Every year as October 31st approaches, we begin to think of ways to both entertain and frighten ourselves. Kids will be thinking of the hordes of candy that they can pillage from their neighbors. Children and adults alike will be contemplating what popular character they want to dress up as. Few things, however, can get you in the proper mood for Halloween like a good, scary movie. Here are 5 must watch movies for Halloween.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
“Hocus Pocus,” is a horror-comedy that can be enjoyed by the whole family. It stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy as a trio of witches that are accidentally resurrected on Halloween. The witches try to adapt to modern times while a band of kids tries to thwart them. Good video sales and seasonal TV airings have made this a cult classic.
Dracula (1931)
No Halloween-movie list would be complete without an entry from the Universal Monsters. Unlike the more nuanced Wolf Man, Mummy and Frankenstein’s Monster, Dracula is pure evil. The macabre scenery and classic story set the perfect stage for a Halloween movie-viewing party. The legendary Bela Lugosi stars as the titular vampire. Lugosi’s portrayal would color the world’s concept of Count Dracula for generations to come.
The Addams Family (1991)
“The Addams Family,” took a classic 60s TV sitcom and turned it into a large-budget film. This movie about an eccentric family went on to be a major blockbuster that even spawned a sequel. Fun performances by Raul Julia and Christopher Loyd lead to a number of laugh-out-loud moments. Oddball parents, warped children and a disembodied hand add to a spooky but mostly fun atmosphere.
Ghostbusters (1984)
“Ghostbusters,” is part science-fiction adventure and part comedy. It has a number of visually-creative ghosts and iconic moments. This movie became a pop-culture phenomenon that lead to sequels, a cartoon series and a line of toys. After 35 years, one can still find Ghostbusters merchandise in stores to this day. Kids and adults will enjoy some laughs and a few frights from the likes of Slimer and the Marshmallow Man.
Casper (1995)
The popular ghost from Harvey Comics and cartoons made his live-action debut in 1995. Casper is a fun family movie. It features some early but excellent CGI effects to bring the friendly ghost to life. The film stars Bill Pullman and a young Christina Ricci as a father and daughter who move into an old mansion. Their new home just happens to already be inhabited by a certain ghost.
In Conclusion
There is no shortage of horror films and Halloween-themed movies to choose from. These 5 must watch movies for Halloween offer something for just about anyone to enjoy. They can provide some seasonal fun for a wide range of age groups and personal tastes. Watching one of these classic films should help you to set the right tone for a fun and happy Halloween.
