Whether you spend your halloween night at a party, a haunted house or giving out candy to trick-or-treaters, there is so much excitement now that fall is in the air. However you decide to spend the nights leading up to Halloween, we have our share of favorites. Here are some of the best flicks that you won’t fall asleep watching.
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
You’re never too old to watch It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. Honestly, the more you watch it, the more you realize that Charlie Brown is full of wisdom beyond his years. You can still pretend your heart isn’t broken when he gets a rock in his trick-or-treat bag. It’s an excellent movie to begin the transition into the fall season.
Ghostbusters (1984)
If you don’t know the response to “Who ya gonna call?” then you need to stop what you’re doing and watch this classic. This impressive Oscar-nominated film is one that we’ll never stop quoting. Cheesy CGI, 80’s sarcasm and Bill Murray: need I say more?
Zombieland (2009)
In Zombieland, Emma Stone kills it, literally. Take note, it’s not for those who don’t take zombie apocalypses seriously. This movie encapsulates the perfect amount of gore, comedy and bizarre scenarios. The plotline will keep you guessing and laughing hysterically the entire time.
Halloweentown (1998)
Halloweentown, aka everyone’s favorite halloween movie series. These Disney Channel movies had 90’s kids everywhere staying up past their bedtimes to watch. All four installments are full of Halloween enthusiasm and will leave you feeling extremely nostalgic.
Maleficent (2014)
While not your typical fairytale, Maleficent is a great way to get your Disney fix while falling in love with the modern spin on a childhood classic. The stunning special effects bring the enchanted forest from Sleeping Beauty to life. Angelina Jolie plays the most likable, not to mention beautiful, villain.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
The Nightmare Before Christmas will definitely get you in the spirit of Halloween. It’s essentially a chilling, twisted take on an unusual Christmas tale. However, it’s confusing at times, as expected from Tim Burton. It’s exquisitely crafted and interesting, while eerie to every extent.
The Corpse Bride (2005)
The Corpse Bride is another timeless Tim Burton classic. This British-American animation is lighthearted while retaining a dark, captivating storyline. All of the gloomy scenes will have you revisiting every bad decision you’ve ever made.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Is it really Halloween if you haven’t watched Hocus Pocus yet? Everyone’s favorite three witches bring the sarcasm and sass in this movie night staple. When asking other people what their favorite Halloween movies were, even I was surprised that this was almost everyone’s first choice. Even better, you can find it playing like ten times on The Thirteen Nights of Halloween on ABC Family this month.
Friday the 13th (1980)
If you’re looking to be legitimately afraid, Friday the 13th is your movie. The movie illuminates the horrifying presence of a masked serial killer invading a summer camp. This film has it all: violence, gore and sharply disturbing background music. If you decide to go with this one, hopefully you’re fine going without sleep for the next few days.
Scary Movie (2000)
The Scary Movie series generally contains a solid distribution of laughter and fear. Although a few scenes can be pretty graphic, there is humor throughout. The acting is almost so cheesy at times, one might forget they’re watching a “horror” film. Even the easily-frightened can take on this one.