Halloween is here, and the struggle of preparing a family fun week is back. For most Halloween regulars, trick-or-treating is only an aspect of the holiday that occurs one night a year. As the season begins far earlier, one activity that helps commemorate it is seeing Halloween movies.
Although Jason Voorhees and Freddy Krueger are popular Halloween icons, there are other family-friendly scary films to enjoy. While movies like “Hocus Pocus” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” are available, Disney’s “Twitches” and “Halloweentown” will also make a good Halloween family viewing.
However, picking the right movies for Halloween can be exhausting and tiring for movie faithfuls. Consequently, this article aims to ease your burden by recommending top Halloween movies suitable for parents and children to enjoy.
The Corpse Bride
For most movie enthusiasts, “The Corpse Bride” is a perfect family-friendly Halloween film. “The Corpse Bride” was co-directed by Tim Burton and Mike Johnson, with a cast list of Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Emily Watson. This stop-motion gothic fairy tale centers on Victor Van Dort, who was set up to wed Victoria Everglot.
Released in 2005, the film focuses on a hesitant groom who accidentally married a recently deceased woman, bringing her back to life. However, when Victor ends up in the lively Land of the Dead, he is forced to choose between his new corpse wife and his mortal fiancée.
Monsters, Inc.
Another family-friendly Halloween movie is “Monsters, Inc.,” where there is nothing to be scared of. The popular Disney/Pixar animated film follows two creatures whose mission is to terrify youngsters in their sleep.
Although their job is to terrify children to power Monstropolis, they are, for the most part, pleasant people outside of work. For interested parties, “Monsters, Inc.” is available to stream on Disney Plus.
Beetlejuice
“Beetlejuice,” directed by Tim Burton, is one of the most renowned Halloween films, turning the haunted home stereotype on its head. The film follows the spirits’ attempts to rid their dwelling of humans by employing the mischievous Beetlejuice.
The movie cast list includes Catherine O’Hara, Winona Ryder, Geena Davis, Michael Keaton, and Alec Baldwin. For interested parties, “Beetlejuice” is available to stream on HBO Max.
Halloweentown
“Halloweentown” premiered in 1998 as one of the original Disney Channel movies and has since become a yearly classic. In the film, Marnie discovers her grandmother resides in “Halloweentown” and discovers that the town’s eerie animals are facing a new danger.
Starring Kimberly J. Brown and Debbie Reynolds, “Halloweentown” is available on Disney Plus.
Hocus Pocus
After its first theatrical run in 1993, “Hocus Pocus” became a cult favorite, thanks, in part, to its yearly TV airings in October. With Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy’s performances as charismatic witches, “Hocus Pocus” has always ensured to keep invested.
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Subsequently, in 2022, “Hocus Pocus” returned for a sequel 30 years after the Black Flame Candle originally resurrected the Sanderson sisters. “Hocus Pocus 2” entertains as the Sandersons adapt to modern life, such as using robotic vacuum cleaners instead of brooms.
Goosebumps
Jack Black plays the legendary horror writer R. L. Stine in the 2015 film “Goosebumps.” When a new neighbor unintentionally unlocks one of Stine’s sealed books, he releases all of the author’s well-known monsters.
Among these monsters are the Abominable Snowman, the haunting mask, Slappy, the ventriloquist’s dummy, the lawn gnomes, and others. “Goosebumps” is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
Werewolf by Night
Marvel’s “Werewolf by Night” is an excellent pick for children who enjoy superheroes. On a dark night at a mystery mansion, a crew of monster hunters unite to track down an elusive werewolf.
However, no one is who they appear, resulting in a thrilling cat-and-mouse pursuit. Written by Heather Quinn, the movie stars Gael García Bernal and Laura Donnelly and was directed by Michael Giacchino.
The Addams Family 1991
In the 1991 film “The Addams Family,” a con artist imitates Uncle Fester to infiltrate the Addams home but gets more than expected. The film casts Anjelica Huston as Morticia, Christopher Lloyd as Uncle Fester, Christina Ricci as Wednesday, and Raul Julia as Gomez.
As a result of her performance as Morticia, Huston was nominated for a Golden Globe. “The Addams Family” 1991 is available for streaming on Paramount Plus.
The Canterville Ghost
“The Canterville Ghost” is a horror story that follows an American family’s move into a historic English castle. In the castle, the family’s daughter, played by Neve Campbell, finds that Sir Simon de Canterville’s spirit, played by Patrick Stewart, haunts the land.
It is a fantastic contemporary twist on the traditional Oscar Wilde story. “The Canterville Ghost” is available on Amazon Prime Video.
Casper
Although the 1995 live-action movie made Casper the Friendly Ghost a lot popular, the character has existed since 1945. When a young girl (Christina Ricci) moves into a haunted house, Casper befriends her, and the two form an unbreakable bond.
“Casper” features appearances from Clint Eastwood, Rodney Dangerfield, and Dan Aykroyd, who were reprising their roles from Ghostbusters. “Casper” is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
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Which Scary Halloween Movies Came Out This Year?
2024 has seen the release of some horror movies which are better suited to a modern audience. For families looking for a new horror movie to watch this Halloween, a good choice is “Speak No Evil,” which premiered in September 2024 and starred James McAvoy.
In addition, 2024 saw the release of horror movies, like “Alien Romulus,” “The Crow” and a sequel to “Beetlejuice,” titled “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.” As you enjoy the Halloween season, grab your popcorn and relax as you entertain yourself in this scary season.
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