Classic Halloween Movie Review

It’s that time of the year again, leaves are falling, temperatures are dropping, Starbucks releases the pumpkin spice latte from their vaults, and we’re all in the mood to curl up with a good Halloween movie. Here are some of the best classic halloween movies we all know and love, plus an honorable mention. 

1. The Addams Family & Addams Family Values 

The Addams Family franchise has been a favorite for decades, even before Netflix’s hit show Wednesday. Both movies are delightfully macabre, though certain portions haven’t aged well, and will have you on the edge of your seat even on your 2nd and 3rd viewings. The props and costumes are fantastic, and the actors do a phenomenal job at representing the bizarre lives of the Addams family. While not technically a halloween movie, the creepy and mysterious vibe of it is perfect to set you in the mood for spooky season. 

1. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

On a completely different theme, a nostalgic childhood movie. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown may be a tad childish, but it still is perfect for halloween. Ghosts, witches, and Great Pumpkins! What else could you need? 

1. Hocus Pocus

Another absolute halloween classic! Or so you thought, but Hocus Pocus was actually released in July. Still, it is an absolute must for halloween movie night. Witches, a talking cat, questionable CGI, and dash of sexism (and a zombie! Not nearly as scary). It also includes a fantastic soundtrack that’ll get stuck in your head year round. This must be the recipe for a cult classic halloween movie! But maybe leave out the sexism. 

1. Coraline 

The perfect combination of creepy and wonderful, Coraline is a great choice for halloween. It’s not technically a halloween movie, but really anything can be if you try hard enough. Coraline has everything you need out of it, spooky imagery, great storytelling, and top notch animation. A bonus, it’s based on a book! You can check it out at the library if you’re feeling extra dedicated. 

1. Beetle Juice 

Speaking of creepy, Beetle Juice is a cult classic among fans of horror and fantasy. Tim Burton does an amazing job with imagining the characters, from casting to costuming to the whole plot in general. It’s an absolutely absurd and bizarre movie, packed full of wit and pure imagination despite being, at its core, a movie about death. If you’re a fan of bizarre movies, you’ll love Beetle Juice instantly. 

And last but certainly not least, an honorable mention:

1.  The Nightmare Before Christmas 

No one can ever decide if The Nightmare Before Christmas is a Halloween or Christmas movie, so it can just count as an honorable mention. Another Tim Burton film, it’s packed full of creepy, spooky hilarity, with amazing animation to boot. A classic family movie with a catchy soundtrack, it’s a must see this holiday season. You can watch it at Thanksgiving to split the difference. 

Enjoy your Halloween! And don’t forget to put All Too Well (Taylors Version) on loop this season.