20 Best Halloween Ads: Creative Tricks, ROI Treats

Halloween is the rare moment when brands are expected to be bold, weird, and a little wicked—and audiences reward it. Between limited-time offers, costume culture, and a month-long drumbeat of “spooky season” memes, the right creative can punch far above its weight in October. In this guide, we’ve sifted through years of seasonal campaigns using AdSpyder—reviewing cross-channel creatives, estimated spend, flight dates, placements, and copy angles—to surface the best Halloween ads and the repeatable tactics behind them. You’ll see what actually stops the scroll, how top brands tie scares to clear product benefits, and which offers and CTAs convert when the clock is ticking toward October 31. Whether you’re a performance marketer hunting for proven angles or a brand team planning a seasonal push, use these examples, frameworks, and quick-start tips (with AdSpyder cues for competitive context) to build your own campaign—fast—and turn a once-a-year moment into a measurable treat.

Methodology 

Here’s how we chose the best Halloween ads—no jargon, just what matters.

What we looked at

• Recent seasons: Mostly the last two Halloweens, with a few classic gems for context.
• Where ads ran: TikTok/Reels/Shorts, YouTube, Meta, display/CTV, and brand films promoted online.
  
• Who ran them: Big brands and smart challengers in candy, food & drink, retail, entertainment, and QSR.
  

How we judged “best”

• Grabby from second one: A strong hook that makes you stop scrolling.
  
• Feels like Halloween (and the brand): Spooky fun that still sells the product, not just pumpkins slapped on.
  
• Clear offer or payoff: A reason to act—discount, bundle, limited-time “treat.”
  
• Stayed live for a while: If a brand kept pushing a creative through October, it likely worked.
  
• Freshness and variety: More than one cut or size, not a one-and-done ad.
  

Why you can trust the picks

• We compared what people actually saw (thumbnails, videos, copy) and when they saw it (October flights).
  
• We noted which versions brands kept or refreshed, a good hint that those ads performed.
  

What you’ll get from this guide

• Quick patterns you can copy (hooks, lines, visuals).
  
• Examples by category so you can find ads like yours.
  
• A fast-start checklist to spin up your own Halloween creative in days, not weeks.

Top 20 Halloween Ads

Ready to binge the work. This section is a fast scroll of standout Halloween ads—no fluff, just the idea, the hook, and the payoff. Once you share your links, we’ll convert each ad into a tiny card you can skim in seconds. The goal: help readers spot patterns, steal smart tactics, and leave inspired without wading through paragraphs. Think: what grabs you in the first 3 seconds, what the twist is, and how the ad lands the final “treat.”

Uber Eats — “Horror Codes” Teaser (2023, YouTube/Promo)

Horror Codes Teaser – Halloween 2023 | Uber Eats

• Hook (0–3s): “Know the quote, get the treat.” Horror movie quotes teased as secret promo codes.
  
• Idea: Turns fandom into a game—enter the exact iconic quote (no spaces/punctuation) in Uber Eats → Account → Promotions.
• Payoff/CTA: 60% off Halloween candy, costumes, decor; daily codes at horrorcodes.com through 10/31; one redemption; US Party City & Halloween City (codes vary US/CA).
  
• Why it works: Interactive mechanic + pop-culture recognition + daily urgency = high repeat engagement.

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Tesco — “Spookermarket” (YouTube/Prank)

Introducing Spookermarket | Tesco Halloween

• Hook (0–3s): Ordinary shop… then lights flicker, props move, jump-scares hit unsuspecting customers.
  
• Idea: Hidden-camera pranks turn a Tesco into a “Spookermarket,” blending real reactions with spooky set-ups.
  
• Payoff/CTA: Reveal of Tesco’s Halloween range in-store—costumes, candy, decor—“trick or treat” deals.
  
• Why it works: Authentic reactions + seasonal surprise = high shareability.

Snickers — “Zombie” (2024, 15s TV/YouTube)

2024 SNICKERS HWN Zombie 15

• Hook (0–3s): “I think we missed a… step.” Quick tension as a zombie looms.
  
• Idea: Hunger causes a simple mistake in a spooky moment—Snickers as the fix.
  
• Payoff/CTA: Product shot + line: “Don’t miss a single step. Have a Snickers.” #HalloweenSatisfaction
  
• Why it works: Tight gag, seasonal setup, clean brand tie-in in 15 seconds.
  

Fanta — “Halloween 2025” (YouTube/Digital)

Fanta Halloween 2025

• Hook (0–3s): Fast cuts of spooky characters crashing in with the chant: “They are back and they WANTA FANTA!”
  
• Idea: High-energy, Halloween takeover—bold orange/black visuals, playful scares, party vibes centered on the bottle/can.
  
• Payoff/CTA: Seasonal hashtag #FantaHalloween and brand lockup; cues to join the party and grab Fanta for Halloween.
  
• Why it works: Loud color + rhythm + simple chant = instant recall and repeatable seasonal meme.

Burger King — “Monster Menu | Polite Mummy” (YouTube/TV)

BK Monster Menu | Polite Mummy

• Hook (0–3s): Mummy speaks in a growly horror voice… then politely clears his throat.
  
• Idea: Family-friendly gag—classic monster, normal manners—introducing BK’s Monster Menu.
  
• Payoff/CTA: “The Monster Menu at BK is frightfully fun for families of all kinds. You rule.”
  
• Why it works: Cute subversion + clear product plug = seasonal, kid-safe charm.

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Skechers — “AERO Burst: Scary Fast” (YouTube/Spot)

 

Skechers AERO Burst – “Scary Fast”

• Hook (0–3s): Shambling zombies suddenly sprint.
  
• Idea: They were slow because… wrong shoes. Slip into Skechers AERO Burst™ (with Slip-ins®) and even zombies fly.
  
• Payoff/CTA: Product hero + tagline: “Scary Fast.”
  
• Why it works: Clear product demo wrapped in a fun Halloween twist.

Nike Football — “Scary Good: Kylian Mbappé” (YouTube/Sport-horror)

Scary Good: Kylian Mbappé | Nike Football

• Hook (0–3s): Sirens + stretcher—defenders treated like horror victims after facing Mbappé.
  
• Idea: Medical/horror parody: “third-degree nutmeg,” “He’s offside!”—Mbappé keeps striking again and again.
  
• Payoff/CTA: Smash cut to end card: SCARY GOOD (Nike Football lockup).
  
• Why it works: Star power + genre twist + rapid repeats = Halloween vibe without clichés.

Heinz — “Vegetarian Vampire Recruitment” (YouTube/Short Film)

Heinz l Vegetarian Vampire Recruitment l Heinz Tomato Blood

• Hook (0–3s): Deadpan intro: “Hi, I’m Toby, a vegetarian vampire.”
  
• Idea: Mock-PSA persuading vampires to swap human blood for Heinz “Tomato Blood.”
  
• Payoff/CTA: Closing plea to “switch to Heinz Tomato Blood” with playful use-cases (on eggs, potatoes).
  
• Why it works: Sharp parody + clear product rename = memorable seasonal brand world.

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Bacardí — “Raising Spirits” (YouTube/Brand Film)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jhu0j1i2fMI

• Hook (0–3s): “Raising Spirits” lands as the scene flips from eerie to party mode.
  
• Idea: Double meaning—raise spirits (vibe) with spirits (rum); Halloween party springs to life.
  
• Payoff/CTA: Bacardí bottle/cocktail close-ups + invite to mix seasonal serves.
  
• Why it works: Simple pun, strong mood shift, product-forward.

Reese’s — “They’ll Get You” (2023, TV/YouTube)

Reese’s Commercial 2023 – (USA) • Reese’s Halloween

• Hook (0–3s): Creepy music box winds… then pops to reveal a half-eaten pie.
  
• Idea: Playful horror beat: irresistible Reese’s “gets” you—temptation as the monster.
  
• Payoff/CTA: Tagline cadence: “Reese’s… they’ll get you. They will get you good.” Product beauty shot.
  
• Why it works: Minimal setup, strong audio cue, delicious reveal = instant craving.

McDonald’s — “Happy Meal Squishmallows (Halloween 2023)” (TV/YouTube)

McDonald’s Happy Meal Squishmallows Halloween 2023 UK Advert

• Hook (0–3s): “This Halloween things are getting spooky…” + cute Squishmallows reveal.
  
• Idea: Spooky-on-the-outside, squishy-on-the-inside toys pair with Happy Meal staples.
• Payoff/CTA: “Join the adventure with Squishmallows in Happy Meal” + fruit sides shoutout.
  
• Why it works: Kid-friendly Halloween vibe, collectible tie-in, clear limited-time draw.

M&M’s — “Trick or Treat” (2025, TV/YouTube)

M&M’s Halloween – Trick or Treat (2025, United States)

• Hook (0–3s): Doorbell “Trick or treat”… bowl’s empty—panic.
  
• Idea: The spokescandies realize they’re the missing candy; playful meta gag.
  
• Payoff/CTA: Tagline: “M&M’s. It’s more fun together.”
  
• Why it works: Relatable Halloween moment + character humor + simple brand cue.

Disneyland Resort — “Halloween Time (70th Celebration)” (2025, Promo/YouTube)

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort

• Hook (0–3s): Minnie “brewing up” spooky fun; fast park-wide montage.
  
• Idea: Seasonal overlay across rides, shows, treats—framed as part of the 70th Celebration.
  
• Payoff/CTA: Dates on-screen: Aug 22–Oct 31, 2025; invite to “Join the celebration.”
  
• Why it works: Clear event window + character-led magic = instant trip FOMO.

Sky Cinema — “Halloween Collection” (UK, 2025, TV/YouTube)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZYnGpHjBMo

• Hook (0–3s): Voiceover: “This Halloween, all of your deepest fears will be unlocked.” Quick-cut montage of horror hits.
  
• Idea: Curated Halloween Collection—new releases + classics in one place.
  
• Payoff/CTA: Sky Cinema branding + prompt to watch/subscribe for the season.
  
• Why it works: Simple promise (everything scary, here) + high-recognition titles = instant watch intent.

Disney+ — “Halloween on Disney+” (2025, TV/YouTube)

Disney+ Halloween Advert 2025🎃

• Hook (0–3s): “This place is really haunted.” Rapid clips of spooky-fun titles.
  
• Idea: Mix of frightening favorites + all-new adventures under one seasonal hub.
• Payoff/CTA: Disney+ end card: “It’s Halloween on Disney+.”
  
• Why it works: Familiar quotes + fresh releases = easy, family-friendly watch list.

Spirit Halloween — “2025 Store Tour” (YouTube/Promo)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DoYP2Z4OWM

• Hook (0–3s): Walkthrough POV of aisles—animatronics jump to life, costumes wall-to-wall.
  
• Idea: Guided tour of this year’s in-store sets, props, and bestsellers to spark shopping lists.
  
• Payoff/CTA: “Find your local Spirit now” + URL: stores.spirithalloween.com.
  
• Why it works: Product-first showcase + instant store-finder = gets viewers from hype to visit.
  

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Hulu — “Family Guy 2025 Halloween Special | Trailer” (Streaming/YouTube)

Family Guy 2025 Halloween Special | Official Trailer | Hulu

• Hook (0–3s): “We’re going to have a wonderful Halloween together.” Fast-cut gags + spooky setups.
  
• Idea: Classic Family Guy chaos—new Halloween song brainstorms, over-the-top yard displays, chainsaw gag.
  
• Payoff/CTA: Streams October 6 on Hulu and with Hulu on Disney+.
  
• Why it works: Beloved IP + fresh seasonal episode + firm date to tune in.

Bath & Body Works — “Halloween 2024” (YouTube/Retail)

Halloween 2024 | Bath & Body Works

• Hook (0–3s): “Welcome to our house of horror”—ghouls and skeletons hit a deadly dance floor.
  
• Idea: Fragrances as the star of a spooky party—candles, soaps, and scents framed as Halloween must-haves.
  
• Payoff/CTA: Shop now → bathandbodyworks.com/t/halloween.
• Why it works: Vivid set + clear seasonal range = instant add-to-cart vibes.
  

Burger King — “Monster Menu | Vampires Have Feelings Too” (YouTube/TV)

BK Monster Menu | Vampires Have Feelings Too

• Hook (0–3s): “The new Monster Menu is now at Burger King.” Deadpan vampire reaction: “Really?”
  
• Idea: Lighthearted monster-world slice—vampires with feelings, families with options—introducing the Monster Menu.
  
• Payoff/CTA: “Frightfully fun for all families… Sink your teeth into the new Monster Menu at BK. You rule.”
  
• Why it works: Gentle gag + inclusive message + clear seasonal product plug.

Universal — “Halloween Horror Nights 2025: Live the Horror” (Promo/YouTube)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1Q5Y-QtWNM

• Hook (0–3s): “Go from watching horror to living it” + scream-filled montage.
  
• Idea: Biggest names in horror turned into haunted houses, scare zones, and live shows.
  
• Payoff/CTA: Dates on-screen: Orlando: select nights Aug 29–Nov 2. Hollywood: select nights Sept 4–Nov 2.
• Why it works: Clear FOMO window + visceral footage = instant ticket impulse.

Platform-Specific Standouts for Best Halloween ads

Seasonal ads work best when the idea is tailored to the feed it lives in. Here’s how to shape Halloween creative per channel—same core concept, different cut and cadence—plus quick ways to use AdSpyder data to guide each move.

TikTok / Reels / Shorts (make the hook the concept)

Short-form thrives on one big beat. Open with the visual punchline (mask drop, lights-out, surprise reveal), then land a single message.

• Cadence that works: 0–2s hook → 3–6s twist (the “aha” or scare) → 7–12s payoff (product + line + CTA).
  
• Texture: Shoot like a creator—handheld framing, quick zooms, captions for sound-off, diegetic SFX (door creaks, whoosh).
  
• Copy rhythm: 3–5 words on-screen, then a second line with the offer: “Know the quote. Get the treat.” / “Scary fast.”
  
• CTA placement: End card and caption. If there’s a promo code, put it in text-on-screen for a full second.
• AdSpyder angle: Sort by First Seen in October to spot trending hook styles; open Creative Sets to compare how top brands cut 9:16 vs. 1:1 and which variant stayed live longer.
  

YouTube (15s/30s + 6s bumper)

YouTube rewards a mini story with a clean end card. Keep the mystery front-loaded, the product reveal unmistakable, and the URL/code legible.

• Structure: Cold open (no logo) → setup (tension or joke) → reveal (product/offer) → 2–3s end card.
  
• Pacing: 15s forces clarity; 30s can handle a second gag or reaction shot. Always render a 6s bumper as the “trailer of the trailer.”
  
• Sound design: Use a recognizable sting (music box, door knock, chant) to cue “Halloween” in half a second.
  
• Visual hygiene: Large type, high contrast, product hero in the final frame.
  
• AdSpyder angle: Filter by YouTube placements and scan survival days; ads with longer runs mid-Oct typically pulled weight.
  

Meta (Feed, Stories, Reels)

Meta is your workhorse for reach + retargeting. Lead with bold seasonal art, then rotate variants to manage fatigue.

• Feed: Big image/video with a three-beat headline (“Spooky outside. Sweet inside.”), body line for the offer, one CTA.
  
• Stories/Reels: One sight gag + one line + sticker CTA. Avoid dense overlays; think posters, not paragraphs.
  
• Carousels: Use like a comic strip—panel 1 hook, panels 2–3 product benefits, last panel = offer/CTA.
  
• Fatigue control: Refresh colorways, swap hero prop, or re-cut the first two seconds every 5–7 days.
  
• AdSpyder angle: Watch variant count per ad set and frequency trends to anticipate when a refresh is due.
  

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Display / Programmatic (HTML5 and static)

Display does clean, legible Halloween well when you strip the message to its bones.

• Rule of three: 3-word headline, 1 visual, 1 CTA. Motion should be subtle (glow, flicker, blink) and loop under 15s.
  
• Brand at a glance: Pack logo + product silhouette in all sizes (300×250, 728×90, 160×600, 300×600).
  
• Landing page match: End-frame colorway and headline should mirror the landing hero.
  
• AdSpyder angle: Compare size mix and top placements for brands in your category to assemble the right banner bundle.
  

CTV / Streaming

CTV sells the vibe; the companion digital units close the loop.

• Creative: Atmosphere first (lighting, texture, sound), then a clean offer moment. 15s is plenty; 30s only if story-driven.
  
• Action path: Short vanity URL or scannable QR that leads to the seasonal page, not the homepage.
  
• Frequency: Plan for low frequency; your end card must do heavy lifting in 2 seconds.
  
• AdSpyder angle: Spot CTV flags (where available) and look for how long end cards dwell and what copy they use.
  

Email / Push (the conversion nudge)

Use Halloween as an excuse to simplify.

• Subject lines: One promise + one seasonal cue. “A treat with your name on it 🎃” / “Open if you dare (20% off).”
  
• Above-the-fold: Seasonal hero, single CTA, timer if the offer is day-bound.
  
• Cadence: Tease (Oct 15–20) → Live (Oct 25–29) → Last call (Oct 30–31).
  
• AdSpyder angle: Borrow headline/CTA wording from high-spend ads you’re competing with to align language across channels.
  

OOH → Digital (turn sightings into sessions)

When a Halloween visual lands IRL, make the line and look identical online.

• Iconic prop: Mask silhouette, pumpkin glow, or monster hand with product—readable at 30 meters.
  
• Memory cue: Reuse the same headline in social end cards and display.
  
• Local lift: Geo-based QR to nearest store or event page.
  
• AdSpyder angle: Cross-check geo notes and placement clusters to decide which cities deserve OOH extensions.
  

Channel packaging: one concept, many cuts

Take your core idea (e.g., “know the quote, get the treat”) and package it three ways:

1. Short-form punch (9:16, 8–12s) with the hook as the first frame.
   
2. YouTube mini-story (15s) with a clearer product/offer reveal and 2s end card.
   
3. Display trio (300×250, 300×600, 728×90) that echoes the same line and colorway.
   

Pro tip with AdSpyder: After launch, check first_seen/last_seen and variant survival across your competitors. If a rival’s 15s cut stays live while their 30s cycles out, it’s a signal to tighten your own edit and push budget to shorter lengths.

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Avoid these Halloween pitfalls

• Generic “spooky” with no product link. Always tie the gag to a benefit (speed, flavor, value, fun).
  
• Illegible offers. If the code or date isn’t readable on a phone in one glance, it might as well not exist.
  
• One-and-done creative. Seasonal fatigue hits fast—plan at least two alternates for week two and three.
  
• Landing page mismatch. If the ad says “treat,” the page should look and talk like Halloween too.

Conclusion for Best Halloween ads

Halloween gives brands rare permission to be bold, playful, and a little wicked—and the ads that win keep it simple: a hook you feel in the first second, one clear product truth, and an end card that actually tells people what to do. Across your 20 examples, the same patterns keep showing up: creator-style vertical cuts, repeatable seasonal lines (“Scary fast,” “Know the quote. Get the treat.”), and offers with a built-in game or deadline. When those pieces line up—and the landing page matches—the result is attention that turns into action.

If you’re building now, start with the vertical cut, script the end card before the shoot, and line up two alternate hooks to refresh weekly. Then use AdSpyder to keep you honest: track competitor variants, note which edits stay live longest, and mirror winning placements with your own versions.