Since its debut in 1975, Saturday Night Live has been a staple of American comedy, delivering countless memorable sketches that range from timely political satire to absurd character-driven humor. Over the years, the show has also become known for its holiday specials, from Adam Sandler's "Hanukkah Song" to the beloved "Delicious Dish" with Molly Shannon and Ana Gasteyer. But when it comes to Halloween, SNL has produced some truly standout sketches that blend scares with laughs. Here are the 13 best Halloween sketches from the show, ranked for your spooky viewing pleasure.
13. Weekend Update: Garth and Kat Sing Halloween Songs
Fred Armisen and Kristen Wiig bring their iconic duo Garth and Kat to Weekend Update for a Halloween-themed performance. The pair, who claim to have prepared songs, instead improvise hilariously off-key lyrics while struggling to keep straight faces. It's a chaotic, laugh-out-loud segment that showcases the comedic chemistry between Armisen and Wiig.
12. A Girl's Halloween
In this pre-taped sketch, Cecily Strong, Aidy Bryant, and Vanessa Bayer play three friends who plan a low-key Halloween night in cute costumes. But as the night unfolds, their expectations are hilariously subverted. The sketch cuts between their imagined evening and the messy reality, resulting in a relatable and funny take on Halloween party culture.
11. Shana at a Halloween Party
Andy Samberg hosts a Halloween party for coworkers, and everyone is excited when the stylish and seductive Shana (Kristen Wiig) shows up. But Shana's behavior quickly turns gross and inappropriate, much to the horror of the other guests. Wiig's recurring character is a comedic gem, and this sketch is a standout example of her ability to find humor in awkward social situations.
10. Matt Foley: A Scary Story on Halloween
Chris Farley's motivational speaker Matt Foley returns to scare some misbehaving kids with a terrifying story. As always, Farley's physical comedy and explosive energy are on full display as he sweats, stumbles, and breaks furniture while trying to teach a lesson. This sketch is a classic example of Farley's genius and remains a fan favorite.
9. Trick-or-Treat (ft. Jon Hamm)
Jon Hamm plays Bob Peterson, a man handing out candy on Halloween when he meets his odd neighbor Jeff Montgomery (Will Forte). Jeff takes the opportunity to share some deeply personal and legally required information, making for an awkward and hilarious encounter. The sketch is a perfect blend of Hamm's straight-man performance and Forte's bizarre character work.
8. The Exorcist 2 (ft. Richard Pryor)
In this Season 1 sketch, Richard Pryor and Thalmus Rasulala play priests performing an exorcism on a possessed girl (Laraine Newman). The girl hurls oddly specific insults about the priests' mothers, and Pryor's reactions are priceless. It's a clever parody of The Exorcist that showcases the show's early brilliance.
7. Vincent Price's Halloween Special
Bill Hader channels horror legend Vincent Price in this sketch, where he hosts a Halloween special in his haunted home. His famous friends, played by Kristen Wiig, Jon Hamm, and Fred Armisen, show up unprepared and uninterested in his festive activities. Hader's impression is spot-on, and the sketch is a delightful send-up of celebrity specials.
6. A24's Pilates (ft. Kristen Wiig)
This sketch parodies A24 horror films with a Pilates class that turns into a terrifying nightmare. Kristen Wiig leads a group of women through a workout that becomes increasingly sinister, blending horror tropes with comedy. It's a clever and creepy sketch that has become a modern favorite.
5. The Haunted Elevator (ft. Tom Hanks)
Tom Hanks stars as a man trapped in an elevator with a creepy child who speaks in riddles. The sketch is a masterclass in building tension and delivering punchlines, with Hanks's exasperation growing funnier with each floor. It's a perfect example of SNL's ability to create memorable Halloween moments.
4. David S. Pumpkins
Tom Hanks returns as David S. Pumpkins, a bizarre Halloween character who shows up in an elevator with two skeletons. The sketch is absurd and inexplicable, but Hanks's commitment to the role makes it iconic. The character became a cultural phenomenon, spawning a sequel and countless memes.
3. The Miley Cyrus Show (Halloween Edition)
Miley Cyrus hosts a Halloween-themed talk show with her puppet friends, but things quickly spiral out of control. The sketch is chaotic and hilarious, with Cyrus fully embracing the absurdity. It's a standout from her hosting stint and a perfect blend of music and comedy.
2. The Halloween Candy
In this sketch, a group of kids goes trick-or-treating and encounters a house with a mysterious bowl of candy. The sketch plays with horror conventions, delivering a twist that is both funny and creepy. It's a clever commentary on the dangers of Halloween and a fan favorite.
1. The Exorcist (ft. Richard Pryor) - The Original
Topping our list is the original Exorcist parody from Season 1, featuring Richard Pryor. This sketch set the standard for SNL Halloween specials, combining horror and comedy in a way that has never been topped. Pryor's performance is legendary, and the sketch remains a timeless classic.
These sketches represent the best of SNL's Halloween offerings, showcasing the show's ability to blend scares with laughs. Whether you're a fan of classic sketches or modern favorites, there's something here for everyone. For more spooky entertainment, check out our list of the greatest sci-fi films of all time or dive into mind-bending psychological thrillers for more chills.
