Freeform just released their 31 Nights of Halloween schedule and here are the highlights. This post has been updated for 2021.
I love watching scary movies but my family is a bunch of wimps. They flat out refuse to watch any type of horror movie with me. Who doesn’t love cozying up on the couch for a good thrill? This is why I look forward to Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween schedule because the line up is what I call scary-light. I can get the taste of a good Halloween movie without my husband and daughter turning on all the lights when they go upstairs. Here are the highlights of Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween schedule.
When is Hocus Pocus on this October?
When is Hocus Pocus not on is the real question. It seems this 28-year-old fantasy/horror movie starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy is all over current pop culture. Good thing is Hocus Pocus will air fourteen times on Freeform throughout October and twice on Halloween, October 31st.
Related: this Hocus Pocus Loungefly Mini Backpack is a great gift for the biggest fan. Grab it now before it becomes unavailable!
What’s the Scariest Movie on the 13 Nights of Halloween Schedule?
Hands down the scariest movie on the 13 Nights of Halloween schedule is definitely Alien. The 1979 Alien stars Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, and John Hurt. This movie won an Oscar for Best Effects in 1980. Though some consider Alien to be a Sci-Fi movie, others insist it’s a classic horror film.
Alien and the sequel Aliens will air back to back on October 11, 2021.
The addition of Jaws to the 2021 line up is another fun one to watch – when it’s not summer. This 1975 classic movie offers up plenty of blood and guts but I’m not sure the mechanical shark is still believable 46 years later.
New Halloween Movies on Freeform
Freeform will premiere several new movies during 31 Nights of Halloween. These aren’t technically new, original movies but new to Freeform.
- Maleficent: Mistress of Evil – Sunday, October 3rd
- Fright Night (2011) – Monday, October 4th
- Jaws 3 – Thursday, October 7th
- Jaws and Jaws 2 – Monday, October 11th
- Men in Black II – Saturday, October 16th
- The House With a Clock in Its Walls – Saturday, October 16th
- Cowboys & Aliens – Wednesday, October 20th
- The Huntsman: Winter’s War – Thursday, October 21st
- Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween – Saturday, October 30th
- Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children – Saturday, October 30th
Related: 10 Halloween Movies You Must Watch
Not So Scary Halloween Movies during 31 Nights of Halloween
There are several non-scary movies scheduled during the 31 Nights of Halloween. Highlights include 1991’s Addams Family, Hotel Transylvania, Casper, and Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic.
Halloween Movies that Make You Go Hmmm
Megan and I debate a lot about what makes a Halloween movie. The big one we argue about is ET: the Extra-Terrestrial. Weigh in down below in the comments, would you? There is one movie on the 13 Nights of Halloween line up that seems real off and it’s Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. It’s a great movie but is it a Halloween movie?
There is some criticism that Freeform has gone “soft” in the last couple of years. Beetlejuice is the movie most are upset to not see on the schedule. We’ve linked to these and a few others you can get on DVD. Maybe they aren’t on Freeform’s Halloween schedule this year but still definitely worth the watch.
Are you looking forward to snuggling on the couch and watching 31 Nights of Halloween on Freeform? Or is Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas (which premieres on October 22, 2021) more your speed? Tell us what you’re looking forward to watching this holiday season!
