Each year, article after article is written about the best movies to watch during the Halloween season, and those picks are normally all the same – The Nightmare Before Christmas, Hocus Pocus, Coraline, Hereditary, etc. For my Ultimate Movie Marathon Guide, I have chosen 7 family-friendly Halloween movies and 7 scary movies that you may have forgotten about or never heard of altogether. Here are my picks for the 2021 Halloween season:
FAMILY-FRIENDLY HALLOWEEN PICKS:
- Monster House (2006)
Monster House is a well-known spooky animated movie. However, it came out in 2006 and has not been discussed much since, so it may have been locked in the vaults of your memory. The film follows a group of kids who realize the neighborhood’s token “scary house” is more than just scary.
- The Monster Squad (1987)
This film is the definition of an oldie but a goodie. It follows a lovable and funny cast of kids who are the only ones that can save the close-minded adults from the classic Universal monsters from taking over the world.
- The Addams Family Values (1993)
Everyone knows the Addams Family, specifically the original movie as well as the new animated one. Personally, The Addams Family Values is my favorite movie out of them. The plot is captivating, and the movie is as funny as ever.
- Scary Godmother: Halloween Spooktacular (2003)
This pick may seem like a goofy one, but I promise you will enjoy this movie. It really hits the nostalgic key – something about the film feels familiar.
- Haunted Mansion (2003)
This is another forgotten gem. The movie mixes spooky vibes with comedy, and it creates such a fun experience. It follows a family who goes to a mansion under the request of the owner, wanting to sell the home. However, it turns out that that is not the owner’s only intentions.
- Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the WereRabbit (2005)
This is yet another fun pick. It follows Wallace and Gromit, who try to undercover who is destroying all of the town’s beloved crops. This movie is filled with laughs and will take you back to your childhood.
- Little Monsters (1989)
Little Monsters is definitely a forgotten movie, as it was released in 1989. However, I think it is worthy of being uncovered and put back into the DVD player. Howie Mendel, yes, the Howie Mendel who judges on America’s Got Talent, plays the monster under a teen’s bed. The film follows their adventures into the monster world.
SCARY HALLOWEEN MOVIE PICKS:
- Thirteen Ghosts (2001)
Thirteen Ghosts is a little corny, I will admit, but personally, I LOVE it. The ghosts are incredibly scary-looking, and the story is interesting. Also, for all the Matthew Lillard fans, he’s in the movie. Overall, I think the movie is just a fun watch, and the practical effects are incredible.
- It Follows (2014)
This movie is one of my favorite modern horror movies. The atmosphere is one that I have not experienced with another film. It is an incredible watch, and I recommend seeing it without watching any trailers or knowing anything about it. All I’ll say is it’s about a girl being chased.
- You’re Next (2011)
This is another modern favorite of mine. It follows a family as their house is being broken into by a group of terrifying invaders. I will say it is not your typical slasher movie, and I highly recommend watching it. But, again, it is a movie I wouldn’t recommend looking anything up about. It’s great to watch without knowing what will happen.
- Creep (2014)
The title of this movie fits it perfectly – it is extremely creepy. The movie revolves around a videographer who takes a job to help a dying man make a film for his unborn child. I recommend watching this movie in the dark… but maybe with company.
- The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
The Killing of a Sacred Deer is not necessarily a “horror” movie, but it is one of A24’s iconic psychological thrillers. The atmosphere is incredibly unnerving, and the movie will keep questions racing through your mind.
- Clown (2014)
There are so many clown movies currently, such as the new It films and Terrifier, but this is a clown movie I don’t hear about much. Although it’s not the best movie ever, it is creepy, and the gore is solid. Clown follows a man who finds a clown costume to wear to his son’s birthday. He soon finds that he can’t remove it, and things go south quickly.
Honorable Mentions: Tusk (2014), Hush (2016), and The Ritual (2017)
There are plenty more films I could put on this list, but it needs to end at some point. Hopefully, I was able to introduce some new films to add to your Halloween Marathon list! Stay Spooky