Women-Led and Created Films to Watch This Halloween

Three jack-o-lanterns

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Halloween is right around the corner! Why not celebrate the holiday with a movie fit for the season? With both family-friendly and scarier options, here are our picks of movies starring or directed by girls and women to enjoy this Halloween.

Hocus Pocus 1 and 2

Starring Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker, Hocus Pocus (1993) follow the resurrected Sanderson Sisters as they galavant around Salem, Massachusetts. The 2022 sequel matches the energy of the first film in a story centered on the importance of sisterhood and solidarity.

Twitches and Twitches Too

Cover image of the movie "Twitches," a women-led film, featuring two young women standing next to each other against an orange background. One is wearing a red suit and skirt, holding a sparkling wand, while the other in pink casual wear gestures towards a glowing pumpkin.

They’re twins, they’re witches, they’re twitches! In this Disney Channel Original Movie series, twins Tia and Tamera Mowry join forces in a fantasy story about twins with magical powers who were separated at birth. The two reunite to defeat a mysterious force and learn the truth of their past.

Coraline

The 2009 adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s dark fantasy novella of the same name is chilling. The story follows Coraline Jones as she discovers a secret door to an alternative world that quickly goes sideways. The film portrays dynamic girlhood in the titular character who is notable for her courage and compassion.

It Follows

A scene from the women-led movie "It Follows" shows two people in an intimate embrace inside a car at night with a blue, smoky background. The title "IT FOLLOWS" is displayed in bright blue neon letters above them, reminiscent of Halloween's eerie atmosphere.

It Follows (2014) evokes the best of the horror genre without perpetuating the sexist tropes found in many of the classics. Cursed by a supernatural entity after having sex, the film avoids slut-shaming or blaming the main character. Instead, It Follows condemns these unhealthy and harmful attitudes around sex.

The Craft

Four women stand confidently in front of a backdrop with lightning, embodying the 90s goth style in black and white clothing adorned with chokers and necklaces. The ominous, supernatural-themed backdrop evokes the eerie allure of Halloween, reminiscent of women-led films from that era.

What is more perfect for Halloween than The Craft? The movie follows a group of four teenage girls as they come into supernatural power. The cult classic powerfully explores the female friendship and coming-of-age using conventions of the horror genre.

Candyman

Directed by Nia DaCosta, Candyman (2021) is a spiritual sequel to the original 1992 movie. The 2021 film follows an artist (Yahya Abdul Mateen) as he unravels the history of the Candyman to chilling results. DaCosta does a brilliant job exploring themes of injustice, gentrification, and police brutality.

Take Action! Celebrate Halloween this year with media about and made by women.