “Practical Magic,” starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, and fire up the mightnight margaritas with the 1998 film, streaming on HBO Max. The long-awaited sequel, “Practical Magic 2,” hit theaters this fall and is available to rent on premium VOD now.

Director Tim Burton and the main players returned to “Beetlejuice” in 2024 after 36 years with “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” which is something of a miracle for a project like that. The 1998 creepy comedy was a massive hit, starring Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara, and the sequel lived up to the original, with those three returning, and Jenna Ortega joining the cast. Stream both movies on HBO Max.

Fire up the original “Ghostbusters” from 1984, and one of its many sequels/reboots. I’m partial to the 2016 all-female reboot directed by Paul Feig, which was much-maligned at the time, but features a killer cast, including Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones and Chris Hemsworth. There are a few other Jason Reitman-directed reboots as well, but the 1984 and 2016 versions are both on Hulu.

Take it back to the ‘80s with two fun and funny cult classics: first up, “Teen Witch” starring Robyn Lively as the titular teenage witch, in this teen comedy that puts witchcraft into a John Hughes type movie — with raps! It’s available on Prime Video, Kanopy and Tubi. Tom Hanks stars in the Joe Dante-directed suburban horror film “The ‘Burbs,” which is funny and scary and so well-made. Both films were released in 1989. Stream “The ‘Burbs” on Tubi or rent it on other digital platforms.

Finally, the 2015 flick “Goosebumps” starring Jack Black as the author of the book series by R.L. Stine, has no business being as good as it is, but that’s the Jack Black guarantee. This film is super fun and meta, and is a great Halloween watch for kids and adults, stream it on Paramount+.

———

©2026 Tribune Content Agency, LLC