One of the best parts about Halloween is watching spooky movies over a bowl of candy and popcorn. We’ve decided to rank our five favorite Halloween classics.
But beware, these films are bound to get you into the Halloween spirit!
Scream (1996)
One of the most successful slasher films ever, Scream, brought back the suspenseful horror genre after a decade-long drought. Viewers were ecstatic to see another thriller after Halloween (1978), Friday the 13th (1980) , and Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) gained such recognition. The original triggered multiple sequels and the spinoff Scary Movie to be made in its wake.
Scream isn’t for the faint hearted. There are murders throughout the film, which required 50 gallons of fake blood on set. But if slashers are your thing, this one is a must-see!
Halloweentown (1998)
Any movie where a teenager discovers she’s a witch is destined for greatness. Join Marnie, Dylan, and Sophie as they explore the mysterious realm of Halloweentown. What was thought to be a family trip to visit grandmother, turns into a rescue mission to save the town from the demon Kalabar. Halloweentown’s adventure and imaginative world make it one of the best Disney Channel Original Movies ever.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Is it a Christmas movie or a Halloween movie? Either way, it’s a classic! The stop-motions graphics of this Tim Burton film make it extra creepy. In fact, when the film first came out Disney released it through Touchstone Pictures because they thought it would be too scary for kids. But to their surprise, children loved it! The main character Jack becomes relatable and inspiring when viewers find out he’s a sweetheart under his spooky persona.
The movie went on to win awards and become the first stop-motion film to be completely converted to 3D in 2006. Tim Burton has been asked numerous times if a sequel will be written, but he insists the story would lose its magic if additional films couldn’t beat the original.
Halloween (1978)
There are numerous Halloween spinoffs, but nothing tops the 1978 classic. What turned out to be a huge hit, was created within a very short amount of time. The script was written in two weeks, the film was shot in three weeks, and the score (soundtrack) was written in 3 days.
Even scardy cats can appreciate this thriller for its continual suspense and creepy camera perspectives. Nothing is too gory, but that doesn’t mean the town of Haddonfield isn’t safe from Micheal Myers’ thirst for vengeful murder. We recommend reacquainting yourself with this film for a fitting chill, after the kids go to bed of course!
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Witch myths come to life, a small East Coast town is completely decked out in Halloween decorations, and the new kid in town pursues a budding romance. Everybody loves Hocus Pocus! It’s a children’s movie at heart, but cheeky enough for the parents to still enjoy. A good dose of spooks, laughs, and tears keep this story timeless through the ages.
Shockingly, the movie initially lost Disney money with a lack of success when it was first released. Although this may have been contributed to the fact that Hocus Pocus debuted in July. But now, it’s a cult classic aired on dozens of TV channels every October.
Speaking of films, do you have any trick-or-treating or pumpkin patch picking home footage from many moons ago? If so, we can digitize your family videos to keep them eternal through the years!
