Halloween is coming up soon and what better way to acknowledge this than by celebrating the season through movie marathons? Whether Halloween invokes images of blood and gore or witches, wizards and ghosts there are movies that fit each of these categories. Personally, I tend to edge away from horror movies but a good thriller is always a must. There is just something strangely enjoyable about being alert throughout a film while anticipating what is going to happen as well as the results of character’s actions. Below is a list of fourteen movies that range from light-hearted to frightening.
1. Hocus Pocus (1993)
This movie is a classic for anyone who was born in or grew up in the ‘90s. “I put a spell on you” takes on a whole new meaning in this flick. Also, Sarah Jessica Parker before Sex and the City? Yes, please!
2. Silence of the lambs (1991)
Throw Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins and cannibalism together and you’ve got a heart-pounding thriller.
3. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Prior to the Paranormal Activity franchise there was “Blair Witch”.
4. Halloweentown (1998)
Here is another movie that can be seen as a childhood classic. Thank you Disney for this one. A whole town made up of the Halloween creatures and characters of myth? I need more.
5. Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Johnny Depp, enough said.
6. Beetlejuice (1988)
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice.
7. Scream (1996)
Killer stalker and high school students? Check.
8. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Tim Burton’s animated classic involving seven diferent Holiday Worlds.
9. The Ring (2002)
This movie was simply unsettling. Beware of the telephone!
10. The Sixth Sense (1999)
Even if you haven’t seen the whole film you have heard this line, “ I see dead people”.
11. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (1999)
Witches, Wizards, goblins, and broomsticks…tell me that does not make you think of Halloween.
12. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
It’s a musical about a demonic barber starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter and Alan Rickman (a.k.a professor Snape). How can you not be enticed from the sounds of this?
13. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Whether you’ve seen this film or not, you have probably at least heard of it’s main antagonist, Freddy Kreuger. It is creepy and thrilling but complete with ‘80s charm.
14. American Psycho (2000)
Starring Christian Bale as a professional with an alternate psychopathic ego. This is not for the faint at heart.