Ten Halloween movies you must watch

Ashley Potts

Halloween is next Monday, and it’s time to get into the spooky holiday mood. One way to do this is enjoy some classic Halloween movies. Here are ten that you must watch:

1. “It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown”

Ad

This one is a classic, and it is perfect for not-so-scary Halloween celebrations. Charlie Brown and the gang participate in costume parties, pumpkin carving, bobbing for apples and waiting for the Great Pumpkin. The movie can be purchased on Amazon Prime.

2. “Halloweentown”

Another classic for those who grew up watching Disney Channel and wish there was a world where Halloween never ends. Marnie not only learns that she’s a witch but that her grandmother resides in picturesque Halloweentown with goblins and ghouls and the like. The adventures continue in “Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge,” “Halloweentown High,” and “Return to Halloweentown.” Find them on DVD or tune into Disney Channel.

3. “Hocus Pocus”

The sassy Sanderson sisters are a huge hit and provide attitude that lasts long past Halloween. After accidentally setting them free, Max and his sister Dani have to find a way to stop the witches from becoming immortal. This one can be rented on Amazon or found on the $5 movie rack at Target.

4. “The Addams Family”

This family lives for spooky all year round. Based on the original Addams Family cartoon, the movie follows the family through finding their long lost relative Hester or so they think. Watch it on Netflix or rent the sequel, “Addams Family Values,” on Amazon.

5. “Beetlejuice”

Beetlejuice is one of the most iconic ghosts around. Husband and wife find themselves stuck haunting their own house after their deaths. When the new family tries to set them free, Beetlejuice intervenes to cause some trouble. Rent it on Amazon Prime.

6. “Edward Scissorhands”

Ad

This is a classic Tim Burton and Johnny Depp partnership that can’t be missed. A scientist creates Edward but dies before finishing his project. This leaves Edward with scissors for hands. He struggles to fit in with the suburban family who takes him in. It is available to rent on Amazon.

7. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”

A cult classic musical set in Transylvania that celebrates the creepy in all of us. Brad and Janet run into transvestite scientist Dr. Frank-n-Furter. They find themselves in the midst of a strange mix of people who help them to lose their innocence. All the while, Dr. Frank-n-Furter is working on his latest project: Rocky. Rent it on Amazon Prime.

8. “The Ametyville Horror”

This is one of the most well known murder mysteries around. A family moves into the home where a father shot and killed six of his family members. The new family experiences paranormal activity related to the incident while living there. Rent the original on Amazon, or catch the 2005 remake on Netflix. If you really get sucked in, there are a number of spinoffs to explore as well.

9. “The Shining”

It’s a classic scary movie based on one of Stephen King’s most thrilling novels. A writer moves into an isolated Colorado hotel to care for it in the winter and work on his writing. His son Danny has psychic premonitions, which get stranger and stranger while Jack’s writers block worsens. Eventually, Jack snaps and decides to terrorize his family. Rent it on Amazon, or take a trip to Estes Park and live it for yourself.

10. “The Nightmare Before Christmas”

Tim Burton provides the perfect movie to transition between Halloween and Christmas celebrations. Pumpkin King Jack Skellington discovers the Christmas universe. He wants to celebrate both, but realizes he may be a bit too scary for the Christmas world and begins to question himself and the holidays he loves. It’s available to rent on Amazon.