It's no secret I LOVE Halloween. I mean, it's almost as great at Christmas, almost. Not only does it fall (pun intended) during my favorite season, but it also has involves my favorite things: candy, creepy things, and the macabre. I mean, a month to celebrate all things spooky?? Sounds amazing right!?
A lot people forget about Halloween movies because the Christmas movies get all the hype. But Halloween movies are just as great!
The BEST Halloween movie in my opinion (tied with #2). Who doesn't love witches?? And spells! And immortal cats! And a zombie that comes to life but in the end is really a good! I mean, it's seriously fun Halloween perfection. And it's hilarious.
2. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
I've always been a Tim Burton fan. When this movie came out, it was my favorite! I was a tiny tot and I remember getting it on VHS for my birthday. (Yup, that dates me.) Nothing, I repeat, NOTHING is better than Jack, Sally, and the gang. It's an amazing soundtrack too! Tim Burton never fails to create masterpieces.
3. The Addams Family and The Addams Family Values. (1991 & 1993)
Who didn't want to be an Addams?! I LOVED them as kids, loved their black clothes and all the lace and dark hair! Plus, they had the best one liners! I mean, Wednesday is HILARIOUS! And Morticia is clever and witty and wears black better than anyone! Who didn't want to be her? Plus, who didn't have a crush on Gomez? I mean, honestly! What's more macabre than this family?! They ARE Halloween.
4. Sleepy Hollow (Johnny Deep version) (1999)
Again, I've been a Johnny Depp fan since Edward Scissor Hands, and this movie doesn't disappoint! And Christina Ricci makes the list again. I love the story by Washington Irving and LOVE Johnny as Ichabod Crane! He definitely brings his signature "Johnny-ness" to the role but still makes Ichabod an individual character. Not to mention Christopher Walkin makes a freaking terrifying Headless Horseman.
[P.S. Now it's a TV series on Fox (in it's second season), and it's also amazing. And Tom Mison is Ichabod, and he's PERFECT.]
5. The Monster Squad (1987)
Probably the best "monster film" out there. My siblings and I grew up watching this every Halloween and it's great. It's super fun and something everyone will enjoy. Plus, it has all your classic Halloween monsters, in one place!
6. Young Frankenstein (1974)
This is one of the greatest spoof movies of all time. We watch it every year and still laugh! It's a MUST. If you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favor and watch it, immediately! Or you know, as soon as possible.
7. Ernest Scared Stupid. (1991)
A freaking classic. I've can't remember a Halloween that doesn't involve this movie! It's funny and weird and perfect for a laid back October evening.
8. Halloween Town (the Disney Channel Movie) (1998)
Yes, I HAD to include this. Because it's probably the best Disney Channel movie, ever. (Okay, okay, but it's up there!) 90's kids unite!
9. Halloween...Obviously. (1978)
I was much older when I finally saw this, my friends and I watched it on Halloween and it was like a right of passage. Sure, it's not as scary as the horror films nowadays because we're so desensitized, but it's a freaking classic, so pay your respects to a film that paved the way for the Horror film genre. Plus, the theme song really is creepily awesome. (It was my "ringtone" back when people still used the phone to actually call each other.) I also like Scream and Nightmare on Elm Street, but they'd all fit this same slot.
10. The Others (2001)/The Sixth Sense (1999)/Amityville Horror (2005)
Ghost movies are the ones that really freak me out. A lot of circumstances or situations in horror films can be avoided, like say, The Hitcher. Just DON'T pick up a hitch-hiker! Or like, I Know What You Did Last Summer, don't hit a fisherman on a foggy windy road in the middle of the night, think you've killed him, and dump his body in the lake and you'll be fine! Unlike classic "slasher" films, the ghost ones FREAK ME OUT. Because you just NEVER KNOW. Anyways, The Sixth Sense scarred me for years when it came out and it's just a Classic. And I LOVE Amityville; it's terrifying and also Ryan Reynolds spends half the movie without his shirt on chopping wood, so you know, there's that. ;)
This movie is pretty weird and at some times borderline disturbing, but that's what makes it great! It wouldn't be Tim Burton without it! (and the 3rd Burton on my list...) It's not technically a "Halloween" movie, but it sure fits the bill. And it's a classic!
12.Practical Magic (1998)
This is definitely NOT specifically a Halloween movie, but as it involves witches and my favorite actress (Sandra Bullock), it's a MUST. My BFF and I watched it all the time growing up and it's still a favorite. Plus, it's a great book too! :) It's a chick flick, so it's perfect for a Halloween girls night! ;)
13. 28 Days Later (2002)/ Zombieland (2009)
You've got to have at least ONE zombie film, whether you make it a classic horror film or go with a comedy is up to you. 28 Days Later is a great apocalyptic zombie film that I like to think inspired The Walking Dead. Cillian Murphy is amazing in it as well. You'll need a strong stomach for this one, as naturally, there's a lot of blood. Zombieland is hysterical and includes Emma Stone, Woody Harrleson and Jesse Eisenberg, so you know you're in good hands.
Happy viewing!!
xoxo
