Even though Walmart thinks it’s already time for Thanksgiving and Christmas, we are giving Halloween its due! We’ve compiled a list of 13 of our favorite spooky movies to get you in the spirit of Halloween.
- Hocus Pocus (1993)
Nothing like a cannibalistic child murder to start a Disney movie off on the right foot. This is a fun, whimsical blast with kooky acting, lots of inappropriate sexual humor, and one of the creepiest lullabies ever. Love it or hate it, it’s always on TV, and it will definitely get you in the mood for tricks and treats!
2. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
A Peanut Classic. What more could you ask for? Nominated for an Emmy Award, it really stands the test of time. Simple, spooky, and delightful, it’ll be a great rewatch with the kids. Or honestly, without them, because we all need a dose of nostalgia.
3. Ghostbusters (1986 or 2016)
Who you gonna call? We love the original, but the reboot has a lot to say as well. Turns out women are hilarious too! Who knew? From library disturbances to cult leaders to marshmallow men, it’s a lively ride from your childhood that’s mostly appropriate to share with your whole family.
4. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter and Tim Burton? Our favorite power trio. It was (perhaps ironically) released as a Christmas film, but we love it for October spook factor. You’ve got fake blood, Broadway vocalists, and a beautifully macabre love story. Enjoy this sensational, dark treat of wit.
5. Get Out (2017)
Brilliant and chilling and thought provoking with an incredible twist if you haven’t been spoiled already. What’s scarier than razor-sharp social commentary? This absolutely fits the bill for horror, so prepare to feel as scared as a deer in headlights…
6. Practical Magic (1998)
We’re pretty annoyed that this is labeled a “romantic comedy” on wikipedia. This is a mystical tale about sisterhood, based on the book of the same title by Alice Hoffman (strongly recommend). It’s changing leaves in New England with crisp air and family curses and love spells gone wrong. But, your sister has always got your back.
7. The Haunted Mansion (2003)
Eddie Murphy, where have you been? Who else forgot about this movie? It takes place in our very own Louisiana, so we’ve got to give it some love. Singing busts and doomed love and a surprisingly scary finale make this an enchantingly good time. Family friendly and an all around enjoyable movie.
8. Cabin in the Woods (2012)
A bunch of college kids make a weekend trip to a cabin in the woods and what could go wrong? Freaky and a little sadistic, this horror film definitely delivers the scare-factor and offers a great opportunity to critically nerd out (if you’re really into horror films).
9. The Sixth Sense (1999)
Wow. Why don’t they make movies like this anymore? If you somehow haven’t seen it, get ready for a bone-chilling mystery. One of the best psychological dramas you’ll ever see. And, even if you have seen it, it’s definitely worth a rewatch this October.
10. Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
This might technically be a Christmas film, but we’re including it because we love Tim Burton, and we need more appreciation for stop-motion animation. All the fun of ghosts, ghouls, goblins, zombies, demons, mummies, vampires, and the all!
11. The Witch (2015)
Ready to wish you could run to mom and dad’s room again? Nothing like a historical, religious nightmare to make you afraid to ever go into the woods (or to a petting zoo) again. We love the adrenaline and the beautiful cinematography. And, you should probably put your kids to bed first.
12. Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride (2005)
Is there a pairing better for spooky delight than Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter? Did we already say that? In his third, stop-motion feature film, Tim Burton beautifully weaves a Shakespearean tale of zombie romance and redemption, mostly suitable for the whole family.
13. Hereditary (2018)
Ridiculously frightening and deeply unsettling. You will not sleep. Some of us couldn’t even get through the first hour. Follow a family in tremendous grief through a psychological breakdown into unimaginable darkness. If you saw where this was going, you should probably see a therapist. Not for the faint of heart.
