October is notorious for its spooky movies, ranging from lighthearted classics to terrifying thrillers. This spooky season, we recommend watching these films to get you in the Halloween spirit, and who knows, maybe you will be in for a trick, or treat!
- The Nightmare Before Christmas
Since its release in October of 1993, it has been a staple movie for Halloween season. Despite its slow start in the early 90s, the movie picked up major audiences in the 2000s and then again in 2020. The film follows the main character of Jack Skellington and his adventures of finding new excitements. Jack stumbles across a new town called Christmas Town and gets a new perspective on life.
The Nightmare Before Christmas is a beautiful stop-motion film that combines the horror of Halloween with the spirit of Christmas. It’s one of the best Halloween movies ever made. If you want to get in the holiday spirit, grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready for a nostalgic, unique movie.
- Scream (the series)
As arguably one of the most recognizable franchises in movie history, Ghostface and the Scream anthology is a Halloween must-watch. With a total of six installments in nearly three decades, every generation can make a connection with these films. The original slasher-flick follows teenage Sidney Prescott on the one-year anniversary of her mother’s death. However, throughout the night, Prescott and her friends become terrorized by a serial killer in a white mask and black robe, looking for revenge.
While the storylines of the initial films may follow the typical 80s horror film, the lore and nostalgia associated with this franchise are in a league of their own. Whether you are new to the horror genre or a seasoned professional, the Scream movies have something for everyone.
- Ghostbusters
Who you gonna call? The funniest Halloween movie ever! “Ghostbusters,” released in June of 1984, was a major hit at the box office. Since its release, it has been a family favorite and top-rated Halloween movie ever since. However, since it was released in June, it wasn’t originally intended to be a Halloween movie.
Nevertheless, the Ghostbusters franchise will forever be classic and iconic. When the clock hits midnight on September 30, you know who I’m gonna call!
- It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
Since its release in 1966, “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” has served as a Halloween classic featuring the beloved Peanut gang. Based on the original comic strip by Charles M. Shultz, the animated film highlights the personalities of each of the characters as they go trick-or-treating and ends with the arrival of what Linus believes to be The Great Pumpkin in a local pumpkin patch.
This light-hearted film is a great choice for those who enjoy an easy-to-follow film that is void of scary features. Each time I watch the film, I am delighted to see the antics of the group unfold. Charlie Brown’s clumsiness and humility illuminate the screen as the crew participates in their Halloween activities. If you are looking for a freight-free night of spooky festivities, Charlie Brown and the other Peanuts will surely entertain you.
Watching any of these Halloween films is a fantastic way to get into the spooky spirit of Halloween, and enjoy the season with some classic entertainment.
