The Entertainment Pulse: Jack Greenwood’s five must-watch Halloween movies

By Jack Greenwood

Staff writer

5. Halloween (1978)
In what would become an instant classic among horror fans, this 1978 cult hit launched the career of Jamie Lee Curtis and gave new meaning to the term “slasher film.” Michael Meyers is a mentally unstable child who is locked away after murdering his sister. Years later he returns to Haddonfield, Illinois and begins stalking and killing a group of high school students.

Why you need to watch: There is no denying that Jamie Lee Curtis is the ultimate “Scream Queen.” If you want a true classic slasher to watch, this film has a ton of jump scares, a classic killer, and that familiar Michael Meyers suspense music that will make your heart stop every time you hear it.

4. Halloweentown (1998)
Three children, Marnie, Dylan and Sophie, are never allowed to celebrate Halloween. Except, when their magical Grandma (who is actually a witch) visits them on Halloween night. The film is a Disney Channel classic that takes us on an adventure to save the fictional place known as “Halloweentown” a place where the creatures of Halloween live in harmony.

Why you need to watch: This film truly gives us back that magical feeling we had on Halloween as kids. You see all of the classic monsters that plagued your nightmares as kids, come back in a movie for the whole family. The late great Debbie Reynolds dazzles as the spellcasting Grandma Aggie, one of her most fun performances to watch. Overall, this film may not scare you, but it gives you back the Halloween you dreamt of as a child.

3. The Addams Family (1991)
The wonderfully spooky family everyone knows in some form or another, returns to us in a full-length feature film that delights. Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday and Pugsley welcome back Uncle Fester into their lives after his long disappearance. But is it really him?

Why you need to watch: Quite simply, they are the Halloween family. The creepiness of their house and interests is met with a humorous charm that is intoxicating for all audiences. Anjelica Huston is perfect in her role as Morticia Addams and the rest of the cast delivers memorable performances sure to leave you in the spooky mood.

2. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Many have asked the question “Is this movie a Halloween or Christmas movie?” Personally, I see no problem watching Jack Skellington all year round. But, for arguments sake, I say this is a Halloween movie. It brings us into another “Halloweentown”, this time darker, and at times, more disturbing. Watch the PuTg mpkin King as he attempts to take over Christmas and redefine Santa Claus.

Why you need to watch: First of all, this is Tim Burton’s best movie. Period. The man is a genius, but it would be hard to find more beloved characters or more enchanting songs about frights and fear. On top of that, the world of Halloween is brought to love in a beautiful animated stop-motion format that is simply haunting. This film brings all the thrills of a scary movie, while bringing the music and charm of a family movie.

1. Hocus Pocus (1993)
This movie is the most iconic Halloween movie of all time, and I will argue that until I die. Three witches, The Sanderson Sisters, are accidentally brought back from the dead and in an attempt to stay young forever, begin to steal the souls of the children of Salem. Max, Allison, Dani and Binx attempt to fight off their wicked curses and spells, all while the witches bicker and argue their way through a world full of surprises.

Why you need to watch: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy give us the gift of the Sanderson Sisters. These three witches, give us iconic comedy roles all while making us fear lighting another black flame candle. This film has gone on to become a cult classic, and gives us iconic lines “Another glorious morning… makes me sick!” and a song number by Midler (I put a spell on you) that is simply… to die for. This movie is Halloween, scary and frightful yet full of magic. But remember, it’s just a bunch of Hocus Pocus.

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