I’ve always tried to make sure my family has the channels they like to watch during different #Holidays. Hallmark for me at Christmas. Disney which is now Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween: October 1–5, 2026 for Halloween for David and for Charlie Netflix for the shows he likes to watch or Crunchyroll.
This year we’ve been so busy I forget to pay for the Streaming Service for Disney so David could watch these movies but it isn’t to late to sign up now. If you love Halloween movies as much as David does then I wanted to share there list of upcoming movies with you. Even if you missed one or two of the movies you can save this list for next year.
Before I share the first 5 Days of movies with you. I have a question for you. Have you ever started looking for Halloween movies and realized there are far more choices than you remembered? That is exactly what happened to me! But more than that there was movies I hadn’t seen I want to see and I never thought that would happen.
I started looking for Disney Halloween movies our family could watch that wouldn’t be to scary and I discovered Freeform’s annual 31 Nights of Halloween. Suddenly, I had a month full of movies to investigate, family memories to collect, and a few titles that made me wonder how we had never heard of them. I like these movies because they are family-friendly but I also saw a Adult scare fest on another channel which you can find by goggling Halloween movies.
Come join David, Charlie, and I as were doing our Halloween movie homework! We’re going through the Freeform schedule in five-day installments, finding out which movies we have watched, which ones we love, and which ones deserve a place on our must-watch list.
We’ll share our family’s thoughts as we go, and we hope you’ll share yours, too. I’ll admit something right away: I don’t do scary movies. I’m perfectly happy with a friendly ghost, a funny monster, or a witch who knows how to entertain an audience. I’m not looking to spend an evening frightened out of my wits!
Thankfully, my family has some very different ideas about Halloween entertainment. David and Charlie love The Addams Family, we watch Beetlejuice all year long, and Charlie and I have our annual tradition of watching The Nightmare Before Christmas. Let’s see what Freeform had scheduled during the first five days of October 2026.
A note before we begin: The schedule times below are the times published by Freeform in Eastern/Pacific time. Check your local TV listings for your own time zone, and remember that this article documents the 2026 schedule; next year’s lineup and airtimes may change. See Freeform’s official 31 Nights of Halloween schedule.
Thursday, October 1, 2026
11:30 a.m. — Edward Scissorhands (1990)- Johnny Depp plays Edward, an artificial man whose inventor dies before finishing him, leaving him with scissors instead of hands. Edward eventually finds himself living among ordinary suburban neighbors, with all the complications that come with being different.
Glenda’s thoughts: Who in their right mind hasn’t seen Edward Scissorhands at least once? Johnny Depp! I remember him from 21 Jump Street. Edward might look a little scary, but this is one movie I’ll watch. It’s a reminder that a movie can look spooky without being a traditional horror film. David also likes this film and it is something Charlie has watched and he says its okay.
1:55 p.m. — The Addams Family (1991)– Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley, Uncle Fester, and the rest of the Addams family have been entertaining audiences for generations. In this movie, the family faces questions about Uncle Fester’s mysterious return.
Our family’s thoughts: You have to know my family to understand how much Charlie and David love The Addams Family! David and Charlie are obsessed with the Addamses, especially Wednesday. We have books, comic books, T-shirts, and just about anything else you can imagine. We’ve even seen Addams Family plays. Forget the Munsters. At our house, it’s the Addams Family! How about your house?
3:55 p.m. — Addams Family Values (1993)– The Addams family returns for another dark comedy, with Wednesday and Pugsley encountering trouble at summer camp while Uncle Fester finds himself in a complicated romance.
Glenda’s thoughts: I’m not entirely sure whether I’ve watched this movie or not but I bet you David and Charlie probably have, considering how much they love the family. For our movie guide, we’ll leave my viewing status as uncertain rather than claim I’ve seen it when I don’t honestly remember. But before Halloween is over we will sit down as a family and watch all the #Adamsfamily movies. Would you want to join us?
5:55 p.m. — Hocus Pocus (1993)– Three witches return to Salem after a group of youngsters accidentally brings them back. Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker make the Sanderson sisters one of Disney’s best-known Halloween attractions.
Glenda’s thoughts: Here’s the funny part: I love the witches in Hocus Pocus, even though I don’t do scary movies and I’m not really a Halloween person! I’just can’t say I’ve watched the whole movie or not but I plan on it before Halloween is over. I can almost bet you David and Charlie have watched.
I’m thinking this might be the year I sit down and watch both Hocus Pocus movies with the family. We could order pizza or make the spooky snacks Charlie learned to prepare in school. That sounds like a much better evening than trying to find another subscription I have to pay for! Plus, I love Sarah Jessica Parker. Don’t you? Bette Middler bring her on to.
8:00 p.m. — Coven Academy (TV series premiere, Episodes 1–4)0- This was the first new discovery on our Halloween homework list. Coven Academy is a supernatural teen drama about three teenage witches and their warlock peers attending an elite magic school.
According to Freeform, the story involves supernatural conflicts, secrets, and forbidden romances. The first four episodes premiered on October 1, with the season available the following day on Disney+, Hulu, and Freeform on Demand. Technically it isn’t a movie but a series.
Our family’s thoughts: None of us had heard of this series before we started researching the schedule. We haven’t established whether it is something we would enjoy watching, but it has romance in it so I may check it out. As for David and Charlie they said they would need to learn more about the show and decide for ourselves.
Friday, October 2, 2026 Friday brought six scheduled movie showings, including some favorites we had already discussed. That would have been a night we binge-watched the movies which means we would have had Finger Foods for dinner.
10:30 a.m. — The Addams Family (1991)– Our notes: See our October 1 entry. David and Charlie’s Addams Family obsession needs no further explanation!
12:35 p.m. — Addams Family Values (1993)– Our notes: See our October 1 entry. Glenda remains unsure whether she has watched the whole movie, although David and Charlie probably have.
2:40 p.m. — Dark Shadows (2012) Johnny Depp stars as Barnabas Collins, a vampire who awakens after being buried for centuries and discovers a very different world from the one he remembers.
Our family’s thoughts: This one appears to be new to us. I haven’t seen it, and I don’t think David or Charlie have either. It gives us another title to investigate, especially since Johnny Depp is already responsible for one of the movies I’ll watch despite its spooky appearance. Sounds like it might be a #JohnnyDepp movie in our home before Halloween has passed. Would you want to join us?
5:15 p.m. — The Haunted Mansion (2003)– Eddie Murphy stars as a real estate agent whose family becomes caught up in the supernatural events surrounding a mysterious mansion.
Glenda’s thoughts: David and Charlie have definitely watched this one because Eddie Murphy is in it! I think the guys tried to get me to watch it, too, but I wouldn’t. I did enjoy Night at the Museum, because it was funny. One day, I may finally give The Haunted Mansion a chance because Eddie Murphy is in it. In fact, I think we need an Eddie Murphy Halloween movie night. That could be another fun family feature for Greatful Moments. Would you want to join us?
7:15 p.m. — Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)– Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town and decides to bring Christmas to his own world. This is the kind of movie that makes people ask whether a film can belong to two holidays at once.
Our family’s thoughts: Charlie and I watch this movie every year. It has become one of our traditions, and we’ll be returning to it when we discuss our separate article about whether a movie is truly a Halloween movie, a Christmas movie, or both.
8:55 p.m. — Beetlejuice (1988)– A recently deceased couple turns to a mischievous spirit for help when new residents move into their home. The result is a supernatural comedy full of unusual characters and wonderfully strange humor.
Our family’s thoughts: You have to know my family to understand this one, too. We absolutely love Beetlejuice! Charlie has been watching this movie since he was around 5/ 6 and my family watch #Beetlejuice year-round. It doesn’t need an October invitation to come out of hiding at our house.
Saturday, October 3, 2026– Saturday’s schedule included eight showings, with a mix of returning favorites and movies that brought back some wonderful family memories.
7:30 a.m. — Beetlejuice (1988)– Our notes: See October 2. We love this movie all year long!
9:35 a.m. — Coven Academy– Our notes: See October 1. We still need to decide whether this new-to-us supernatural series belongs on our watchlist. What do you think?
12:35 p.m. — Casper (1995)– When a father and daughter move into a mansion inhabited by ghosts, the daughter befriends Casper, a friendly and lonely young ghost who would rather make friends than frighten people.
Glenda’s thoughts: I’ve been watching Casper since I was a little girl. It was my mom’s all-time favorite movie. Who doesn’t love a friendly ghost? I’ve seen every Casper movie there is, and David and Charlie have seen them, too. I would absolutely love to have my own little Casper!
This is much more than a movie title on a television schedule. It’s a childhood memory that connects me to my mom, and that makes it especially meaningful. Suzzane also loved this movie and my family will be watching it in there memory this year. Would you want to watch it with us?
3:05 p.m. — Hocus Pocus (1993)– See our thoughts above.
Our notes: See October 1. I’ve watched the whole movie once, and a family movie night featuring both Hocus Pocus films is on our agenda.
5:15 p.m. — Monsters, Inc. (2001)– Sulley and Mike Wazowski work at a factory powered by children’s screams. Their world changes when a little girl named Boo unexpectedly enters the monster world, and the monsters discover that things are not quite what they believed.
Our family’s thoughts: We’ve watched the Monsters movies, including on the big screen, not just at home! Who doesn’t love Sulley and that one-eyed monster, Mike Wazowski? We think there should be more monster movies. What do you think? We will be doing #Monster movie night soon. Would you want to join us?
7:20 p.m. — Monsters University (2013)– This Pixar prequel takes us back to Mike and Sulley’s college days, when the future friends first meet and discover that working together is harder than either expected.
Our family’s thoughts: We’ve seen this one, too, including in the theater. More monster movies, please!
9:50 p.m. — The Addams Family (1991)– Our notes: See October 1. The Addams family remains one of our household’s all-time favorites.
11:55 p.m. — Addams Family Values (1993)– Our notes: See October 1. We’ll keep my viewing status marked as uncertain until I can honestly remember whether I watched the entire movie. Although I may need to see if Charlie will watch it with me. Would you want to join us?
Sunday, October 4, 2026– Sunday included eight more showings, giving us another chance to find a new family favorite.
7:30 a.m. — Spooky Buddies (2011)– This Disney family movie brings the Buddies puppies into a Halloween adventure involving a villain and a race to save the day.
Glenda’s thoughts: I didn’t even know there was an Air Bud movie called Spooky Buddies! We absolutely love those dogs and the Air Bud movies. Basketball, winning, those adorable pups — what’s not to love? I would have had Charlie watch this one, too. I don’t think I’ve seen it, and I’m not sure whether David and Charlie have either.
We’re adding Spooky Buddies to our must-watch list. The dogs might be getting into Halloween mischief, but I suspect they’ll be hilarious rather than frightening. We will even be inviting our #dogs to watch the movie with us as well as all the other movies for another movie night. Bring your doggy and come and join us.
9:35 a.m. — Casper (1995)– Our notes: See October 3. This is one of my lifelong favorites because it reminds me of my mom.
12:05 p.m. — Edward Scissorhands (1990)– Our notes: See October 1. Johnny Depp makes this one worth watching again, even though Edward’s appearance is a little creepy in a good way.
2:35 p.m. — The Addams Family (1991)– Our notes: See October 1. Our family’s love for Wednesday and her unusual relatives has already been well established!
4:40 p.m. — Addams Family Values (1993) Our notes: See October 1. No need to repeat our earlier comments.
6:45 p.m. — Hocus Pocus (1993)– Our notes: See October 1. This is the perfect reminder for me to arrange that family movie night.
8:55 p.m. — Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)– The Sanderson sisters return in the Disney sequel, with Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker reprising their roles.
Our family’s thoughts: This is on our must-watch list. I’ve decided we need a movie night featuring Hocus Pocus and Hocus Pocus 2, with pizza or Charlie’s spooky snacks. It sounds like a fun way to enjoy the witches I love without committing myself to a genuinely scary movie.
11:25 p.m. — Haunted Mansion (2023) This newer Disney film is inspired by the Haunted Mansion theme-park attraction. It is a different movie from the Eddie Murphy version released in 2003.
Our family’s thoughts: We haven’t recorded our verdict on this version yet. We’ll keep it separate from the 2003 film so we don’t confuse the two when discussing our watchlist.
Monday, October 5, 2026– Monday’s schedule shifted toward superhero and ghost-comedy adventures.
12:00 p.m. — Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)– Peter Parker tries to balance being a teenager with his growing responsibilities as Spider-Man. This is more of a superhero adventure than a traditional Halloween movie, which makes it an interesting addition to Freeform’s seasonal lineup.
Our family’s thoughts: We haven’t recorded our verdict on this movie yet. We’ll add our family viewing memories as we continue our movie homework. Even though we’ve seen most of the #Spider-Man movies I’m not sure I’ve seen it. But we will watch all of the movies would you want to join us?
3:00 p.m. — Ghostbusters (1984)– Four scientists start a ghost-catching business in New York City and soon find themselves facing supernatural problems much bigger than their new business can handle.
Our family’s thoughts: Still to come as we continue collecting our opinions and memories. But we’ve watched most of the #Ghostbuster movies and now we need another movie night as we binge-watch these movies. Come and join us.
5:30 p.m. — Ghostbusters II (1989)– The Ghostbusters return to investigate a new supernatural threat beneath New York City.
Our family’s thoughts: We haven’t discussed this one yet, so we won’t guess about our viewing history.
8:00 p.m. — Ghostbusters (2016)– This reboot introduces a new team of paranormal investigators who take on ghosts appearing throughout New York City.
Our family’s thoughts: This is another title for our family discussion. We’ll add our verdict when we get to it.
That brings us through the first five days of Freeform’s 2026 31 Nights of Halloween schedule. We’ve revisited family favorites, remembered childhood movies, found a new puppy adventure to add to our watchlist, and discovered a supernatural series we hadn’t even heard of before this project.
Some movies have become family traditions. The Nightmare Before Christmas is one Charlie and I watch every year. Beetlejuice doesn’t need a holiday to earn a place on our television. And Casper will always remind me of my mom. Others are still waiting for their turn. I want to watch Hocus Pocus 2, give Spooky Buddies a chance, and maybe finally sit down with Eddie Murphy in The Haunted Mansion.
We’ll continue our movie homework with the next batch of Freeform’s October schedule, and we’ll keep looking beyond television for Halloween movies playing in theaters and on streaming services. We’ll also keep sharing family-friendly choices and budget-conscious options for people who don’t want another monthly subscription.
Now it’s your turn!
Which of these movies have you watched? Is there one you revisit every October, or did you discover a title you’d forgotten about? Have you watched Coven Academy, or is that new to you, too? Tell us in the comments. We’d love to hear your family’s movie traditions and add a few more ideas to our watchlist.
Greatful thoughts: Sometimes the best family traditions begin with a movie, a bowl of popcorn, and a whole lot of opinions about what to watch next.
Schedule source
Freeform, 31 Nights of Halloween official 2026 schedule.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
