With Halloween right around the corner, Halloween themed episodes of TV shows are starting to stream more frequently. My favorite sit-com, “Modern Family”, has premiered 7 Halloween episodes during its run.

For this spooky season, I have decided to rank them from worst to best.

“Good Grief”

Season 10, Episode 5

In this later episode of “Modern Family”, Claire and Mitchell find out about the passing of their mother, DeDe. Claire, who is over very strong-willed, tries to stay strong throughout the episode. Meanwhile, Mitchell is emotional, processing the grief of her death. Ex-husband Jay reflects back to his previous life with DeDe, and their family helps them through this rough time.

Although very emotional and sad, this episode really has nothing to do with Halloween. The only thing that could make it fall under this category is that DeDe passed on Halloween.

“The Last Halloween”

Season 11, Episode 5

While Claire in “Modern Family’s” first Halloween episode is all about the spook, by the last she realizes she might be getting old. Her tricks that used to frighten neighborhood kids doesn’t work anymore, and she worries she doesn’t have it like she used to. Meanwhile, Mitchell and Cam argue with their neighbors over the costumes they’re wearing. Jay is starting to feel old, so Gloria tries to convince him he’s still kind of young. While that’s all going on, the Dunphy siblings, all grown up, decide to have one last night of mischief.

This episode was cute, just not as funny as the others. In my belief I also just think the longer the show went on, the less entertaining it was to watch.

“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Phil Dunphy”

Season 9, Episode 5

During this episode, Phil Dunphy wants to impress a pumpkin-carving legend in town by one thing; growing a huge gourd. Meanwhile, Jay teaches his young son, Joe, what Halloween is about. Claire is in belief that her new boss may not be a witch, but then realizes it might be Halloween that’s just getting to her.

This episode was funny, but nothing special. I caught myself getting bored and distracted by other things on my phone during the episode.

“Halloween 4: The Revenge of Rod Skyhook”

Season 8, Episode 5

During this spooky episode, Phil and Claire try to have their kids celebrate Halloween with them at home. Unfortunately, they all want to go out and party. Luke even throws his own party. Meanwhile, Cam and Mitchell are trying not to prove that they’re still fun and not old by throwing their own party. Jay and Gloria pass out candy at home, humorously as Cinderella and Prince Charming.

This episode was funny to watch and kept me engaged with all the different quests each character was doing. Jay and Gloria hilariously stole the show this episode.

“Open House of Horrors”

Season 4, Episode 5

Phil decides he wants to host an open house for his real estate agency on Halloween, and to be festive, uses some of Claire’s decorations. This actually scares buyers coming in away, and leads to no one wanting the house. Claire, once again, wants to go all out for Halloween, but no one is interested. Gloria’s pregnancy mood swings scares trick-or-treaters, and Cam is upset that Mitchell called him dramatic.

This episode was funny and gave nostalgia to the first Halloween episode that “Modern Family” aired. Ty Burrell‘s acting as Phil is top notch!

“Halloween 3: Awesomeland”

Season 6, Episode 6

Throughout this episode, Phil does the opposite of what Claire does on Halloween, making the house happy and fun. He calls it “Awesomeland”. But when Claire sees that her new neighbors have decided to go full horror, she thinks she needs to compete with them, and changes the house to be scary. This saddens Phil, making Claire apologize. Jay and Gloria argue over what Halloween costume they should wear. While Jay wants his wife to look “sexy”, Gloria wants to stay true to Halloween and look scary. Cam and Mitchell, like Claire, tries to outshine their neighbors with the best Halloween costume.

This episode is definitely at the top of the life. Awesomeland has been a running gag on the show for years, and for Phil to actually do it was extremely fun to watch. It was entertaining, kept me engaged, and made me want to re watch.

“Halloween”

Season 2, Episode 6

The first Halloween episode that “Modern Family” aired, and seemingly the best. In this thriller episode, Claire Dunphy is trying her best to turn her humble abode into a haunted house for trick-or-treaters. The only problem is: she has a family who doesn’t care. Meanwhile, Gloria is self-conscious of her Colombian accent due to Jay teasing her. Mitchell shows up to work in a Spider-man costume, thinking his new law firm dressed up, only to find out it is shunned upon. While everyone has their ups and downs throughout the day, they all come together at the end to make Claire happy and participate in her haunted house.

Throughout all of the Halloween episodes I watched, this one is certainly the best given it was the first, and the most entertaining to watch.