The Office is far from spooky — though certain Michael Scott antics will send a chill down the spine of even the most seasoned HR worker. Nevertheless, the workplace mockumentary did develop six Halloween or Halloween-adjacent episodes during its nine-season run on NBC. We say "Halloween-adjacent" because some of The Office Halloween episodes featured Halloween elements only in the cold open rather than the whole episode. But we'd still consider that some quality holiday content from our favorite folks at Dunder Mifflin.
If you're planning a Halloween movie marathon and are looking for more after going through your favorite family Halloween movies or the best Halloween movies for kids, The Office Halloween episodes are a real treat worth revisiting every spooky season. Plus, as much as we love Disney Halloween movies like Halloweentown and Hocus Pocus, it's nice to throw something else in the mix.
With the exception of the lackluster final seasons, The Office almost never missed during its lengthy, sitcom-redefining run — and the Halloween episodes are no exception. All six are worth checking out - especially if you've got an inkling to watch something Halloween-y without having nightmares until Thanksgiving.
Here's every Halloween episode of The Office, ranked from best to worst.
Season 9, Episode 5 - "Here Comes Treble"
NBC
The Office was running on fumes by the time its last season was underway, but the series' final Halloween episode was a standout. The cold open sees Dwight attempting to prank Erin, which results in him having a jack-o'-lantern stuck on his head the rest of the day. Andy Bernard is ecstatic that his old Cornell a capella group, Here Comes Treble, is dropping by to perform for the office's Halloween party. But his excitement turns to rage when he learns that Broccoli Rob (Stephen Colbert) has stolen his popular songs and college nickname, "The Nard Dog."
Season 8, Episode 5 - "Spooked"
NBC
Andy and Erin have just called it quits, so Erin is eager to impress Andy when he tasks her with the decorations for the Halloween party. But when CEO Robert California (James Spader) pops in unexpectedly, Andy dismisses Erin's efforts as "not scary enough." She turns to horror connoisseur Gabe for help - and he takes things way too far in the other direction with a deeply disturbing black-and-white art film from the lesser-known genre, "The Cinema of the Unsettling." The office gasps in revulsion at the bizarre piece while donning their costumes, which include Ryan as Jesse Pinkman from Breaking Bad and Dwight as Sarah Kerrigan from Starcraft.
Season 7, Episode 6 - "Costume Contest"
NBC
With Steve Carrell's departure in episode 22, The Office spent season seven fleshing out its side characters and prepping them for centerstage. A Halloween costume contest was the perfect scenario to showcase their unique personalities, and with the addition of a coupon book the employees mistakenly believe to be worth $15,000, things get downright cutthroat. Hitting the "runway" between desks was Gabe as Lady Gaga, Dwight as the Scranton Strangler, and Kevin as Michael Moore. Despite Jim's typical reluctance to engage in the festivities, he and Pam create a memorable couples costume by dressing as Popeye and Olive Oyl - even baby Cece makes a surprise appearance as Swee'Pea.
Season 6, Episode 8 - "Koi Pond"
NBC
This episode sees Michael falling into a koi pond while on a sales trip with Jim. The Halloween content was relegated to the cold open, which has actually been banned from most streamers.
The controversial opener begins with the office welcoming local children to a haunted (ware)house. Darryl pushes the bored youngsters through the underwhelming exhibit on a platform truck, incorrectly listing his coworkers' costumes as they go. Just as the ride comes to a close, Michael appears with a noose around his neck, making horrible choking noises. The children burst into screams. "What the hell is wrong with you?" Darryl asks angrily. A question we regularly asked about Michael while watching the series.
Season 5, Episode 5 - "Employee Transfer"
NBC
Michael and Holly are forced to confront their relationship as he helps her move to Nashua - a heavy and tearful conversation that Darryl is forced to awkwardly endure as the driver of the moving truck. The Halloween stuff comes during the cold open, where Dwight, Kevin, and Creed all show up to the office dressed as Heath Ledger's Joker - an extremely relatable occurrence for anyone who was alive during Halloween in 2008. Meanwhile, at the corporate office, Pam is the only one who dressed up. And she's unable to change out of her Charlie Chaplin costume - her painted-on mustache won't wash off, so if she were to remove the signature blazer and bowler hat, she would look far too much like that other historical figure known for his toothbrush 'stache.
Season 2, Episode 5 - "Halloween"
NBC
The Office's first foray into spooky season is also its best. Michael is informed by Jan he must fire someone by the end of the month due to budgetary concerns. In classic Michael Scott fashion, he delays the inevitable until the very last day, which just so happens to fall on Halloween. Watching him drop the life-altering news on the unfortunate employee while everyone is in full costume is peak cringe comedy. But the show brings us back to Team Michael at the end, which sees Michael being genuinely kind and endearing as he gives out candy to a gaggle of excited trick-or-treaters.
All nine seasons of The Office are currently streaming on Peacock.
