Hosting the Ultimate Halloween Movie Marathon
There's nothing quite like gathering your favourite people for a proper Halloween film fest. Whether you're planning a cosy night in with your closest people or hosting the entire friendship group, creating the perfect spooky-cosy atmosphere is an art form that everyone should master.
Creating a spooky sanctuary
Turn your living room into the ultimate Halloween hideaway with a few simple touches. Dim the lights and scatter scented candles around the room; think autumn spices, vanilla, or a peak pumpkin spice blend. There’s nothing like flickering candlelight to create the perfect balance of eerie-spooky and cute-cosy.
Pile up soft throws and cushions on your sofa (if you’re anything like us, you do this year-round anyway!). Don't forget to have some cosy socks at the ready; there's actually nothing worse than cold feet when you're trying to focus on whether that shadow in the corner of the screen is actually moving.
A frightfully good film list
The key to a successful Halloween movie marathon is variety. Mix classic British horror with modern mysteries, and we’d always throw in a few comedic gems to balance the sheer terror:
Classic Scares:
- The Wicker Man (1973) – quintessentially British and absolutely spine-chilling
- An American Werewolf in London – horror with a side of dark humour
- The Others – a psychological thriller that'll have you checking behind every door
Modern Must-Watches:
- Hereditary – for those who like their horror genuinely terrifying
- What We Do in the Shadows – perfect comedy-horror for lighter moments
- Midsommar – beautiful cinematography meets disturbing plot
Comfort Viewing:
- Hocus Pocus – because sometimes you need Sarah Jessica Parker in a witch costume
- The Addams Family – gothic glamour and humour that completely went over your head as a kid!
- Practical Magic – witchy vibes with Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, this one is a must
Treats that won't trick your taste buds
No Halloween movie night is complete without a proper spread of themed snacks. Create a DIY treat station that'll have everyone reaching for more:
Sweet Treats: Give Halloween a sophisticated makeover with a gourmet treat selection - salted caramel or pumpkin spice popcorn, some Tony’s Chocolonely, and perfectly iced spooky biscuits.
Hug in a Mug: Nothing beats a proper hot chocolate bar on a cold October evening. Set up a station with marshmallows, whipped cream, and a splash of something warming - for grown-ups only, of course.
The self-care survival kit
Horror films can be properly intense, so having a pampering essentials stash on standby is brilliant for winding down your adrenaline post-movie. Why not set up a little relaxation station with face masks, hand cream, and lip balm – perfect for a quick refresh between films or a proper pamper session after the final credits roll.
We’d keep some herbal teas on hand too. Chamomile blends are particularly great for helping everyone decompress after being absolutely terrified for fun. Don’t forget to invest in a cute Autumn or Halloween mug too; it’s almost an essential purchase if you ask us.
Creating new traditions
A Halloween movie marathon isn't just about the films; it's about creating memories with your friends year after year – we’re suckers for a good seasonal tradition. So why not add these extra special touches:
- Gift Halloween TreatBoxes to each guest with their favourite sweet treats, cosy socks and some small tokens to remember the evening
- If it’s just you and your bestie, we thoroughly recommend matching pumpkin PJs, you can reuse them every Autumn, so really it’s an investment in your friendship.
- Write predictions about who'll scream first, who'll hide behind cushions, and who'll correctly guess the plot twist - how well do you really know each other!
The devil’s in the details
The best kind of Halloween movie marathon ends with everyone feeling cosy, festive and ever-so-slightly too scared to sleep. So whether you’re laying out thoughtfully curated snacks, cosy comfort items, or just creating the perfect spooky ambience, the details matter.
Want to create your own spook-tacular girls' night? Tap through to browse our Autumn & Halloween collection and treat your friends to an evening to remember.
