Halloween is right around the corner which means it’s movie time! Some of these movies are available on Netflix while others require you to buy them on Amazon. Netflix makes it particularly easy to find their recommended Halloween movies with this nifty category. I’m not someone who likes to be scared easily, so any scary movies will be noted and will have been recommended through friends or the internet (if they suck, don’t blame me, I haven’t seen them for myself). I think a general rule of thumb should be anything Tim Burton is a good Halloween movie. In my mind, he’s the King of Halloween all-year ‘round. You’ll see a few of his creations on this list for sure.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Who hasn’t thought of the spooky holiday and immediately started singing/humming/thinking of “This Is Halloween”? *crickets* That’s what I thought. It’s kind of a no-brainer to watch this movie, and it’s available on Netflix (huzzah!)
The Addams Family (1991)
Recommended in almost every Halloween movie list I could find, this family classic whole-heartedly deserves the second spot on this list. It’s available on Netflix (whoopee!), but the sequel Addams Family Values is not.
Coraline
If you’ve read the book, you’ll know how creepy this Neil Gaiman story is. And don’t even get me started on the illustrations. Surprisingly, the movie was not directed by Tim Burton (it seems right up his alley) and is less frightening than the book. In general, it is a great Halloween family movie. Unfortunately, it is notavailable on Netflix (boo!), but you can get it on Amazon.
Hocus Pocus
Who doesn’t love this movie? Honestly? Again, this classic isn’t available on Netflix, but it is on Amazon *evil cackle*.
The Witches
Another one based on a book (this one by Roald Dahl), and Angelica Houston’s second movie on this list, but instead of playing Morticia Addams, she’s playing the evil Head Witch. And let’s just say she’s a bit scary. Available on Amazon.
Halloweentown
Ah, back when Disney made good movies. I remember first watching this at my friend’s house for a Halloween sleepover… in Sleepy Hollow. Yeah, talk about atmosphere. Personally, I liked Halloweentown 2: Kalabar’s Revenge better, but maybe that’s just me. You also may have heard that Halloweentown is REAL. Yup, you read that right. You can buy the first Halloweentown on Amazon.
Beetlejuice
Super wacky, this is another Tim Burton film. Surprise, surprise! You can’t magically access it by saying the name 3 times, but you can buy it on Amazon.
The Corpse Bride
Another Burton film, so sue me. I told you you’d be seeing a lot of him on here. Just be thankful I haven’t made the whole list just his filmography. And what’s especially great about this movie for college students? It’s available on Netflix!
Dark Shadows
I’m going to jump off the Burton train and transfer to the Johnny Depp line. Again, be thankful I didn’t list off his IMDB profile for this movie list. This over-the-top, ridiculous movie is a reboot of a popular TV-show and stars Johnny Depp (obviously), and a bunch of other famous people. Available onAmazon.
Sweeney Todd
Stop 2 on the Depp route. Though this is arguably more scary than the other films mentioned due to the more realistic (though not by much) premise, I put this on here because if you know the musical, it’s not that scary. If you don’t, hey, at least you get to watch Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter sing as they murder people. Available on Amazon.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Okay, so it’s a TV show and not a movie. And it’s kind of scary (at least more so than all the ones listed above), but this show is amazing and with all the monsters featured, it’s hard to not include it in this list. And it’s on Netflix!
Supernatural
Another TV show, but that’s because it’s SO good. I consider this the younger, more modern step-brother or first cousin of Buffy. I love it for all the same reasons, with the added bonus of cooler special effects. Seasons 1-10 are on Netflix
And for those of you who don’t want anything scarier than a Disney movie, try Mickey’s House of Villains. If you haven’t seen it before, why not now? For those who have, you’ll remember it’s all treats and no tricks. It’s available on Netflix too!
Whatever you decide to do or watch, just remember, have a Happy Halloween!