Don’t feel like hitting the bars this Halloween night? No worries, because we both know having a cozy night-in is way more fun. Here is your guide to plan the best spooky stay-at-home night with all your friends.
Movies
It is essential to have a Halloween movie playing at all times throughout this spooktacular evening. If you’re not into scary, I recommend “Hocus Pocus,” streaming on Disney+ or available for purchase on Amazon Prime; “Practical Magic,” streaming on Pluto TV or available for purchase on Youtube; and the Netflix duo of “The Curse of Bridge Hollow” and “Hubie Halloween.”
If you love a classic thrasher film, try the original “Scream,” available on HBO’s MAX or Hulu; the 1974 rendition of “Halloween,” streaming on AMC+ and PLEX; or “Friday the Thirteenth,” available on Sling TV and for purchase on Youtube.
You’re into the paranormal thrillers? Not my cup of tea, but here are some options to satisfy your horror itch: “Trick ‘r Treat,” on MAX and Philo; “Poltergeist” streaming on Sling TV; and “Insidious,” on Peacock, Hulu, and FuboTV.
If you want to feel nostalgic rather than spooked, try these: “Haunted Mansion,” (yes, I’m talking about the one starring Eddie Murphy), “Halloweentown,” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” all watchable with a Disney+ subscription.
If you are still not seeing something you like, here are some honorable mentions, “Totally Killer,” an Amazon Prime Video original; the 1991 version of “The Addams Family,” streaming on Paramount+; “Goosebumps,” streaming for free on Tubi; “Beetlejuice,” on MAX and Hulu; and my personal favorite Halloween movie that everyone always forgets about, “Mostly Ghostly,” (the original from 2007) watchable on Amazon Prime Video for a small fee.
Sweet Treats
Before you start your movie, you have to make some snacks to munch on! One of my favorite fall comfort meals are homemade hot pockets. Grab a cupcake tray and line the inside with Pillsbury’s biscuit dough. Add pizza sauce, pepperonis, and your choice of cheese. Fold the dough over so all the ingredients are wrapped tight. Bake in the oven until golden brown; test if the inside is nice and warm as well before you dive in.
Pair this delicious dinner with a sweet treat like the Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies, Target’s “Favorite Day” brand’s pumpkin cheesecake ice cream, or if you’re really a chef, a warm and crispy apple pie. Popcorn mixed with your favorite candy is an amazing and easy classic treat too.
Lastly, you have to wash down all that goodness with something equally as delicious. Fanta Orange, an iced pumpkin spice latte, or a cup of tea would all be perfect. Or, if you’re of legal age, a spooky cocktail will be the cherry on top. The Food Network’s article “20 Haunted Cocktails To Serve at Your Halloween Party,” includes drinks like the Poison Apple Punch, a whiskey cocktail with zesty and sweet notes; or, Zombie Punch, a concoction that mixes vodka, ginger ale, and pineapple juice, topped off with “zombie eyeballs” to make an especially spooky treat. I highly recommend checking out Food Network’s full list for even more ideas!
Music
No perfect evening is complete without some background noise to accompany you while you prep for your movie marathon. If you want a playlist that screams “I love Halloween,” you must add “Thriller” by Michael Jackson; “Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell; “Monster Mash” by Bobby “Boris” Pickett; “Calling all the Monsters” by China Anne McClain; and of course, “This is Halloween” off “The Nightmare Before Christmas” soundtrack.
Okay, maybe you love Halloween, but not that much, try listening to “Heads Will Roll” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs; “Howlin’ for You” by The Black Keys; “Halloween Birthdaze” by New Beat Fund; “Hungry Like the Wolf” by Duran Duran; or “Walking with a Ghost” by Tegan and Sara.
Want some songs that just feel like a crisp fall day? Try these: “Don’t Know Why” by Norah Jones; “There She Goes” by The La’s; “Oh Klahoma” by Jack Stuber; “Season of the Witch” by Donovan; and“Linger” by The Cranberries.
Activities
There are so many fun activities you can do while you spend your evening binge watching your favorite movies. Everyone knows Halloween is for carving pumpkins, but painting pumpkins is a great (and less messy) craft to do with your friends to put you in the Halloween spirit. Plus, you can keep the pumpkins you decorate throughout the Thanksgiving season!
Another craft you can do is make friendship bracelets; friendship bracelets are always a good idea. Head to your local Michael’s to grab some string and beads in shades of brown, orange, and beige. To make this idea even better, use a random name generator so each friend gets assigned another friend to make the bracelet for. This adds an element of surprise and makes the bracelets way more sentimental.
I think everyone has seen the trend going around where individuals go to a thrift store and buy a beautiful piece of art just to go home and deface it by painting ghosts all over it. In all seriousness, I actually think this trend is really cute and gives a piece of once discarded art a new life. This could be a really fun activity to do with your friends or housemates, so then you can all have a type of friendship bracelet, but in huge picture form.
Lastly, you can have a spooky-inspired game night. There are so many themed playing cards you can purchase, like one’s with Tim Burton’s designs such as the “Beetlejuice” and “Corpse Bride” sets available at Five Below, or a special set of original characters, available on ebay for $10 to $25. But, if you aren’t the competitive type, a huge puzzle is also a fun activity to share.
Extras
Feeling extra? Me too. Too top off your night, remember to get the ambiance right. Light some pumpkin and cinnamon candles, decorate with your favorite fall pieces from HomeGoods, and provide lighting through orange twinkling strip lights.
Make sure your outfit is right. The Peanuts PJ set from American Eagle (I know you all know what I’m talking about) or Halloween inspired sets from Amazon are the only right answers. Finish your look with a scent from the Bath & Body Works’ fall collection.
Skincare is essential. Stop at Ulta Beauty or Sephora to grab some face masks, eye patches, and leave-in hair conditioner.
And with that, you are all set to have the most spooktacular evening of your life!
