Halloween Movies I Like To Watch

When it comes to Halloween, most folk will make the month of October a good excuse to watch horror movies. Some even go so far as to watch "31 Horror Movies in 31 Days" (a task I have yet to take on due to my busy scheduling, ie; vine compilations on YouTube), but for me I believe you can watch horror movies on any given day; you don't need a season.
During the Halloween season, this movie buff likes to watch Halloween movies, and ironically enough they don't include any featuring Michael Myers (don't hate me - I can't get into that series). I like watching movies based around, or are about, the Halloween season. It makes me all giddy, and excited like a little demon. Its like Christmas for me, except with a lot more monsters.

So, I've put together a list of Halloween movies I try to watch traditionally, and thought it'd be fun to share it all with you. Here goes (don't worry, it isn't a long list):

Paranorman (2012)

Okay, so this isn't a Halloween movie, and isn't set in Halloween, but don't you think it should be?
Its set in a small town in Massachusetts, New England where the famous "Salem Witch Trails" took place. Its also set during the Autumn season, bringing the peaceful golden hue of the season to life. It has ghosts, zombies and witches, perfect candidates for Halloween. And, finally, its story featuring a creepy house, a spell binding mystery adventure, and enough spooky scenes for people who don't want to be scared too much.
Paranorman is perfect for Halloween viewing, not to mention it tells the age old moral of not judging others because they're different. The hero of the piece, Norman, an 11 year old kid who can talk to the dead, is branded a weirdo by the town as well as his family, but he is also the very person they need to rid themselves of an ancient curse befallen on the town.
Its a great film, and one I'm glad I caught at the cinemas. Plus, its told in the style of stop motion animation, one of my favourite mediums in movies.

Casper (1995)

Yep. That Casper. The Friendly Ghost, modernised for the cool, and hip era of the 90s. This one is much like one of Casper's ghostly uncles, its a stretch to call this a Halloween movie but I do anyway as the films climax takes place during a Halloween party that Christina Ricci's character hosts in her new home, that just so happens to be haunted; Whipstaff Manor.
And since it technically takes place in Halloween, the relaxing setting of Autumn leaves brings the spirited good times to life (plus its set in Maine, which is a state in, you guessed it. New England - the perfect setting).
The movie itself is a fun one. Starring a very game Bill Pullman, and teenage Wednesday Adams, who are very convincing as a father/daughter combo. Casper, and his uncles (Stretch, Stinky and Fatso), while obviously the reason the movie exists, they're, ironically, fleshed out as more than one dimensional gimmicks, and are provided with brilliant voice acting, and an entertaining script to carry them. Throw in a treasure hunting adventure subplot, and a heart warming finale, Casper is one to keep.

Monster House (2006)

Right, here's an actual Halloween movie. Monster House is a unique, and weirdly original animated movie that embraces the spirit of Halloween, in creepy (but not too creepy) fashion.
The name of the game is exactly what the movie suggests, the big bad monster in this flick is the house itself. Yep. The damn thing is alive, and will eat anyone (and anything) that steps foot on its lawn. Its owner, the cranky Nebbercracker (played by Steve Buscemi) screams and howls at any meddlesome kid that dares disturb his property, but when the elderly man suffers a heart attack, and taken to the hospital it becomes apparent that something else is at play here.
A computer animated movie, portrayed by the very actors who voice the characters via mo-cap technology, Monster House is unlike anything you've seen before, or likely to ever again, which makes it stand out from the rest.
What makes Monster House for me isn't its enjoyable characters, but rather the spooky atmosphere, along with the stories some of the townsfolk have made up for the Nebbercracker character, and the house he loves. It tells a brilliant story, with twists and turns throughout, and isn't afraid to delve into a little bit of tragedy, making Monster House not just a fun movie for Halloween but one that makes you feel about loss. A modern classic.

The Crow (1994)

Something a little less family friendly. The Crow holds a special place in my heart in shaping my Gothic phase during my teenage years, and just so happens to be set around the season of Halloween, so naturally it's making the list.
Unfortunately, this movie is more famous for being the last role actor Brandon Lee (who plays Eric Draven aka The Crow) portrayed due to being accidentally killed on the set of the movie. Still, despite this, The Crow is a beautifully crafted, Gothic masterpiece based on an independent comic book. Eric, and his fiance, are killed by thugs who break into their home on Halloween night. A year later, Eric rises from the grave via the mysterious, supernatural means of a crow, positioning him into the role of "avenging angel" in extracting revenge for his own murder, as well as that of his fiance, and in the process putting "the wrong things right".
Not only do I love my ghouls, and ghosts but I'm also a sucker for superheroes, and The Crow ticked all the right boxes for me. A dark story of love, revenge and dead people set in a city that never sees the sun. The Crow is one you should definitely watch.

Disney's The Haunted Mansion (2003)

A controversial one here. With the box office success of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, a popular attraction/ride at Disneyland, The House of Mouse looked to recreate its magic by adapting another popular attraction from the park to the big screen: The Haunted Mansion, and the results were...lukewarm, but even that is being generous.
Given negative reviews by almost everyone who watched it, The Haunted Mansion failed to deliver expectations, where most of the blame was fallen on its star, Eddie Murphy. So, why do I dare add this to my Halloween viewing? Well, I'll tell you.
I agree with most of the bad press surrounding this movie; Eddie Murphy was hamming it up, and not in a good way, not to mention the uninspired plot, but where my enjoyment for this movie stems from is its breathtaking set designs, faithfully recreated from the fun ride. The supporting cast are filled with some of the finest character actors, and, of course, the spooky goings on in the mansion itself, as well as staying true to the lore established in the ride. The Haunted Mansion isn't a perfect movie by any means, but it isn't a terrible one either. A fun evening for all the non movie snob families.

Sleepy Hollow (1999)

Ah, the Headless Horseman. This classic, Gothic story is brought to the big screen by the Master of Weird, Tim Burton. Set in my favourite time period, the Colonial Era (more accurately the late 1700s), this adaptation of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow follows a police constable with an evolving, and scientific mind, Ichabod Crane, tasked with solving the mystery behind the beheading's of the residents living in fear. There, Crane uncovers more than a folklore legend, as a conspiracy forged in witchcraft comes to light.
Sleepy Hollow is right up there with The Crow. A bleak, yet beautiful movie that isn't afraid to get bloody. Pitting Johnny Depp, and Christina Ricci together with the poster boy for all things Gothic, Tim Burton, was always going to give you magic, if a little dark round the edges.
Its direction, score (composed by the equally weird Danny Elfman), and acting makes this movie more than a slasher flick, but a deeply engaging murder mystery with a ghostly touch.
I try to watch Sleepy Hollow every Halloween. To me, its perfect for October viewing, and set during one of the most paranoid, and controversial time periods in history, what more could you get from this horror classic?
As the tagline on the poster suggests: "Heads Will Roll".

Blood: The Last Vampire (2000)

I'm so very glad I came across this little gem. An anime classic from the creators of "Ghost In The Shell", another fan favourite among anime purists. Blood: The Last Vampire tells the story of Saya, an assassin working for a shadowy American team that hunts down and eliminates vampires (though they're now evolved into ugly, bat-like creatures). Saya is also referred to as "the last remaining original", which could mean she is the last human looking vampire (the movie doesn't out right confirm this, but a moment between Saya and one of the bat-creatures suggests it).
Blood is a sleek, and stylish Japanese anime that blends 2D and 3D animation skillfully, not to mention its supported by a brilliant English-dub with the voice actors really going that extra mile (Yuki Kudo, voicing Saya, really made you believe in her urgency: "SWORD!!!"). Its a horrifying, action packed bloody movie that needs more love. The only downside is it runs about 48mins, but it'd be the best 48mins of your life.
And best of all, its set during Halloween. Where the bat monsters invade a school dance, and there's decorations strung up in almost every scene. Its absolutely fantastic. I just wished they did more for the character Saya, as she definitely belongs up there with the other badass heroines in movie history.

Ginger Snaps (2000)

 A "coming-of-age horror movie" for young women questioning the changes occurring to their bodies during puberty. Trouble is, the changes the title character, Ginger, is going through is actually changing into a werewolf, and its up to her introverted younger sister, Bridgette, to slow down the process in order to find a cure, and to cover up for her sisters' increasing strange behaviour.
A smart, often funny horror movie that creates strong female characters, something that wasn't really prevalent in horror movies in the past. A refreshing change of pace not just in casting, but script work too. Making a horror movie about growing up sounds terrifying in itself, especially for females, which is what makes Ginger Snaps stand out.
What's more, its set in a small town called Bailey Downs, during the season of Halloween. Bingo. Instant thumbs up from me, but aside from my bias this is a great flick to get scared over, as well as laugh at, and feel a deep sense of depression. All great films provide a huge range of emotions, and that includes the horror genre too. Brilliantly acted, and supplying some harrowing creature effects, Ginger Snaps is a real Halloween treat, especially if you're a dog person.

Trick 'r Treat (2007)

From writer, and director Michael Dougherty (future director of the 2015 Christmas/horror flick "Krampus"), Trick 'r Treat is an anthology movie where its stories are all linked together, and sharing the theme of Halloween. A deranged neighbour, pesky kids, a cranky old man, undead trick or treaters and an all female werewolf bonfire party are what to expect when watching this spooktacular offering.
While the stories are all connected, with characters appearing briefly in others', there is one who is constant and seen throughout; a child-like, sack wearing figure called Sam (short for Samhain, the original name for Halloween). Little Sam is anything but a child. He is, in fact, a demonic enforcer, attacking anyone who doesn't uphold the traditions of this ghoulish holiday. A seasonal mascot for Halloween, much like Santa Claus for Christmas, Sam is an iconic looking character for the modern age, unfortunately he only appears here, and in a follow up comic (titled "Days of the Dead"), but his rare appearances makes him all the more special.
Trick 'r Treat is just that, a treat, that every Halloween and horror fan can appreciate. Just make sure to uphold the rules of Halloween, or Sam will come and get'cha!

The Monster Squad (1987)

This one is a childhood favourite among me, and my siblings (yeah, I've been watching horror since I was little, like we all did back in the day). Featuring the classic monsters of yesteryear, Monster Squad hosts Dracula, Wolfman, Frankenstein's Monster, The Mummy and Gillman (a sea creature) teaming up to obtain an ancient amulet that'd give Drac immense power, and to enslave the world. Standing in his way are a group of horror moviebuffs, calling themselves "The Monster Squad", who, after reading a diary entry from the legendary Abraham Van Helsing, resolve to use the amulet to send the monsters into portal-sucking limbo.
This sounds like something from a Saturday Morning Cartoon, which is probably why I absolutely love it. The first crossover movie I ever witnessed, and it was a blast. Not taking itself at all seriously, Monster Squad is a hammy, B-Movie loving horrorfest, with all actors game for their roles, and sprouting oneliners that're uttered to this day ("Wolfman's got nards").
No, this isn't set on Halloween, or has anything to do with Halloween, but I gave it an exception (like with most on this list) because it has everything you could ever love for this scary season; vampires, werewolves, mummies, the works. Its 80s cheese at its finest, and a cult classic.

Hocus Pocus (1993)

And, finally, a Disney classic that's still loved, and watched all year round by my generation. Hocus Pocus is great family fun, with Bette Midler giving it her all as a charismatic, wicked witch named Winifred "Winnie" Sanderson, joined by her goofball sisters Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Mary (Kathy Majimy), as they hatch a plot to suck the life force out of little children to continue their own. They're caught one fateful night in late 1600s Salem (tick!), and sentenced to death via hanging. That was not the end, however, as the Sanderson Sisters return in modern day 1993 when a black flame candle in their old home (now converted into a museum) is lit by a bunch of nosy kids, who don't take the legends seriously (isn't that always the case?). Now, alive in the 20th Century, the sisters try to adjust in hilarious fashion, while also pursuing the kids who've stolen their magic spell book, otherwise, by sunrise, they'll disintegrate and be no more.
Nobody expected the impact this movie would have, but what started as a regular Disney flick for the summer, became a cult classic every October 31st. Witches, a talking black cat named Binx, and a zombie running amok, not to mention the films title villains, portrayed with gusto by the female leads, make this Halloween treat a memorable one. I can't imagine Halloween without the Sanderson Sisters, and neither should you.

And that's it. My list of movies I simply have to watch every Autumn season. I'm not quite sure why I love Halloween as much as I do, but I really embrace this holiday with everything I've got. Its my Christmas: I decorate my house, dress up for the children knocking on my door (as well as scaring them) and hosting my own Halloween traditions like watching these movies, and decorating a leafless branch I dub a "Halloween Tree". Jack Skellington said it best; Why should Christmas have all the fun?

I wish you all reading a Happy Halloween, and hope your night is filled with ghoulishly good fun (kids, remember to stay safe when Trick or Treating, and always allow an adult/guardian to accompany you when knocking on doors).
Have a hair-raising night.