There is no better way to get into the Halloween spirit than to grab some friends, popcorn and have a marathon of festive movies. Whether you like musicals, slashers, animation or anything in-between, there is something for you:
1. “Hocus Pocus” (1993)
Everyone grew up watching this movie. We all secretly wondered if the Sanderson sisters were real, and if we could summon them by lighting a candle. After all of these years, the film has held up well and remains a must-watch for people of all ages. It is the quintessential Halloween movie – it has elements of horror while still being family-friendly, a sense of humor that appeals to children and adults, that good old ’90s nostalgia everyone loves and a storyline that will never grow old – even after the sun rises.
2. “Halloween” (1978)
You can’t not watch this eponymous slasher film. Not only did it popularize the genre, it was so well-received that nine sequels followed – though they weren’t necessary. John Carpenter’s 1978 “Halloween” reigns over the franchise with its introduction of horror villain Michael Myers and a chilling musical score that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Gather your friends and scream along with star Jamie Lee Curtis as she tries to avoid Myers – and whatever you do, don’t leave the doors and windows unlocked.
3. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)
While this classic Henry Selick and Tim Burton film is technically about Christmas, it lends itself to be better-suited for Halloween. Between the often-dark stop animation, spooky musical numbers and the overall concept of Halloween overtaking Christmas, the film is able to capture the essence of the holiday in question. It is easy to dismiss this animated musical as a children’s movie, but it is impossible not to sing along to “This is Halloween.. Besides, isn’t Halloween about letting out your inner child, anyways?
4. “31” (2016)
“31” is the latest film from the master of horror, Rob Zombie, making it an instant must-see. This film follows a group of carnival employees who are kidnapped and forced into a sadistic game of cat-and-mouse. As with all of Zombie’s films, it is not for the faint of heart: there is excessive violence, gore and suggestive content. Those who can stomach this film will either love it or hate it – critics are torn. On one hand, it is what you’d expect from the director, while on the other, it doesn’t add anything new to the genre. Either way, Zombie’s films are perfect for those looking to be scared on Halloween.
5. “Suspiria” (1977)
With a remake scheduled for 2017, it is crucial to watch Dario Argento’s 1977 masterpiece “Suspiria.” The Italian horror film may not be widely known, but it is celebrated for its stunning composition and haunting soundtrack. It is strange to describe a horror film as beautiful, but that’s the best way to explain this one. While the plot may be simple and the acting can be cheesy at times, that’s the way most horror films are. Why not watch one that meets – and then quickly exceeds – these standards?
