A core memory for most people is sitting in front of the TV on a chilly Autumn night and watching a Halloween movie. From genre to genre, horror to family, animated to real–the Halloween movie options are endless. This year we decided to revisit some movies we watched as children to see if they still deserve to be a Halloween classic.
One of the most iconic Halloween movies that almost everyone watched as a kid is Hocus Pocus. The three Sanderson sisters have become a staple during Halloween season with costumes, quotes, and decor. We love this movie because of the multilayered and original story. The “villains” in the story are misunderstood characters with deep backstories, which is what makes it so different from the other Halloween villains. No matter how many times we watch this movie, it never gets old. Between the classic fall town, memorable lines, and humor, the movie is a must watch every October.
The most overrated Halloween movie in our opinion is Halloweentown. While nostalgic, the storyline feels predictable and lacks depth. The special effects seem weak and often take away the magical atmosphere that it is trying to create. The characters also seem underdeveloped and the dialogue can be awkward and cringeworthy throughout the movie. Despite Halloweentown’s large following, it doesn’t quite live up to its expectations, especially when viewed with a more critical eye. Overall, it’s a fun watch for kids, but is not the Halloween cult classic that it’s often made out to be.
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is another timeless movie that was a staple in many childhoods. It’s ‘60s 2D animation and jazzy soundtrack reminds us of the special kind of excitement that only children feel during Halloween. Unlike many Autumn movies, it doesn’t focus on scary themes or characters. Instead it teaches important messages to kids such as faith and perseverance. This movie is short and sweet, but still holds up almost 60 years later.
Beetlejuice is the epitome of a classic 80s Halloween movie. Its unforgettable characters and unique humor make it stand out as a truly original film. It has been turned into online memes, a sequel, and even a Broadway musical. Although this movie may be a little scarier for younger audiences, this is a timeless movie that can be watched at any age. The visual style, creative storytelling, and iconic acting performances all contribute to its status as a Halloween essential. The details and plot of Beetlejuice make it a perfect movie to constantly rewatch over and over again.
The Nightmare Before Christmas is arguably a Halloween movie due to the setting and costume design. Although it features both Christmas and Halloween, the film leans heavily into the Halloween themes, making it a seasonal favorite during October. This film is a staple because of its dark elements, eerie atmosphere, and storyline that is centered around the iconic Jack Skellington. Henry Selik is an amazing director and anything he makes is worth the watch, and this movie is no exception. The movie has stop motion animation and keeps the story kid friendly while also bringing in scary elements like hauntingly beautiful music and creepy visuals. This makes The Nightmare Before Christmas a standout movie for the Halloween season.
Another movie that deserves all its credit is Coraline. Directed by Henry Selick, it has darker themes than many Halloween movies geared towards kids. It has eerie stop motion animation and effects while carrying themes like curiosity and the illusion of perfection. We believe that this movie is one of the best Halloween films due to its unique memorable characters and meaningful story. Many movies have captured ideas of childhood wonder, but none quite as scary and unique as Coraline.
This movie is one of our personal favorites; Monster House. What sets it apart from other animated Halloween films is that it was made using motion capture technology giving characters a more realistic feel. Monster House has a deep backstory and plot twists throughout, causing the audience to be on their toes the entire time. The blend of mystery, suspense, and creepiness makes this movie both thrilling and entertaining for viewers of all ages. We enjoy this movie because we carry a tradition of watching it every year on Halloween with our families. This makes Monster House not just a film, but a yearly experience that brings nostalgia, fun, and chills every time we watch it.
Nostalgia often puts a rose colored lens on people’s favorite childhood movies, making people remember they’re better than they really are. While some movies, like Halloweentown, fall short in terms of quality, others, like The Nightmare Before Christmas and It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, have become iconic during Halloween season. These movies bring the spooky spirit and joy to many, and should be regarded as Halloween classics.
