12 Movies We Can't Get Enough Of For Halloween No Matter How Many Times We've Seen Them
There are three truths when it comes to Halloween: costumes, candy and cinema. You may have already read our list of terrifying documentaries to watch this Halloween, but this list aims to locate some of the best fictional Halloween flicks there are out there. The fun part about this holiday is it can be a non-Halloween movies that's simply scary, or an adorable kid's classic.Â
So, we asked the Dose content team what their favorite movies to watch during Halloween are and why.
Young Marnie Piper must save a town full of supernatural creatures after she herself learns that she is a witch. Sounds like a lot to take in all at once, but she handles it–of course. It's a family classic that won't give you nightmares, and well to sum it up perfectly:
"Who doesn't like Halloweentown?" – Justine Figueroa
*classic never-ending slasher film*
"We (my brother and I) watched all the Friday the 13th films in a span of only a few months. The first one stands out to me, because it was the first true horror flick I'd ever seen. I won't give away the ending here, but I still recall the disarming final scene with surprising clarity...Pretty sure I slept on my parents' bedroom floor for a little while…Nothing like a bag-headed undead psychopath to keep an 8-year-old awake at night." – Will Mackie-Jenkins
"I truly hate horror movies. I do not watch them." – Dominic Trombino
Well, Dominic is in luck, because not only does this classic replay on plenty of channels, and gets reenacted in multiple theaters, but there's even a reboot coming to FOX in 2016, starring a very perfectly cast lead from one of your favorite Netflix shows.
The Freelings, a family in California, initially has friendly communication with spirits connecting to them through their television. However, when the spirits turn more menacing and evil, the family must seek out help from an exorcist.Â
"I like that one for nostalgic reasons as well. When I was in the 3rd grade, my brother and I suddenly developed an obsession with horror movies." – Will Mackie-Jenkins
The Tim Burton cult-classic takes a look at leading man Jack Skellington's voyage between the different worlds of holidays. It's not meant to be scary, but as you know, Burton's drawings are more than eery. Skellington's musical numbers steal the show:
"His (Jack Skellington's) voice is soothing and his lament, powerful. It's no wonder 'Jack's Lament' has sparked so many sexual awakenings...Thank you, Jack Skellington. Thank you for being the perfect man forever and always." – Julianne Ishler
The film follows a family in up-state New York that moves into what appears to be a perfect home for them. However, when they begin to be tortured by spirits in the home–which cause the father to go insane–they find out the home previously owned by 18th-century satanist.
"There's plenty of films about haunted houses, but sits atop the pack–in my book. It's a slow build up. The audience sees the father is getting worse and worse. We're just waiting for the terrifying breaking point." – Taylor Sade
'The Addams family. Do, do, do. *snap, snap* Do, do, do, do. *snap, snap* Do, do, do, do. Do, do, do, do. Do, do, do, do. *snap, snap*' Remember that little number? Well, this film reboot of the tv series and cartoon is just as memorable.
"The fashion is everything to me and I live for Wednesday's sass." – Justine Figueroa
The epitome of slasher films where the leading terrorizes refuses to die, Halloween was the first in a long line of equally terrifying cuts. Michael Myers kills his family as a young boy, but his baby sister gets away. He returns to his home town after escaping a mental institution to finish her off as an adult. The independent film had just a $300,000 budget but grossed $47 million.
"I get chills when the iconic piano line kicks in even to this day. It's truly haunting." – Taylor Sade
Just another film that makes you scared to live in your own home, Paranormal Activity terrified audiences when it released. The home video-like direction of the film made people wonder if this was real or not. It's since sparked a line of other films, in a classic horror film franchise manner.
"I'll never forget the moment Katie becomes possessed. Scared even typing about it right now." – Taylor Sade
'Do you like scary movies?' Wow, what a way to open a film! The entire movie is based around sick fantasies of horror film audiences. It's genius really, and has all the slasher film qualities audiences love.
"It (was) a fresh take on the horror slasher genre, adding elements of humor and wit. Plus, the cast is awesome and there's so many classic scenes that still freak me out." – Julianne Ishler
Even if you haven't seen it (what's wrong with you if you haven't?), you know the murderous shower scene.
"The relationship between Norman and Norma Bates is so twisted, yet you're fascinated. The plot is driven by that creepy relationship, and Norman's unstable mind. There's too many modern day films that are all about gore, but Psycho is character-driven. Whenever I watch it i learn something new" – Julianne Ishler
"Not to mention Psycho's dope-ass score." – Will Mackie-Jenkins
A family is forced to ask for help from paranormal investigators when dark forces terrorize their home.
"…aside from it being extremely well made is that it builds suspense sort of erratically - it's not predictable, like most horror movies are known to be. The fact that it's devoid of typical, annoying horror film-isms like "splitting up" or ignoring obviously terrifying signs makes it even better. Not once did I find myself yelling, 'No you goddamn idiot! Don't go in there!" – Brandon Siewert