What’s worth watching over Halloween – scariest TV shows and movies
Unsure what to watch on your Halloween night in? We've got you covered.
Halloween is here, and the chances are you may well be planning an evening watching scary movies or TV shows while snuggled up indoors – at least, if you're not heading out to a fancy dress party. With that in mind, you might be wondering what new spooky options there are to enjoy on TV and streamers. In recent years, Netflix has been a place to go when it comes to new shows for spooky season, with Mike Flanagan often writing his own new adaptations in time for Halloween – including The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass. But that's not the case this year, and the streamer's two most Halloween-y shows – Wednesday and Stranger Things – don't have new episodes timed to the day itself, with the former having dropped its most recent in early September and the latter gearing up for the first part of its final season next month. That said, there is one major new Halloween show on a different streamer, with prequel series It: Welcome to Derry having recently released it's first episode on NOW (the episodes are also airing on Sky Atlantic). And as ever, the major linear channels have come up trumps by scheduling some classic horror films this evening – and you can also check out our separate list of classic Halloween movies, some of which are available on streaming. Read on for our picks of the best TV shows and films showing this Halloween. It: Welcome to Derry – Sky Atlantic and NOW It's hard to imagine a TV show much more Halloween-y than a prequel series to It, and this new show certainly has some scares – with our review remarking that some of them "are massively effective, and truly skin-crawling". Taking place in 1962 – 27 years before the events of Andy Muschietti's 2017 film adaptation – it introduces several new characters while also seeing Bill Skarsgård reprise his role as Pennywise, the fearsome dancing clown. The first episode arrived last week on Sky Atlantic and NOW, and the second instalment has been moved forward for US audiences to coincide with Halloween, although we're still awaiting confirmation as to whether the same is true for UK audiences. Either way this is ideal viewing for Halloween. Dead of Night - 4:45pm, Film4 This 1954 portmanteau horror from Ealing Studios tells five different ghost stories – including ones penned by HG Wells and EF Benson – after an architect goes to the home of a new client and finds that each of the inhabitants has a different story to tell. Our five star review reads: "Alberto Cavalcanti's The Ventriloquist's Dummy episode has lost none of its shocking power, thanks largely to Michael Redgrave's astonishing performance, which ranks among the best of his career. "There's also much to raise the hair on the back of the neck in Robert Hamer's The Haunted Mirror, while the linking story involving architect Mervyn Johns brings the whole thing to a nightmarish conclusion." Scream 3 – 10:10pm – BBC Three The trailer for the upcoming seventh instalment of the long-running self-aware slasher series has just launched in time for spooky season, and BBC Three are giving one of the previous films an airing on Halloween night. This third entry sees Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) come out of hiding after the cast and crew of a movie dramatising her past experiences become the latest victims of a killer behind a Ghostface mask. In our review of the film, we wrote that while it "lacks the bite" of the first two films, this threequel "features an engagingly prescient mystery about the dark side of Hollywood, and builds to an enjoyably tense climax" with "some charm to be found in the campy high jinks". Don't Look Now - 11:40pm, BBC Two One of the finest British films of all time, Nicolas Roeg's supernatural thriller starring Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie is adapted from a Daphne du Maurier short story and features some of the most striking and iconic images in the history of horror cinema. Sutherland and Christie play grieving parents who travel to Venice and meet two unusual sisters, one of whom claims to be able to communicate with their dead child, leading to some extremely bizarre events. Our five-star review calls it a "masterpiece", stating that it "offers a time-distorted vision of terror set in wintertime Venice" and remarking that "the fear-drenched mood of alienation is sustained right up until the unforgettable climax". The Woman in Black – 12:40am, BBC One One more late night horror option on the terrestrial channels is this 2012 adaptation of Susan Hill's gothic horror novel of the same name, starring Daniel Radcliffe in the lead role. He plays a young solicitor who is sent to examine the documentation left behind by a woman who recently passed away, only for him to discover that her home holds a very dark secret. We gave it a three-star review on its release, calling it "classy if cliché-ridden" and writing that "director James Watkins does a fine job re-creating the Hammer mood, atmosphere and style while nimbly chasing shadowy scares via sudden loud noises and close-up shock cuts". Is It Cake? Halloween – Netflix OK, so this one doesn't seem likely to lead to too many frights, but the most Halloween-specific option that Netflix has offered up this October is this special batch of episodes for the streamer's hit game show Is It Cake? The format is the same as ever, with a raft of starry guests tasked with identifying whether a given object is the real thing or just a recreation made from cake, with each of this run's options having a Halloween theme. There are four episodes to enjoy in all, with guests across the series including Brooklyn Nine-Nines's Chelsea Peretti and What We Do In The Shadows star Harvey Guillén. Disney Twisted Wonderland: The Animation – Disney Plus A slightly more left-field choice, perhaps, this new anime is based on a popular mobile-game of the same name, which follows a character named Yuu who is unexpectedly transported to another world via a magic mirror and soon finds himself attending that world's school of magic Night Raven College. The school has seven dormitories, each based on a different Disney villain, which Yuu soon finds himself navigating as he gets used to his new life. The first episode has just launched, and more will be coming to Disney Plus in the coming weeks. If you're looking for something to watch tonight, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
How to watch Halloween movie series in order – the horror franchise timeline
It's the perfect time to get caught up with one of cinema's most famous monsters.
With spooky season upon us, now's the perfect time to watch, or rewatch, the Halloween movies. In 1978, John Carpenter's low-budget slasher film Halloween premiered in cinemas and soon became an unexpected and phenomenal success, spawning sequels, reboots and remakes. The franchise has continued to expand ever since, although things are currently on pause following the release of 2022's appropriately titled Halloween Ends. That film followed Halloween and Halloween Kills in David Gordon Green's 'requel' trilogy and was overall the 13th entry in total in the series. And while we wouldn't bet against the franchise being relaunched yet another time in the future, 13 does seem an appropriate number for a horror series. However, with multiple timelines in the movie series, watching them in the best order can be a tricky task. What's more, while a couple of years ago nearly all of the films were available to stream on Netflix, it's now far more complicated to work out where to watch them all, given many of them are on an assortment of different platforms such as NOW, Netflix and even Plex. So where should you start? We've got four Halloween timeline options for you. Here's your essential guide to the Halloween movies in order and where to watch them as the spookiest night of the year draws closer. Alternatively, if you're looking for a list of the best classic Halloween movies, why not check out our guide. Halloween movie order: The original timeline The first path you have the option of going down charts the original Halloween timeline, starting off strong with John Carpenter's acclaimed original film, but eventually burning out as the storyline grew increasingly silly. 1. Halloween (1978) This first instalment introduces Jamie Lee Curtis in her first major role, portraying teenage babysitter Laurie Strode, who becomes the target of a deranged serial killer named Michael Myers. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.a2baa371-164a-ee49-efc4-a28d0ee70fe1?autoplay=0&ref_=atv_cf_strg_wb&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-904248" target="_blank" rel="sponsored" data-geniuslink="https://buy.geni.us/Proxy.ashx?TSID=114542&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fgp%2Fvideo%2Fdetail%2Famzn1.dv.gti.a2baa371-164a-ee49-efc4-a28d0ee70fe1%3Fautoplay%3D0%26ref_%3Datv_cf_strg_wb%26tag%3Dradtim0b-21%26ascsubtag%3Dradiotimes-929938&dtb=1">Rent or buy on Prime Video 2. Halloween II (1981) The story continues in this direct follow-up written by John Carpenter himself, which reveals hidden secrets about the true link between Myers and Strode, bringing their story to a (temporary) end. Stream on Prime Video 3. Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988) After a brief absence for an unrelated third entry (more on that below), Michael Myers returned in this fourth instalment in the Halloween film series. Donald Pleasance reprises his role as Dr Sam Loomis, who must face off against former patient Michael Myers when he returns to Haddonfield with murderous intentions. Notably, Jamie Lee Curtis did not return for this instalment and is not again seen until 1998's Halloween H20, which picks up the story in a separate continuity. Stream on Apple TV+ 4. Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989) Pleasance returns for this fifth entry alongside Danielle Harris as Michael Myers' unfortunate niece, as another seasonal clash unfolds with predictably deadly consequences. Stream on Apple TV+ 5. Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995) After two much-maligned entries, the Halloween franchise went off the deep end with this ill-judged sequel, which delved into Michael Myers past as the victim of a scheming cult. <a href="https://paramountplus.qflm.net/c/1236178/175360/3065?redirectUrl=%2Fmovies%2Fhalloween-the-curse-of-michael-myers%2FD4Svpj0E3c0jx_0PhuMGbo70nGg4p8WE%2F%3FsearchReferral%3Ddesktop-web%26source%3Dgoogle-organic%26ftag%3DIPP-23-10ahb6g&subId1=radiotimes-929938&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.paramountplus.com%2Fgb%2Faccount%2Fsignin%2F%3FredirectUrl%3D%252Fmovies%252Fhalloween-the-curse-of-michael-myers%252FD4Svpj0E3c0jx_0PhuMGbo70nGg4p8WE%252F%253FsearchReferral%253Ddesktop-web%2526source%253Dgoogle-organic%2526ftag%253DIPP-23-10ahb6g" target="_blank" rel="noopener sponsored">Stream on Paramount+ Intermission | Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982) The third instalment in the Halloween film series doesn't neatly fit into any of the franchise's timelines, as a standalone sci-fi tale exploring witchcraft. The idea was to turn Halloween into an anthology series, the likes of which have since been popularised by American Horror Story, telling a different spooky story in each entry. Unfortunately, audiences didn't take to the idea, demanding that Michael Myers be reinstated as franchise baddie, which he eventually was six years later. Rent or buy on Prime Video Halloween movie order: The second timeline The Halloween franchise enjoyed a brief resurgence in the 1990s, owing to a soft reboot that rendered everything except the first two films non-canon. 1. Halloween (1978) This first instalment introduces Jamie Lee Curtis in her first major role, portraying teenage babysitter Laurie Strode, who becomes the target of a deranged serial killer named Michael Myers. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.a2baa371-164a-ee49-efc4-a28d0ee70fe1?autoplay=0&ref_=atv_cf_strg_wb&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-904248" target="_blank" rel="sponsored" data-geniuslink="https://buy.geni.us/Proxy.ashx?TSID=114542&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fgp%2Fvideo%2Fdetail%2Famzn1.dv.gti.a2baa371-164a-ee49-efc4-a28d0ee70fe1%3Fautoplay%3D0%26ref_%3Datv_cf_strg_wb%26tag%3Dradtim0b-21%26ascsubtag%3Dradiotimes-929938&dtb=1">Rent or buy on Prime Video 2. Halloween II (1981) The story continues in this direct follow-up written by John Carpenter himself, which reveals hidden secrets about the true link between Myers and Strode, bringing their story to a (temporary) end. Stream on Prime Video 3. Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998) To mark the 20th anniversary of the first film, Jamie Lee Curtis returned as Laurie Strode for this belated sequel, which only acknowledges the continuity of the first two films. We're reintroduced to Strode living under a different name and trying to escape her traumatic past, but Myers eventually catches up to her once again. The film stands out as one of the brighter spots in the Halloween film series, earning critical and commercial success, but with that came temptation to make yet another sequel. Rent or buy on Prime Video 4. Halloween: Resurrection (2002) And here's where it all went wrong (again). Halloween: Resurrection sees Michael Myers return to his hometown of Haddonfield, where he has one last confrontation with Laurie Strode, as well as a cast of new faces. The film was critically panned and a financial disappointment, resulting in yet another reboot from genre director Rob Zombie (see bottom of this page). Stream on Apple TV+ Halloween movie order: The current timeline The most recent iteration of Halloween is also selective with what it regards canon; in this instance, only the first film actually happened, but Laurie Strode has not been able to move on in the 40 years that followed. 1. Halloween (1978) This first instalment introduces Jamie Lee Curtis in her first major role, portraying teenage babysitter Laurie Strode, who becomes the target of a deranged serial killer named Michael Myers. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.a2baa371-164a-ee49-efc4-a28d0ee70fe1?autoplay=0&ref_=atv_cf_strg_wb&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-904248" target="_blank" rel="sponsored" data-geniuslink="https://buy.geni.us/Proxy.ashx?TSID=114542&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fgp%2Fvideo%2Fdetail%2Famzn1.dv.gti.a2baa371-164a-ee49-efc4-a28d0ee70fe1%3Fautoplay%3D0%26ref_%3Datv_cf_strg_wb%26tag%3Dradtim0b-21%26ascsubtag%3Dradiotimes-929938&dtb=1">Rent or buy on Prime Video 2. Halloween (2018) A direct follow-up to John Carpenter's original film, 2018's Halloween returns to find Laurie Strode a paranoid loner, obsessed with the eventual return of her attacker: Michael Myers. Her fixation on survival has led to the estrangement of her daughter and granddaughter, but the Strode women will find themselves allied once more when their worst fears come true. This instalment in the Halloween film series was a mammoth hit, with two sequels confirmed to be on the way: Halloween Kills in 2021, and Halloween Ends in 2022. Stream on Netflix 3. Halloween Kills (2021) A direct follow up to 2018's Halloween, the latest entry in the franchise unfolds in the immediate aftermath of the events of the previous film – after Michael Myers escapes from the trap Laurie had laid for him. As in Halloween II, Laurie spends much of the runtime incapacitated at Haddonfield Memorial Hospital, but a mob formed by Tommy Doyle – a grown-up version of the boy she babysat for all those years ago – aims to get rid of the boogeyman once and for all. The response to this film was rather more muted than to its predecessors, with the movie receiving mixed reviews from critics – albeit some fans remained enthusiastic in their praise. Rent or buy on Prime Video 4. Halloween Ends (2022) Continuing the story from the previous two instalments, this final entry in David Gordon Green's reboot trilogy promises to be the final showdown between Laurie Strode and Michael Myers. Picking up four years after Halloween Kills, it opens with Laurie living with her granddaughter and trying to finish her memoir – only for things to take a turn when a young man standing accused of murdering a boy he was babysitting ignites a cascade of violence and terror in the community. This leads to Laurie finally confronting the evil she can't control. Stream on Netflix The Rob Zombie series Following the failure of Halloween: Resurrection, the franchise was passed to genre director Rob Zombie to reinvent with full creative control. The result is a two-film franchise set in a self-contained continuity, that generally failed to impress critics or audiences; that said, as is often the case with niche horror fare, both have a small cult fanbase. 1. Halloween (2007) Loosely adapting the plot of John Carpenter's 1978 classic, this remake sees babysitter Laurie Strode (here played by Scout Taylor-Compton) stalked by a deranged killer on the night of Halloween. Watch on Plex 2. Halloween II (2009) Rob Zombie returned to continue his spin on the Halloween mythos, with Myers continuing his hunt for Laurie Strode, while his former psychiatrist capitalises on his newfound infamy. Rent or buy on Prime Video Watch movies in order The Conjuring and Annabelle movies in order Star Wars movie order X-Men movies in order DC movies in order Marvel movies in order Fast & Furious movies in order Terminator movies in order Pixar movies in order Batman movies in order Bond movies in order Muppet movies in order If you're looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
What’s on TV over Halloween – scariest TV shows and movies
Our picks for what to watch this Halloween on TV, including new the season finale of Agatha All Along and an airing of Bram Stoker's Dracula.
With the Halloween season firmly upon us, and the colder, darker nights setting in, there has never been a better time to spend the night in with a spooky film or TV show. Luckily, this year there are plenty of options to keep you busy, including the season finale of Agatha All Along, new Channel 4 zombie comedy horror Generation Z and season 2 of The Devil's Hour, as well as classic films such as Bram Stoker's Dracula and The Omen. Whether you're looking for something airing on the TV or you're looking for something to stream on platforms including Netflix and Disney Plus, we've got you covered with our list below. Read on for our picks of the best TV shows and films showing this Halloween. Generation Z – Monday 28th October at 9pm, Channel 4 This zombie comedy horror is written and directed by Sightseers and Kill List filmmaker Ben Wheatley and stars Sue Johnston, Robert Lindsay, Anita Dobson and T'Nia Miller, among others. It follows events after several elderly residents of the fictional town of Dambury are transformed into zombies due to a chemical leak outside their care home. Their targets? The younger members of their town... The series is currently airing weekly – with the second episode showing on Channel 4 this Monday – but all six episodes are already available to stream. Bram Stoker’s Dracula - Tuesday 29th October at 9pm, BBC Two There have been countless adaptations of Dracula over the years – with a new version of Nosferatu due for release in cinemas in the not too distant future – and Francis Ford Coppola's operatic version of Bram Stoker's iconic text is up there with the very best of them. The all star cast includes Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins, and Keanu Reeves – the latter of whom delivers an admittedly iffy performance – but it's Coppola's virtuosic direction and the incredible practical sets that really make it stand out as a terrifically atmospheric film. Wizards Beyond Waverly Place – Tuesday 29th October, Disney Plus Perhaps not the spookiest of the Halloween fare available this October, this nostalgic reboot is still deserving of its place on the list. Serving as both a sequel and a spin-off to the hit Disney Channel series Wizards of Waverly Place – which ran from 2007 until 2012 – it focuses on the story of a powerful young wizard named Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown) who prompts original character Justin Russo to resume his life as a wizard. David Henrie reprises his role as Justin from the original series, while superstar Selena Gomez – who launched her career playing his sister Alex in the original run – will also make a guest appearance. The first two episodes arrive on Tuesday followed by another two the next day, while the remaining six episodes will be released throughout November. Agatha All Along finale – Wednesday 30th October, Disney Plus Marvel fans have been getting into the spooky season spirit ever since Agatha All Along aired its first two episodes in the middle of September, and now they're rewarded with the final two instalments both arriving the day before Halloween – bringing the show to a hopefully dramatic conclusion. Throughout the run, fans have been captivated by Kathryn Hahn's returning Agatha Harkness and her new coven – including Joe Locke's teen – and we'd be expecting it to culminate in extraordinary style, maybe even with some big revelations for the future of the MCU... Scream - Thursday 31st October at 9pm, Film4 It wouldn't be Halloween without a classic slasher film airing on TV at some point, and thankfully the ever reliable Film4 are at hand with a showing of Wes Craven's hugely influential meta take on the genre – the film to first introduce the now iconic Ghostface to the world of horror. The film has gone on to spawn five sequels – with a sixth on the way – but this very first film arguably remains the finest of the bunch, introducing us to Neve Campbell's Sidney Prescott, David Arquette's Dewey Riley and Courtney Cox's Gale Weathers. Despite many imitators, it remains brilliantly fresh to this day. The Omen - Thursday 31st October at 11:05pm, BBC Two This horror classic produced a surprisingly excellent prequel earlier in the year in The First Omen, so now is a perfect time to rewatch the original starring Gregory Peck and Doctor Who's Patrick Troughton, which is airing on BBC Two at the perfect time for a Halloween viewing. For those somehow unfamiliar with the plot, it stars Peck as an American diplomat who agrees to switch his wife's stillborn baby with an orphaned infant, only for it soon to emerge that the child isn't nearly as angelic as he might look... Don't Move - Streaming now, Netflix Netflix always like to get in on the spooky season action with a new original horror film, and their offering this year is Don't Move, a tense film with an intriguing premise that launched on the platform last week. It stars Yellowstone's Kelsey Asbille as Iris, a woman who is injected with a paralytic agent by a sadistic killer – played by Finn Wittrock – and must somehow mount an escape before her body completely shuts down. The Devil's Hour - Streaming now, Prime Video A horror series starring Peter Capaldi and executive produced by Steven Moffat sounds like the idea of heaven for many a TV viewer – especially fans of Doctor Wh0 – and so the recent return of The Devil's Hour for a second run is cause for celebration. The second run follows Capaldi's Gideon and Jessica Raine's Lucy as they form an uneasy alliance in their continued attempts to get to the bottom of the reasons why the latter is suffering from terrifying visions at exactly 3:33am – aka the Devil's Hour – every night. If you're looking for something to watch tonight, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
From The Simpsons to Scream Queens, here's are five of the best Halloween TV episodes ever.
With a raft of spooky TV treats having been released over the past few weeks, including The Fall of the House of Usher and Goosebumps, the big day is finally upon us. That's right, Halloween is here for 2023, and if, like us, you're in the mood for something spine-chilling, horrific or simply holiday themed, we've got you covered. We've been looking back through TV history to find five of the best Halloween TV specials ever to have aired, including episodes from The Simpsons, Community and Scream Queens, amongst others. Read on for our list of 5 Halloween specials that are worth a rewatch this year. Treehouse of Horror VI - The Simpsons While maybe not the most traditionally scary Treehouse of Horror instalment, this mind-bending 1995 episode has stuck with me since I was a child. It includes two other stories (Attack of the 50-Foot Eyesores and Nightmare on Evergreen Terrace), but Homer3, based on a 1962 Twilight Zone episode, is the unsettling star. While looking for a hiding place to avoid his sisters-in-law Patty and Selma, Homer slips behind a bookcase and into a 3D world. Despite his family’s - and Reverend Lovejoy’s - best efforts, he is stuck with no escape, eventually being sucked through a rip in the space-time continuum… into the real world. Darcy Giles Epidemiology - Community Season 2’s Epidemiology rivals the legendary paintball episodes as Community’s most memorable homage to genre cinema. The Halloween special sees a zombie outbreak hit Greendale college after the delightfully daft Dean Pelton (Jim Rash) acquires infected budget catering. There are rapid fire gags and genuine tension as our favourites are picked off one-by-one, with iconic duo Troy (Donald Glover) and Abed (Danny Pudi) stealing the show. Far from being swept under the rug, this surreal episode also has one lasting consequence that makes it essential viewing for any rewatch. David Craig Haunted House - Scream Queens The Haunted House episode of Scream Queens, a black comedy from prolific trio Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan, has it all: a serial killer disguised as a red devil who is terrorising the members of a sorority house, a slew of viable suspects, deliciously weird teen drama, hysterically funny dialogue, a cast that includes Jamie Lee Curtis, Keke Palmer and Niecy Nash, and the president of said sorority Chanel Oberlin, played exquisitely by Emma Roberts, who is one of TV’s finest love-to-hate characters. The episode opens with her announcing her annual Chanel-O-Ween celebration, a hilarious, whip-smart detail that is Scream Queens at its very best and it ends with another compelling twist in the tale that leaves you hungry for more. Haunted House is the perfect Halloween watch. Abby Robinson The One with the Halloween Party - Friends It may not provide horror in the traditional sense, but you've got to admit that falling for your twin sister's other half is a pretty scary scenario. That's what happens to Phoebe in this iconic Halloween episode of Friends, which introduces Sean Penn in a memorable guest role. The episode also features a lot of fun costumes, of course, from Chandler as the discoloured Velveteen Rabbit to Ross as the doody-looking Spud-nik (who could forget their overlong arm wrestle?). Phoebe and Monica went for superhero attire, while Rachel came as 'a woman who spent a lot of money on a dress' and Joey came as Chandler with a comedic impression to match. On a rewatch, this episode of course takes on extra poignancy following the recent sad news of Matthew Perry's death. Rob Leane Dead Line - Inside No. 9 A live Halloween special about a mysterious mobile phone discovered in a graveyard sounded like a treat – but Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton had a devilish trick up their sleeves. Aired in 2018, Dead Line is Inside No. 9 at its most creative and bold, paying homage to the seminal BBC chiller Ghostwatch by creating the kind of event television that is increasingly rare in an era of boxsets and catch-up – you really had to be there on first viewing. And that Bobby Davro clip? Still one of the most horrifying TV moments of all time... in every way. Christian Tobin View Green Video on the source website Check out more of our Comedy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now and celebrate the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who with a special issue of Radio Times. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
How to watch The Nightmare Before Christmas
Everything you need to know if you plan on watching the classic animation this year.
Is it a Halloween film? Is it a Christmas movie? The debate over the best time to watch The Nightmare Before Christmas continues, but there’s one thing we can surely all agree on: this stop-motion musical extravaganza is a true classic. Based on an original poem by Tim Burton, which the filmmaker wrote while working at Disney’s animation studios, The Nightmare Before Christmas is directed by Henry Selick, who brings Burton’s sketches to life through stop-motion animation. As the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, Jack Skellington is in charge of the annual spooky celebrations, but has grown tired of his usual tricks and wants to try something different. While wandering through the woods, he finds six doorways leading to other worlds, and ends up choosing the portal that will lead him into Christmas Town. Intrigued by this unfamiliar occasion, he returns home with a new plan, deciding to organise a Halloween Town Christmas takeover. With a voice cast that includes Chris Sarandon as Jack, and Schitt’s Creek star Catherine O’Hara as his love interest Sally, The Nightmare Before Christmas was a critical success, hailed for its originality and its innovative use of stop-motion. It became the first animated film to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch The Nightmare Before Christmas - but if you fancy a more traditional Christmas movie in the run up to 25th December, why not check out our guide to the best Christmas movies on Netflix or the best Christmas films on Amazon Prime Video? How to watch The Nightmare Before Christmas The easiest way to watch The Nightmare Before Christmas is on Disney Plus, with the film available to subscribers of the popular streaming platform. Sign up to Disney Plus for £7.99 a month or £79.90 a year If you aren't signed up to Disney Plus, then there are other options as well, with the film available for digital purchase on Amazon Prime Video for £13.99, and on Sky Store at the same price Is The Nightmare Before Christmas on Netflix? Unfortunately not – The Nightmare Before Christmas is not currently available on Netflix. Who wrote The Nightmare Before Christmas? View oEmbed on the source website Fans might be surprised to hear that Burton didn’t actually write or direct The Nightmare Before Christmas – those roles were fulfilled by Caroline Thompson and Henry Selick respectively – but it is based on a poem he wrote and characters he created, and his DNA is stamped all over it. Thompson also wrote the screenplays for Burton’s Edward Scissorhands and Corpse Bride, but revealed in 2020 that her relationship with Burton broke down during the making of The Nightmare Before Christmas when she asked to change the “dangerous” Oogie Boogie character (to no avail). “The Oogie Boogie character looks like a Klansman,” she told The Independent. “Oogie Boogie is a derogatory term for African Americans in the American South. I begged the powers that be to change something about that character, because of that. I said, 'This is so ugly and dangerous and antithetical to everything inside me.' I did not win that fight... It was a troubling part of the film for me, to be frank.” “I really did beg Tim to reconsider,” she added. “Particularly the name... it’s a really evil derogatory term. That's not a fight I won. I think it’s a fun segment of the story as it was executed but it’s a troubling one.” The Nightmare Before Christmas plot The 76-minute film tells the story of Jack Skellington, the King of Halloween Town. One day, Jack accidentally travels through a portal and finds himself in Christmas Town, instantly becoming enamoured with the December holiday. In fact, he becomes so obsessed with Christmas that he attempts to take Santa Claus captive and brings him back to Halloween Town – whose residents aren't quite as welcoming to the prospect of festive cheer. The Nightmare Before Christmas cast Jack Skellington is voiced by Dog Day Afternoon and The Princess Bride star Chris Sarandon, with the exception of the songs, which are performed by the film's composer and frequent Tim Burton collaborator Danny Elfman. Other cast members include Beetlejuice – and more recently Schitt's Creek – star Catherine O'Hara as the voice of Sally, Jack's ragdoll love interest, and William Hickey as the mad scientist Finkelstein. The voice cast is rounded out by Glenn Shadix (Beetlejuice), Ken Page (All Dogs Go to Heaven), Paul Reubens (Batman Returns), and Ed Ivory, who voices Santa Claus. Looking for something else to watch? Check out our TV Guide or Streaming Guide. The latest issue of Radio Times magazine is on sale now – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to the Radio Times View From My Sofa podcast.
From favourites like Sinister and Insidious to recent gems such as Midsommar there are some incredible horror films available to stream.
Spooky season is upon us once again, and as we head deeper into October Horror fans around the world will be looking for chills and thrills, blood and gore, and all sorts of other scary shenanigans. Luckily Netflix has got you covered, with a vast array of options for all different sensibilities and tastes – from gothic horror such as The Others to modern gems like Midsommar. Tim Burton's supernatural whodunnit Sleepy Hollow has also recently been added to the platform while there are various other treats such as the terrific Doctor Sleep, which managed to act as a strong follow-up to Stanley Kubrick's classic The Shining. Netflix also has plenty of original horror on offer – including last year's Fear Street Trilogy – and with new horrors appearing on the platform weekly, the streamer continues to keep viewers on their toes and peaking through their fingers at the onscreen scares. The RadioTimes.com experts have picked out some of the very best streaming scares available on Netflix which will at least remove the horror of having to scroll through the options for hours. Last updated: 12th October 2022 Best horror films on Netflix right now
Best Halloween costumes, masks and accessories
From Squid Game to Spider-Man, here are the best pop culture Halloween costumes for this year.
Halloween has crept up on us once again, and after a year off spooky season fans can finally don some creepy costumes and go trick or treating. Each year there's undoubtedly one pop culture icon who dominates the costumes, whether it's Stranger Things, Harley Quinn or Pennywise the Clown - and this year it's undoubtedly Squid Game, with Squid Game costumes flying off the shelves despite the show only debuting in September. However there's still plenty of other popular TV and film franchises to choose from - including some more suitable for children - with Marvel offering up several more superhero options this year while a Doctor Who costume would line up nicely the premiere of series 13. Read on for the best TV and film Halloween costume ideas and where you can buy them. Squid Game guard costume There had to be at least one Squid Game costume on this list - and the iconic pink jumpsuit worn by the guards is the obvious choice. For a contestant tracksuit, Front Man costume and more, see our guide to Squid Game costumes. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/I3CKIZCE-4-Piece-Costumes-Jumpsuits-Halloween/dp/B09HKF468V/?tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-1395101" target="_blank" rel="sponsored" data-geniuslink="https://buy.geni.us/Proxy.ashx?TSID=114542&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2FI3CKIZCE-4-Piece-Costumes-Jumpsuits-Halloween%2Fdp%2FB09HKF468V%2Fref%3Dsr_1_8%3Fdchild%3D1%26keywords%3Dsquid%2Bgame%2Bguard%2Bcostume%26qid%3D1634660362%26sr%3D8-8%26tag%3Dradtim0b-21%26ascsubtag%3Dradiotimes-1377827&dtb=1">From £22.98 Amazon – buy now Wanda Halloween Costume After WandaVision's particularly memorable Halloween episode that saw the dysfunctional duo dress up as their superhero alter egos, it was inevitable that their getups would become real-life costumes. So you two can dress up as Wanda dressing up as Scarlet Witch - complete with bodysuit, headpiece, cape, and glovelettes. From £36.81 on Amazon - buy now Children's Iron Man Costume Iron Man may have exited the MCU, but his popularity lives on and now kids can dress up as the genius billionaire philanthropist. An officially licensed costume from Rubie, this set includes a full printed jumpsuit complete with boot tops and a moulded mask. From £22.98 on Amazon - buy now Childen's Batman costume The latest trailer for The Batman may have revealed that the film may not be suitable for younger kids, but thankfully this costume is. Modelled after Batman's classic look from the comics, this fancy dress kit comes with a padded muscle costume, a detachable cape and a plastic mask. From £16.88 on Amazon - buy now Halloween Michael Myers Mask Few film franchises are more fitting for the seasonal celebration than Halloween, especially with Michael Myers returning to the big screen for Halloween Kills. This replica of the slasher icon's mask is film-accurate and made from stretchy safe latex, and can be paired with a boiler suit to complete the look - or indeed can be mixed and matched with any clothes you like. From £25.99 on Amazon - buy now Maleficent Headpiece Angelina Jolie was iconic long before she took on the mantle of Maleficent, but it was her role as the horned mistress of evil that has become a favourite for Halloween parties and Disney cosplayers alike. This headpiece can be paired with a black ensemble for a full Maleficent costume, or indeed can be used as an extravagant ornament for any outfit or occasion. From £13.99 on Amazon - buy now Money Heist Costume Similarly to Squid Game's guards, Money Heist's jumpsuit and mask combo makes for a nice easy Halloween costume that recreates an iconic look without breaking the bank. With the show ending in December then this Halloween is the perfect time to don a Dali mask and belt out Bella Ciao one last time. From £23.99 on Amazon - buy now Doctor Who Costume With Doctor Who series 13 premiering on Halloween this year, a 13th Doctor costume is the perfect way to both dress up for Halloween and be in full cosplay to watch the opening episode. This fancy dress set includes the full outfit, including the iconic coat, striped T-shirt, blue trousers and yellow braces. From £29.99 on Amazon 11th Doctor Costume For those partial to Matt Smith's Doctor Who look, then this outfit includes his signature brown tweed jacket. Geronimo! From £26.28 on Amazon Spiderman Morphsuit Adults can get in on the superhero costumes too - and with three Spider-Men potentially appearing in Spider-Man: No Way Home, this is an outfit your friends could wear also. From £29.99 on Amazon - buy now Harry Potter Robes With Fantastic Beasts 3 now arriving next year along with a Hogwarts videogame, now is the time to get back into all things Potter. Slytherin robes have controversially proven rather popular - but other houses are also available. From £23.99 on Amazon - buy now Supergirl costume With Supergirl hanging up her cape and her sixth and final season winding down to a close, that seems as good an excuse as any to dress up as one of the most iconic female superheroes of all time. Both dress and cape are included. From £27.04 on Amazon - buy now Children's Spongebob costume The popularity of the long-running cartoon character is showing no signs of waning after nearly 20 years, and now kids too can take on his iconic square shape. There are adult versions available too for those interested... From £16.90 on Amazon - buy now Children's Ghostbusters Costume With Ghostbusters Afterlife soon releasing in cinemas, now is the perfect time to rewind back to the '80s, blast that iconic Ray Parker Jr. song and dress up as a Ghostbuster for Halloween just like the Stranger Things kids did. From £24.99 on John Lewis - buy now Wondering what to watch? Head to our TV Guide for something to watch tonight.
What’s on TV over Halloween - scariest TV shows and movies
Everything you need to know about which spooky treats to watch on Halloween
Spooky season is upon us – and that means it's time for telly fans to enjoy all sorts of scary treats on the small screen. A wide range of Halloween fare has already been added to streaming services this year, including The Haunting of Bly Manor on Netflix and Truth Seekers on Amazon Prime Video, but on terrestrial TV there's slightly less content when it comes to new shows. However, the schedules are absolutely packed with all sorts of horror films – so treating yourself to a scary movie might be the best way to get your Halloween fix this year. Read on for our picks of the best TV shows and films showing this Halloween – you can <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/offers?tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-928654" target="_blank" rel="sponsored" data-stringify-link="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000784673" data-sk="tooltip_parent" data-geniuslink="https://buy.geni.us/Proxy.ashx?TSID=114542&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fgp%2Ffeature.html%3Fie%3DUTF8%26docId%3D1000784673%26tag%3Dradtim0b-21%26ascsubtag%3Dradiotimes-899615&dtb=1">sign up for Amazon Prime for £7.99 a month with a 30-day free trial, and watch movies now with a Sky Cinema Pass from NOW TV – get a 7 day free trial. (It’ll then auto-renew at £11.99 a month, but you can cancel anytime!) Ghost Adventures Halloween Special: Curse of the Harrisville Farmhouse – Saturday 31st October at 9pm, Really Really has been running a series of Halloween programmes in the run up to 31st October, including This is Halloween and Ghost Nation. It culminates in this Ghost Adventures special, which sees the team investigate reports of electrical anomalies, shadow figures and disembodied voices at a former prison. Bram Stoker's Dracula – Saturday 31st October at 9pm, Sony Movies A 15th-century Transylvanian knight becomes a vampire after the death of his beloved wife. Centuries later, he learns she has been reincarnated, and travels to Victorian London with the intent of seducing her into joining him in living death. Rosemary's Baby – Saturday 31st October at 9pm, TCM Movies A couple move into a new apartment, and the husband forms a close friendship with their elderly neighbours. The wife soon becomes pregnant, and starts to suspect her spouse has been seduced into a Satanic cult, who have sinister plans for her baby The Witch – Saturday 31st October at 12:15am, Channel 4 View oEmbed on the source website An English farmer is driven from his land in 17th-century America, and settles on the edge of a sinister forest. The family suffers a series of inexplicable disasters, and as tension rises between them, the eldest daughter finds herself accused by her own parents and siblings of being a witch. The Awakening – Saturday 31st October at 12:45am, BBC Two In 1920s England, paranormal investigator Florence Cathcart travels around the country exposing supposed supernatural occurrences as hoaxes. She is summoned to a remote boarding school to examine reports of a haunting, but finds her rational disbelief in the occult challenged by the disturbing events that unfold there. John Carpenter Double Bill (Halloween followed by They Live) – Saturday 31st October at 10:45pm, Film4 Halloween - Homicidal madman Michael Myers escapes from a mental institution 15 years after murdering his sister, and goes on a killing spree in his home town. Although a psychiatrist is quickly on his trail in a bid to stop the loss of more lives, a shy teenage girl babysitting for her neighbour is unaware of the grisly fate in store for her. (Want to check out the sequels? Here's how to watch the Halloween movies in order.) They Live - A drifter arrives in Los Angeles seeking work, only to discover the city's population is being dominated by aliens who control their victims through subliminal advertising. Poltergeist – Saturday 31st October at 11:10pm, BBC Two View oEmbed on the source website A family experiences strange events after invisible phantoms invade its home. At first the ghosts seem harmless, simply making things move by themselves. But before long, they spirit away the five-year-old daughter to their own plane of existence, forcing her parents to call on paranormal researchers to find their missing child. The Ring – Sunday 1st November at 12:35am, BBC One A journalist investigates several teenage deaths, which are linked to a cursed videotape and the rumour that anyone who watches it will die a week later. Her growing obsession with the tape endangers herself and her family - and to avoid the predicted fate, she has just seven days to find out where the recording came from. There are also several options on streaming services, such as: Truth Seekers - Amazon Prime Video Simon Pegg and Nick Frost star in this new horror-comedy series about a team of part-time paranormal investigators who team up to uncover and film ghost sightings across the UK, sharing their adventures on an online channel for all to see. Watch Truth Seekers on Amazon Prime Video. Midsommar - Amazon Prime Video A couple travel to Sweden to visit their friend's rural hometown for its fabled midsummer festival, but what begins as an idyllic retreat quickly devolves into an increasingly violent and bizarre competition at the hands of a pagan cult. Watch Midsommar on Amazon Prime Video. A Nightmare on Elm Street - NOW TV A young girl realises that she has to stay awake at any cost to avoid the clawed killer who is butchering her friends one by one in their dreams. Watch A Nightmare on Elm Street with a Sky Cinema Pass from NOW TV – get a 7 day free trial. The Lighthouse - NOW TV Two lighthouse keepers try to maintain their sanity while living on a remote and mysterious New England island in the 1890s. Watch The Lighthouse with a Sky Cinema Pass from NOW TV – get a 7 day free trial. Also check out our list of best horror films on Netflix. Looking for something else to watch? Check out our TV Guide.
The Nightmare Before Christmas is a Halloween movie, not a Christmas one
Spooky season staple or firm festive favourite? Patrick Cremona has the answer.
There are a few questions and debates around film that just never seem to go away: Is Deckard a replicant? What's in the mysterious briefcase in Pulp Fiction? Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? Well, another question that always crops up at this time of year relates to Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas (which was directed by Henry Selick but conceived by Burton). This macabre, stop-motion musical fantasy was first released back in 1993 and tells of Jack Skellington, the disillusioned Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who one day stumbles upon a portal to Christmas Town – a land with which he becomes instantly and obsessively enamoured. After his discovery, Jack becomes devoted to bringing Yuletide to his own home, but his plans are hampered by a lack of cooperation from his fellow residents, who can't quite seem to get to grips with the alien concept of Christmas cheer. The film ends with Jack's disastrous attempt to deliver presents after he had ordered the kidnap of Santa Claus (or Sandy Claws) – leading him to rescue his captive just in time for Kris Kringle to go about fulfilling his usual Christmas Eve duties. So here's the question: should The Nightmare Before Christmas be considered a staple of spooky season, or a firm festive favourite? Given both festivals feature prominently, you could certainly argue either way, but if we're to consider what the creators of the project have to say, the matter can actually be cleared up pretty easily. In 2017, director Selick definitively declared "it's a Halloween movie" during a Q&A at Colorado's Telluride Horror Show film festival, while two years later composer Danny Elfman told USA Today, "It’s obviously about Christmas, but for me, it’s a Halloween movie." Furthermore the release date of the film – on October 29th – provides more evidence originally it was intended to be enjoyed primarily as a Halloween treat. But simply taking the words of those who created it at face value would be boring – so let's do a little bit more theorising. Those who dispute Selick's and Elfman's claims the film is a Halloween movie can certainly point to a few factors in their favour: for much of the film, Jack is unambiguously pro-Christmas, appearing to favour the joy and bright lights of this previously unheard-of Winter festival to the ghouls and demons he's all too familiar with. Moreover, the sight of Santa struggling to get the job done on Christmas Eve is a trope that's been seen in all manner of Christmas movies – from Miracle on 34th Street to Elf. And then there's the time of year at which the film is set – following the opening song and dance, all of the action takes place after Halloween, leading to a climax on Christmas Eve itself! How, then, could this be anything other than a Christmas film? On the other side of the debate, fans would point out that the protagonists are all residents at Halloween Town, not Christmas Town: the characters have inspired many a fancy dress costume on 31st October over the years, but you won't find many people turning up at a caroling service dressed as Jack Skellington. This is also a film filled with more Halloween imagery and iconography than just about any other, with an overarching tone that is a masterclass in the macabre And the ending, of course, sees Jack give up on his attempts to turn Halloween Town into another version of Christmas Town, realising the uniqueness and wonder of his own community and fully embracing Halloween in all its ghoulish and ghastly glory. On balance, then, I'd say that, despite the presence of Christmas throughout the narrative, the film's atmosphere, visual style, and ending, when taken in conjunction with the claims of the brains behind the project, ensure that it should always be seen, first and foremost, as a Halloween movie. If you do want to watch it at Christmas though? Well, I'm not going to stop you! A Nightmare Before Christmas is available to stream on Disney+. Looking for something else to watch? Check out our TV Guide.
Halloween Kills writer calls sequel "bigger, badder and meaner"
The latest clash between Michael Myers and Laurie Strode looks to be the scariest one yet
The writer of the upcoming Halloween sequel Halloween Kills has teased the follow-up will be even scarier than 2018's smash-hit reboot. Scott Teems co-wrote the screenplay for the new movie alongside director David Gordon Green and Danny McBride. The film wrapped filming back in November 2019. Speaking to MovieWeb, Teems revealed he had seen an early edit of the film and was impressed by how it has upped the ante on the original. "I really can't say anything about it, but I am really excited about it," he said. "I saw a rough cut of it a few weeks ago, and I'm a little biased, but my gut says that people that like the last one will be very excited about this one. "It's like the first one on steroids, I guess. It really is the bigger, badder, meaner version of the first one." Jamie Lee Curtis is reprising the role of Laurie Strode in Halloween Kills, having been a regular face in the franchise since it launched back in 1978, with Judy Greer and Andi Matichak also returning as her daughter and granddaughter respectively. Halloween Kills was suitably scheduled for release in October of this year, but it remains to be seen whether it will face a delay due to the coronavirus pandemic. Likewise, filming on the next instalment, Halloween Ends, was set to begin this summer but could also be pushed back to a later date. Halloween Kills is planned to hit cinemas on 15th October. Looking for horror films to watch during lockdown? Check out our round-up of best horror films on Netflix.
The on-demand service has tricks and treats for all ages, from kids' thrills like Goosebumps to modern horror like A Quiet Place
It’s October, and we all know what that means – darker nights, seasonal aisles in supermarkets and the perfect time to stay in and watch a scary movie. NOW TV has over 1,000 hits such as Bohemian Rhapsody and Aquaman, and among them are a lot of films, perfect for Halloween. You can get a NOW TV Cinema Pass, which allows you to watch movies from channels like Sky Cinema without a contract, for £11.99 per month. See some of our top picks below. Halloween 2018 View oEmbed on the source website This 2018 slasher is the latest reboot to ignore all the sequels and only follow the original film, allowing Jamie Lee Curtis to return and prepare for a rematch with crazed killer Michael Myers 40 years on from their first confrontation. Original horror maestro John Carpenter returns as executive producer, consultant and composer. Watch on NOW TV Halloween 1978 (Streaming now) Before the 2018 reboot, make sure you see John Carpenter's original, in which a much younger Jamie Lee Curtis battles serial killer Michael Myers for the first time. One of the most influential horror movies of all time, it's the no. 1 film you must watch at this time of year. Watch it on NOW TV Goosebumps 2 (Streaming now) View oEmbed on the source website The adaptation of R.L. Stine's monstrously popular children's books continue, with this family-friendly horror following two young boys who accidentally release monsters into their town. Ken Jeong, Chris Parnell and It: Chapter 2's Jeremy Ray Taylor star. Watch on NOW TV The Predator (Streaming now) Another 2018 reboot, here Shane Black - who starred in the original Predator movie - directs this violent sci-fi sequel in which an upgraded predator brings the hunt to the suburbs, leaving only a ragtag group of ex-soldiers to stand in its way. Features an impressive ensemble cast including Boyd Holbrook, Olivia Munn, Sterling K. Brown and Keegan Michael-Key. Watch on NOW TV Hocus Pocus (Streaming now) View oEmbed on the source website A cult classic, this comedy-horror sees three witches accidentally resurrected by a teenage boy in Salem. Family friendly Disney fare, it stars Sarah Jessica Parker and Bette Midler as two of the witches attempting to become immortal. Watch on NOW TV The Nun (Streaming now) A spin-off from the popular and ever-expanding Conjuring franchise, this sees the Demon Nun return to terrorise a Catholic priest and nun in Romania in 1952. A box office smash hit, see what all the fuss is about ahead of the planned sequel. Watch on NOW TV A Quiet Place (Streaming now) View oEmbed on the source website A great concept and surprise box office hit, A Quiet Place follows real life couple John Krasinski and Emily Blunt as they attempt to hide from monsters with super-sensitive hearing. It's terrific directorial debut from Krasinski – expect a painfully suspenseful atmosphere and barely any dialogue. Not the movie for popcorn. Watch on NOW TV Halloween © 2018 Night Blade Holdings LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Nun © 2018 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved. A Quiet Place © 2018 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved. Goosebumps 2 © 2018 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Here's our round-up of the ten best Halloween costume ideas for men in 2019
Halloween costumes can be difficult to choose - how do you pick something that feels appropriate for taking the kids out trick-or-treating that also works for Halloween parties with adults who might not appreciate your Shaun the Sheep costume? We think that choosing something from film and TV that appeals to all ages - or at least makes sense to adults and looks vaguely spooky enough to entertain children - is the way to go. We've picked out the very best costumes available online, to help make picking the perfect outfit for Halloween as easy as possible. You can find our list of female characters to dress up as here if you're interested, but to start you off here are our top ten picks of male characters to dress up as on Halloween. Pennywise (IT) We think Pennywise (technically an it, not a he) is a great choice for both men and women on Halloween. After the release of It Chapter Two, the child-eating clown is continuing to terrify a whole new generation of viewers. So whatever age your boss is, they'll be so scared of you at the office Halloween party that they'll say yes to anything - so wear this if you're gearing up to ask them for a raise. Price: From £39.07 on Amazon Crazy Ex-Girlfriend's Trent View oEmbed on the source website Trent is the villain that made us realise Rebecca being a 'crazy ex girlfriend' actually just meant that she did lots of illegal things including stalking, hacking and blackmailing, and probably should have been arrested a long time ago. If you love Crazy Ex Girlfriend, pick up a pink turtle neck and a pink suit, stick on some felt hearts and you can become the creepy Kennedy lookalike yourself. Double points for having a friend dress up as Rebecca with you. Price: From £39.95 on Amazon Ursula https://www.instagram.com/p/B1RKNS9hhMA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Ursula was originally based on real-life drag queen Divine, so an authentic Ursula costume would be worn by a man in drag. That's where you come in - perfect if you have kids who like The Little Mermaid, this costume is both timely (given the upcoming live-action remake of the film) and original. Price: From £34.09 on Amazon Darth Vader Star Wars fans have been dressing up as Darth Vader for years, but now that another Star Wars movie will be coming out at the end of 2019, we expect he'll prove more popular than ever. Super-fans can spend £800 on the Official version, but don't worry, there's a budget alternative too. Better bagsy that costume before your friends do! Price: From £36.19 on Amazon Ghostbusters Everyone loves the Ghostbusters, and this instantly recognisable classic costume is a winner for any Halloween event. You can also have a friend, partner or child dress up as a ghost - let's be honest, there are few things more adorable than a Ghostbuster with a baby ghost. Price: From £36.07 from Amazon Marty McFly Halloween this year falls after the fourth anniversary of the date in the 'future' that Marty and Doc Brown take the time machine to - October 21, 2015. We can't think of anything much scarier than the realisation that the future is now in the past, so this costume seems more appropriate than ever. Plus, it works on two levels - teens will think you're dressed as Rick and Morty, while long-time fans of Back to the Future will appreciate the throwback. Bonus points for having a friend dress up as Doc Brown. Price: From £60.99 on Amazon Neil Armstrong Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing by dressing up as a spaceman this year - you can also add an American flag and a helmet to this costume for extra detail. Price: From £19.99 on Amazon Beetlejuice Tim Burton's classic comedy-horror film Beetle Juice and its eponymous main character were a landmark in film history, and a worthy Halloween costume. Even for those who haven't seen the film, the costume is terrifying and comes in at nicely under £30. Price: From £29.37 on Amazon John Shelby Peaky Blinders fans were left shocked by season five's dramatic finale, but while you wait for season six and seven you can become a Shelby yourself. Once you've got the suit and coat, just add a flat cap and a gold chain (to look like a pocket watch). For an extra-scary version (warning, spoilers!), channel John Shelby's terrifying murder with bullet wounds and fake blood. Price: From £7.95 on Amazon
Best Doctor Who Halloween costumes to buy and DIY ideas
Our top picks for Doctor Who themed Halloween costumes
Doctor Who has been running so long that it's got fans of all ages - and so whatever you're doing this Halloween, a Doctor Who themed costume is sure to go down well. Here are our top ten Doctor Who Halloween costumes for 2019... The Thirteenth Doctor Pick up the whole outfit and become the time travelling alien herself - you can even add in a Rainbow scarf in honour of that memorable New Year's episode... Buy from Amazon Cyberman With kids' and adults' versions, dressing as a Cyberman couldn't be easier - and is easy to coordinate with the whole family... Buy from Amazon - From £12.50 The Silence Add this mask to your black suit and you'll be good to go - if only defeating The Silence were this easy... Buy from Amazon - £14.95 <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/B-VDTAZ012A-Brown-Felt-Explorer/dp/B003BIJ2FC/ref=pd_bxgy_img_2/257-6813830-1680113?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B003BIJ2FC&pd_rd_r=a45d06cf-63b4-45ea-a75d-ca2c655d0fbf&pd_rd_w=ybPLF&pd_rd_wg=rvdLk&pf_rd_p=7a9d3b22-47b7-4932-be38-57f4219c3325&pf_rd_r=KPBPDVQ78E3DFR3APAE1&psc=1&refRID=KPBPDVQ78E3DFR3APAE1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-666484" data-id="iframe-0-anchor-9" rel="sponsored" target="_blank">The 4th Doctor Fans of the original series will appreciate this classic costume - borrow a beige suit jacket from a friend if you don't already have one, and pair it with the Official scarf and <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/B-VDTAZ012A-Brown-Felt-Explorer/dp/B003BIJ2FC/ref=pd_bxgy_img_2/257-6813830-1680113?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B003BIJ2FC&pd_rd_r=a45d06cf-63b4-45ea-a75d-ca2c655d0fbf&pd_rd_w=ybPLF&pd_rd_wg=rvdLk&pf_rd_p=7a9d3b22-47b7-4932-be38-57f4219c3325&pf_rd_r=KPBPDVQ78E3DFR3APAE1&psc=1&refRID=KPBPDVQ78E3DFR3APAE1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-666484" data-id="iframe-0-anchor-11" rel="sponsored" target="_blank">hat. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/B-VDTAZ012A-Brown-Felt-Explorer/dp/B003BIJ2FC/ref=pd_bxgy_img_2/257-6813830-1680113?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B003BIJ2FC&pd_rd_r=a45d06cf-63b4-45ea-a75d-ca2c655d0fbf&pd_rd_w=ybPLF&pd_rd_wg=rvdLk&pf_rd_p=7a9d3b22-47b7-4932-be38-57f4219c3325&pf_rd_r=KPBPDVQ78E3DFR3APAE1&psc=1&refRID=KPBPDVQ78E3DFR3APAE1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-666484" target="_blank" rel="sponsored" data-id="iframe-0-anchor-12">Buy from Amazon - From £5.20 The Tardis By far the comfiest choice for Halloween, this Tardis costume doubles up as pyjamas for when the party's over. Buy from Amazon - £29.99 A Dalek A quick and easy costume, this Dalek cape works well when paired with the voice changer mask that shows a rare glimpse of the creatures behind the metal frames. Buy from Amazon - £23.99 Are You My Mummy? Gas Mask Costume View oEmbed on the source website Get a group of your friends together and bring the much-loved Empty Child episode from the first series of the 2005 revival back to life. Buy from Amazon - £9.49 Lady Cassandra Cassandra may have had a short stint in the 2005 Doctor Who revival, but her surgery-obsession and endless demands make her one of the most memorable Doctor Who villains. Get ready to scream 'Moisturise me!' with this costume - pair a skin suit with a clothes rail. Add some red lipstick and carry a tub of moisturiser for extra points. Buy from Amazon - From £19.99 <a href="http://www.mcdiscount.co.uk/co?u=ZD1tY2Rpc2NvdW50LmNvLnVrJms9RG9jdG9yK1dobytNb3ZpZStIb3JyaWJsZStPb2QrTGF0ZXgrT2N0b3B1cytNYXNrK1Byb3ArSGFsbG93ZWVuK0Nhcm5pdmFsK0Nvc3BsYXkmcz1ncyZtPXVzYS12aWV3JmM9ZWImcD0wJnU9aHR0cCUzQSUyRiUyRnJvdmVyLmViYXkuY29tJTJGcm92ZXIlMkYxJTJGNzEwLTUzNDgxLTE5MjU1LTAlMkYxJTNGdHlwZSUzRDIlMjZwdWIlM0Q1NTc1NDAzNTM3JTI2dG9vbGlkJTNEMTAwMDElMjZjYW1waWQlM0Q1MzM4MzQzNTk2JTI2aXRlbSUzRDE4MTk1NTIxNzM0MiUyNmN1c3RvbWlkJTNEJTdCR0NMSUQlN0QmYT0wLjAxJmU9dm1zJTNBZWIlM0FwJTNBMTgxOTU1MjE3MzQy&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIw7i6o4iN5QIVSrDtCh3DXwc8EAQYBSABEgJt9_D_BwE" data-id="iframe-0-anchor-26">The Ood The Ood are a telepathic and gentle species but are easily corrupted when made the slaves of evil forces - dress up as a slave Ood with this tentacle-clad mask. Add blue scrubs, black shoes and black gloves plus a spherical light to complete the costume. <a href="http://www.mcdiscount.co.uk/co?u=ZD1tY2Rpc2NvdW50LmNvLnVrJms9RG9jdG9yK1dobytNb3ZpZStIb3JyaWJsZStPb2QrTGF0ZXgrT2N0b3B1cytNYXNrK1Byb3ArSGFsbG93ZWVuK0Nhcm5pdmFsK0Nvc3BsYXkmcz1ncyZtPXVzYS12aWV3JmM9ZWImcD0wJnU9aHR0cCUzQSUyRiUyRnJvdmVyLmViYXkuY29tJTJGcm92ZXIlMkYxJTJGNzEwLTUzNDgxLTE5MjU1LTAlMkYxJTNGdHlwZSUzRDIlMjZwdWIlM0Q1NTc1NDAzNTM3JTI2dG9vbGlkJTNEMTAwMDElMjZjYW1waWQlM0Q1MzM4MzQzNTk2JTI2aXRlbSUzRDE4MTk1NTIxNzM0MiUyNmN1c3RvbWlkJTNEJTdCR0NMSUQlN0QmYT0wLjAxJmU9dm1zJTNBZWIlM0FwJTNBMTgxOTU1MjE3MzQy&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIw7i6o4iN5QIVSrDtCh3DXwc8EAQYBSABEgJt9_D_BwE" data-id="iframe-0-anchor-30">Buy from Ebay - £14.33 A Weeping Angel Pair this Weeping Angle Mask with some wings and a dress - or paint your skin grey and spray your clothes the same colour - and you'll be sure to terrify everyone you meet. Buy from Amazon - £2.99 Looking for something else? Try out these options: Stranger Things Halloween costumes Halloween costumes for couples Disney Halloween costumes
Best Halloween costumes for couples - from Carrie and Mr Big to Disney
Our favourite costumes for couples this Halloween
Looking for an original Halloween costume combo for two people? Whether it's your partner or your best friend that you're pairing up with this Halloween, we've got some great ideas that are sure to turn some heads. Here are our top ten couples costumes for Halloween in 2019... Lilo and Stitch To capture that adorable and unbreakable bond of ohana, one of you can dress tip as Lilo, the other as Stitch - and with the cast of the upcoming live-action version of the film soon to be announced, it's a timely choice this year. Buy from Amazon - From £12.39 Netflix & Chill A low-effort co-ord that's been around for quite a few years now, you can represent your favourite streaming service easily with these t-shirts. Cruella De Vil and a Dalmatian Channel the devil in human form and her unlucky Dalmation of choice with this Cruella De Vil costume and Dalmatian onesie - matching red collar and lead optional... Buy from Amazon - From £19.99 Pennywise and Georgie <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2019/10/GettyImages-1162880438-a680575.jpg" width="3712" height="5568" alt="SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 18: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been edited using digital filters) A cosplayer attends the 2019 Comic-Con International on July 18, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)" title="2019 Comic-Con International - General Atmosphere And Cosplay" /> Dress up as Pennywise with a balloon, and have your partner dress as your victim Georgie. Bonus points for faking a severed arm by cutting off one of the sleeves of the jacket and adding fake blood... Buy from Amazon - From £9.27 Steve and Robin from Stranger Things Capture the Scoops Ahoy look sported by Steve and Robin in Stranger Things season 3 with matching outfits... Buy from Ebay - From £7.99 Ursula & The Little Mermaid If you're excited for the live-action remake of the film, then channel Ariel and her nemesis Ursula in coordinated costumes... Buy from Amazon - From £34.09 Ghostbuster and a Ghost One of you dress as a Ghostbuster, and the other as the classic Halloween staple, a ghost. Perfect! Buy from Amazon - From £36.07 (Wo)Men in Black https://www.instagram.com/p/B0yp3o_B-Pk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Both of you sport black suits with shades and a gun for this homage to the film, both the old version and the new. Buy from Escapade: £19.99 Marty McFly and Doc Brown This timeless combo of Doc Brown and Marty will be appreciated by Rick and Marty fans and Back to the Future fans alike - and even better, both come pretty much completely assembled so they're an easy choice. Buy from Amazon - from £12.99 Carrie Bradshaw and Mr Big The unbeatable combo of Mr Big's timeless black suits and Carrie's ever-varying wardrobe are a great choice for any couple this Halloween. One of you up a pink tank top and that famous white tulle skirt and wear your highest, most elegant heels, and the other - well just wear a black suit - and you'll be good to go. Buy from Amazon - £16.99 Looking for something else? Try out these options: Stranger Things Halloween costumes Doctor Who Halloween costumes Disney Halloween costumes
Austin Powers masks are selling out for Halloween... and it's all thanks to Baby Driver
Everyone is buying Austin Powers masks because of that confused robbers scene in Edgar Wright’s summer blockbuster
Austin Powers masks featuring the face of Mike Myers are flying off the shelves this Halloween and it’s all because of a scene in Baby Driver. A mix-up among a trio of robbers in Edgar Wright’s summer blockbuster results in Austin Powers masks mistakenly being used for a heist instead of masks of Michael Myers from the movie Halloween – the joke being that the villain and the Austin Powers actor have the same name. View oEmbed on the source website The Austin Powers masks have sold out on costume websites and are all out of stock on Amazon and eBay. Wright is delighted by the craze. "I'm very proud,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. “I feel like through my career, I have given people some very easy Halloween costumes, like Shaun in Shaun of the Dead. "I even mentioned to Warner Bros that they may ship a lot of masks at Halloween, and I think that's exactly what's happened." The race for the masks might also have something to do with this year being the 20th anniversary of the franchise’s first film, Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.
Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are going all out for Halloween this year
With the arrival of Amazon's true-horror series Lore on Friday the 13th and Stranger Things 2 on the 27th, October is looking particularly spooky
Netflix and Amazon Prime Video have announced a slate of horror programming for the month of October in a bid to pull in Halloween holiday viewers. The hotly-anticipated second season of Stranger Things leads the pack, with a release on Friday 27th October set to dominate the Halloween weekend. However, Amazon's new TV series Lore, a true-horror series based on author Aaron Mahnke's podcast of the same name, will help tide people over when it drops on Friday the 13th. The anthological series explores the horrifying reality behind common folklore, and retells them through interviews, dramatic reconstructions and animation. View oEmbed on the source website While David Fincher's new Netflix series Mindhunter has been labelled as a thriller, the subject matter – which delves into a real-life department of the FBI which sought to catch criminals by understanding the psychology of serial killers and rapists – is about as scary as they come. Prepare to be creeped out when it drops on the 13th. Amazon has already released the first season of The Exorcist TV series, which expands upon the universe created in the original film with a modern day tale of demonic possession. The good news is, it is much better than anyone could have expected. Naturally, both services are bulking up their catalogues of horror films throughout the month. Check out a full list of each streaming service's spookiest additions for the month of October below. Netflix 13th October Mindhunter David Fincher reels back the years to his crime days in this new Original series The Babysitter - a horror comedy from the director of Charlie's Angels. This can't end well 20th October 1922 the latest Stephen King adaptation actually looks quite scary View oEmbed on the source website 27th October Stranger Things 2 Time to head back to the Upside Down Amazon Prime Video 1st October The Exorcist: Season 1 Geena Davis stars as the mother of a possessed girl View oEmbed on the source website 13th October Lore: Season 1 True horror anthology 25th October Poltergeist There's a ghost in the house View oEmbed on the source website 28th October The Shining Kubrick adapts King 31st October Gremlins Cute toys turn into scary demons
This Irish weather forecaster just pulled off the best Halloween trick live on TV
Stormy weather went to new extremes on Halloween in Ireland yesterday when a forecaster was struck by lightning live on television. One minute the Irish language TG4 presenter is calmly reporting on the climes. The next, she lets out a blood-curdling scream and vanishes into thin air as a lightning bolt strikes in the studio. View oEmbed on the source website It was truly quite astonishing. The usual advice would be to stay indoors, but clearly that doesn't do any good. View oEmbed on the source website Forecaster Caitlín Nic Aoidh clearly has previous when it comes to these kind of pranks. Yesterday, she tweeted a picture of herself reading the weather on a magic carpet. As you do. An bhfaca sibh an tuar na haimsire anocht? #TG4XX pic.twitter.com/j2z12jF5pA — TG4 (@TG4TV) October 31, 2016 It's also impressive just how long the station plays out the 'transmission fault' for.
How to dress like your favourite Doctor or companion this Halloween
It's that time of year again, when we're all scrambling to find the right costume for a Halloween fancy dress party. If you feel like you're running out of timey wimey, never fear, RadioTimes.com is here, with your guide to dressing up as your favourite Doctor or Companion. 10th Doctor Tennant’s style as the Doctor was simple yet well put together. A sharp suit, tie and pair of converse are the core components needed to replicate his "indie boy" style when you head off trick or treating. Don't forget your sonic screwdriver! Get the look Rose Tyler Back during her days in the Tardis, Rose Tyler went for a noughties chic look – we're talking bomber jackets and strappy shoes, items that are almost certainly lurking at the back of your wardrobe. Get the look 11th Doctor Smith’s hipster style made the Doctor’s look even younger than Tennant's. Spending your Halloween in Shoreditch? Your eleventh Doctor braces, bow tie and tweed jacket won't even look out of place. Get the look Amy Pond To transform into Karen Gillan's Amy Pond, you'll need nothing more than a few wardrobe staples – think stripy tops, khaki anoraks and some denim, plus a smart pair of brogues to polish off your look. Red-haired wigs are actively encouraged. Of course you could always go full Kissogram Amy by adding a few police officer accessories... Get the look The 12th Doctor Peter Capaldi caused quite a stir when he brought this new dimension to the Doctor back in 2014. He's since said he chose it with an eye on Whovian cosplayers, and it's a look that's easy enough to recreate with the help of a snazzy suit and red lining, plus boots resembling a pair of Doc Martens. Make sure you strike that all-important Capaldi pose when you're out trick or treating. Get the look Clara Oswald Current companion Clara is something of a Doctor Who style icon, often sporting detailed collars, fun skirts and eye-catching jewellery. Employ all three to work a classic Clara look this Halloween. Get the look Or if you'd rather ape her flapper style... Choose something a little more swanky for your costume party and go as Clara in Mummy on The Orient Express. Get the look
The best and weirdest celebrity Halloween costumes
These stars showed off some dead good outfits this year
For most of us, Halloween is a fun excuse for a party — but for lots of celebrities, it's the night they go to amazing lengths to impress the world with their costumes. Here are some of 2015's best and weirdest efforts... Neil Patrick Harris and family as the Star Wars clan In a galaxy far far away, the How I Met Your Mother star dressed up as Obi Wan Kenobi while his family donned Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Han Solo costumes... View oEmbed on the source website Michelle Gomez as Minnie Mouse? Or should we say MISSY Mouse...? View oEmbed on the source website Arthur Darvill as Kurt Cobain The former Doctor Who star rocked out as the Nirvana frontman. View oEmbed on the source website Hugh Jackman as Mario The actor looked extremely happy to be in this video game-inspired outfit. It looks nice and warm, too... View oEmbed on the source website Tyra Banks as Richard Branson Yes, you heard that right. The model and TV presenter dressed up as the Virgin mogul. And it's brilliant. View oEmbed on the source website Hugh Grant as some sort of lion... We'll just leave this here for you to stare at in strange wonderment... Jimmy Kimmel as Princess Leia Those side buns actually suit the chat show host remarkably well... Allison Williams as Belle The Girls actress, who plays Marnie, went as Disney's Belle from Beauty and the Beast. She's paid such close attention to detail that she almost looks like the animation... View oEmbed on the source website Jessica Alba and Kelly Sawyer as Romy and Michelle The actress and her model friend went all 90s as the hell-raising duo in Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino's 1997 movie. View oEmbed on the source website Made in Chelsea's Jamie Laing and Alex Mytton Looking smooth, 'bois'... View oEmbed on the source website Channing Tatum as The Cat in the Hat The Magic Mike actor went as the tall, well-dressed and mysterious feline from Dr Seuss's iconic book... View oEmbed on the source website Ellen DeGeneres as Karla Kardashian The TV host transformed herself startlingly well into a long-lost (and fictional) member of the Kardashian family... View oEmbed on the source website
Claudia Winkleman speaks out about her daughter's "life-changing" Halloween fire ordeal
The Strictly Come Dancing host has called for changes to safety regulations on BBC1's Watchdog
For the first time Claudia Winkleman has spoken in public about the night her eight-year-old daughter Matilda had to be rushed to hospital after her fancy dress costume caught on fire. In an emotional interview for tonight's edition of Watchdog, the Strictly Come Dancing presenter described how her daughter's supermarket outfit went up in flames, leaving her badly burned and in need of several operations. Matilda was wearing a witch costume last Halloween when the fabric brushed against a candle. "She went up, is the only way I know how to describe it. It was not like fire I had seen before," Winkleman told BBC1's consumer right programme. "We couldn't put her out." "I was talking to somebody, and then I just heard her scream," Winkleman said. "She just screamed 'Mummy' and I turned round and that was that – she was just on fire. "It feels like she was on fire for hours but the surgeon said that definitely wasn't the case and it was probably just seconds." Strictly fans will remember Winklemen missing three weeks of live shows while Matilda recovered from her ordeal, but this is the first time she's publicly discussed the incident. She's speaking out to alert others to the dangers of children's fancy dress costumes, which don't have to adhere to the strict fire safety regulations children's clothes and night clothes do. "It was like those horrific birthday candles that you blow out and then they come back," she said, describing her attempts to put out the flames. "It was definitely life-changing for me. I can't remember life before it." Watch the full interview on Watchdog tonight, 8pm on BBC1 Claudia Winkleman to discuss daughter's fire ordeal on BBC Watchdog as part of safety campaign Claudia Winkleman warns of dangers of fireworks and bonfires after daughter is rushed to hospital How well do Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman really know each other?
Jack Whitehall spotted on Halloween costume shopping spree
The Fresh Meat star was seen struggling under the weight of Halloween costumes and accessories in a London fancy dress shop
Jack Whitehall was seen buckling under the weight of a mass of fancy dress clothes and accessories in a west London costume shop this Halloween. In an extravagant spree reminiscent of his Fresh Meat character JP, the star of the Channel 4 student comedy had to be helped by a shop assistant as he struggled with his purchases. Amongst the numerous items filling Whitehall’s basket was a demonic outfit featuring horns aplenty – fertile ground for innuendo-loving JP there. Perhaps the actor was hoping something he picked up might help him out-dress Jonathan Ross at the TV presenter’s celeb-strewn house party. Fresh Meat returns on Monday 4 November at 10pm on Channel 4 Follow @RadioTimes