So, how many of these have you seen? If you’re ready for some spooky nostalgia, let’s dive into the list!
Once Upon a Midnight Scary (1979)
How about three spooky stories in one? Once Upon a Midnight Scary features three terrifying tales narrated by none other than Vincent Price! It adapts The Ghost Belonged to Me, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and The House With a Clock in Its Walls—a perfect collection of creepy tales for any Halloween night.
At 45 minutes, it’s not a huge time investment, but the atmosphere is perfectly Halloween.
The Trouble with Miss Switch (1980)
Based on a popular children's book, The Trouble with Miss Switch tells the story of Rupert and Amelia, who discover that their new substitute teacher is actually a good witch. Together, they battle an evil witch to save the day.
This charming animated special features voice talents like Janet Waldo and June Foray. It's a delightful watch for anyone who loves the classic witchy vibe of old-school Halloween specials.
The Halloween That Almost Wasn't (1979)
Also known as The Night Dracula Saved the World, this half-hour special has a classic absurd Halloween plot: Dracula has to convince a witch to fly over the moon, or else Halloween won’t happen!
With Judd Hirsch playing a not-so-scary Dracula and Mariette Hartley as the stubborn witch, this Emmy-winning special is a quirky mix of humor and Halloween magic. It's a fun throwback that you might not remember, but it’s definitely worth a rewatch.
Halloween with the New Addams Family (1977)
The Addams Family is the definition of spooky fun, and this Halloween special brings back most of the original TV cast in full color! The plot? Crooks are trying to steal the Addams family fortune, of course, but what’s really important is seeing this creepy, kooky family in action.
The 1977 special might be a little cheesy, but the Addams Family’s charm makes it a must-watch for Halloween nostalgia lovers.
Garfield’s Halloween Adventure (1985)
Who could forget Garfield's foray into trick-or-treating? Garfield’s Halloween Adventure (also called Garfield in Disguise) is an Emmy-winning special where Garfield and Odie dress up as pirates and head out for candy.
But, as they soon learn, Halloween night is full of more than just candy—it’s full of eerie surprises. With Lorenzo Music's iconic voice as Garfield and catchy songs performed by Lou Rawls, this one's a timeless, spooky treat for all ages.
Halloween Is Grinch Night (1977)
The Grinch isn’t just for Christmas! Before How the Grinch Stole Christmas, there was Halloween Is Grinch Night, a lesser-known but Emmy-winning prequel. While it lacks Boris Karloff's famous voice, Hans Conried brings a different, yet equally creepy, flair to the Grinch.
This special takes place on the spookiest night in Whoville, where a young boy stands up to the Grinch. It’s a fun, eerie twist on a beloved character that will make you wonder why this Grinch special isn’t talked about more.
Bunnicula, the Vampire Rabbit (1982)
Did you grow up reading the Bunnicula series? If so, you’ll love this adaptation. The premise might seem a bit strange—a vampire rabbit who drains vegetables of their juices—but it’s exactly the kind of quirky, spooky fun that made the books so popular.
While this special didn’t originally air in October, it has since become a Halloween favorite. The mix of mystery and humor makes it a delightful choice for both kids and adults.
Bugs Bunny’s Howl-oween Special (1977)
If you’re looking for something quick and classic, Bugs Bunny’s Howl-oween Special is a great pick. This 17-minute special brings together some of Bugs Bunny’s most famous encounters with Witch Hazel, along with other classic cartoon hijinks.
Voiced by the legendary Mel Blanc and June Foray, this is a nostalgic romp through cartoon history that never gets old.
The Wickedest Witch (1989)
Closing out our list is The Wickedest Witch, starring the wonderful Rue McClanahan (yep, Blanche from The Golden Girls). Here, she plays Avarissa, an evil witch trying to escape her underground prison by corrupting a pure-hearted human. It’s goofy, spooky fun, and even though it’s not as well-known, Rue McClanahan’s performance is a delight.
The Worst Witch (1986)
Ah, The Worst Witch—an absolute gem of 1980s Halloween TV! This movie stars a young Fairuza Balk (pre-The Craft), the always eccentric Tim Curry, and Charlotte Rae, who plays twin sisters. With its catchy songs and over-the-top performances, it’s hard to resist the cheesy magic of this film.
And let’s be real—Tim Curry’s musical number alone is worth the watch. If you haven't seen it yet, now's the perfect time to indulge in its campy brilliance.
So there you have it! Ten classic Halloween specials that you can enjoy for free on YouTube. Whether you’re a fan of nostalgic animations or forgotten live-action gems, there’s something on this list for every spooky season mood. How many of these have you seen, and which one are you adding to your watchlist?
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