Top Ten Halloween Movies

BY JOSLYN TOMBACK

10. Young Frankenstein

What’s it about?– A reluctant scientist, Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, returns to Transylvania when he inherits his infamous grandfather’s castle. He becomes inspired to finish his ancestor’s mad work to create life when he finds the journal “How I Did It” in his private library. A monster is unwittingly created when an abnormal brain is added to his creation.

Why we love it – This movie is a nostalgic, hilarious spoof- tribute to classic horror films. It was even shot in the same castle, with the same props and lab equipment as the original 1931 Frankenstein film.

9. Rocky Horror Picture Show

What’s it about?– A newly engaged couple find themselves lost and with a flat tire one evening. Seeking help at a nearby castle, Brad and Janet discover a group of strange and outlandish people who are holding an Annual Transylvanian Convention. Peculiar occurrences soon follow.

Why we love it– This film is a parody of B-movie, science fiction, and horror films of the 1940s through 1970s. There is a large international cult following attached to the motion picture, in addition to being one of the most well-known and financially successful midnight movies of all time.

8. The Addams Family

What’s it about?– For 25 years uncle Fester has been missing. An evil doctor becomes aware of this and introduces a fake Fester in an attempt to get the Adams Family’s money.

Why we love it– While this film is based on the classic 1960s sitcom, it’s a much darker comedy with more sophisticated humor. Awarded Best Horror Film of the Year in 1991 by the Horror Hall of Fame, there is no doubt this movie is a crowd pleaser.

7. The Exorcist

What’s it about?– When a traveling actress returns home, she notices her daughter is prone to fits and strange behavior. A young priest is soon called in, becomes convinced the girl is possessed by the Devil, and insists they must call an exorcist, Father Merrin. This proves to be no ordinary demon, and both the priest and the girl suffer numerous horrors.

Why we love it– With a supernatural theme, remarkable special effects, and an eerie atmosphere, it is often regarded one of the scariest films of all time. The movie was notable for being one of the biggest box- office successes (and one of the first ‘blockbusters’ in film history) of it’s time.

6. Beetlejuice

What’s it about?– A recently deceased young couple become ghosts haunting their former home in hopes of scaring out the new occupants of their house. Beetlejuice, a devious and obnoxious member of the underworld tries to scare away the new inhabitants permanently.

Why we love it– This comedy horror film was a financial and critical success. With such a unique story line and vibrant characters, it’s obvious why America loves this movie.

5. Hocus Pocus

What’s it about?– After 300 years, three sister witches are resurrected in Salem, Massachusetts on Halloween night. It us up to two teenagers, a young girl, and an immortal cat to put an end to the witches reign of terror once and for all.

Why we love it– This movie is a Disney Channel classic. It mixes in elements of humor and suspense, for the perfect light hearted, feel good movie with a touch of horror.

4. A Nightmare on Elm Street

What’s it about?– In the dreams of his victims, a spectral murderer (Freddy Krueger) stalks the children of the members of the lynch mob that killed him. The clawed killer kills them in their dreams, resulting in their actual death in reality.

Why we love it– This film has something unique that makes it different than other horror movies. The basic idea of this film, that something occurring in our dreams will later occur in our real lives, with no control over it, is enough to give us the chills.

3. It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown

What’s it about?– The Peanuts crew celebrate Halloween, while Linus is hoping to be visited by the Great Pumpkin. The rest of the gang attends a Halloween party, while Linus continues to spend his night waiting for the pumpkin.

Why we love it– The complete lack of scariness makes this a seasonal movie that everyone can enjoy. Ever since first aired in 1966, it has remained a staple for Halloween spirit.

2. Halloween

What’s it about?– After being institutionalized for fifteen years, Michael Myers breaks out just days before Halloween. He goes on a mindless, murdering rampage while his psychiatrist chases him through the streets.

Why we love it– What separates this movie from its predecessors is it plays on our traditional fear of being attacked when we least expect it. This classic skin crawler has been haunting viewers for over thirty years, and still remains a standard for the ultimate Halloween fright.

1.  Halloweentown

What’s it about?– On Halloween, Marnie gets a visit from her witch grandmother Angie, who lives in Halloweentown, a place populated by ghosts, goblins, and all sorts of “horrifying” creatures living every-day lives. Something dark and evil is growing in Halloweentown, and Angie wants help to defeat it. Many adventures follow them on their journey.

Why we love it– This movie is the definition of Halloween classic, even if its origins are Disney Channel. Children, teens, and adults are all enchanted by this movie’s light-hearted charm and Halloween Spirit.