Treat Yourself: A Curated Halloween Watchlist for The Self-Care Girlies
Listen, we all know that feeling when you want something spooky but not too spooky. You know, the vibe where you can still do your nighttime skincare routine without jumping at every shadow? I’ve got you covered with these perfectly curated shows and movies that’ll give you just the right amount of Halloween spirit. The best part? Most of these gems are available on Prime Video (grab your free 30-day trial here if you haven’t already – trust me, you’ll want access to these).
That Series Where Everything Is Indeed Unfortunate
Baby, the production design alone deserves your attention! Neil Patrick Harris ate and left zero crumbs as Count Olaf, but it’s the show’s deliciously dark humor and stunning visuals for me. The way they balance whimsy with gothic elements? Perfection. Plus, the costume design will have you rethinking your entire fall aesthetic.
That Series Where Every Episode Is A Viral TikTok Waiting To Happen
Mike Flanagan understood the assignment and delivered gothic horror with a side of eat-the-rich commentary. The fashion moments? Immaculate. The mansion porn? Everything. Plus, it’s giving modern Greek tragedy meets corporate thriller, and the memes are already legendary.
That Series Where Victorian Fashion Meets Modern Problems
Period piece meets Gen-Z attitude, and honestly? We’re here for it. Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday Addams serves face, serves looks, and serves deadpan humor that’ll have you cackling. The murder mystery aspect? chef’s kiss Plus, that viral dance scene alone is worth the price of admission. The makeup looks throughout the series are absolute goals – giving us gothic glamour that’s actually wearable IRL.
That Series Where Vampires Actualy Have Style
Let’s talk about how this show understood the assignment and then some. The aesthetics? Immaculate. The drama? Endless. The way they reimagined this classic tale with a modern sensibility while keeping all the luxury and opulence? We love to see it. Every scene looks like it could be a high-fashion editorial, and don’t even get me started on the interior design inspo.
That Series Where Salem Gets a Modern Makeover
Kiernan Shipka brought us witchcraft for the modern girlies, and we’re still not over it. The show serves dark academia aesthetics with a side of supernatural drama that’ll have you hooked. The makeup looks range from subtle “no-makeup” makeup to full glam witch realness, and honestly? Both are a whole mood.
That Series Where Black Girl Magic Gets Spooky
Horror that actually understands the Black experience while serving incredible 1950s fashion and beauty looks? Yes, please. The cinematography is giving Jordan Peele meets Douglas Sirk, and every frame could be a vintage fashion editorial.
That Series Where Horror Meets High Fashion
The third season remains unmatched for serving looks while serving scares. Emma Roberts, Jessica Lange, and Angela Bassett in their witch supremacy era? Yes, please. The all-black wardrobe throughout the season is basically a masterclass in sophisticated spooky style. Plus, the New Orleans setting adds a level of mystique that just hits different.
That Series That Made Dark Fairy Tales Feel Fresh Again
The way this show balances 90s nostalgia with modern mystery? Pure genius. It’s giving survival horror but make it fashion, with a side of female rage that just hits different. Plus, the cast is serving looks in both timelines, and Juliette Lewis continues to be everyone’s alt-girl inspiration.
That Series Where Corporate Horror Gets Too Real
If you thought your office politics were scary, wait until you see this. The way this show takes workplace microaggressions and turns them into actual horror? Brilliant. Plus, the natural hair representation and beauty looks throughout are giving exactly what they need to give and don’t even get me started on the office fashion moments. It’s serving corporate chic with a side of psychological thriller, and the commentary on Black women navigating white spaces? Let’s just say you might need to keep your favorite calming face mist handy.
Self-Care Tips for Your Spooky Season Viewing
- Set the mood with your favorite warm scented candle (you know, the one you’ve been saving for a special occasion)
- Prep your skin with that face mask you’ve been hoarding
- Have your favorite healing face mist ready for jump scares
- Keep your silk pillowcase game strong for those times you fall asleep mid-episode
- Treat yourself to some overpriced Halloween-themed treats (because we’re grown)
Remember, spooky season is what you make it. Whether you’re here for the aesthetic, the storytelling, or just want something playing in the background while you perfect your Halloween makeup look, these picks have got you covered. They’re the perfect balance of spooky and sophisticated – because who says Halloween can’t be elevated?
The best part? You can start your sophisticated spooky marathon tonight. If you’re not already a Prime member, here’s your sign to start that free trial (click here to begin). I personally love Prime Video because you can try most of these recommendations risk-free for 30 days, plus the app makes it super easy to host watch parties with your girls. Just make sure your anxiety roller is within reach, because some of these will have you tension-holding in your jaw, and we can’t have that.
Which shows are on your Halloween watch list? Drop a comment below or slide into my DMs – I’m always down to talk spooky season recommendations!
Pro tip: Most of these pair perfectly with a glass of hot chocolate and that expensive face mask you’ve been saving for a special occasion. Just saying… 💅🏾
