Halloween comes with candy, costumes and parties, but the best part by far is the Halloween movies that can only be watched once a year (without an excuse, at least). To make sure that you are properly reliving your childhood and making October count, here is a ranking of the best ¨family-friendly¨ flicks.
10. “Phantom of the Megaplex” (2000)
Another awful Disney Channel Original Movie strikes again: this time, as a loose parody of “The Phantom of the Opera.” The storyline is quite ridiculous, but it’s totally worth watching just to see Disney’s version of a horror movie.
9. “The Haunted Mansion” (2003)
Reminiscent of the ride, but with a fun twist, this flick stars the hilarious Eddie Murphy and balances the right amount of darkness with very funny humor.
8. “The Addams Family” (1991)
The TV show was better by far, but if you only have time for a two-hour movie, “The Addams Family” has an adequate amount of absurd situations that will make you think your family is completely normal.
7. “Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire” (2000)
This is a perfect example of why you should listen to your mother… oh, and never sign up for online dating. I am not going to say it sucks, but I will say that this movie might make you think about who you are standing next to in the grocery store. Watch it and you will know what I mean.
6. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)
Though not a Tim Burton fan, I did like watching this film for one reason: the music. The whole Santa kidnapping scarred me for weeks, and like everything Burton does, it is a weird movie; but it’s oddly enjoyable.
5. “Twitches” (2005)
Twins Tia and Tamera Mowry discover that they are witches who were separated at birth for their protection in “Twitches.” While not especially well-written (or, for that matter, executed), this movie is funny and will probably make you wish for a twin so that you too can discover you have magical powers.
4. “The Little Vampire” (2000)
Starring Jonathan Lipnicki, “The Little Vampire” blends cute and creepy as it follows the story of a misunderstood little boy who finds his best friend amongst the undead.
3. “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” (1966)
A Halloween classic which pretty much speaks for itself. If you like the Peanuts, you will love this movie.
2. The “Halloweentown” Series
Probably the cheesiest, yet most-enjoyable collection of Halloween flicks I have ever seen. To start off, there is a town filled with zombies, vampires and some (pretty talented) witches. The cherry on top is the fact they decided to change the actor of the main character in the final film without thinking anyone would notice after three other movies. Good job, guys.
1. “Hocus Pocus” (1993)
Question: what has a talking cat, mild sexual humor and a musical number that will be stuck in your head for days? Answer: the perfect Halloween movie, “Hocus Pocus.” Starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy, the movie tells the story of three witches who are somewhat accidentally brought back from the grave to suck the lives out of the children of Salem (insert evil cackle here).
-Delaney King