Author: Tiffany Champion

Think of the messiest and most chaotic nights you’ve ever had in your life. At least one of them was Halloween, and there was probably alcohol involved, right? Over the years, we’ve all been there, as the apple bobbing and trick-or-treating of our youth have slowly receded into distant memory, eclipsed by adult experiences that often end in a pounding hangover.

But Halloween doesn’t have to mean wild parties with excessive drinking. Alcohol-free festivities are becoming increasingly popular, and skipping the parties certainly doesn’t mean skipping out on the fun. If you’re in the mood to swap chaos for cozy this year, there’s no better way to do it than by gathering the gang for a Halloween movie marathon.

Whether your crew is craving belly laughs or jump scares, we’ve got your night in covered with these movie recommendations. Ranging from nostalgic millennial staples to some deep cuts you can discover together, these films are guaranteed to please even the pickiest of your friends. So, get the good blankets out of storage, crack open a Wynk, and curl up to reclaim the magic of Halloween without the hangover haze.

1. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993, dir. Henry Selick)

The timeless musical fantasy The Nightmare Before Christmas begs the question: is it a Halloween-flavored Christmas movie or a Christmas-flavored Halloween movie? Whatever it is, it’s considered one of the best animated films of all time for good reason. Queue it up for the inner child in all of us. Pair it with Tangerine Wynk (in lieu of a pumpkin seltzer) and sip every time you hear the name “Jack.”

For: literally everyone.

2. I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997, dir. Jim Gillespie)

After a 4th of July celebration spirals out of control, four teenagers involved in a gruesome hit-and-run swear each other to secrecy in I Know What You Did Last Summer. When they return to their hometown a year later and receive a mysterious note, a deadly game of cat-and-mouse soon follows.

For: fans of Cruel Intentions and the SCREAM franchise. Pair with Black Cherry Fizz.

3. May (2002, dir. Lucky McKee)

An awkward, lonely veterinary assistant named May develops an obsession with perfection due to relentless childhood bullying. Her one true friend is a doll given to her by her mother, but as she grows older, May yearns for a real friend to hold. Angela Bettis charms in the titular role, and suffice it to say, things get weird after she develops a crush on a boy with perfect hands.

For: anyone who believes that weird girls deserve love too. Sip every time Suzie sends a chill down your spine.

4. Death Proof (2007, dir. Quentin Tarantino)

Death Proof is a slasher film that pays homage to campy, low-budget exploitation cinema of the '70s. Kurt Russell stars as Stuntman Mike, a sadistic serial killer who uses his “death proof” Chevy Nova to stalk and murder young women. It’s a high-octane watch for thrill-seekers with an iconic cast. Pair with Lime Twist and sip every time Kurt Russell looks in the rearview mirror.

For: adrenaline junkies.

5. Infinity Pool (2023, dir. Brandon Cronenberg)

Struggling novelist James Foster and his wife Em vacation at a seaside resort, where they meet Gabi, a fan of James’s work. After a hit-and-run incident and corrupt authorities get involved, things spiral out of control.

For: Infinity Pool is a must for fans of bloody, gory body horror.

6. The Living Dead Girl (1982, dir. Jean Rollin)

When two grave robbers resurrect the corpse of heiress Catherine Valmont, chaos ensues in The Living Dead Girl. Catherine's bloodthirsty return brings her grief-stricken blood-sister Hélène back to the estate, leading to a tale of sacrifice and horror.

For: those cuddling up with a codependent best friend.

7. Let the Right One In (2008, dir. Tomas Alfredson)

12-year-old Oskar, bullied and lonely, finds a forbidden friendship with mysterious neighbor Eli. Their tender yet bloody love story unfolds, crossing the lines between human and vampire in Let the Right One In.

For: hopeless romantics. Pair with Cran-Blood Orange Wynk.

8. Mean Girls (2004, dir. Mark Waters)

A horror movie about sacrificing authenticity for popularity and falling in love with your frenemy’s ex-boyfriend. This quintessential Halloween staple needs no introduction.

For: anyone who’s ever gotten caught talking s***.

9. Jennifer’s Body (2009, dir. Karen Kusama)

Jennifer, the most popular girl at Devil’s Kettle High, disappears after a fatal fire. When she returns, her best friend Needy realizes something terrible has happened. This film has transformed from commercial flop to feminist cult classic.

For: fans of dry humor and enduring crushes.

10. Alien (1979, dir. Ridley Scott)

Set in 2122, Sigourney Weaver stars as Warrant Officer Ellen Ripley in this sci-fi horror classic. The crew of a spaceship encounters a deadly alien, leading to a claustrophobic battle for survival.

For: thrill-seekers and cat ladies.

Whatever your Halloween night in looks like this year, the beauty of movies is that they can transport us anywhere—from haunted mansions to outer space. When you get your crew together for some extra spooky quality time, fire up the stovetop popcorn, indulge in your favorite candies, and gather around for a good show. Most importantly, don’t forget to bev up—shop the Holiday Get Together bundle for 15% off all season long and leave the Halloweekend scaries behind!