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Halloween Essentials by Guillermo del Toro

Last updated: October 17, 2025

Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro has conquered the darkness by directing, writing, and producing some of the most delightfully terrifying TV shows and movies for fans of all ages. From The Strain's vampire infestation to the supernatural comedy of The Witches and the secret realms and magic creatures of Trollhunters, here are our favorites from the modern Master of Horror. Or, if you're looking for something on the lighter side of spooky, try our Scary (But Not TOO Scary!) Halloween Movies list.

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3Below: Tales of Arcadia Poster Image
TV

3Below: Tales of Arcadia

age 9+

Action-packed, layered second chapter in del Toro's Arcadia.

Netflix Science Fiction (2018)
See full review
Trollhunters Poster Image
TV

Trollhunters

age 9+

Action-packed adventure show has scares, great role model.

Netflix Kids' Animation (2016)
See full review
Wizards: Tales of Arcadia Poster Image
TV

Wizards: Tales of Arcadia

age 9+

Dark, engrossing continuation of "Trollhunters" saga.

Netflix Drama (2020)
See full review
The Witches Poster Image
MOVIE

The Witches

age 10+

Campy but creepy Dahl adaptation has lots of spooky stuff.

June 14, 2022 2022 PG (106 minutes)
See full review
Hellboy II: The Golden Army Poster Image
MOVIE

Hellboy II: The Golden Army

age 14+

Imaginative, campy comic book fun; lots of scares.

July 9, 2008 2008 PG-13 (110 minutes)
See full review
Pan's Labyrinth Poster Image
MOVIE

Pan's Labyrinth

age 15+

Brilliant, poignant fairy tale has dark violence.

December 29, 2006 2006 R (120 minutes)
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Frankenstein Movie Poster: His back to viewers, Victor Frankenstein stands in an ominous room lit by a large round window
MOVIE

Frankenstein

age 16+

Impressive take on classic horror tale has lots of gore.

October 17, 2025 2025 R (149 minutes)
See full review
The Shape of Water Poster Image
MOVIE

The Shape of Water

age 16+

Compassionate monster movie/love story has mature content.

December 1, 2017 2017 R (119 minutes)
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The Strain Poster Image
TV

The Strain

age 17+

Mature horror series is too dark and intense for kids.

FX Drama (2014)
See full review
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