I love a great scary movie and this is the perfect time of year to turn down the lights and snuggle up on the couch with some popcorn! We’ve put together a list of our top ten Halloween movies. Now, we’ve had a lot of debate recently about what makes a movie a “Halloween” movie.
This top ten list is made of you movies you’d typically want to watch during the Halloween season. There is a mix of spooky, scary and funny with a dash of witches, zombies and slashers.
Watch This: the Halloween movie debate that unfolded between Megan and I during our Halloween This or That video.
Do You Like Scary Movies?
When I say I like scary movies, it means I like movies with a suspenseful, spine-tingling, “SOMEONE IS BEHIND YOU!” thriller with very little guts and gore. I don’t need to see someone’s eyeballs or intestines in hi-def.
I want to experience the potential that someone’s insides are about to be ripped out but never actually see it happen. There is an exception to this though and you’ll see what horror movies are our Halloween must see.
I also really like a great, family-friendly Halloween movie and there are so many to choose from. When we asked on Facebook we got so many votes for three of the movies that made our list.
Top Ten Halloween Movies
1. Scream (1996)
Ok, so there are a few grisly parts in this movie but the wild game of “who done it?” totally makes up for slashing of Drew Barrymore. It was written by Kevin Williamson – best known for creating Dawson’s Creek – and directed by horror movie master Wes Craven. It’s both camp and scary and it’s perfection.
2. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Charlie Brown special. In theory, I like this cartoon but always feel a little sad when it’s over, much like I do after A Charlie Brown Christmas. The worst part for me though is when Snoopy imagines himself fighting the Red Baron. It’s been hailed as one of the most ingenious scenes ever but you can find me pillaging through the hidden Halloween candy.
3. Hocus Pocus (1993)
Winifred Sanderson is my spirit animal. Bette Midler is everything in this family-friendly movie about three witches from Salem who are resurrected by a teen boy in 1993. A sequel has been talked about with Tina Fey attached as producer. Do you think SJP would reprise her role as Sarah Sanderson?
4. Practical Magic (1998)
It’s Halloween rom-com! Two sisters try to break a curse put on their family and their doomed love lives from generations earlier. I’ve seen this movie once and the dance scene and the girl-power soundtrack are the most memorable. However, Jessi from Shuggilippo says Practical Magic is a Halloween must-see.
5. Nightmare On Elm Street (1984)
The words “boiler room” still send chills down my spine. This is horror movie perfection from Wes Craven. It’s low budget and filled with sex and the way it blurs perception of what’s real and what isn’t is what makes it a great scary movie.
6. ParaNorman (2012)
Norman is different. He doesn’t fit in with his peers and he’s teased at school but soon becomes the one guy his town needs to save it from zombies. The 3D stop motion animation is pretty incredible and the story reminds me of most coming of age movies where the good guy wins. It skews a little mature so this is a good one with kids older than 10.
7. Halloween (1978)
This is really one of the scariest movies of all time. Even scarier is the score written and performed by director John Carpenter. Don’t watch this one alone.
8. Beetlejuice (1988)
I’d be ok with the 1988 version of Michael Keaton coming to scare the new inhabitants of my home after I died. Heck, I’d be ok with the 2016 version, too. I love this movie, a true comedy classic.
9. When A Stranger Calls (1979)
I was a child when I saw this movie. Here’s a tip: don’t let your children watch this movie or they’ll be forever scarred and never want to babysit. So many similarities with this movie and Scream. Cult classic thriller.
10. Casper (1995)
Spooky fun in cartoon form. Fun for the whole family and I wouldn’t be surprised if you shed a little tear over the Casper and Kat romance.
Did your favorite Halloween movie make our list? Tell us, are you into guts and gore or would you rather a family-friendly cartoon? Happy Halloween, everyone!
Halloween Fun from Megan and Wendy
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Family friendly, for sure. I’m a wuss. ?