Halloween Movie Reviews

Halloween Movie Reviews

Hannah Petersen, Staff Writer

Everyone has a favorite Halloween movie!  Halloween movies can range anywhere from horror to nostalgic childhood favorites.  Even if you don’t like horror movies, something on this list is sure to appeal to you.  Below are a few classic favorites to add to your watch list (or rewatch list) this Halloween season.  

 

  1. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)

In this charming and famous kids cartoon, The Peanuts gang gets together to celebrate Halloween while Linus waits to be visited by the Great Pumpkin, a Halloween spirit that rises from the pumpkin patch, rewarding boys and girls who believe in him on Halloween night.  This retro classic is perfect to watch while with young children or even by yourself if you are looking for a lighthearted movie to get into the Halloween spirit.  

 

  1. Halloween Town

Halloween town is a nostalgic Disney original movie that tells the adventures of a young girl living with her grandmother who is a witch.  On her thirteenth birthday, she discovers that she comes from a long line of witches, making her one too. Now, her and her grandmother must help defend Halloween town from evil forces that threaten it.  This is a mustwatch Halloween movie for all ages.

 

  1. The Corpse Bride 

Tim Burtons “The Corpse Bride” is a whimsical musical that tells the story of Victor, a groom-to-be, who on his wedding day is pulled into the land of the dead by Emily, who was murdered after she had eloped, and now wants to marry Victor instead.  Victor must find his way back to the overworld to marry Victoria, his intended bride-to-be.  If you like beautifully animated stop motion and creepy love stories, this movie is the one for you.

 

  1. The Nightmare Before Christmas

Tim Burtons “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a musical that follows the adventures of Jack skellington, Halloween Town’s Pumpkin King, who gets bored of the monotony of Halloween. He stumbles opon Christmas and plans to kidnap Santa and take control of this new, exciting holiday.  He soon finds that his plan is flawed and chaos ensues.  If you like stop motions and witty characters, this Halloween movie is perfect for you.

 

  1. Hocus Pocus

Three teens stumble upon an old abandoned house where a coven of three witches used to live.  They accidentally set them free and they cast a spell on the town, creating all kinds of mischief.  The girls, with the help of a cat, must use the witches books to stop them from causing havoc and even worse, making themselves immortal.  This witty comedy is a favorite by many and a must watch this Halloween.

 

  1. The Addams Family

This list wouldn’t be complete without this family favorite!  The Addams family follows a peculiar family who upon the return of Fester, Gomez’s long lost brother, are happy.  However, upon further inspection, this man might not be who he claims to be. Will the family fall into misfortune? Or will Gomez’s real brother be found?

 

  1. Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Nightmare on Elm Street is a slasher film where the infamous Freddy Kreuger hunts a friend group of midwestern teenagers.  He kills them in their dreams and by doing so, kills them in real life.  Will Nancy, the only survivor, and her boyfriend be able to solve the mystery?  Or will Freddy Kreuger continue to haunt and kill the entire town, leaving these mysterious deaths unsolved.  If you love a mix of horror, supernatural and mysteries, this movie is perfect for you.

 

  1. Edward Scissorhands 

In this creepy, somewhat romantic classic, a scientist dies before he is able to finish his experiment- an animated human- leaving him with a frightening appearance and scissors for hands.  Peg, a suburban saleswoman finds him and takes him home where he falls for her teenage daughter.  Deemed an outcast because of his appearance, Edward finds his way through life and the many misadventures that come along with it.  If you like a mix of romance and creepy elements, be sure to try out this movie.

 

  1. Halloween

Halloween town is a sinister story of the aftermath of young Micheal Myers murdering his sister and finding himself in jail.  During a transfer between prisons, fifteen years later, he steals a car and escapes with one destination: his hometown. He searches for his next victims, creating chaos and terrorizing the town.  This slasher film is sure to entertain and be perfect for a scary night in.

 

  1. The Shining

In this classic psychological horror film, a father brings his family to stay in an isolated hotel in Colorado for the winter, hoping to inspire his writing.  Good intentions go awry when they fall victim to the supernatural forces that terrorize them during their stay.  As the family’s visions become more horrific, the hotels sinister secrets are unraveled.  If you love horror movies, mysteries and jump scares, be sure to give thai movie a watch.

 

What did we miss?  There are plenty more out there! I hope this inspired some Halloween spirit and fun movie nights.  Grab some popcorn, taffy apples and a few friends and get started on these spooky, beloved Holiday classics.