5 Halloween Movies to Help You Get into the Halloween Spirit
Posted on: Oct 03, 2024

With Halloween quickly approaching, I wanted to take this chance to highlight some of the best Halloween movies that help me get into the spooky season. While I appreciate a really good horror film, Halloween movies don’t have to be purely about spine-tingling terror or blood-curdling screams. There’s a wide range of other movies that can set the perfect Halloween mood. From eerie thrillers to lighthearted comedies, these films can transport you to a world of witches, ghosts and haunted houses without necessarily leaving you trembling with fear.
Everyone has their go-to movie to watch during this spooky season, and although I would love for this list to go on forever, I narrowed it down to my essential top 5:
- Halloween (1978)
Directed by John Carpenter, Halloween is the quintessential slasher film, and is the framework for all the great slasher films that came after. The movie that introduced the world to Michael Myers, follows babysitter Laurie Strode (played by Jamie Lee Curtis) as she tries to survive Halloween night while being stalked by the relentless killer. Unlike many horror movies that rely on gore and jump scares, Halloween builds tension slowly, keeping viewers on edge as Michael Myers silently hunts his prey. Over four decades later, the eerie score, suspenseful direction and terrifying atmosphere have made Halloween a must-watch every October.
- Beetlejuice (1988)
Who doesn’t love a good Tim Burton movie during the spooky season? Beetlejuice is probably one of Burton’s greatest creations as the film manages to masterfully blend the genres of horror and comedy. This dark comedy is a quirky exploration of the afterlife and what happens when the living and the dead collide. Michael Keaton’s performance as the titular character Beetlejuice is by far the highlight, bringing a manic energy to the role that makes the character both endearing and unsettling. Along with Burton’s signature gothic style, the imaginative set designs and memorable characters make Beetlejuice a beloved classic for the season.
- Scream (1996)
Wes Craven’s Scream is by far one of my favorite movies to watch during October. The suspense and anxiety you feel during every scene with Ghostface is expertly balanced with its unique brand of self-aware comedy. This is a film franchise that is not afraid to poke fun at its own genre and celebrate the slasher movie tropes we all know so well. Despite its meta-comedy nature, this film does not skimp on suspense and gore, as each death scene is terrifying in its own way. No matter how many times I’ve seen this film, I get wrapped up in the fun of solving the murders along with the characters as we find out who the Ghostface killer is.
- Hocus Pocus (1993)
Despite initially being considered a flop, this family-friendly Halloween favorite has become a cult classic and a must-watch for every family during Halloween. Hocus Pocus tells the story of three witches played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy, who are resurrected on Halloween night in Salem, Massachusetts. The film’s blend of spooky fun, catchy musical numbers and heartwarming moments has made it a perennial favorite for Halloween, with fans eagerly watching it year after year.
- Trick ’r Treat (2007)
A modern addition to the Halloween movie canon, Trick ’r Treat has earned its place as a cult classic. This anthology horror film weaves together several interconnected stories, all set on Halloween night capturing the spirit of the holiday by exploring its traditions, superstitions and the consequences of ignoring them. The film’s central character, Sam, has become an iconic figure in Halloween culture, with merch and a fandom all his own. Each story in Trick ’r Treat is unique, ranging from darkly humorous to genuinely terrifying, but they all share a common theme: respect the rules of Halloween. The film’s loyal following has cemented it as a must-watch for Halloween enthusiasts.
These classic Halloween movies offer something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for spine-tingling scares, dark humor or family-friendly fun. Each film captures the essence of Halloween in its own unique way, from the suspenseful terror of Halloween to the whimsical magic of Hocus Pocus. As this spooky season begins, these 5 movies provide the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit.
Grab some Halloween candy, dim the lights and enjoy these timeless films that have become staples of the Halloween season.
Benjamin Hickson is an aspiring producer and production coordinator who has 4+ years experience working on various Film and TV projects. He has a background in Public Relations and served for six years in the military. He also has passion for travel and aims to increase LGBTQ+ representation in the entertainment industry.
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