Halloween is soon upon us and that means the most important part of the spooky holiday is even closer: ABC Family’s 13 Days of Halloween! The line-up this year features a lot of great films, but also some oddly-placed ones. Check out HCAU’s ranking of the films and decide for yourself which films are worth watching and which ones you’d rather miss:
22. Toy Story OF TERROR
We all love to love Toy Story, especially since Toy Story 3 can still reduce you to tears even on the fifteenth watch, but these little shorts using the same characters just doesn’t cut it. Cute for your little cousin who can’t watch half of what is on the list, but painful for everyone else. I think we’ll skip this one this Halloween.
21. Matilda
The cutest film on the face of the earth and is likely included because Matilda possess powers…which she uses for good. The scariest thing about these films? The way the adults treat the children, from Matilda’s parents to her school principal. Heart-warming and empowering, but Matilda is no witch or sorceress; she is just a girl who loves reading. Halloween-themed? Meh.
20. I Know What You Did Last Summer & 19. I Still Know What You Did Last Summer
Although these films are among the few scary ones on the list, they’re still not great. Jennifer Love Hewitt is great, but the plot? Not so much. And, as with most movies, the sequel will do nothing for you. Of all the scary movies they could have picked, these two picks are alright when you have nothing else to do, but I wouldn’t wait up.
18. The Hunger Games
Who doesn’t love this movie? Jennifer Lawrence’s performance is on point. However, the decision to include it in with a list of Halloween-themed movies and horror movies is questionable. Is it included because of the killing of children in it? Should it be considered a horror movie? While this is a great movie, it doesn’t seem to have the fun and also scary Halloween feel.
17. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 & 16. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Hear me out: There’s no doubting that these films are phenomenal, but the same logic applies as with The Hunger Games. Scary? Possibly. Halloween? Not so much.
15. Batman & 14. Batman Returns
What’s ABC Family’s 13 Days of Halloween without at least five Tim Burton films? Great films (these are the 1989 and the 1922 versions) and their Halloween appeals comes from the dark themes represented in the films, but let’s not forget about other Tim Burton gems…
13. Frankenweenie
Definitely a more light-hearted Tim Burton film, Frankenweenie is worth the watch for its beautiful visual style and also for its wacky storyline! Love Frankenstein? Definitely give this one a watch.
12. Casper
Ninties kids rejoice! Casper the Friendly Ghost is on this year’s list. If you watched this one as a kid, I’d suggest giving it another watch. It’s actually a lot darker than you probably realized, but still as weird and random as you remember.
11. Monsters University
Monsters University is not scary, but it resonates with college students everywhere (Sully and Mike join a fraternity, party, struggle with their classes and fight as roommates). Why it deserves a spot on this list? Not all monsters are bad and watching monsters compete to be considered the scariest is fun and entertaining.
10. Dark Shadows
Another Tim Burton film, Dark Shadows stars Johnny Depp in another wacky role. The plot is kind of wish-washy, but it’s definitely a fun Halloween film to watch with your friends.
9. ParaNorman
This film is brimming with the spirits, witchcraft and a 11-year-old who can speak with the dead. ParaNorman isn’t only a great Halloween film—it also delves into some important issues. For example, Norman struggles with being an outcast and being bullied. And look out for the end for some awesome LGBTQ+ representation!
8. The Addams Family & 7. The Adams Family Values
While the plot is kind of shaky, these films are quirky, feature a great cast and might give you some Halloween-costume ideas. Don’t forget to check out the 1960’s sitcom too!
6. Poltergeist & 5. Poltergeist II
Skip the newer adaptation of this film and watch these oldies. Beware: although they’re older, they’re still rather scary, so prepare yourself. Underneath all of the horror is a story of family love, too! And if you really want to scare yourself, read about the “Poltergeist Curse” that seemed to surround the making of the films…
4. Sleepy Hollow
Could it be? More Tim Burton and Johnny Depp? Yes! And this film definitely does not disappoint. Creepy, a bit bloody and thrilling, Sleepy Hollow is definitely a Halloween favorite.
3. The Nightmare Before Christmas
This film is hotly debated—is it a Halloween film or is it a Christmas film? Really, it’s both. And why not? The Nightmare Before Christmas is whimsical, fun and everything else a Tim Burton film is. And the best thing about it? You can watch it again after Halloween!
2. Corpse Bride
Another Tim Burton film and another great one. Johnny Depp voices the protagonist, and the “corpse bride” is, of course, voiced by Helena Bonham Carter. Not only is this film musical, it also has a really awesome animation style: stop motion. It’s definitely worth the watch!
1. Hocus Pocus
Finally, the best film on this list? Hocus Pocus! Hocus Pocus is truly everything. Although it didn’t do well by critics, since being featured on 13 Days of Halloween year after year it has achieved cult status. Hocus Pocus is hilarious, has some awesome costumes, its own song and dance number and everyone can enjoy it! At the very least, appreciate the witches; the characters are the centerpiece of the film.
Happy watching!
Photo Credit: Cover, 1, 2 , 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15