Best Halloween Movies
Halloween movies immerse us in a world of supernatural and eerie thrills. They let us embrace the spooky and delve into our imaginations, making them an integral part of the Halloween tradition. Whether you're searching for heart-pounding horror, whimsical, family-friendly adventures, or dark fantasy tales, these five best Halloween movies are our top picks for escaping into the otherworldly.
Coraline (2009)
Dark Fantasy Adventure
For young adults
Could you imagine entering a door to an eerie parallel world and finding a more sinister version of your family? That's what happens to 11-year-old Coraline. In this stop-motion film, the young girl sees the many wonders the Other World offers compared to the real world. Her excitement ends when she quickly learns there's a catch—if she doesn't escape in time, Other Mother and the rest of her family will trap her there forever. With hauntingly beautiful animation, a captivating story, and a perfect blend of darkness and wonder, Coraline delivers a mesmerizing Halloween experience that’ll keep you on your toes.
Halloweentown (1998)
Fantasy Adventure
For the whole family
After witnessing her grandma turning their leftover chicken dinner into a live chicken, the main character, Marnie Piper, discovers she comes from a long line of witches. Highly intrigued, Marnie and her siblings follow their grandma to the bus stop and sneak onto the flying bus headed to the enchanting world of Halloweentown—where witches, goblins, monsters, and other creatures co-exist. Soon enough, Marnie is forced to use her newfound magical abilities to save Halloweentown from an evil force. With its charming characters, colorful visuals, and a touch of spookiness, Halloweentown is a heartwarming and entertaining Halloween treat (without all the sugar!).
The Cabin in the Woods (2011)
Horror/Comedy
For adults
The Cabin in the Woods follows five college friends who decide to spend a weekend at a remote cabin in the woods. Utterly oblivious that the cabin is part of an elaborate underground facility with a secret organization, the group begins tampering with vintage-looking items in the cellar. This awakens terrifying creatures and entities, and they must fight for their lives to uncover the truth behind the cabin's ominous purpose. As a mix of horror and satire, the film explores the dark conventions of the genre while offering unexpected twists and a thought-provoking commentary on the nature of horror storytelling.
Hotel Transylvania (2012)
Animated Comedy
For the kids
Welcome to Hotel Transylvania, a lavish resort run by Dracula, the infamous vampire himself. In this animated comedy, monsters from all over gather for a relaxing vacation away from human eyes. But everything changes when a human backpacker, Jonathan, stumbles upon the hotel and falls for Dracula's teenage daughter, Mavis. Chaos ensues as Dracula tries to stop the romance and keep Jonathan's presence a secret. Filled with zany characters, witty humor, and touching moments, Hotel Transylvania is a spooktacular adventure that celebrates the importance of friendship and acceptance.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Sci-fi
For the whole family
Embark on an extraordinary journey with E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, an endearing and timeless masterpiece from the iconic director Steven Spielberg. In this touching science-fiction classic, a young boy named Elliott discovers a stranded alien visitor hiding in his backyard shed. A deep bond forms between Elliott and E.T. as they work together to keep the alien's existence a secret while trying to reunite him with his home planet. Filled with wonder, friendship, and poignant moments, E.T. captures the essence of childhood innocence and the power of human connection, making it an unforgettable cinematic adventure that transcends generations.
Start Your Halloween Right!
Bringing the family together for a fun night with the best Halloween movies is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen bonds and create cherished memories. Whether your family enjoys spine-tingling thrillers or heartwarming animated tales, this list will help you curate the perfect movie selection for your next gathering. And once you've had your cinematic fill, further the fun by delving into some creative pumpkin carving. Here are six pumpkin carving tips to turn your post-movie activities into a delightful experience.