We’re so very close to Halloween! Possibly the best holiday out of the year, Halloween is the perfect day to feel like a kid again. It’s also the perfect day to dive deep into some binge-worthy movies. Whether you’re looking to watch something alone in the dark or you’re wanting a movie for the family to enjoy, I have five Halloween movies to watch. Of course, this list is completely my opinion and picks; I’m sure your list will look very different than mine. Regardless, here are the five films that I absolutely have to watch during this time of year.
Hocus Pocus
It only makes sense to start the list off with this 1993 classic, considering Disney has announced a sequel in the works for Disney+. The original starred Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker as the Sanderson sisters. A trio of witches who have been resurrected by a young boy, they are on the hunt in Salem, Massachusetts for the souls of children. This funny, yet spooky movie is a devilishly good time and a great pick for Halloween.
Beetlejuice
It’s getting to that time of year where we may have to say this guy’s name three times. One of my all-time favorite movies in general, Beetlejuice is a Tim Burton classic. Starring Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, and Winona Ryder, this movie is so popular its spawned a cartoon, a musical, and more. Offering a new and interesting perspective on being dead, Baldwin, Davis, and Ryder have to work together to stop the outrageous Beetlejuice (Keaton) from disrupting their lives. This is a must-see for any fan of Halloween.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Another Tim Burton classic, The Nightmare Before Christmas is stop-motion animated movie about Jack Skellington. As the leader of a town of ghouls and creatures whose sole motivation throughout the year is to plan for Halloween, Jack wants more. Once he discovers other holiday towns out there, he becomes determined to shift his people’s focus on Christmas instead. Shenanigans ensue and possibly one of the greatest love stories in movies is born. The Nightmare on Elm Street was voiced by Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara, William Hickey, and Ken Page.
A Nightmare on Elm Street
I suppose I should include a horror movie on this list and in my opinion, it’s the best 80s horror film. Also, one of the best horror franchises to date. A Nightmare on Elm Street stared Robert Englund as the horrifying Freddy Krueger. Formally killed due to his own killing of children, Freddy made a deal with the devil and not gets to haunt and kill people in their dreams. Specifically, the children of the people who were responsible for his death. A Nightmare on Elm Street is terrifying because when you sleep, which is supposed to be a relief; you run the risk of being killed in real life. No one can play Freddy like Englund could and we saw that in the 2010 reboot.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Oh yes, this is a favorite for sure! Starring the amazing and spectacular Tim Curry, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a low budget musical parody of other horror films, but ended up as a cult classic. Spawning live-action performances to this day and a soundtrack that is repeated throughout the year, there is no argument you can make to tell me that this isn’t a Halloween must. As the “sweet, transvestite” who simply wanted to make the perfect man, Curry’s Dr. Frank-N-Furter is one of my favorite performances of Curry.
Honorable mentions include It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, Young Frankenstein, James and the Giant Peach, Edward Scissorhands, and more. While I’m sure your list consists of scarier horror flicks such as Halloween, Friday the Thirteenth, Paranormal Activity, and more, this is what I enjoy around Halloween time. So, let me know what’s on your list and Happy Trick or Treating!
A girl with too many fandoms to count.
