The weeks leading up to Halloween night are some of the best weeks of the year. Decorating the porch with ghosts and ghouls, carving spooky or funny faces into pumpkins, shopping or making costumes and decorating cookies adds to the excitement that comes on October 31st. One of the best ways to get into the spirit is to watch Halloween movies! Whether you’re gathering the kids for a night of fun or curling up on the couch for some real scares, we’ve got 13 of the best Halloween movies for any occasion. Grab the popcorn, put on the DVD (or grab the movie on iTunes and get 7% Cash Back at Ebates) and get ready for some Halloween treats and tricks!
Family Friendly
If you’re spending this Halloween with little ones around, you’ll want to be a bit more selective about your movie choices. You don’t want to put on anything too scary that can result in tears, but you’ll also want to be entertained as well. These four classics will bring back memories as well as create new ones for the whole family.
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
No Halloween would be complete without Charlie Brown. This classic short features the Peanuts gang trick-or-treating, bobbing for apples and Linus waiting for the Great Pumpkin. Recommended Age: 3 and up
The Worst Witch (1986)
Back before Harry Potter went to Hogwarts, Mildred Hubble went to Miss Cackle’s Academy of Witches. Unfortunately, Mildred just can’t seem to get it right. This sweet story will entertain children as well as adults. Recommended Age: 5 and up
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
You’ll have your little ones marching around singing “This is Halloween” for days after watching this Tim Burton masterpiece. Jack Skellington, who is tired of Halloween festivities, stumbles upon Christmas Town and decides to try his hand at that holiday. It’s a perfect film for both Halloween and Christmas. Recommended Age: 7 and up
Halloweentown (1998)
Marnie is obsessed with Halloween, which all makes sense when she discovers she is a witch. She heads off to Halloweentown after her grandmother arrives and the real tricks and treats begin. This film is the first in a triology, all of which are magical. Recommended Age: 9 and up
Teen Screams
Scary movies at sleepovers are nothing new, especially when October rolls around. If you have some tweens or teens in your household, these PG-13 movies are scary without being too horrifying or gory.
The Monster Squad (1987)
More funny than scary, The Monster Squad tells the story of a young group of monster fans who have to save their town after it is invaded by Count Dracula and his army of monsters. It’s perfect for teens who loves monster movies but don’t want to get too scared just yet.
The Others (2001)
This is subtle horror film that uses the power of atmosphere, music and suggestion to frighten rather than blood, gore and jump scares. An over-protective mother lives in an old, dark house with her two children who are sensitive to light. Over time she is convinced that the home she lives in is haunted.
The Ring (2002)
A mysterious videotape that causes the death of anyone within a week of watching it is the center of this scary movie and a journalist is determined to solve this urban legend. But if the urban legend is true, she only has seven days to solve it. It’s yet another film that skips over the blood and gore and focuses on psychological scares with a fair share of jumps and creepy imagery.
Insidious (2010)
Evil spirits are attacking a young boy who fell into a coma after a mysterious incident that took place in an attic. Referred to by many as one of the scariest PG-13 horror films of all time, it is a perfect blend of creepy and suspenseful.
Never Sleep Again
Take Halloween night to the next level and get ready to sleep with the light on. These movies are filled with blood, gore, scares and true horror. Don’t worry though, you can always cover your eyes at the scary parts.
Trick ‘r Treat (2007)
Four stories. One night. This horror anthology takes place on Halloween Night and is full of both tricks and treats. A perfect mix or horror and comedy, Trick ‘r Treat is a classic that is fun to watch year after year.
Halloween (1978)
Michael Myers has escaped the mental hospital he’s been in for 15 years after stabbing his sister to death. John Carpenter’s Halloween is one of the most iconic movies of the holiday for a reason. Suspenseful, creepy and terrifying, Michael Myers will send chills down your spine.
The Evil Dead (1981)
Five friends travel to a cabin in the woods and proceed to release an evil force that turns its victims into monsters. A cult classic that shaped the future of zombie movies, The Evil Dead trilogy is a must-watch. Be prepared for a whole lot of blood and gore in this one.
The Conjuring (2013)
Strange things begin to happen after a family moves into a farm house in Rhode Island. Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren are called to examine the house and discover a satanic haunting that will test everyone involved. This nail-biting movie will have you peeking behind the covers for the whole ride.
The Best Halloween Movie of All?
Maybe you don’t have a lot of time this year to do a Halloween movie marathon. Or maybe you’re just not that into dressing up or getting scared. If you only watch one Halloween movie this year, better make it…
Hocus Pocus (1993)
This film put a spell on everyone that still lives to this day. The Sanderson sisters are back and it’s up to two teens, a young girl and an immortal cat to put an end to this reign of terror. Hocus Pocus is a family friendly movie that children and adults both enjoy and love.
Whether you’re keeping the movies fun and silly or going all in for a scare-fest, have a Happy Halloween!
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