Do you ever find yourself remembering a movie from your childhood that feels more like a fever dream than an actual film? Maybe it was a fantasy cartoon so far from reality it feels imagined, or a Disney Channel original that somehow has disappeared. Whatever the case may be, Halloween cinema has its share of forgotten treasures.
The last quarter of the calendar year was always filled with the same movies playing on cable, leaving graveyards of Halloween movies to collect dust. Now, in the digital age of streaming, we are finally able to access all of the seasonal Halloween movies we missed out on! While everyone else is busy rewatching the same handful of seasonal staples, I am here to remind you that there’s more to October than the Sanderson Sisters and Michael Myers.
So, whether you’re looking to unlock a forgotten memory or simply add something new to your watchlist, here are 10 movies you need to watch.
- “Halloweentown” (1998)
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Before Disney Channel built its array of pop stars, it introduced us to Marnie Piper — a seemingly ordinary girl who discovers she’s actually a witch. After following her grandmother to a magical town inhabited by all sorts of supernatural creatures, Marnie finds herself responsible for saving the town from evil. With its nostalgia and whimsical characters, this movie sets the perfect tone for the season.
- “The Craft” (1996)
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Before paganism became popularized and witchcraft became a Pinterest aesthetic, this movie follows four teenage girls taking matters into their own supernatural hands. “The Craft” follows high school outcasts who discover the power of witchcraft, only to learn that their abilities have dangerous consequences. Grunge 90s fashion, a timeless soundtrack, and a relatable yet chaotic female cast turns this film into a Halloween cult classic.
- “A Monster in Paris” (2011)
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Set in 1910 Paris, this animation follows a giant and musically gifted flea named FrancĹ“ur who becomes the city’s top fugitive. Luckily, a kindhearted cabaret singer discovers that there’s much more to this creature than his terrifying exterior. With its charming animation, gorgeous setting, and surprisingly catchy soundtrack, this family-friendly gem deserves far more recognition than it gets.
- “Frankenweenie” (2012)
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Tim Burton is notorious for his films, yet this contemporary and youth-focused spin on the famous Frankenstein story is perfect for anyone who enjoys a little emotional damage with their holiday festivities. After losing his beloved dog, Sparky, young Victor Frankenstein uses science to resurrect his furry friend, only for things to spiral out of his control. With its black-and-white stop motion animation, this delightfully disturbing take on a classic monster story will have you opening Letterbox in no time.
- “Labyrinth” (1986)
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In the space between fairy tales and fever dreams lies “Labyrinth.” Starring renowned singer/songwriter David Bowie, this movie follows teenager Sarah, who accidentally wishes her brother away. In order to get him back, she is forced to navigate a bizarre labyrinth to save him from the Goblin King (played by David Bowie). Filled with master puppeteering and a soundtrack crafted by Bowie himself, this movie is a must for anyone who loves the mystical side of Halloween.
- “Alvin and The Chipmunks Meet the Wolfman” (2000)
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Your favorite chipmunk triplets take on Halloween! In “Alvin and The Chipmunks Meet the Wolfman,” the brothers face a new mysterious neighbor. After Theodore begins displaying some rather unusual behavior, Alvin and Simon become dedicated to figuring out this puzzle. Ridiculously cheesy in all the best ways, this movie is impossible to hate as a kid born in the early 2000s.
- “Monster House” (2006)
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Imagine if the scariest house in your hometown ate people. “Monster House” follows three kids who discover that their creepy neighbor’s house is literally alive, and not friendly. For a movie marketed towards children, this was shockingly terrifying, thus earning it a mandatory rewatch.
- “I Am Legend” (2007)
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A more seriously scary film, “I Am Legend” follows Will Smith as he navigates a post-apocalyptic New York City. After a virus transforms humanity into dangerous nocturnal creatures, scientist Robert Neville (played by Will Smith) struggles to survive while crafting a cure. Although this isn’t a typical Halloween movie, the terrifying atmosphere makes it all the better.
- “Bunks” (2013)
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After two brothers sneak their way into a summer camp, a seemingly harmless campfire story becomes alittle too real when they accidentally unleash a zombie curse. This criminally forgotten Disney XD movie includes ridiculous humor, summer nostalgia, and just enough mayhem to make it the best lighthearted Halloween classic.
- “9” (2009)
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I’m still not entirely convinced this movie was meant for children, despite its animated appearance. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has been wiped out by machines, 9 follows a group of stitched-together rag dolls struggling to survive against mechanical creatures. This dark storyline makes this movie a top choice for anyone interested in genuinely creepy films.
Give the usual classics a rest, dust off a forgotten favorite, and remember that sometimes the best movies are the ones you didn’t even realize you missed.
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