Just a little over a week is left until Halloween and if you haven’t submerged yourself into the spirit of it yet, it is about time that you do. Not mentioning the fact that you have almost no time left to figure out your costume, it is just mandatory that you get yourself prepared. If not for yourself then for your children, or at least those weird neighbours that try to scare you out of your mind every single year. What better way to get prepared than watch a scary movie marathon?
The Family-Friendly List
The Addams Family (1991)
As far as family-friendly spooky movies go, this one is the ultimate classic. They are crazy, they are weird, “They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky…”, but the fact is that they are adorable and their adventures are not to miss on a holiday such as Halloween.
Casper (1995)
Casper is such a sweet tale of bravery, honour and love. Adding in the villains and the undeniable fun, it is a definite must-see with the kids, especially if one of them is close to that age when first loves tend to happen.
The Haunted Mansion (2003)
This movie offers such a great mix of ghosts and spooks, family loves and quarrels and the amazing humor of Eddie Murphy. It teaches very important lessons amongst the fun, which makes it a great choice to watch with the family.
The Classic Slasher Movies
Halloween (1978)
With that title, how can you not watch this movie for Halloween? It is the first in a long line of slasher movies; the base of them all so to speak. If you have never heard of Michael Myers (where have you been?!) it is high time that you learn who he is.
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Another amazing classic with the character and the music to go with it. Freddy Krueger’s feats have been well-known ever since the first movie came out and that song (“1, 2 Freddy’s coming for you… 3, 4 better lock the door”) is just bound to get stuck in your head as you are trying to fall asleep. The ability to fall asleep, however, is not guaranteed after seeing this amazing feat of the movie industry.
Scream (1996)
A movie that has inspired so many spin-offs, so many games and so many Halloween costumes, this is another slasher classic that you should not watch when you are home alone. Just a fair warning.
The Really Really Scary Ones
Paranormal Activity (2007)
No fancy special effects, no star actors, no horrific and unsightly scenes, and yet the Paranormal Activity franchise has been immensely successful. Why? Because it uses suspense and imagination to instill the fear in you. Just don’t put a camera in your bedroom after you watch it – you might not like what you see.
Evil Dead (2013)
Yes, it is a remake and some might argue that the original is far better, but many will agree that this one is just as intense and horrific. Some will even say that it is better. The reviews have certainly been rave and anyone who has watched it has been delighted (horrified is another word you can use).
The Conjuring (2013)
Many movies have been made using the same plot – family moves into a house in the middle of nowhere, it is haunted. But there is something that makes this movie stands its own ground and do a great job at that too. Sleeping with the lights on is advised, if not mandatory, after you watch it.
Of course, this list only scrapes the surface of the brilliance produced by Hollywood in the past half a century. But there are exactly 9 days left until Halloween and let’s say that… A movie a day keeps the ghosties away!
