The spooky season is upon us, friends. What better way to get into the spirit of the season than by watching some classic scary flicks? Here’s a top-ten list of my favorite Halloween movies. Hopefully it gets you guys into a terrifyingly entertained mindset.

 

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10. “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!” (1966)

OK, OK, this isn’t the scariest flick on the list, but it is the most nostalgic. You totally watched this classic TV special while your mom put the final touches on your Halloween costume before trick-or-treating. You continue to watch it every year, because no matter how old you get, it’s still hilarious when Charlie Brown bemoans, “I got a rock.”

9. “The Cabin in the Woods” (2012)

A bunch of teens spend a weekend in a cabin in the woods. Oh man, what a surprise, their shenanigans lead to them being attacked by supernatural forces. Been there, done that. No. Just believe me, keep watching. This movie has one of the most ridiculous plot twists I’ve ever seen. One word: unicorns.

8. “Freaks” (1932)

This film is super old school, but totally creepy. It served as the inspiration for the latest season of “American Horror Story: Freak Show.” Because the movie is so old, the special effects, makeup and costume designs look ridiculous. The ridiculousness somehow makes the film even more unsettling. It’s about a woman who joins a traveling circus, but the real stars of the shows are the other circus performers. This flick is disturbing yet entertaining. The ending scene will fuel your nightmares.

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7. “The Amityville Horror” (2005)

A remake that isn’t awful? Can it be true? Yes, it is. Now, the original 1978 story of a family who moves into a haunted house is scary enough, but once you add the advances in special effects that the new millennia has, it becomes terrifying. This remake stays true to the original story, but adds scarier elements. The combination of creepy visuals mixed with a devilish plot make this adaptation one of the best remakes I’ve ever seen.

6. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)

Is it a Christmas movie? Is it a Halloween movie? Who cares! Whatever it is, it’s awesome. This movie tells the story of Jack Skellington, who lives in the world of Halloween. By a twist of fate, he gets swept up in the world of Christmas and his life is forever changed. The claymation of this movie made it kind of scary to watch, especially as a little kid. You disregarded the animation because you were too busy belting out “This is Halloween.”

5. “Halloween” (1978)

What made this movie so memorable were the opening credits. You still get chills when you hear that synthesizer and see that jack o’ lantern. The tale of Michael Myers terrorizing a young Jamie Lee Curtis and friends remains a quintessential post-trick-or-treat watch.

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nitehawkcinema.com

4. “The Ring” (2002)

The story of the haunted videotape sill traumatizes you to this day. You were 10 years old when you watched this. Your jerk friend dared you to keep your eyes open when they played the cursed tape, and you avoided TVs (or showers) for seven days afterwards. Just when you think the worst is over and everyone is saved, the creepy black-haired girl crawls out of the TV. NOPE.

3. “Halloweentown” (1998)

Forget the cheesy sequels: the original “Halloweentown” was the bee’s knees. This movie was so good you watched it even when it wasn’t Halloween season. It made you wish you had a cool grandma who was secretly a witch. Although, admittedly, I’m still a little freaked out by the skeleton taxi drivers.

2. “Hocus Pocus” (1993)

This film is a treasure. It was the perfect blend of terror, heart and comedy. It also introduced you to the classic song “I Put a Spell on You.” You SO wanted to get invited to that dance party, just so you could sing that song on stage like the Sanderson sisters. Let’s not forget about the scene where Binx is reunited with his sister, Emily. TEARS. TEARS EVERY TIME.

randomhorror.co.uk

randomhorror.co.uk

1. “Trick ‘R Treat” (2007)

This movie is kind of like the “Love Actually” of Halloween. It’s a bunch of interconnected stories that take place on Halloween night. It’s scary, over-the-to, and the ending is JUST PERFECTION. Unfortunately, I can’t reveal much of the plot without spoiling it, but believe me, this movie is a classic must-see Halloween flick.