In honor of Halloween, go raid your kids candy stashes, curl up on the couch and pop in a classic Halloween flick. There are probably hundreds of slash-em-up Halloween movies filled with gore and terror. Those are so not for me. There are so many Freddy-free Halloween movies out there. Here are my top 10 favorites:
1. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown: Is there a better Halloween movie out there? I think not. This is such a classic that I have to watch it every single Halloween. It’s a tradition I’m not giving up anytime soon because it’s so adorable!
2. Monsters Inc.: Sulley {John Goodman} and his wisecracking sidekick Mike Wazowski {Billy Crystal} are the top scare team at Monsters, Inc. in Monstropolis. If that doesn’t “scream” Halloween movie, I’m not sure what does!
3. Casper: Ahhh, Casper. Everyone’s favorite friendly ghost. It’s been a long time since I’ve watched this one, but I remember loving the war better the good ghosts and the bad ghosts. Plus, Christina Ricci looks practically like a toddler. That’s weird to see!
4. Hocus Pocus: I didn’t rank these in order, but if I had, this would have been right at the top. I know Bette Midler has done some great more serious work, but I think this is my favorite movie of hers. It’s so quirky and fun, I can’t get enough of it. It centers around 3 crazy witches that always leave me laughing.
5. E.T.: Anyone else get really weepy when they watch ET now? I don’t remember getting that way growing up, but apparently I’ve gotten all sappy as I’ve aged! I think it goes without saying that this classic deserves a spot on this list. It was wise beyond its years when it was made. Plus, what would we do without the “Et, phone home!” line?
6. The Nightmare Before Christmas: It might say Christmas in the title, but trust me, it’s all about Halloween. And it’s Tim Burton at his finest!
7. Monster House: Just a little heads up about this one. I loved it, but it might be a tad scary for little kids. Maybe 8 and up, but it’s been awhile since my kids were that young, so I can’t really remember whether they’d be scared or not at that age. Still, for kids a tad older, it’s so good!
8. Practical Magic: I love me some Sandra Bullock. She’s the best. So a Halloween movie with her in it? Sign me up!
9. Beetlejuice: I’ve loved this movie since I was a teen. The movie is dark without being scary and funny without being ridiculous. Great cast plus zany plot equals a great Halloween movie!
10. Bedknobs and Broomsticks: Might not seem like the most obvious choice, but this movie has witches AND spells. Seems pretty Halloweenish to me! Regardless, it’s an awesome movie every kid should watch!
And there you have it. Have I missed any of your favorites? Have you seen any of these? Love them?
Looking for more movies?
Check out the full list of my Friday Night at the Movies Selections or click on over & look at all the movies on Amazon Instant Video. There are a ton of videos to choose from that will cost you absolutely nothing {nada, zilch, free-o} with Amazon Prime; like thousands of regular movies & TV shows & hundreds of documentaries {Wahoo!}. Get all the details HERE!
Here’s hoping your Halloween candy hangover isn’t too rough,
~Mavis
Em says
Bedknobs and Broomsticks, and Escape to Witch Mountain! Loved those growing up, but can’t imagine watching them now.
Happy Halloween!
Mavis says
Oh- Escape to Witch Mountain. I haven’t seen that one in ages.
Jenny says
I like Clue for Halloween. Showed it to some teens who had never seen it for a Halloween Party and they thought it was the best movie ever.
Clifford Hawley says
The Halloween Tree is a favorite of mine. It is based on the story by Ray Bradbury who also narrates the show. Leonard Nimoy plays Mr. Moundshroud who takes four friends on a quest through the history of Halloween to save their friend Pip. It is fantastic.
Julia says
We watched the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown and Spooky Buddies. Good times!!