Happy (almost) Halloween, folks! If you’re anything like me, you’ve had your costume planned for months now… If you haven't chosen a costume yet, fret not! One of the best (and easiest) ways to start brainstorming costumes is to turn to some classic Halloween flicks. Below, we have a list of some of our all-time favorite Halloween movies. Whether you’re looking for a movie that makes your hair stand on end or something delightfully spooky, we’ve got you covered.
John recommends: It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
“Most movies I have a hard time watching a second time, but there’s something about the Peanuts Gang that always keeps my attention. This movie came out 50 years ago this October and it’s my favorite Halloween movie to watch with kids. There are many life lessons to be learned in this fantastic film like Linus saying, 'There are three things that I've learned never discuss with people: religion, politics, and the Great Pumpkin' and that couldn’t be truer for our current times!”
Craig recommends: House of Usher (1960)
“As always, Vincent Price is incomparable; and the production design is of a gothic sort that, lamentably, isn't often utilized in modern films.”
Michelle recommends: Hocus Pocus (1993)
“Hocus Pocus is the all-time classic Halloween movie, especially for my generation. And you can't go through the month of October without seeing it on TV at least once. It is the perfect blend of family fun, cleverly hidden jokes for the adults, and the magic of Halloween all wrapped in one. And the Sanderson sisters served as inspiration for one of my favorite Halloween costumes to date!”
Libby recommends: The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
“I am not ashamed to admit that I will watch this movie every day between October 1st and January 1st… I know some people think it’s more of a Christmas movie, but that opening song welcoming you to Halloween Town is absolutely classic! Jack Skellington is completely delightful!”
Hunter recommends: Halloween (1978)
“While this seem like an obvious choice, Halloween is a masterpiece of horror on multiple levels. It single handedly created the slasher flick, revamped a dying genre for a teen audience, and set the blueprint for the modern day horror film. It is also one of the most successful indie films of all time and has a kick ass score!”
Brian recommends: Trick R Treat (2007)
“Five stories are interconnected by a creepy burlap-sack-pajama-wearing, jack-o-lantern-headed trick-or-treater that puts an end to each horror story line. Anything that's anthology based with twists that bring everything together is okay by me. It's campy, fun, and a well-written must watch.”
Jeff recommends: Poltergeist (1982)
“It's a good scary movie.” What more incentive do you need? Well… if you do need more spooky incentive, did you know many believe the Poltergeist film franchise to be “cursed due to the premature deaths of several people associated with the film”?! (Wikipedia)
The Strangers (2008)
“It's also a good scary movie.” Well, if Poltergeist wasn’t enough to get you shaking in your boots, try a viewing of this modern horror film set in our everyday world.
Note: All movie images are courtesy of IMDB.