10 Of The Best Halloween Films For Everyone In The Family
The list below is a description of ten films appropriate for viewing during the Halloween season that fits everyone in the family’s needs. The first five are aimed toward a younger audience and are not meant to scare them to death. They are simply light stories of terror and suspense that are just spooky enough to add a little fright for the young ones, without over doing it.
The last five are classic horror films aimed toward older teens and adults, as they contain elements of horror films that are a little over the top for young children. They are definitely must-sees and classic portrayals of horror films by many well-known directors. So, sit back, cover up, and enjoy the following selections recommended to view on Halloween!!
For the little ones...
Hocus Pocus
Directed by Kenny Ortega and released in 1993, Hocus Pocus is an mystical story about three 17th century witch sisters, played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy who come back to life one Halloween night in search of the lives of children in order to keep them alive and young. Full of fun twists and excitement, this Halloween thriller is definitely one to keep in mind the next time a witch knocks on your door. Perhaps it is really one of the Sanderson sisters?
The Addams Family
Released in 1991, The Addams Family depicts the story of a unique family, who values elements of the dark and death and live together in a mansion. The individuals within the family each create their own spin on their particular way of life in modern times. A fun and entertaining film to enjoy, this one will make you laugh yet add an element of fright while you witness and live through the lives of this bizarre family.
Monster House
A more recent animated film released in 2006, Monster House, is an exhilarating story of a teenager who discovers that the house across the street from him, which houses his cranky old neighbor, is in fact haunted and inhabited by a monster. The teenager, DJ, and his friends discover that the house has a gruesome secret of eating all the children that come to trick or treat at it on Halloween night. Help DJ find a way to save the children from the monster house on Halloween before its too late!
Beetlejuice
Released in 1988 by classic horror film director Tim Burton, Beetlejuice, is the story of a couple who, when driving back to their luxurious mansion, get into a car accident. The couple returns as ghosts who haunt their former mansion. When they find out that a new couple wants to move in, they call on the odd hero Beetlejuice for help. He is supposed to be very good at convincing people. However, the ghost couple soon realizes that creepy and sly Beetlejuice has other things in mind to do with the family and the couple then tries to save them from the unsettling thoughts of Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice!!
It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
Based on the comic strip Peanuts, written by Charles Schultz, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, invites you to celebrate Halloween along with all the Peanuts characters. Charlie Brown gets invited to the celebrated Halloween party and Linus hopes he will receive a special visit from the Great Pumpkin in this upbeat film that celebrates all the tradition and glory of Halloween.
Now, for the older members of the family...
Dracula
There is no movie that depicts a more frightening villain than the 1931 portrayal of the classic horror film Dracula, directed by Tod Browning. Join Dracula as he travels across Eastern Europe searching for his next victim and encountering conflict with the acclaimed doctor, Van Helsing. Originally filmed in black and white, the graphic portrayal, mixed with the strong music, will definitely leave you looking behind you!
Frankenstein
Released in 1931, this is the classic story of the monster we all know and love, Frankenstein. Scientist Henry Frankenstein researches a way to make the dead come back to life. He then creates a monster who does just that and has to deal with all the elements of life once again and encounters struggles with living after his death. This classic will leave you wondering whether or not there are more Frankensteins wandering the streets.
Friday The 13th
Travel to Camp Crystal Lake, with many campers and counselors who expect to have a great time in the outdoors filled with games and excitement. Little do they know, a psycho killer is stalking them and one by one each will end up dead. Little do they know the real reason for the killer’s actions and the question is whether or not they will live long enough to find out. This classic slasher film, Friday the 13th will make you think once or twice the next time you go camping to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Nightmare on Elm Street
Directed by well-known horror film director, Wes Craven, Nightmare on Elm Street is the story about a psychopath that haunts you in your dreams. The ghosts of the killer, Freddy Kruger, haunt a group of girls in their dreams and one by one they are first killed in their sleep and then in real life. Careful with this one, you might not be able to fall asleep after knowing that the ghosts of Kruger might appear in your dreams!
Psycho
One of the most well known horror movies of all time, Psycho, directed by the famous Alfred Hitchcock, depicts the story of Mary Crane as she travels to the what she thinks is the safe Bates Motel. After she is murdered, more and more suspicion builds and an investigation begins as to what really happens at the Bates Motel and who really is its owner, Norman Bates? Captured by horrific music incorporated within the film, this one will definitely send you thrills and chills!
All of the films listed above add their own specimen to what should be included in successful horror films. They are films about witches, vampires, monsters, and psychopaths, mixed with silly characters embodying all the qualities of a memorable villain perfect for Halloween. So whether you are young or old, want to be scared or surprised, like Halloween or not, you can definitely find a film within this list that you will enjoy. Sit back, relax, and cover up on this Halloween night, but just make sure you leave a light on or two!
