Watching Halloween movies is a non-negotiable part of spooky season. Growing up, my mom would let us watch some of the OG classic scary movies which my twelve year old self lived for. Only the ones rated R though! 😉 Now, my tastes are a little bit more refined. While I still like the occasional scary movie (mostly just the classics), I lean more towards suspense and fantasy over gore. You also can't beat a good, lighthearted Halloween comedy. With only a week left in October, here's to cramming in as many mini marathons as possible. Keep reading for a round-up of my favorite flicks + what I'm planning on watching this spooky season!
1. Halloweentown - We'll start with the family friendly fun. Halloweentown was IT growing up. Who wouldn't want to find out they're a witch and fly off on a magical bus back to Halloweentown? As a kid I was obsessed with Marnie and how Halloweentown looked on the screen. I'll admit watching it now feels a little cheesy but it's still a classic. Super cute + nostalgic!
2. Hocus Pocus - Hocus Pocus is another one. I feel like almost everyone has seen a few of these so it feels silly to describe them in detail? Last year one of our local theaters showed it so I had the chance to watch it for the first time at the box office. Anytime they show one of my favorites or an oldie, I try to go see them. I love the idea of being able to "see it for the first time in theaters" or getting to relive the experience.
3. Ghostbusters - The original Ghostbusters is the way to go, however I'm intrigued by the new Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Anyone know why it's not out until mid-November? Definitely should have been released in time for Halloween IMO!
4. The Harry Potter Series - I can go for any Harry Potter at any time, however for some reason they're even better over a holiday? Halloween is the perfect time for some witch craft + wizardry. You've got a little feel good fantasy, some suspense and + let's not forget the troll and pumpkin juice. They just feel like Fall and it works, okay? Watch them all!
5. The Haunted Mansion - Alright I haven't seen this one in a LONG time but I remember loving it when I was younger. It always gave me haunted Beauty and the Beast vibes for some reason. Have you seen it? Maybe I will rewatch it this week!
6. Halloween - The original Halloween was one of the first "scary" movies that I ever watched. By today's standards, it isn't super scary but if I'm in the mood for a slasher, this has always been my go-to and favorite. The music score, Jamie Lee Curtis + the cinematography John Carpenter created for the film are all incredible. I never knew this until college, however Halloween paved the way for many other slasher films that followed. When it was released in the late '70s, the film style wasn't common which made it a huge success. I've enjoyed watching several of the sequels, however the original will always be the best!
7. Scream - I also remember Scream being on tv a ton growing up. This one has the classic stalker serial-killer vibes like a lot of slashers, however definitely has some comedic/parody vibes. I like the original best!
8. A Nightmare on Elm Street - 1, 2.... Freddy's coming for you.
9. Disturbia - When I tell ya'll the crush I had on Shia when Disturbia came out... man had a major glow-up from his Even Stevens days! Actually a great thriller too. If you're a movie buff, it's actually like a modern day Rear Window where Shia's character watches everything going on around him through the windows of his home. Similar to Jimmy Stewart's character with a suspenseful plot.
10. The Shining - If you've never watched The Shining, Halloween is the perfect occasion to do so. A horror film that's incredible, eerie and unsettling.
As a little extra bonus, here are some new picks on my watch list for this year. I haven't seen any of these before so LMK your thoughts if you have!
+ The Rocky Horror Picture Show
+ The Craft
+ The Witches of Eastwick
+ Death Becomes Her
+ Practical Magic
