Unearth the ultimate Halloween nostalgia with 10 Halloween re-watches, where we resurrect your favourite movie classics, for those of us who aren’t ready to let the holiday go just yet.
Now that the spooky season has crept upon us, I’ve conjured up a list of the top 10 movies: from family-friendly watches, to films that will keep you sleeping with the lights switched on for the next week. Before you delve in, I suggest you get your popcorn and the snuggliest blanket you’ve got, sit back, relax and pick your poison.
- Ghostbusters (2016)
This Ghostbusters reboot is comprised of an all-star – majority female – cast, starring Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Leslie Jones and Kate McKinnon. It promises for a hilarious and entertaining watch, boasting impeccable comedic timing and a hapless male assistant played by Chris Hemsworth. You won’t be disappointed with this choice of a Halloween treat.
- Scream VI (2023)
Join the Carpenter sisters as they move to the bustling city of New York, followed by their mysterious masked stalker. The sisters rally together with friends and allies to defeat the menacing Ghostface. Amid the new urban backdrop, the infamous killer concocts fresh new ways to scare and kill, contributing to the Ghostface franchise’s most memorable scenes.
- The Exorcist: Believer (2023).
In this new instalment to the Exorcist franchise, the ambience is just as ominous and bone-chilling as expected. The story follows two young girls who attempt to contact the spirit of one of their mothers. Three intense and painful days later, the girls are found and return home – unbeknownst to them – they brought something home with them. This film depicts the Devil’s sinister intentions and his delight in inflicting torment on others. Hiding behind your popcorn won’t save you from this one.
- Edward Scissorhands (1990)
In the spirit of Halloween, Edward comes to life after his creator – a scientist who died tragically – passes before completing his work. Edward struggles to fit into an unwelcoming society, and with scissors for hands, we empathise with his hardship. Meanwhile, Kim, a beautiful woman played by Winona Ryder, catches Edward’s eye, sparking a twisted Halloween romance.
- Hocus Pocus (1993)
Hocus Pocus is a classic Halloween movie that never fails to entertain. Finding allies from unlikely sources, Max and his sisters attempt to defeat the satirical Sanderson sisters (Sarah Jessica Parker, Bette Midler and Kathy Najimy) to save the children of Salem. This film takes us through a 300-year-old revenge plan and the relatable, and often comedic, relationships between the sorcerous sisters.
- Scary Movie (2000)
At number 6 I’ve concocted another comedic guilty pleasure for you. The Scary Movie franchise masterfully parodies the horror-film genre, paying homage to iconic films like Scream, while dishing out scenes that are sure to make you cackle. The Scary Movie is another Halloween feel-good classic, and if you’re a fan, then you’re in luck with another four films in the franchise waiting to spook and amuse.
- Halloween (1978)
Next, we have a timeless franchise boasting a spine-chilling thirteen films. This movie is a slasher thriller classic. Follow Michael, a young adult, who gets incarcerated for fifteen years in a mental institution for the gruesome murder of his teenage sister. After escaping, a killing spree commences promising blood, guts, gore and screams sure to give you goosebumps.
- The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
Inspired by real-life paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren, this film delves into one of their most sensationalized and spine-chilling cases, as a murder suspect claims demonic possession as his defence. This franchise is an essential bone-chilling and a completely compelling part of your Halloween viewing.
- Hotel Transylvania (2012)
Are you craving a feel-good family-friendly film? If so, Hotel Transylvania is the perfect pick for you. It is focused on a proud hotel owner, Count Dracula and his daughter Mavis (played by Selena Gomez) who is intrigued by the hotel’s unexpected guest. This film shows the monsters we’ve always feared in a new and endearing light. It’s the perfect choice for your relaxing Halloween movie night.
- The Shining (1980)
Concluding with another classic. The Shining rightfully earned its place in the United States’ National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”. This horror masterpiece, based on Stephen King’s novel, is bound to have you clutching that blanket for dear life. It’s the quintessential Halloween film to immerse yourself back into the eerie mood this spooky season.
