Favorite Halloween Movies
When it comes to creating a list of favorite Halloween movies, you might first think of some blockbuster “scary movie” series, such as A Nightmare on Elm Street, Chucky, Scream and Halloween.
Then, of course, there’s the softer side of famous Halloween movies, namely, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. Even if you’re not a Tim Burton fan, you’d also most likely enjoy Corpse Bride and The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Here are a few movies to consider when creating your own list of favorite Halloween movies:
Vampire movies:
Renfield (2023) – This modern take on vampires examines the complex and disturbing relationship between a vampire and his familiar. It’s bloody with a twisted sense of humor.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) – The accents are questionable, but this is one of my favorite “traditional” vampire movies.
The Lost Boys (1987) – Starring some very popular 80’s guys, will a young son be able to save his mom and brother from vampires?!?
Halloween Legends:
Sleepy Hollow (1999) – The legend of the headless horseman was one of my favorite Halloween stories as a kid.
The Curse of La Llorona (2019) – If you’ve spent any time in San Antonio, you’ll be familiar with the legend of La Llorona, the crying woman. Definitely keep one light on while watching this folktale come to life on the screen!
Suspense movies:
The Orphanage (2007) – Don’t watch this Spanish thriller alone!
The Crow (1994) – This is considered a cult classic in the comic book world. It’s also known for the real-life tragedy that occurred.
The Invisible Man (2020) – As this flick started, I had a flashback to the movie Sleeping with the Enemy. But soon it evolved into a much more suspenseful film.
Knock at the Cabin (2023) – This M. Night Shyamalan movie might make you feel uncomfortable or even squirm, which is what makes it a great quasi-philosophical suspense movie.
They Cloned Tyrone (2023) – Starring Jamie Foxx and John Boyega, this thriller is a mash-up of sci-fi, blaxploitation homage, conspiracy theory, social commentary and some wicked smart lines.
Totally Killer (2023) – This is edge-on-your-seat slasher suspense in a cheesy style. A time machine transports the main character back to the 1980’s. Come on, you know you want to watch that!
Zombie movies:
World War Z (2013) – What’s Halloween without at least one zombie movie? Brad Pitt and Mireille Enos do not disappoint and neither does the plot, especially for a zombie movie.
Warm Bodies (2013) – What could be more romantic at Halloween than Romeo and Juliet, zombie-style?
Nostalgic:
Beetlejuice (1988) – Other than Casper, with which ghost can you have this much fun?
Ghostbusters (1984) – Slime! The Stay Puft Marshmallow Man! “Don’t cross the streams!”
The Addams Family (1991) – Raul Julia, Angelica Huston and Christopher Lloyd helped reboot the popular 1960’s series and movies. If you’d like to watch an updated character study, check out the wickedly snarky Wednesday.
Coco (2017) – This heartwarming movie about Dia de los Muertos is a must for family watching!
Hijinx Halloween Movies:
Hubie Halloween (2020) – It stars Adam Sandler. That should tell you everything! It’s a fun Friday night movie.
Vamps (2012) – Since when do vampires have to hold down a 9-5 job? I love this campy take on Nosferatu.
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948) – In addition to obviously starring Abbott and Costello, the movie also stars Bela Lugosi as Dracula and Lon Chaney, Jr. as the Wolf Man. Need I say more?
There are plenty of other movies out there that are perfect for the Halloween season. What are some of your favorites?
For movies related to other holidays, occasions and places, see my lists of favorite movies here.
For recommendations on how to create more time in order to be able to watch all of these movies, take a look at The Inefficiency Assassin: Time Management Tactics for Working Smarter, Not Longer.
