While most spend the days leading up to Halloween thinking about their favorite candy or what Halloween costume they are going to wear, don’t forget to leave some time for those classic Halloween movies. There are tons of flicks dedicated to this scary time of year that remain classics, up there with other holiday favorites like “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
So even though Halloween is another 364 days away, stay in the Halloween spirit with some of these classic tales (in no particular order) that have been scaring audiences for years.
“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”
Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang have a family film for every holiday, including this frightful night. While Charlie Brown is invited to a Halloween party, Linus spends the episode hoping that the Great Pumpkin will finally visit him. Premiering in 1966, “It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown” usually airs every Halloween on ABC.
“Hocus Pocus”
After being executed for practicing witchcraft 300 years ago, the three Sanderson sisters are back in the 20th century thanks to Max, Dani and Alison. This film is filled with comedy, festive songs including the well-known “Put a Spell on You,” and a family-fun feeling that is suitable for all ages.
“Halloweentown”
Marnie’s grandmother Aggie comes to visit on Halloween night and wants the soon to be 13-year-old to begin her witch training, though she does not yet know she comes from a family of witches. Young Marnie, along with her siblings Dylan and Sophie, follow their grandmother back to her home of Halloweentown and learn about the inner-workings of this magical place. Not limited to only October, “Halloweentown” plays on the Disney Channel throughout the year.
“Monsterhouse”
When teenager DJ’s parents travel on Halloween eve and leave him with nanny Zee, he and friend Chowder find a neighboring house that is a monster. The pair has to enter the house to save their friend Jenny. Tune in to this Halloween favorite to find out how Chowder and DJ plan to destroy the house that plans to eat children on Halloween night.
“Young Frankenstein”
The grandson of the famous Dr. Frankenstein inherits his grandfather’s castle and begins experiments with the help of assistant Inga and housekeeper Fra Blucher. Peter Boyle stars as the memorable monster. This hilarious classic came to life in 1974 and has been entertaining audiences ever since.
“Beetlejuice”
Say his name three times and you might be sorry. If you haven’t seen this family favorite by name, you are definitely missing out. Beetlejuice shows up to help Adam and Barbara scare out an unwelcoming family, but Beetlejuice has more than helping in mind.
“Ghostbusters”
Who you gonna to call? … After getting kicked out of their positions at a New York University, three scientists decide to trap ghosts, spirits and poltergeists for money.
Halloween Movies
John Carpenter’s Halloween movies have become a staple to all those want to get their horror fill during this time of the year. The Michael Myers character has been scaring audiences since the first Halloween movie was released in 1978. Since then the franchise has released nine other Halloween movies, including “Halloween H20,” “Halloween Resurrection”, and the most recent, “Halloween 2009.”
“Amityville Horror”
Director Stuart Rosenberg released the original “Amityville Horror” in 1979. After newlyweds move into a house where a murder took place, they start to realize that the house is haunted. This is not your children’s haunted house tale, so don’t consider sitting down with the family for this film.
“Friday the 13th”
In 1980, the American horror character Jason first leaped onto the screen, scaring audiences around the world. Directed by Sean S. Cunningham, the original “Friday the 13th” film has since spawned several other “Friday the 13th” spinoffs.
